At the University of Kentucky, pre-professional paths are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and major curriculum. Pre-Professional Advisors offer support and guidance to University of Kentucky students, from all majors, interested in applying to dental school. In addition to outlining necessary coursework and guiding students through application processes, Pre-Professional Advisors also direct students to University programs, such as UK Education Abroad or the Center for Community Outreach, that foster well-rounded dental school applicants.
The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry seeks applicants who are well-educated in the liberal arts and sciences. Individuals are encouraged to pursue baccalaureate studies that reflect their unique abilities and interests. However, it should be noted that a solid foundation in the biological and natural sciences is an integral part of any sound liberal arts and sciences education. The traditional pre-health professions curriculum, heavily focused on the sciences, should be pursued only if that is the student's desire.
The College is convinced that certain course work on the undergraduate level is necessary for quality performance in dental school. Therefore, the following courses are required for matriculating students:
*Requirements approved by the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
Prerequisite course work must be taken for a grade option, not pass-fail. Applicants are encouraged to pursue a well-rounded curriculum including courses both in the sciences and the humanities. Applicants are encouraged to take additional basic science courses. Examples of courses that will be helpful include anatomy (human), biochemistry, cell biology, embryology, genetics, histology, immunology, molecular biology, and physiology (animal and/or human) but only after degree requirements have been completed. An applicant’s curriculum will be enriched if it also includes courses in the social sciences, history, literature, economics, philosophy, and psychology.
Pre-dental students should meet with a pre-dental advisor at least twice during their freshman and sophomore years and at least three times during their junior and senior. years. Students can schedule an appointment with a pre-professional advisor in the Stuckert Career Center by emailing UKCareerCenter@uky.edu. Students with a major in the College of Arts & Sciences can also contact a pre-health advisor in that college by emailing ASAdvisingCenter@uky.edu
Students interested in dental school are strongly encouraged to visit dentistry.uky.edu/students for more information and may contact a pre-dentistry advisor at UK College of Dentistry by emailing Rebekah Huff at Rebekah.Huff@uky.edu.
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is the required dental school entrance exam and is administered by the American Dental Association. Pre-dental courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry and physics should be taken prior to taking the DAT.
Join the University of Kentucky pre-med list serv to stay connected with pre-dental announcements and information sessions. To subscribe to the listserv, send an email message to listserv@lsv.uky.edu and type “SUBSCRIBE PRE-MED-L” in the body of the message. And to learn more about the UK College of Dentistry, visit https://dentistry.uky.edu.
Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics | Click the link for more info.
Median Salary
$170,910
per year in 2023
Number of Jobs
155,000
in 2023
10 Year Job Outlook
6,800
new jobs (average)
Some dentists have their own business and work alone or with a small staff. Other dentists have partners in their practice. Still others work as associate dentists for established dental practices.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Read MoreAt the University of Kentucky (UK), pre-professional programs are interest areas that students complete alongside their UK Core requirements and major curriculum. Successful dental school applicants come from a variety of majors and backgrounds with diverse interests and talents. While philosophies among the nation’s dental schools differ, all recognize the importance of a broad education with a strong foundation in the sciences blended with the social sciences and humanities. Students are encouraged to work with their pre-dental advisor to explore their options and to ensure required coursework is completed.
Pre-Professional
Stuckert Career Center
(859) 257-2746
