Indiana University Indianapolis launches Pathway to Dentistry program

Indiana University Indianapolis School of Science and the Indiana University School of Dentistry have come together to launch a Pathway to Dentistry program that will give eligible students a conditional path to direct admission into the School of Dentistry, beginning with first-year students in the Fall 2026 semester. The new dentistry pathway program is similar to the university’s 2023 pathway program for medical degrees.

According to an article on Indiana University Indianapolis’ website, Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch, who serves as the dean of the IU School of Dentistry, was quoted as saying of the benefits of the new pathway program, “This collaboration ensures our future students from this program arrive with a familiarity and a deep sense of community with the IU School of Dentistry and its faculty, staff and students, a strong scientific foundation, and a seamless transition into professional school and academic success.”

The new Pathway to Dentistry program follows a 4+4 format, with students spending four years in the School of Science to earn a bachelor degree, followed by four more years in the School of Dentistry to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. The program provides students with the unique opportunity to gain foundational knowledge of dentistry while still pursuing their undergraduate studies, preparing them thoroughly for the School of Dentistry.

In order to be eligible to participate in the Pathway to Dentistry opportunity, students must pursue an undergraduate major of biology, chemistry, forensic and investigative sciences, neuroscience, physics, or psychology, and the new majors of biochemistry and biomedical sciences will be eligible, as well, once those programs are underway. Additionally, students must achieve an SAT score of 1360 or an ACT score of 30, a high school grade point average of at least 3.7, receive direct admission into the School of Science, provide a letter of recommendation, and have at least 12 hours of observation experience in a dental practice.

John F. DiTusa, the dean of the School of Science, said, “We are thrilled to launch this innovative pathway in collaboration with the IU School of Dentistry. This partnership reflects our commitment to advancing interdisciplinary education and providing students with a rigorous scientific background that seamlessly supports their transition into professional dental training.”

For more information about Indiana University Indianapolis, visit the school’s website.