The Biology Major BS or BA/Doctor of Dentral Surgery (DDS) combination curriculum refers to a program of study which leads to the granting of two degrees. The program can be completed in a shorter time than the two degrees would take if pursued consecutively. An undergraduate student is required to complete undergraduate major requirements and general education requirements within the first 3 years. If accepted into the DDS program, coursework from the first year of the professional or graduate program will double-count as the fourth year of the undergraduate biology major program as well as the first year of the professional or graduate program.
Admission to the DDS program is based on completion of prerequisite course work, the cumulative grade point average, the score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT), participation in non-academic activities (i.e., volunteering, community service, work history, research, military service, or sports), and an interview. In addition, applicants are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of observation in a general practice or specialist dental office. The majority of students admitted into the program are residents of Ohio. Nonresidents and residents are considered on a competitive basis.
Pre-dentistry students at Ohio State are encouraged to participate in student organizations that engage in community service, advocacy, and oral health care instruction, such as the Pre-Dental Club, American Student Dental Association, the Undergraduate Student National Dental Association (USNDA), and the Service Education Activism and Dentistry (SEAD). This involvement enables prospective students to take advantage of a variety of educational activities to help familiarize them with the profession. Involvement in community service activities and social functions also helps students to get to know one another outside the academic setting or during the application process to graduate school or professional school.
If you are interested in this program, discuss the requirements and course checklist with your Biology Major Advisor. More information about the dental program can be found at https://dentistry.osu.edu/prospective-students/doctor-dental-surgery.