Dentists play a significant role in our oral health care throughout our lives. Whether it's maintenance in our early years, braces in our adolescent years, or treatment for gum disease or teeth extractions in our senior years, successful dentists are capable and compassionate practitioners.

Get an inside track.

We have our own dental school, so we know what it takes to be admitted. Pre-dent is not a major at Marquette; it is a statement of your intention to go to dental school someday. Our pre-dental advising will help you prepare not only for Marquette's School of Dentistry, but for any program around the country.

In demand.

Here’s an interesting thought: Because public oral hygiene is the best it has ever been, demand for dentists is very high. People tend to keep their teeth longer now than they ever have, and they need dentists to care for them. Combine this with the increasing number of dentists retiring, and you have a rapidly growing job market for dentists.

Get preparation for the DAT and beyond.

With your liberal arts-based education, you'll develop the analytical, critical-thinking and communication skills you’ll need to succeed on the Dental Admissions Test, in dental school and in dental practice.

The nation's best facility.

In fall 2002 we opened the doors to our new dental school. In 2013 we opened the doors to the building's 40,000-square-foot expansion and welcomed our largest class in two decades. The building's planners consulted with faculty, dental alumni and students to design a facility and curriculum that emulates and prepares practitioners for dental practices today. You can take advantage of opportunities to meet with dental faculty and students who can be great resources.

Pre-dental Scholars program

Complete your bachelor's and dental degrees in seven years, rather than the customary eight. You'll start your professional life earlier and save on a year of tuition while you're at it. The program provides you with conditional admission to Marquette's School of Dentistry upon completion of your junior year at Marquette.

Pre-dental Scholars qualifications

  • Available to incoming freshmen only
  • SAT combined 1280 (or) ACT composite 27; all scores above 24
  • Top 25 percent of high school class
  • High school biology and chemistry (Physics is recommended.)
  • Three years of college-prep math, including trig
  • At least two years of a foreign language

Go to marquette.edu/scholarships to download an application.

What should I study for pre-dent?

Pre-dent is not a major at Marquette; it is a statement of your intention to go to dental school someday. Therefore, you should choose a major that will give you the background you'll need to succeed in dental school and practice. Dental schools typically require two semesters each of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics and English composition.

Though some of our pre-dental students pursue non-science majors, most choose to major in:

The best advice is to choose a major area that you enjoy. If you enjoy it, chances are pretty good that you'll do well in it. If you do well in it, you'll be an attractive candidate for dental school admission.