University
of Florida College of Dentistry Admissions: Prerequisite Courses
Courses listed as Required must be completed before a student can enroll in dental school at UF. The material covered in these 
courses is essential in order for a student to be able to succeed in our dental curriculum. It is possible to apply to UFCD before the completion of prerequisites provided the courses will be completed before dental school begins.
Courses listed as Electives are courses that will help a student prepare for dental school, but are not required to enroll here. Students should select courses that stimulate them intellectually, challenge them to maximum performance, and contribute to their overall development and maturation. Courses that develop manual dexterity skills should also be considered.
Please note a bachelors degree is NOT required to enter the DMD Program, but is strongly advised.
Physical Sciences -
Knowledge in chemistry and physics is essential to the understanding and
application of biomedical sciences and their application to the diagnosis
and treatment of dental diseases.
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Required:
-
General,
inorganic chemistry - 8
semester hours (12
quarter hours)
-
Organic
chemistry - 8
semester hours (12
quarter hours)
-
Physics
- 8 semester hours (12 quarter hours)
Biomedical Sciences -
Biomedical sciences are not only the foundation for the practice of dentistry,
but also enable the graduate to knowledgeably evaluate new diagnostic and
treatment methods that emerge during professional practice. Regarding
the Biochemistry prerequisite, topics should include; a) structure, chemistry
and function of proteins and nucleic acid, enzyme kinetics and mechanism
of catalysis; b) pathways of carbohydrate, lipid and nitrogen metabolism
and their metabolic control; and c) regulation of gene expression at the
level of DNA, RNA and protein synthesis.
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Required:
-
General
Biology - 8 semester
hours (12 quarter hours)
-
Biochemistry
- 4 semester hours (6 quarter hours)
-
Microbiology
- 4 semester hours (6 quarter hours)
-
Molecular
Biology/Genetics - 4
semester hours (6 quarter hours)
Communication - Excellent
communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for the successful
completion of dental education and training, as well as, for the professional
practice of dentistry. With the increasing population of Spanish speaking
individuals in Florida, one or more courses in conversational Spanish are
recommended. Back to top
Required:
-
English
Grammar and Composition
6-8 semester hours (8-12
quarter hours)
Behavioral and Social Sciences-
Dental practice is heavily dependent on the knowledge and application of
the behavioral sciences. Working with diverse populations to promote andimprove oral health is also a part of the dental professional's career. Back to top
Required:
-
General
Psychology 3 or 4 semester hours
(5-6 quarter hours)
Elective Courses:
-
Immunology
-
Physiology
-
Histology
-
Neurosciences, Physiological Psychology
-
Developmental Biology, Embryology
-
Anatomy
-
Nutrition
-
Speech
-
Conversational Spanish
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-
Sociology (emphasis in diversity)
-
Statistics
-
Computer sciences & technology
-
Business related courses - economics, management, accounting
-
Art - Painting, ceramics, sculpture, drawing
-
Humanities
-
Philosophy
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