Associate of Science - Dentistry

Dentists deal with the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral diseases and disorders, with primary emphasis on the health of teeth and gums. And it doesn't have to stop there. According to the American Dental Association, "today's dental school graduates can choose to work in hospital emergency rooms, conduct advanced laboratory research, teach future dentists or even travel the world with international health and relief organizations".

Dental schools require applicants to satisfactorily complete a specified set of courses and to present acceptable scores on the Dental Admission Test. The majority of entrants earn bachelor's degrees prior to entering dental school.

TCC offers courses that cover the first 2 years of a typical 4-year college, as well as courses to develop skills needed for college-level courses.

Although it is not required, most students accepted to dental school have completed a bachelor's degree. Dental schools do not give preference to any particular major; therefore, it is not necessary to major in a science area. Rather, the major should be chosen to provide a career in the event the student is not accepted to dental school. Students considering a science major may wish to pursue an Associate of Science degree while at Tacoma Community College.