Dentistry, Bachelor of Science Pre-Professional

Program Information
Credential: 
Pre-Professional Study
Duration: 

2 years at RDC tailored to admission requirements of U of A

Delivery: 
Main Campus
Program Cost Estimates: 
Program Cost Estimates

Contact Information

Contact Name: 
Dr. Nancy Brown
Contact Title: 
Associate Dean
Contact Phone: 
403.342.3400 OR 1.888.732.4630
Contact Email: 
inquire@rdc.ab.ca
University Transfer Program

Please note that course work for pre-professional programs varies as per university. It is the student's responsibility to ensure they are taking correct pre-professional coursework when applying to a University other than specified in the Calendar.

For the most current university program and transfer information, see the Planning Guides in Academic Advising.

International Students and Students applying outside of their home province are advised to consult the calendar of the institution to which you will be applying regarding its policy on admitting international and out-of-province students. This may vary between institutions.

Related Careers
  • private practice
  • various provincial and federal government agencies
  • the Armed Forces Royal Canadian Dental Corps
The Program

The Pre-Dentistry program is the first two years of a Bachelor of Science program, tailored to meet the admission requirements of the Doctor of Dental Surgery program at the University of Alberta.

Program Admission Features

This program is designed to prepare students to meet admission requirements to The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program in the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry at the University of Alberta. Competitive admission to professional programs requires a high grade point average. You should check with universities to be aware of specific admission requirements.

Because space is limited in the Dentistry program at University of Alberta, admission to the Pre-Professional Program for Dentistry at RDC does not guarantee admission to University of Alberta. You should meet all of the Pre-Dentistry requirements, but also design your program so that you can complete a Bachelor of Science degree.

Consult U of A Calendar for other admission requirements.

Selecting the right courses for the first two years is vital when choosing courses for the Pre-Professional Program for Dentistry at University of Alberta. You must see an academic advisor before selecting courses.

Requirements
Admission Requirements: 

Minimum average of 60% with no mark below 50% in:

  1. Biology 30
  2. Chemistry 30
  3. ELA 30-1
  4. Mathematics 30-1
  5. Physics 30

Note: Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate English language proficiency in addition to the program admission requirements.

Graduation Requirements: 

You must pass 20 term university transfer courses or a minimum of 60 credit hours, and achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 to receive a Diploma in University Transfer Studies.

Program Content
University of Alberta

You must make sure you meet admission and minimum course load requirements for the professional program as well as your alternate BSc program.

(Please note these credits are U of A credits.)

Suggested Pattern Year 1

  • BIOL 217/BIOL 218 (6 credits)
  • CHEM 211/CHEM 212 (6 credits)
  • ENGL 219/ENGL 220 (6 credits)
  • PHYS 205/PHYS 226 (6 credits)
  • 2 Arts or Science options (6 credits)
Year 1 Course Descriptions

BIOL 217

An introduction to cellular and molecular biology. Topics include: biological macromolecules; membrane stucture and function; cellular structure; bioenergetics and energy flow; respiration and photosynthesis; cell division and the cell cycle; DNA structure and replication; transcription and translation; recombinant DNA and genetic regulation. Prerequisite: Biology 30 and Chemistry 30 Note: BIOL 217 and 218 can be taken in either order.

BIOL 218

Examines the major lineage of life on Earth. Overview of evolutionary principles and classification, the history of life, and the key adaptations of prokaryotes, protists, fungi, plants, and animals. Laboratories survey the diversity of biological form and function, and introduce the students to data collection and scientific writing. Prerequisite: Biology 30 Note: BIOL 217 is not a pre-requisite for BIOL 218. Note: BIOL 217 and 218 can be taken in either order.

CHEM 211

The first introductory-level chemistry course that focusses on the foundations of atomic properties and chemical reactions. Topics include: stoichiometry, reactions and titrations, ideal gases, atomic structure and bonding, chemical equilibrium, and acids and bases. Prerequisite: Chem 30 and Math 30-1.

CHEM 212

The second introductory-level chemistry course that further expands upon the foundations of various chemical reactions and systems by discussing their equilibrium and reaction rates. Topics include: buffers, titration curves, solubility and complex ion equilibria, thermodynamics and thermochemistry, chemical kinetics, and electrochemistry. Pre-requisite: Chem 211.

CHEM 351

An introduction to the chemistry of carbon compounds. The molecular structure, nomenclature, reactions, reaction mechanisms, structure determination and stereochemistry of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes and alkyl halides is discussed. Important organic compounds related to industry, agriculture and everyday use (polymers, fats, soaps, pesticides, medicinals, etc) are introduced. Prerequisite: CHEM 211 Note: You can only get credit for one of CHEM 241, CHEM 251 and CHEM 351.

ENGL 219

Explore university-level essay composition and the skills related to critical reading, interpretation, and argument. Prerequisite: ELA 30-1 or equivalent. NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 219 and ENGL 210.

ENGL 220

The course explores a range of literary genres while continuing to focus on deepening the required structural and critical skills related to thinking and writing about literature. Pre-requisite: Engl 219 NOTE: Credit will not be granted for both ENGL 220 and 210.

PHYS 205

A non-calculus course in physics. Kinematics, vectors, and forces in equilibrium. Linear and rotational motion. Dynamics of particles (oscillations). Prerequisite: Math 30-1; Physics 30 strongly recommended.

PHYS 226

Fluid statics and dynamics, gases, kinetic interpretation; electrostatics; currents and circuits; magnetic fields; electromagnetic induction; nuclear radiation, its interaction with matter and applications. Prerequisite: PHYS 205 Note: Credit may only be obtained for one of the following: PHYS 226, 246, 247 or 269

Year 2

See an academic advisor for details.