Pre-Dentistry
Available as a pre-professional program
Pre-Dentistry students participate in the Health Professions Advising Group (HPAG), which is specially designed for students interested in careers in a variety of health fields. A rigorous preparation in the sciences, along with access to clinical experiences and research opportunities, will give you an edge in gaining admission to top-quality graduate programs across the country.
Student Experiences
Careers & Outcomes
From Dream to Reality
Coming into college, Kayla Mullins '13 knew she had her sights set on becoming a dentist. But she didn't realize just how well her time at Roanoke would equip her to achieve that dream.
Mullins, who graduated with a degree in biology, was able to tackle research in Professor Brooks Crozier's lab, an opportunity that introduced her to new testing methods and prepared her for the fast-paced learning and independent coursework of dentistry school.
"The professors, I believe, are one of the reasons RC has become such a well-known institution," Mullins said. "They will challenge you to learn in ways you haven't before, but they are also always there to lend a hand when things get difficult."
When she went on to the West Virginia University School of Dentistry, she found much of the material she mastered in Roanoke's science courses overlapped with the new work she was doing.
Mullins now owns her own practice in her hometown of Fairlawn, Virginia, fulfilling those long-held hopes that she first arrived with at Roanoke.
Roanoke students earning a GPA of 3.4 or higher are 100% successful in getting into dental school.
Research opportunities put student on path to success in dentistry
Cooper Tyree '15 graduated with a major in biochemistry and a minor in Spanish before going on to study dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. During his time at Roanoke, he was able to build a foundation for his career path by pursuing an independent study research project on the microbiology and biochemistry of dental caries – otherwise known as cavities.
"I have always been interested in dentistry, and so figuring out what is actually happening in dental caries was a great way for me to explore that passion further," Tyree said.
Tyree is now a successful dentist at a practice in Virginia.
News
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Riya Patel ’24 is organizing the Days for Girls program to make reusable menstrual hygiene kits for women in need around the world.
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Partnership will advance education and workforce development to improve community health and well-being in the Roanoke Valley.
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In advance of Transgender HIV Testing Day, this class is examining overlooked aspects of HIV with the help of a local community center.
A license to practice dentistry is required in all 50 states following completion of a doctoral program in dentistry (D.D.S). Admission to dental schools is highly competitive. You should have at least a 3.3 grade point average, spent considerable time shadowing a dental professional, accrued significant volunteer hours, have positive letters of reference and satisfactory-to-excellent scores on the DAT and perceptual ability tests.
Faculty advisors will work with you from your freshman year and every step of the way. They not only help you select appropriate coursework and extracurricular activities, but also work with you to prepare for admissions testing, draft personal statements and develop strategies for professional school interviews.
You are encouraged to complete significant internships with health care professionals in their chosen fields. The Roanoke Valley is a medical hub for Southwest Virginia. Roanoke's rapidly growing medical community, including a new medical school and two major hospital systems, creates tremendous learning opportunities for you. You'll also have the opportunity to participate in a wide variety of high-level research projects at Roanoke.
We offer a pre-professional program in Pre-Dentistry to eligible students of all majors.