College of Health Professions · Pre-Professional Program

Pre-Dentistry

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Program Overview

A Solid Foundation for Dental School and Your Career.

Maryville University's Pre-Dentistry program provides you with the dental school requirements you need and a strong background in biology and other sciences so you're more competitive when applying to dental school programs.

What sets the program apart

    • Prepares students for dental school admission
    • Strong foundation in biology and the sciences
    • Pre-Health Professions advising and advisory committee
    • Undergraduate research opportunities
    • Job shadowing and volunteer placement assistance
    • Early Acceptance partnership with LECOM

Why students choose Maryville pre dentistry

 
[MUSIC PLAYING] Pre-Dentistry is a pre-professional program, where we give you the foundation to pursue dental school. We have a curriculum that was specifically designed to accommodate and support an education in the natural and biological sciences. Our program features small class sizes, each taught by faculty with a PhD. You'll form a tight-knit group with students and your professors, all sharing a keen interest in science. You'll learn together and support each other. Another great program feature is sophomore review, which is a great way for you to practice the process of applying and interviewing for graduate school. This helps you focus on preparing a competitive application packet. Another program feature that sets Maryville apart is our commitment to undergraduate research. There are numerous benefits to this approach including exposure to an experiential learning methodology; the natural development of like-minded, high-achieving peer groups; and perhaps most importantly, learning a practical approach to data and evidence-based problem-solving. If you're ready for a career in dentistry, schedule a visit and let's chat about your future.
Why Maryville

Take the next step toward dental school with confidence.

Class Size14

Average Class Size

SupportLife Coaching Team

A dedicated team of life coaches helps you personalize your education

Career Outcomes98%

Career outcomes rate for Maryville graduates

Financial Aid$59M+

Awarded in scholarships and aid last year

Get Started

Ready to apply or want to visit campus?

We've made it easy: free transcript evaluation, quick admission decisions, and no application fee.

  • Upcoming term starts:
  • Fall 2026 Start Date: August 24
  • Spring 2027 Start Date: January 11
Apply nowSchedule a campus visit
Career Outlook

What can I do with this degree?

Dentists diagnose and treat problems affecting the teeth, gums and mouth while promoting overall oral health. They may own private practices or work in group practices, hospitals or public health settings.

Employment opportunities for dentists are expected to remain strong as demand for preventive and restorative oral healthcare continues to grow.

Career Paths

Diagnose, prevent, and treat oral diseases while promoting overall dental health.
Specialize in correcting misaligned teeth and jaws.
Perform surgical procedures involving the mouth, jaw, and facial structures.
Provide preventive and restorative dental care for infants, children, and adolescents.
5%Projected Job Growth

Employment of dentists is projected to grow 5% from 2023–2033.

$166,300Median annual wage

The median annual wage for dentists was $166,300 in May 2024.

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook – Dentists. Employment projections represent national estimates for dentists covering the 2023–2033 projection period. Wage data reflect the national median annual wage reported for May 2024 through the Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. These statistics represent national employment trends and are not specific to Maryville University graduates, Missouri employment outcomes, acceptance into dental school, or individual career results.

Admission Requirements, Curriculum & Courses
Undergraduate Admissions Requirements Discover requirements for a freshman, transfer, or international student.Course Descriptions Explore our catalog for details about the course requirements and electives.Degree Planning Sheet A sample plan of study

Our partner program means early acceptance to medical school

At Maryville, you can major in biology or biochemistry or choose from other science programs, and then move right into your dental training at our partner program with Lake Erie College Of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). You’ll meet annually with LECOM staff for advising and workshops that will help prepare you for medical school.

No Additional Interviews

Guaranteed Seat

Your seat to a LECOM professional school is reserved, which means you bypass almost 95% of the competition.

    • Reserve your seat at LECOM while completing your undergraduate degree.
    • Skip additional admissions interviews once accepted into the Early Acceptance Program.
    • Focus on preparing for dental school instead of reapplying.

Largest Medical School

National Leader

LECOM is the largest medical school in the country.

    • Attend the nation’s largest medical school.
    • Learn from an established leader in health professions education.
    • Join a respected program with multiple professional school pathways.

Lower Tuition

Save More

You’ll pay lower tuition compared with other medical schools.

    • Benefit from tuition that is lower than many comparable medical schools.
    • Reduce the overall cost of earning your professional degree.
    • Graduate with less financial burden.

Want to learn more about our course offerings?

Detailed course descriptions and prerequisites are listed in our catalog.

Read full course descriptionsExplore the full catalog
Related Programs

Early acceptance pathways

Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) Early Acceptance Programs (EAP) See how qualified Maryville students can secure early acceptance to LECOM.
Tuition, Cost & Savings

How you can afford an education.

An investment in your future shouldn't be out of reach. Maryville offers multiple paths to reduce your out-of-pocket cost — and our team will help you find every one you qualify for.

Ways to Save

Scholarship OpportunitiesMerit and need-based awards for qualifying students.
Transfer CreditApply previously earned credits toward your degree.
Benefits for MilitaryTuition assistance and GI Bill benefits for those who served.

Estimated tuition cost breakdown

Full-Time Tuition$25,766
Fees*$2,600
Estimated total cost**$28,366

*Fees can include digital course materials and textbooks/lab materials.

**Estimated cost does not include room and board or meal plans.

Explore additional tuition and costs

Need help financing your education? Get in touch!

Our financial aid advisors are here to walk you through scholarships, grants, and aid options for the Pre Dentistry program.

Financial Aid InformationContact the Financial Aid Office
Accreditation

Maryville is accredited.

Maryville University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Honors & Rankings

  • Kiplinger Best College Values 2019Ranked among the best values in private colleges by Kiplinger's Personal Finance.
  • Forbes America's Top Colleges 2018Ranked among “America's Top Colleges” by Forbes.
  • Ranked No. 1 in social mobility among private universities in St. Louis.
  • Best for Vets Colleges 2022 Military Times. We made the list!Named Best for Vets among colleges by Military Times.
Review Maryville's full list of honors and rankings
Take the Next Step

Ready to take the next step?

Apply today, request more information, or schedule a visit to see if Maryville is the right fit for you.

Apply nowRequest more informationSchedule a campus visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Application to the early acceptance program can occur as early as your senior year in high school and up until the start of your third year of undergraduate school, depending upon the program and track desired. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.
Many students choose biology or biochemistry, although other science majors can also prepare you for dental school.
Yes. Students work with the Pre-Health Professions advisor and advisory committee throughout the application process.
No. The program prepares students for admission to dental school, where they earn the professional degree required for licensure.
Yes. Students have opportunities to participate in undergraduate research, shadow dentists and complete volunteer experiences.
Qualified students may apply for early acceptance to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, providing a reserved seat while completing undergraduate requirements. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}