Why Study Pre-Dental?
Belmont University's Pre-Dental program will provide you with the foundation you need to excel in your future dental studies.
Our interdisciplinary curriculum combines sciences, humanities and social sciences to give students a comprehensive understanding of the dental field. Our courses provide an excellent foundation for success in dental school, as well as the skills needed to succeed in any career.
Throughout your time on campus, you'll have the opportunity to get hands-on experience with internships and volunteer opportunities that will prepare you for the future. Our Pre-Dental program is designed to give you the tools you need to achieve success in the dental field and help you build a foundation for a rewarding career.
What You'll Learn
- In-depth understanding of the fundamentals of dentistry
- Exposure to the latest research and developments within dentistry
- Development of critical thinking and problem-solving skills through coursework and research opportunities
- Exposure to a diverse range of perspectives and approaches to the field through guest lectures and mentorship
- Strong foundation in the fundamental subject areas like biology, chemistry, physics, social sciences, humanities and mathematics.
Career Possibilities
- General Dentist
- Orthodontist
- Pediatric Dentist
- Periodontist
- Prosthodontist
- Oral Surgeon
- Dental Public Health Specialist
- Dental Hygienist
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Laboratory Technician
Program Details
Belmont has many majors, minors and opportunities to help you achieve your goal of being accepted to dental school.
While a majority of our students choose majors in the sciences (such as biology), we see students choose a different route. Because Dental Schools are increasingly seeking well-rounded applicants, this can be a great choice! Students may choose to major in math, social sciences or even the humanities.
Regardless of what major you choose, you'll be able to complete all the pre-requisite courses you need for Dental School.
Additionally, you'll be assigned a pre-health advisor who will guide your journey, and you'll be able to join student-led organizations in health, as well as participate in undergraduate research, internships, volunteering and peer-mentoring.
As you narrow in on your well-researched career path, you can start to dive into experiences that will complement your knowledge-building in coursework, give you leadership opportunities and allow you to give back to your community.
As you dig in, reflect on what drives you, your “Why,” your interests and the types of health-care that you would like to do, rather than checking a box. With this mindset, you can create an intentionally thoughtful resume that will support your goals of acceptance into healthcare graduates program like dentistry.
- Apply to SURFS (Belmont's Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program)
- Apply to other summer opportunities
- Look for medically-related work or volunteer experiences
- Take initiative in your community
- Pre-Health Advising | Dr. Beth Bowman, PhD | Director of Undergraduate Research | College of Science and Mathematics
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | Christopher Barton | Assistant Professor, Biology Department | Rachel Rigsby | Professor, Chemistry and Physics Department
- Biology with a pre-health emphasis | Chris Barton | Department Chair & Professor, Biology Department
- Biophysics | Krista McBride | Assistant Professor, Chemistry and Physics Department
- Chemistry | Rachel Rigsby | Professor, Chemistry and Physics Department
- Psychology | Patrick Morse | Department Chair & Professor, Psychology Department
- Public Health | Christian Williams | Director of BSPH Program & Assistant Professor