If you follow my YouTube Channel, you will know how strongly I recommend masters programs for pre-dental students that are struggling to gain an acceptance into a dental school. These students usually have a vast amount of extracurricular experiences and a personality that would make an outstanding dentist. The only thing lacking, however, is the necessary science GPA and DAT score that will get them past the initial screening process. You see, it is my understanding now that in order for any pre-dental student to gain an interview, they must meet a certain standard first. While these standards vary from school to school, the threshold seems to be a science GPA of 3.0 and DAT of 17. If you’re reading this and view those scores to be low, I want to reiterate, that these statistics are only averages. What I know for sure is that for students with statistics below those averages listed above, a master’s program or post baccalaureate program may be necessary to increase both scores.
What I’ve done below is compiled a list of programs that have had fairly great success in matriculating their graduates into a dental program. All information about programs listed below were taken from the programs website, ADEA, and the Journal of Dental Education. The programs aren’t listed in any specific order. If you see any school that isn’t mentioned below that you think will help pre-dental students immensely, please let the author know at smilesforyoo@gmail.com.
Western University – Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSMS)
- Credits: 40 Semester Credits
- Duration: 9 Months
- Costs:
- Tuition: $27,495.00
- Budget Items: $26,115.00
- Loan Fees: $1,634.00
- Total Budget: $55,244.00
- Requirements:
- Minimum 2.50 GPA on a 4.0 scale
- Recommended DAT score of 17 within the last three years.
- Other requirements
- Apply Here
Excerpt from their Website:
“Emphasizing interdisciplinary study, WesternU’s Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MSBS) program will provide you the opportunity to develop the requisite critical thinking skills and knowledge to prepare for success in professional school programs or to become leaders in biomedical research, academia, or biomedical companies. This cutting edge program also provides the opportunity to complete internships in Southern California biomedical companies and organizations as well as the option to study abroad in France.”
Marquette University – Biomedical Sciences Pre-Dental Post-Baccalaureate Program (BMP)
- Duration: 12 months
- Costs:
- Tuition: $32,220
- Textbooks: $200-700/ semester
- Other information
- Requirements:
- Completed all pre-requisite coursework for dental school admissions
- Obtained a competitive DAT score
- US Citizen
- Other Requirements
- Apply Here
Excerpt from their Website:
“This program is designed to help students build a more competitive dental school application in 12 months. The program is for students who already have a significant scientific background but seek to strengthen academic résumés by taking an intensive pre-dental curriculum that includes graduate-level biomedical coursework and immersion in the dental field.”
Rutgers University – Dental Scholars Program
- Duration: 9 months
- Costs: Refer to website
- Requirements:
- No DAT minimum requirement
- Other FAQ’s and requirements
- Apply Here
Excerpt from their Website:
“The Dental Scholars Program is designed for students interested in applying to U.S. dental schools. In contrast to post-baccalaureate coursework, the Dental Scholars Program leads to a graduate degree (Master of Science or Master of Biomedical Science) that can also be used as a qualification for other careers. This is a 30 credit program.”
California State University, East Bay – Professional Health Academic Program
- Duration: Depends on how many units you take.
- Costs: Depends on how many units you take
- Requirements:
- Bachelors Degree
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8
- Apply Here
Excerpt from their Website:
“Gain the competitive edge for applying to health professional schools. Designed with the flexibility that working adults require, Cal State East Bay’s Pre-Professional Health Academic Program equips you with the knowledge to make your application stand out and paves the way to an exciting and rewarding career in the healthcare field.”
“Cal State East Bay’s Pre-Professional Health Academic Program is designed to fit the needs of both non-science and science majors. As a student in the program, you’ll enjoy a goal-oriented curriculum that includes health profession volunteerships/internships, research experience, community service, and pre-health association opportunities.”
San Francisco State Pre-Health Professions Certificate Program
- Duration: Depends on how many units you take.
- Costs: Depends on Semester
- Requirements:
- Bachelors Degree
- Minimum GPA of 2.5
- Apply Here
Excerpt from their Website:
“Our highly structured programs are intended for students that have already earned a bachelor’s degree and wish to apply to U.S. health professional schools. The programs are suitable for those taking prerequisite courses for the first time, those retaking prerequisite courses, and those taking a combination of first-time and retaken prerequisites. These prerequisites consist of a combination of science, math and social science courses. Participants are also welcome to choose among the many science and public health electives we offer. Because of the broad range of courses we offer, our programs are suitable for students interested in applying to health professional schools, including medical, dental and physician assistant”
Boston University – MS in Oral Health Sciences
- Duration: 1 – 2 years
- Costs: $37,447 – 74,893
- Requirements:
- GPA of 2.9
- DAT of 17
- Apply Here
Excerpt from their Website:
“Oral Health Sciences (OHS) students take courses through Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (BUGSDM) and Graduate Medical Sciences (GMS) at Boston University School of Medicine. Through immersion in a rigorous graduate biomedical sciences masters curriculum including several first year dental school courses (DMD-1), students develop essential critical thinking and research skills. The program fosters an environment of high standards for professionalism, integrity and collegiality where students build upon their abilities to enable future success.”
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