An accelerated pathway to Pacific's nationally renowned dental program

University of the Pacific’s Pre-Dental Advantage Program provides a highly effective route for students entering college for the first time and looking to pursue a career as a doctor in a dental clinic or a private practice. 

When you complete the program, you will earn both a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of the Pacific (Stockton Campus) and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry (San Francisco Campus). 

Helena Chochanski ’22, ‘25
Student Voice
Helena Chochanski ’22, ‘25

“Pacific has really helped me prepare for a career in dentistry and dental school, both professionally and academically. The classes are taught at such a high level, I know I have a good foundation in my sciences so that when I go to dental school, I won't be starting from zero. And there are a lot of clubs and organizations here that stress professionalism, a career in dentistry. They’ve given me chances to volunteer and actually experience what it's like to be a dentist.” 

Versatility

Various accelerated options are available during the undergraduate portion of the program which can be completed in either two-, three- or four-years. If you choose to continue to the DDS program at Pacific’s Dugoni School of Dentistry, you can complete the graduate portion in three years. 

Support

You will benefit from small class sizes, versatile university resources and many layers of support. During the first semester, you will have weekly meetings with the Pre-Dental Program Advisor to go over all aspects of pre-dental preparation. Our student-run Pre-Dental Society and one-on-one consultations with a faculty adviser create opportunities to better prepare for dentistry and community service.

Outcomes

Upon completion of the undergraduate portion of the program with satisfactory performance, you will have a guaranteed interview to the Dugoni School of Dentistry and will be well prepared for admission to other top dental schools in the U.S. Upon completion of the entire program, students earn both BS and DDS degrees facilitating further specialization.

Accelerated Degree Options

The path toward a career in dentistry requires dedication. Because students display a wide range of interests and performance, our program offers three options to accommodate your needs. You and your faculty adviser decide which pathway is right for you after the freshman year. 

Learn more
Dental Students
San Francisco Campus
Graduate Degree in Dentistry

Upon successful completion of the undergraduate portion of the program, you will have an opportunity to interview for the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at Pacific’s Dugoni School of Dentistry in San Francisco, the only dental school in the U.S. offering a year-round, accelerated three-year DDS program. Some students may decide to pursue a graduate degree outside of Pacific instead.

Learn more
Pre-Dental Society

This student-run organization provides opportunities for students to meet dental school faculty and students as well as practitioners active in the field. It offers volunteer opportunities, mock DAT exams, PAT and interview workshops, trips to the Dugoni School of Dentistry and a comfortable atmosphere where all students interested in dentistry can socialize and learn more about the field. 

Follow them on Instagram @pacificpds

Learn more
Pre-dental society
Students at Pacific
Considering a career in dentistry?
Advice for High School Students
  • Talk to dentists or shadow them at work to see if this profession is a good fit for you.  
  • College courses are best taken in college after the high school experience has been completed.  
  • Advanced high school courses can sometimes interfere unfavorably with the curriculum of the Pre-Dental Advantage Program.  
  • We encouraged you to read and agree to the technical standards of the Dugoni School of Dentistry.  
  • Review the Dental Board of California license requirements. 
Learn more

Additional Information

Technical Standards of the Dugoni School
Dental Board of California license requirements
American Dental Association website