Program Details
Recommended Courses |
The prerequisite courses required by most dental schools include:
- ENGL 101 - English Composition
- SPCH 126, plus two other ENGL classes
- CHEM 111, 111L, 112, 112L - General Chemistry (8 hours with lab)
- BIOL 101, 101L, 102, 102L - General Biology (8 hours with lab)
- CHEM 321, 321L, 322, 322L - Organic Chemistry (8 hours with lab)
- PHYS 131, 131L, 132, 132L - General Physics (8 hours with lab)
The following courses are recommended, but not required:
- CHEM 351 - Biochemistry
- BIOL 360 - Genetics
- BIOL 335 - Physiology
- BIOL 380 - Cell Biology
- BIOL 410 - Histology
- BIOL 420 - Gross Anatomy
- CHEM 452 - Advanced Biochemistry
- Job shadowing hours are also recommended
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Frequently Asked Questions
How high should my GPA be in order to go to dental school?
The average GPA for students admitted to dental programs is approximately 3.7.
When should I begin my pre-dentistry coursework?
All pre-dentistry students should begin their coursework as early as possible in their academic career.
Are there any organizations at Grand View available for pre-dental students?
The Catalyst (ASBMB student chapter)
How long does it take to finish dental school?
4 years
Alumni Spotlight

An Iowa native, Steven Neville grew up in Bondurant and graduated from Bondurant-Farrar High School, Grand View University, and the University of Iowa College of Dentistry earning a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.
While earning his undergraduate degree at Grand View, Steven majored in biology and minored in chemistry. In his own words, Steven says, "The science education at Grand View prepared me well for dental school. You don’t know how good of an education you receive until you leave school. Dental school science curriculum was essentially a repeat of my science classes at Grand View, which gave me more flexibility with my time."
Steven chose to attend dental school at the University of Iowa because it was close to home and was known as one of the big 10 dental schools to have a great reputation. It also offered science-based clinical skills and the autonomy to run your own business, which he able to accomplish in 2012 with his own practice in Bondurant, Iowa.
Steven recommends Grand View to future students interested in dentistry. "Grand View will prepare you well for your admissions testing, future dental education, and dental program didactic and clinical boards," Steven says. "The small class sizes, the professionalism of the faculty, and the support from the department will give you a personal touch that is hard to come by. The education you will receive at Grand View is a microcosm of practicing in any medical field, including dentistry. You will learn to embrace and appreciate people who care, peer interaction, and creativity."