Pre-Dental Pathway

Dentists diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and malformations of the teeth, gums, and mouth. They examine patient’s mouths for cavities, sores, swelling or other signs of disease. They can enhance their patient’s appearance through dental techniques such as braces, dentures, or dental surgery.  

UTSA does not offer a D.D.S. degree. Students can complete their pre-requisites toward Dental school application.

Timeline for dental school applicants. This timeline is subject to change based on students’ competitiveness and readiness to apply.

Before applying, dental schools will expect you to establish academic readiness through undergraduate coursework. Dental schools have specific coursework that is required for admission.

Research the requirements of the schools where you plan to apply. You can consult the individual dental school websites for information on admission requirements. A guide from the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools provides information on admission requirements for dental schools

14 hours of biology (12 hours lecture + 2 hours in labs)

BIO 1203 + BIO 1201 (lab) and

BIO 1223 + BIO 1221 (lab) (new course numbers effective fall 2022*)

BIO 2313

MMI 3713 ( previously BIO 3713)

8 hours Anatomy & Physiology (6 hours lecture + 2 hours lab) required by Texas A&M

Please speak with Health Professions Advisor for recommended courses. Course recommended will depend on major.

8 hours inorganic/general chemistry (6 hours lecture + 2 hours lab)

CHE 1103 + CHE 1121 (lab) and

CHE 1113 + CHE 1131 (lab)

8 hours organic chemistry (6 hours lecture + 2 hours lab)

CHE 2603 + CHE 2612 (lab) and

CHE 3643

3 hours biochemistry*

BCH 3303 Effective Fall 2024 this is the new course number for non-chemistry majors.

BCH 3313 is the new course number for Chemistry/Biochemistry majors.

8 hours Physics (6 hours lecture + 2 hours lab)

PHY 1603 + PHY 1611 (lab) and PHY 1623 + PHY 1631 (lab);  or
PHY 1943 + PHY 1951 (lab) and PHY 1963 + PHY 1971 (lab)

3 hours statistics

UTSA approved courses: STA 1053, STA 1403, PSY 2073, MS 1023

* BIO 1404 and BIO 1414 (previous Biology course numbers still meet approved Biology pre-requisites)

* BIO 3513 or CHE 3303 or CHE 3313 (previous catalog course numbers will still meet the Dental school pre-requisite for Biochemistry).

1. American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
2. Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS)
3. Dental Admission Test (DAT)
4. Texas Dental Schools - see below links

• Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
• UT School of Dentistry at Houston
• UT School of Dentistry at San Antonio
• Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso