Pre-Dentistry @ SoM
Considering a career in dentistry? The WVU School of Medicine Health Professions offers undergraduate pre-health degrees for every interest, that will help you graduate prepared for your future in healthcare. With a strong foundation in the sciences, hands-on experience, and opportunities for research, our majors position students to apply to DDS programs with confidence.
David Carvajal
Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics
“This place can truly be your home away from home. The faculty within my program have all been very friendly and helpful during my time here and are great professors.”
What undergraduate major should I choose?
Pre-dentistry students in the WVU School of Medicine typically major in Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics (BLD), Exercise Physiology (EXPH), or Immunology and Medical Microbiology (IMMB). Each major covers essential coursework in biology, chemistry, and related fields - and allows you to complete additional dental school prerequisites through electives. As part of WVU's academic health sciences center, students can also engage in undergraduate research and interprofessional education experiences. What else sets these programs apart?
- Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics (BLD) students gain hands-on experience performing diagnostic tests on human samples. This deep exposure to diagnostics helps pre-dental students develop clinical lab skills, helping them better understand pathology and lab results in dentistry. In their final year, they complete a capstone course, PALM 475: Medical Relevance, to integrate their learning through research.
- The Exercise Physiology (EXPH) major incorporates coursework in human body systems and function, medical terminology, and nutrition. Pre-med students can tailor their studies with upper-division electives like EXPH 441: Gross Anatomy Laboratory (human cadaver dissection) and EXPH 460: Pathophysiology (causes of disease). All EXPH students complete a clinical internship or research experience, with many gaining using their internship course to gain direct patient-care skills.
- Immunology and Medical Microbiology (IMMB) offers an in-depth study of the immune system and disease response, focusing on areas highly relevant to oral health and the kind of systemic conditions dentists manage. One of only two U.S. undergrad programs fully housed in a School of Medicine, IMMB emphasizes hands-on lab work from year one. Students can pursue paid, multi-year research with grant-funded faculty like Dr. Jennifer Franko, who hold dual appointments in IMMB and the School of Dentistry.
What other opportunities are there to strengthen my application to dental school?
All three majors offer flexibility for students to tailor their education, for example by adding a minor in rural health, healthcare data analytics, or molecular medicine. Additionally, EXPH students can choose the Health Professions area of emphasis, with upper-level courses aligned with Dental Admission Test (DAT) content.
How soon should I start preparing for dental school?
Choosing a WVU School of Medicine major is a strong first step towards dental school. Below are key milestones to keep you on track:
- Sophomore year:
- Start identifying research opportunities for junior/senior year.
- If you haven't already taken BMM 339: Introduction to Human Biochemistry, complete prerequisites to ensure you are on track and registered for the course no later than fall of your junior year. Also review other recommended and required courses for your target DDS program(s) and develop a plan to complete any outstanding requirements (see WVU School of Dentistry).
- Junior year | Fall term:
- Take BMM 339: Introduction to Human Biochemistry.
- Register for the first DAT in January - we recommend that you take the DAT before any exams in your courses for the spring semester.
- Junior year | Spring term:
- Take DAT.
- Sign up to work with the WVU Pre-Health Professional Development Office.
- Between junior and senior year:
- Complete your dental school application(s) - target submission date, July 15th.
- Senior year | Fall term:
- Work with WVU Career Services or the Pre-Health Professional Development Office to prepare for interviews (August - early September).