B.S.,
Natural Science,
Pre-Dentistry Track
College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics
What You'll Do
Students who are planning to become dentists may be able to start their practices one year sooner than expected, thanks to the accelerated, three-year program at Indiana University of Pennsylvania. As a Natural Science major in the Pre-Dentistry track at IUP, you’ll receive an outstanding education that prepares you to enter dental school at the end of your junior year, saving you time and money.
You’ll benefit from special arrangements IUP has made with the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University that allow you to transfer credits from your first year at dental school to IUP to satisfy your senior-year graduation requirements. A maximum of 30 credits of the 120 needed for your IUP bachelor’s degree can be applied from your first year at Temple University.
At IUP, you’ll take a block of classes in biology, chemistry, and physics to give you a solid foundation for dental school. You’ll also take at least 24 credits in the humanities and social sciences. Applying for dental school can be extremely competitive. If you prefer to earn your bachelor’s degree in four years before applying, you have options at IUP, such as majors in Natural Science, Biology or Chemistry.
What You'll Become
The Bachelor of Science degree program in Natural Science achieved through pursuit of the Pre-Dentistry track will prepare you to apply for admission to the Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University in Philadelphia after three years at IUP.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of dentists is projected to grow 9 percent through 2016, about as fast as the average for all job categories. The growing population, especially the elderly population, is expected to increase the demand for dental care, according to the report. This may not translate directly into more jobs, according to the report, because new technology and the practice of having dental hygienists and assistants perform some tasks will allow dental practices to cover more ground than in the past.