I believe that some of my most valuable experiences at Goshen College are from the connections I am able to make with fellow students and my professors. The small class sizes have allowed me to better communicate with students and professors and it is something I truly value.
Pre-Dentistry
Study Track
A clear path to dental school
Build the scientific foundation and real-world skills that dental schools want to see.
Pre-dentistry at Goshen College is an advising track, not a separate major, that pairs a science major such as biology or chemistry with dedicated dental-school prep. You take the biology and chemistry prerequisites dental programs require, gain research and shadowing experience, and get advising at every step toward a competitive application.
Your faculty advisors guide you through coursework, shadowing, application support and entrance-exam preparation, so you apply knowing what each dental school expects.
Hands-on before dental school
You prepare for dental school by doing real science and real clinical observation, not just reading about it. Pre-dentistry students build their applications through:
- Faculty research in biology, biochemistry, and physiology
- Shadowing local dentists and orthodontists
- Internships with clinics and community health centers
- Service learning and civic engagement programs
Research and lab work take place in the Schrock Science Labs, where you use modern equipment and work alongside engaged faculty.
Where pre-dentistry leads
Pre-dentistry prepares you to apply to dental school (DDS and DMD programs) and to careers in general dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, and more. Goshen alumni have been accepted to top dental programs, including:
- Indiana University School of Dentistry
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry
- Midwestern University
Dental schools weigh your science GPA and DAT score alongside evidence you’ve spent real time in a practice, which is why shadowing and clinic experience matter as much as your transcript.
Katie Mallory '23
Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Major
What it costs, and how aid works
Pre-dentistry costs the same as your science major, so your price after aid won’t increase at all. Most students receive financial aid and scholarships. To see your own price after aid, run the net price calculator or explore your options at the financial aid and scholarships pages.
Common questions about Goshen pre-dentistry
No, pre-dentistry is an advising track, not a major. You choose a science major such as biology or chemistry, then receive tailored advising to complete the biology and chemistry prerequisites your chosen dental schools require for a competitive DDS or DMD application.
You get one-on-one faculty advising from coursework through application, plus shadowing with local dentists and orthodontists, faculty research, clinic internships and entrance-exam preparation. The Pre-Health Club connects you to other students on the same path, so you build your application alongside people who know your name.
Many pre-dentistry students pair the track with a chemistry- or biology-heavy major, such as Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, since dental school prerequisites overlap heavily with that coursework. However, you are free to choose any major that will set you up for success. Your pre-dentistry advisor helps you choose a major and sequence courses so you finish prerequisites on schedule.
Yes, the Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standard part of dental school applications, and your pre-dentistry advisor helps you plan when to take it relative to your coursework and application timeline. Because your science coursework runs alongside DAT-relevant material, your advisor can help you time your test date around when that material is freshest.
Because pre-dentistry advising happens through direct relationships with Goshen’s dedicated science faculty mentors, those faculty know your coursework, research and shadowing experience well enough to write specific, substantive letters of recommendation and committee letters, which dental schools weigh much more heavily than generic form letters. That same familiarity means faculty can coach you individually through DAT prep and mock interviews.
Jonathon Schramm
Professor of Sustainability and Environmental Education
Department ChairPhil Allman
Professor of Marine Biology
Andy Ammons
Professor of Biology
Raquel Montanez Gonzalez
Associate Professor of Biology
Dan Smith
Professor of Chemistry
Department Chair
