The pre-dentistry program prepares you to apply to professional programs at U.S. and Canadian dental schools. However, because different schools have particular admission requirements, you need to research specific requirements of each school to which you plan to apply. You may consult the publication Admission Requirements of U.S. and Canadian Dental Schools, which is available in the office of the pre-dentistry adviser.

Because this is a program and not a major, you will need to select a major and a minor in specific departments and complete those requirements while fulfilling this program if you intend to earn a bachelor's degree. In general, professional schools in these fields require that you have a strong background in chemistry and biology with some additional requirements in physics and math, so most students choose to major in either chemistry, biochemistry or biology, with a minor one of these other areas. While not a requirement for admission to dental schools, a great majority of the successful candidates do earn a bachelor's degree while meeting the pre-professional requirements.

You will need to take the Dental Aptitude Test late in your junior year. Consult the Undergraduate Catalog for more information.

Pre-mortuary science and pre-pharmacy require two years of academic work before entrance into the professional program. In addition to courses in biology, chemistry, math, and psychology, the Board of Examiners in Mortuary Science recommends electives in behavioral sciences, business, counseling, first aid, and public speaking. Consult the Undergraduate Catalog for more information.

If you are interested in dental hygiene or dental assisting, you should plan to transfer after completing your freshman year at Eastern. Two-year certificates and four- year degree programs in Michigan are available at the University of Michigan, Ferris State University, and the University of Detroit Mercy. Two-year programs are also available at numerous colleges.

Consult an adviser for specific courses you should select to fill pre-professional program requirements.

Points of Interest
The departments of Chemistry and Biology have many opportunities for undergraduates to become involved in a diverse selection of research topics related to your professional interest. Contact the adviser in your area for more information.

Although Eastern does not have a pre-dentistry organization, there is an active Pre-Medicine Club, A Chemistry Club, and a Biology Club. Each of these groups engages its members in a variety of social and informative programs, including tours of various professional and industrial locations.

Graduates of these pre-professional programs have attended strong professional programs such as those at Michigan and Wayne State. When these students come back to visit, they have strong praise for the excellent teaching and solid science background they have received at Eastern.

Through externally funded grants, several faculty members in the departments of Biology and Chemistry have periodic openings for undergraduate research students. There are also endowed scholarships for students majoring in those departments. There are also a number of University scholarships for which you may apply. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for information, 734.487.0455.

For more information, contact the adviser in your area.

Pre-Dentistry, dental hygiene, and dental assisting:
Dr. Timothy Brewer
Eastern Michigan University
Department of Chemistry
225 Mark Jefferson Hall
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
734.487.0106
734.487.1496 (fax)
E-mail: Tim.brewer@emich.edu

Pre-mortuary Science
Dr. Heather Smith-Holmes
Eastern Michigan University
Department of Chemistry
225 Mark Jefferson Hall
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
734.487.0106
734.487.1496 (fax)
Email: heather.holmes@emich.edu

Pre-pharmacy
Dr. Steven Pernecky
Eastern Michigan University
Department of Chemistry
225 Mark Jefferson Hall
Ypsilanti, Michigan 48197
734.487.0106
734.487.1496 (fax)
Email: steve.Pernecky@emich.edu


For more information about applying to EMU or to arrange a campus visit,
please call 734.487.3060 or 800.GO-TO-EMU.