Students are encouraged to take course work in the social sciences, humanities, interpersonal communication, and business administration, just to name a few possible areas, along with a strong science core. Although a bachelor's degree is not required for admission to the College of Dentistry, it is highly recommended. Students pursue an undergraduate major when they start as a freshman and integrate their dentistry prerequisite course work into their specific program. The majority of dentistry applicants complete their undergraduate degree and then apply for admission to dentistry. The GEC is a body of courses designed to ensure that each student becomes acquainted with the basic areas of academic study.
Some majors also require completion of a foreign language requirement.
Students interested in dentistry are assigned an academic adviser who will help them coordinate their undergraduate interest area with the predentistry course work. In addition, applicants are required to spend a minimum of 20 hours observing in a private, general practice dental office. In the selection of students, preference is given to students who are residents of Ohio. Nonresidents will be considered on a competitive basis. Admission to the College of Dentistry requires a solid science foundation in college.