Dentistry (D.D.S., D.M.D.)
Note: CSUSB does NOT have a dental program. Be sure to utilize these pages as how-to guides, checking out the list of institutions where you can pursue these pathways (at the bottom of each section).
Dentists are highly skilled health professionals who provide a wide range of oral health care that includes the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of problems associated with the hard and soft tissues of the mouth. They examine the teeth, mouth, and associated tissues, diagnose and treat diseases, restore defective teeth and tissue, and replace missing teeth. Eighty percent of practicing dentists are engaged in general practice. The remainder specializes in one of nine areas, including orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, dental public health, and oral and maxillofacial radiology.
For assistance on how to request a committee letter, visit our Committee Letter Request page!
Dentistry Prerequisites
NOTE: Specific prerequisite courses can vary by school--always double-check the website of each dentistry school you are applying to for specific requirements. Please review the CSUSB Catalog as a guide to completing the CSUSB prerequisites.
Prerequisites | CSUSB Courses |
Chemistry: One year or two semesters of general chemistry with lab One year or two semesters of organic chemistry with lab |
CHEM 2100, 2100L & CHEM 2200, 2200L CHEM 2400, 2400L & CHEM 2500, 2500L |
Biology: One year or two semesters of general biology with lab |
BIOL 2010 & BIOL 2020 (the lab is included) |
Physics: One year or two semesters of physics with lab |
PHYS 2500 & 2500L and PHYS 2510 & 2510L |
English Composition: One year or two semesters of English composition | ENG 1050A & ENG 1060A |