Pre-Dental

Prepare to serve God and your community through the dental profession.

A career in dentistry contributes to Willard J. Houghton’s dream of “fixing up the world,” starting with oral health! Students interested in dental school will work closely with a faculty advisor to take dental school prerequisites alongside courses for their chosen major, thus preparing for a rewarding career after they graduate.

Program Snapshot

Undergraduate Pre-Professional Pathway

Recommended Majors: Biomedical Sciences, Biology, Biochemistry

Pre-Dental Advisor: Jamie Potter

Explore Course Requirements

What will I learn?

Through Houghton’s Pre-Dental program you will gain hands-on experience as you:

Build a strong foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and math
Shadow local practitioners for real-world experience in the field
Enroll in our pre-health practicum, where you will live with – and learn from – a Houghton alumnus who is a practicing health care worker
Conduct, publish and present real research with one or more of Houghton University’s faculty members
Have the opportunity to apply for early admission to dental school through Houghton University’s Early Acceptance Program with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine

Why study Pre-Dental at Houghton?

Personalized Care

Pre-dental students have many opportunities to get to know their professors on a personal level. Professors teach the labs as well as lectures instead of relying on teaching assistants. Classes are capped to maximize interaction between faculty and students. At Houghton, you'll be mentored, supported and cared for. Invested faculty care about your academic success as well as your spiritual, emotional, and professional growth.

Advisors & Mentors

In addition to a primary academic advisor within your major, you will meet regularly with the pre-dental advisor, Dr. Jamie Potter. Advisors and faculty seek to foster an environment in which you can clarify your vocational calling as a Christian dentist. As you are challenged academically through your general education, sciences, and major courses, we trust that God will use your experiences to either affirm your desire to serve in dentistry or make another calling clear to you.

Undergraduate Research

As a pre-dental student, you'll do real research with one or more of the faculty at Houghton. Work towards publishing your findings in peer-reviewed journals or present talks and posters at regional and national conferences. Opportunities for research include independent study, senior honors projects, and or collaborative research with faculty (e.g., Shannon Summer Research Institute, Cornell University and the Sierra Nevada mountains of California).

Courses Recommendations

BIOL - 217 Human Anatomy and Physiology I

This course studies how the human body is built and how it works. It covers things like skin, bones, muscles, and the nervous system, with both class time and lab work each week.

BIOL - 308 Introduction to Pharmacology

This course teaches the basics of how medicines work in the body. Students learn about drug effects, how drugs are used for different body systems, and how to choose the right medicine for different diseases.

Houghton students throwing their graduation caps in the air on the steps of the Chapel.

96%

of Houghton students are employed or in graduate school within 6 months of graduation.

Class of 2024

View Alumni Success and Career Outcomes

Related Pre-Professional Programs

Houghton student standing at podium during biology lecture.