DENTISTRY TIMELINE
Pre-Dent Timeline (Regardless of Major)
Why is this Pre-Dent Timeline important for the eventual Application Process?
Pre-Dent students will better prepare a competitive profile if they organize an individualized plan.
Consider the following steps in your planning process.
Step #1: Develop a list of Pre-requisites based on Dent schools of interest and add courses required for
your major, as well as University Gen Ed Requirements for graduation;
Step #2: Check for TU pre-requisites for all courses you plan to take through the Temple Course Catalogue
Step #3: Develop your personalized Timeline draft by including all courses taken to date and project for future
semesters. Each student’s timeline will be different! Once drafted, review timeline with your
Academic Advisor. The Sample Timeline below will get you started.
Step #4: Remember to include advanced planning for exposure to dentistry, community service, & DAT prep.
NOTE: Pre-requisite science courses should not be taken during summer sessions.
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First Year
Fall
General Chemistry I (1031/1033)
Calculus I 1041
Analytical Reading & Writing (0802)
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Spring General Chemistry II (1032/1034)
Biology I (1111)
Calculus II (1042)
Mosaic I (0851)
Spring Organic Chemistry II (202/2204)
Summer: June: ePortfolio Draft Due!
Exposure to Dent. / Service, Research*
Summer: Exposure to Dent. / Service, Research*
Third Year
Fall
Physics† I (2021)
DAT preparation
Second Year
Fall
Organic Chemistry I (2201/2203)
Biology II (2112)
Mosaic II (0852)
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Spring Physics† II (2022)
DAT Prep
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Summer: Take DAT Exam by July/August
Apply AADSAS (Application Service) by 
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July/August
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Continue Exposure / Service, Research*
Fourth Year
Fall
Advanced Science courses for non-science
majors**
Completion of requirements for major
Dental School Interviews
Spring Advanced Science courses**
Completion of requirements for major
Dental School Interviews
Completion of Financial Aid form (FAFSA)
Summer: Take a break then prepare for dental studies.
* Exposure to Dentistry, Community Service is an important part of your preparation/application.
† While certain Dental Schools may accept non-calculus based physics (1021/1022), calculus based physics as noted
above is preferred. Two semesters of calculus are required to complete most CST science degrees at Temple.
-Calculus II is a pre-requisite for Physics 2021/2022, and a pre- or co-requisite for Physics 1061/1062.
Physics 1061/1062 and Physics 1021/1022, an Algebra-based sequence, does not count toward CST science degrees.
** Additional Science coursework, for non-science majors, is highly recommended. Consider additional Biology courses
such as Histology, Biochemistry, Physiology, and Anatomy.
Pre-Professional Health Studies (PPHS) Pre-Dental Advising
Advising offered by the office of Pre-Professional Health Studies supplements the academic advising
(course registration, major requirements and graduation review) provided by the advising center in a
student’s primary college. Begin your step-by-step process toward developing a competitive profile with
advising support from PPHS.
Accelerated Program Option
Students considering a Pre-Dental 3+4 Accelerated Program Option must apply through the PPHS
during first semester of freshman year in consideration of their eligibility. Learn more from PPHS.
07/31/2014
Office of Pre-Professional Health Studies
Information on Applying to Dental Schools
Application Process: A centralized application service is available through the Associated American Dental
Schools Application Service (AADSAS), https://aadsas.adea.org/. Application is submitted one year before you
expect to enter dental school. Apply early once the application cycle opens!!
Undergraduate Major: While there is no preferred major for attending dental school, non-science majors
should do additional coursework in upper level science courses. Choosing a major that interests you will be to
your benefit. (Note: Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry has a preference for Biology
majors.)
Dental Admission Testing (DAT): The DAT is a computerized standardized test required for the admissions
process. Scores favored: Academic Average above 20; Perceptual Ability Test above 20.
Math/Science GPA: Calculating your Science GPA includes grades from courses from the Departments of Bio,
Chem, Physics, & Math appearing on your transcript. Note: *GPA includes both grades for a course that is
repeated. *Transfer students need to include courses from all institutions attended. Dental Schools will also
calculate a Science GPA which will not include Math courses taken. Overall GPA; Math/Science GPA; and
Science GPA above 3.2 are preferred. NOTE: GPA’s below a 3.0 may require Post Bac course work.
Letters of Recommendation
Dental schools will first review your numbers (Overall GPA, Science GPA, DAT scores). If these are in a
competitive range for their particular dental school, they will then consider you for an interview. Part of the
Interview Process will include a review of letters of recommendation. Begin early to consider recommendation
sources!
1) Begin speaking with faculty and requesting letters of recommendation as you are completing classes in the
sciences and have performed well in the class (A or B+). If you intend to complete the ePortfolio / Committee
process with PPHS, provide your letter writers with a “Professional School Recommendation Form” available
on the PPHS Health Advising web site which asks that they send their letters to the PPHS to be held on file until
you apply to dental schools. Please make sure you check that you “waive your right” to see the letter as
preferred by professional schools.
2) Dental schools will prefer (but not require) a Committee Letter from PPHS. The Committee Letter will serve
as a Cover Sheet to your other letters of recommendation on file in PPHS. NOTE: The Committee Letter does
not replace the need for other required letters of recommendation. The Committee Letter serves to highlight
applicant’s strengths and neatly packages letters provided by faculty / mentors.
3) Dental schools may vary on the types of letters required. Review this carefully for schools of interest as early
as possible. NOTE: A Committee Letter will not replace the need to have other recommendation letters! A
Committee letter will however better highlight your strengths as an applicant.
NOTE: Recommendation Letters will only be sent to AADSAS through PPHS for applicants who: (1) have
completed ePortfolios in the timeframe required, (2) interviewed with a member of the Pre-Health Evaluation
Committee, and (3) supplied exam scores. Visit PPHS as you first enroll at Temple University for more details!
Contact Information:
Office of Pre-Professional Health Studies (PPHS); 1810 Liacouras Walk, Suite 100; 215 204-2513
healthadvising@temple.edu –or- Visit us on the web: www.temple.edu/healthadvising
American Dental Education Association (ADEA) national website:
www.adea.org
07/31/2014
Office of Pre-Professional Health Studies