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CIP 51.1101 Health Professions

Pre-Dentistry Studies

IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education · 2025

Total graduates

60

2025 · 10 schools

International share

8.3%

5 international students

Bachelor's degrees

47

10.6% international

Overview

Pre-Dentistry Studies is an academic program designed for students who aspire to pursue a career in dentistry. This program typically serves as a preparatory phase before entering dental school, providing students with the foundational knowledge and skills necessary for success in dental education and practice.

Students in Pre-Dentistry Studies usually take courses in the sciences, such as biology, chemistry, and physics, which are crucial for understanding the biological systems relevant to dental health. Additionally, courses in anatomy and physiology are often included to give students a deeper insight into the human body, particularly the oral cavity.

Beyond the sciences, the program may also incorporate classes in communication, ethics, and business to prepare students for the multifaceted nature of a dental career. Strong communication skills are essential for effectively interacting with patients and colleagues, while knowledge of ethics and business practices can help future dentists navigate the complexities of running a dental practice.

Extracurricular activities, such as volunteering in dental clinics or shadowing practicing dentists, are highly encouraged in Pre-Dentistry Studies. These experiences not only enhance students' understanding of the profession but also improve their applications for dental school.

Overall, Pre-Dentistry Studies is a vital stepping stone for students aiming to enter the competitive field of dentistry, equipping them with the academic rigor and practical experiences necessary to succeed in their future dental careers.

Graduates by year

Graduates by degree level (first and second majors)

AssociateBachelor'sMaster'sDoctoral

From 2002 to 2025, graduates fell 29% and the international share went from 7.1% to 8.3%.

International share (%)
Graduates by group, 2025
White
43.3%
Asian
15.0%
Hispanic
8.3%
Black
20.0%
Other
5.0%
Intl.
8.3%

Colleges that award this degree

In 2025, 10 schools awarded this degree as a first major. The table lists those in the 2027 U.S. News National or Liberal Arts rankings, plus the unranked schools with the most graduates.

RankSchoolStateGraduatesInternational
#121 University of Dayton Ohio 14 0
#227 Ball State University Indiana 3 0
#262 University of New England Maine 4 0
— Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Massachusetts 16 5
— Itawamba Community College Mississippi 5 0
— Holmes Community College Mississippi 3 0
— Coahoma Community College Mississippi 2 0
— Northeast Community College Nebraska 2 0
— Cornerstone University Michigan 1 0
— Casper College Wyoming 1 0

Purple: international students are 25% or more of the school's graduates.

Graduate counts: IPEDS Completions, US Department of Education, 2002–2025. Rankings: 2027 U.S. News.