Having a clean, healthy smile can change someone’s life.

One of the most important steppingstones on your path to a future dental or natural science career is having the right undergraduate preparation. Dental schools are actively looking for candidates with well-rounded backgrounds in science and mathematics, as well as other academic areas like English, humanities, and social sciences. This is where Cumberland’s pre-dentistry program shines.  

In addition to experiencing a robust curriculum in general studies, as a student majoring in pre-dentistry at Cumberlands, you’ll begin learning dental theory and practice. Whether you’re pursuing a career in general dentistry or a specialty in oral surgery, you’ll be fully equipped with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed in this diverse and rewarding field. Pre-dentistry graduates are valued in many different jobs, meaning you’ll have the flexibility to work in a variety of settings such as dental clinics, physicians' offices, and outpatient care centers. The possibilities you’ll find in the field of oral healthcare are endless! 

Anchor: Stats

By the Numbers

Anchor: Programs & Requirements
Programs & Requirements

Programs & Requirements

* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.

To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.  

General Education Requirements

Biology Track

You need a pre-dental program that is uniquely designed to help you find success through focused studies in biology and chemistry. Good news: University of the Cumberlands has just what you’re looking for. Advisors in our pre-dental program will help you plan the course of study that best fits your personal interests and career goals. Plus, they understand the entrance procedures and requirements of various post-baccalaureate programs – like dental school.

If you’re considering a career in the dental industry, explore the pre-dental courses, extracurricular experiences, and work-study opportunities you’ll need to succeed, all right here at Cumberlands. 

Officially a "Bachelor of Science in Biology - Pre-Professional Emphasis" at Cumberlands, this program prepares you for admission into the dental school of your choice by offering a depth of understanding of the biological sciences, as well as experience in chemistry and math.

Course Requirements

BIOL 111 Becoming a Successful Biologist  

BIOL 113 Introduction to Population Biology Laboratory  

BIOL 114 Introduction to Cellular Biology Laboratory  

BIOL 133 Introduction to Population Biology  

BIOL 134 Introduction to Cellular Biology  

BIOL 210 Introduction to Biological Literature 

BIOL 246 Biodiversity  

BIOL 340 Genetics  

BIOL 495 Senior Seminar OR BIOL 498 Senior Thesis 

MATH 132 College Algebra (or higher math course)  

CHEM 132 General College Chemistry I  

CHEM 111 General College Chemistry I Laboratory  

CHEM 232 General College Chemistry II  

CHEM 211 General College Chemistry II Laboratory  

Select from the following:

BIOL 331 Vertebrate Embryology  

BIOL 342 Parasitology  

BIOL 345 Microbiology*  

BIOL 346 Biochemistry*  

BIOL 436 Medical Biochemistry  

BIOL 441 Immunology  

BIOL 442 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy*  

BIOL 443 General Physiology*  

BIOL 445 Molecular Biology  

BIOL 446 Cell Biology in Health and Disease  

BIOL 447 Histology 

Select from the following:

PHYS 241 Physics I  

PHYS 242 Physics II  

PHYS 137 Physical Science  

PHYS 117 Physical Science Laboratory  

BIOL 231 Environmental Science  

BIOL 116 Environmental Science Laboratory  

A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.

FREN 131        Elementary French I

FREN 132        Elementary French II

FREN 231        Intermediate French I

FREN 232        Intermediate French II

 

SPAN 131        Elementary Spanish I

SPAN 132        Elementary Spanish II

SPAN 231        Intermediate Spanish I

SPAN 232        Intermediate Spanish II

Pre-Dentistry - Chemistry Track

Officially a "Bachelor of Science in Biology - Pre-Professional Emphasis" at Cumberlands, this program prepares you for admission into the dental school of your choice by offering a depth of understanding of chemistry, as well as experience in biology and math.

Advisors in our pre-dental program will help you plan the course of study that best fits your personal interests and career goals. Plus, they understand the entrance procedures and requirements of various post-baccalaureate programs – like dental school. If you’re considering a career in the dental industry, explore the pre-dental courses, extracurricular experiences, and work-study opportunities you’ll need to succeed, all right here at Cumberlands. 

