The first two college level introductory biology classes, often referred to as "core biology," are required at all dental schools. Many programs also require a microbiology course and lab for admittance. Success in these courses prepares the applicant for courses about diseases of the mouth and gums they will take in dental school.
The amount of math required varies by school but usually consists of at least the first two college level calculus classes, and may include a course in statistics. At some schools statistics courses can replace the second college level calculus course, and at others both are required. Algebra, calculus, geometry and trigonometry all appear on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).
While physics questions do not appear on the DAT, the first two college level physics courses are required for admittance to some programs. A high level of performance in these courses is also widely considered to increase your chances of getting into a good program. If possible, these physics courses should also be taken with calculus, as opposed to physics classes using algebra.
Almost all dental schools require two introductory college level chemistry courses with their corresponding labs. In addition, most programs require two organic chemistry courses with lab. Several chemistry problems appear on the DAT.
Most dental programs require that a student take a number of humanities courses. Usually schools expect two introductory college level English courses, but they may also want to see a foreign language or other humanities courses. A college student usually completes these as basic level courses for any major or degree.