Predental Studies Program
Although many predental students major in chemistry or biology, a student pursuing dental school can major in any subject, including but not limited to anthropology, art, Spanish, mathematics, sociology, exercise science, or business.
In fact, many dental schools encourage a broad education, and majoring in biology or chemistry will not provide an admission advantage. You should choose the major that fits your interests to ensure that you will earn the best grades possible in both your degree coursework and dental school requirements.
Your academic/major advisor, in partnership with the Predental Studies advisor, can help you make optimal academic choices for your degree path and professional goals.
Dental School Requirements
The majority of dental schools require the following science courses (laboratory sections should be taken with lectures when offered):
- Two semesters of English composition (ENGL 10103, 10203 or a combination of advanced writing courses),
- Two semesters of general chemistry (CHEM 14103/14101L, 14203/14201L)
- Two semesters of organic chemistry (CHEM 36053/36051L, 36203/36201L),
- Biochemistry (CHEM 38103),
- Two semesters of physics (PHYS 20103/20101L, 20203/20201L),
- Introductory biology (BIOL 10103/10101L or 10104/10101L).
- Four or more advanced biology courses such as:
- anatomy (BIOL 24003/24001L or BIOL 34074)
- physiology (BIOL 24103/24101L or BIOL 42384)
- microbiology (BIOL 20003/20001L)
- cell biology (BIOL 25473/25471L)
- dental science (ANTH45203)*
*Note: ANTH4523 can count as a biology elective.
Coming Summer 2026: Dentistry Down Under! Join us for a predental-focused study-abroad experience in partnership with Adelaide Dental School (South Australia). Earn 3 anthropology credits and 3 biology credits.
Advanced Placement & Exemption From Requirements
If the University of Arkansas lists 6 hours of English on your transcript from a previous university or dual-enrollment coursework, then dental schools will consider this requirement met. For most dental schools, AP and ACT exemptions will not satisfy the English requirement.
Advanced placement in biology, chemistry, or physics will be accepted if the student has taken a more advanced course in that subject to replace each of the required courses with advanced placement exemption.
Scheduling Advising
To view advising appointment times and to schedule an appointment, log onto UASuccess and search for Dr. Kathleen Paul in the system using the My Success Network search field.
Follow the series of steps presented in UASuccess to sign up for a 15-minute appointment. If you need more than 15 minutes, please sign up for two consecutive time slots.
Appointments will be held in Old Main 335.
If you receive an error message, please make an appointment here.
Kathleen S. Paul, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Director of Predental Studies | Department of Anthropology
Old Main, 335
Email: kspaul@uark.edu