Course Requirements

CHEM 132 General College Chemistry I  

CHEM 111 General Chemistry Laboratory I  

CHEM 232 General College Chemistry II  

CHEM 211 General Chemistry Laboratory II  

CHEM 331 Organic Chemistry I  

CHEM 321 Organic Chemistry Laboratory I  

CHEM 332 Organic Chemistry II  

CHEM 322 Organic Chemistry Laboratory II  

CHEM 336 Analytical Chemistry  

CHEM 328 Analytical Chemistry Laboratory  

CHEM 441 Physical Chemistry I lab included (4 hours) 

CHEM 434 Inorganic Chemistry  

CHEM 490 Senior Research Project, Capstone in Chemistry (2 hours required)  

CHEM 491 Selected Topics or BIOL 346 Biochemistry  

NOTE: MATH 140, MATH 240, PHYS 241, and PHYS 242 are prerequisites for some upper-level chemistry courses. 

A Bachelor of Arts degree requires completing the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of completing one foreign language sequence through the intermediate level.

FREN 131        Elementary French I

FREN 132        Elementary French II

FREN 231        Intermediate French I

FREN 232        Intermediate French II

 

SPAN 131        Elementary Spanish I

SPAN 132        Elementary Spanish II

SPAN 231        Intermediate Spanish I

SPAN 232        Intermediate Spanish II

Anchor: Mission & Goals

Mission and Goals

The mission of the pre-dentistry program at University of the Cumberlands is to provide the knowledge and skills that will prepare you for dental school and help you succeed in various fields of service in oral care and related sciences.

Gain fundamental knowledge in modern concepts of biology, chemistry, and mathematics.
Effectively use informational resources, perform research, and interpret data.
Demonstrate critical and analytical thought within the context of the scientific method.
Sharpen your communication, problem-solving, and teamwork skills.
Begin learning the basics of oral care – including the emotional care of patients.
Anchor: Career Outcomes

Pre-Dentistry Careers & Outcomes

All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Dentist: $163,220

Dentist: $163,220

Dentists diagnose and treat problems with patients’ teeth, gums, and related parts of the mouth.

Dental Hygienist: $77,810

Dental Hygienist: $77,810

Dental hygienists examine patients for signs of oral diseases, such as gingivitis, and provide preventive care, including oral hygiene. 

Medical Assistant: $37,190

Medical Assistant: $37,190

Medical assistants complete administrative and clinical tasks in hospitals, offices of physicians, and other healthcare facilities. 

Chemist: $79,760

Chemist: $79,760

Chemists and materials scientists research and analyze the chemical properties of substances to develop new materials, products, or knowledge.

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural Sciences Manager: $137,900

Natural sciences managers supervise the work of scientists, including chemists, physicists, and biologists.

Clinical Researcher: $95,310

Clinical Researcher: $95,310

Medical scientists conduct research aimed at improving overall human health.

Anchor: FAQs

Common Questions

A pre-dental degree develops students in areas preferred by dental schools, including the natural sciences, social studies and humanities. Earning a bachelor's degree with emphasis in pre-dentistry will lay the groundwork for more focused study in the dental or science field of your choosing. 

The field of oral healthcare is diverse and rewarding. Whether you hope to pursue a role in general dentistry or a specialty in oral surgery, this career sector is expected to add 11,100 new jobs by 2030, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those pursuing dental studies have the flexibility to target multiple degree options and, ultimately, work in a variety of settings, including dental clinics, physicians' offices and outpatient care centers. 

The short answer is yes, majoring in pre-dentistry is absolutely worth it! A few benefits of pursuing your pre-dentistry degree here at UC are career preparation, flexible career opportunities, and personalized advising. In addition, this degree program will teach you highly valued skills like critical thinking and reasoning, empathy for patients, time management skills, and the ability to communicate well orally and on paper. 

Courses for your pre-dentistry emphasis will be based on whether you choose to officially major in biology or chemistry. Along with your chosen science and required mathematics courses, you will also do basic coursework in areas such as English, humanities and social sciences, and world cultures – all areas dental schools prefer for their students to be familiar with. 

We’re proud to say: Yes! Taking part in our pre-dental degree program will position you more competitively than other major degree programs when it comes to applying to dental school (or other graduate school programs). Ultimately, our goal is to prepare you to pursue a wide range of rewarding career paths, even if you change your mind from dentistry in the future. What matters most is your success, no matter your career choice. 

Anchor: Faculty

Faculty Experts in Pre-Dentistry

Learn more about the pre-dentistry professors you will interact with.

Emily Garland

Adjunct Professor
Biology

Emily Garland

Contact Information

emily.garland [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Center

Emily Brown

Adjunct Professor
Biology

Emily Brown

Contact Information

emily.brown [at] ucumberlands.edu
Remote
Jeffrey Schwarz

Jeffrey Schwarz

Associate Professor
Chemistry

Jeffrey Schwarz

Contact Information

jeffrey.schwarz [at] ucumberlands.edu
Correll Science Complex C106

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