Indianapolis, Indiana – Indiana University is preparing to open a new door for students who dream of becoming dentists. The Indiana University School of Science in Indianapolis and the Indiana University School of Dentistry have announced the launch of the Bachelor’s/DDS Pathway to Dentistry program, a carefully designed initiative that will officially welcome its first class in the fall of 2026.
The program, described as a streamlined academic route, offers students an opportunity to complete both their undergraduate science degree and their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at IU Indianapolis. It mirrors the framework of the university’s Bachelor’s/M.D. program, introduced in 2023, which has already attracted significant interest from students pursuing careers in medicine.
Unlike traditional pre-dental paths, the new initiative builds in conditional direct admission to the School of Dentistry for eligible students who enter as freshmen in the School of Science. For many aspiring dentists, this provides a clearer and more structured academic roadmap while also reducing uncertainty about acceptance into graduate-level dental training.
Students who enter the program will benefit from more than just coursework. They will have access to advising tailored specifically for the pathway, as well as opportunities for research, mentoring, internships, and structured preparation for the Dental Admission Test. The goal is to ensure that students do not just meet the minimum requirements for dental school but instead enter with strong skills, practical experience, and confidence.
“We are thrilled to launch this innovative pathway in collaboration with the IU School of Dentistry,” said John F. DiTusa, dean of the School of Science. “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.”
The pathway follows a traditional 4+4 format, meaning students will spend four years in undergraduate studies before transitioning to four years of professional dental training. Students in majors such as biology, chemistry, forensic and investigative sciences, neuroscience, physics, and psychology will be eligible to apply. In addition, recently introduced degree programs in biochemistry and biomedical sciences will also be included once they are fully established.
“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,” said Carol Anne Murdoch-Kinch, dean of the IU School of Dentistry.
Admission into the pathway will not be automatic. To be considered, applicants must demonstrate both academic strength and an early commitment to the field of dentistry. High school students must meet minimum test score requirements — either a 1360 SAT with at least 670 in math or a 30 ACT composite with a 29 in math. They must also have a minimum 3.7 unweighted GPA and direct admission into the School of Science at IU Indianapolis.
The application also requires more personal elements, including a résumé, a short essay outlining career goals, and a recommendation letter from a teacher, counselor, or principal. In addition, students must complete at least 12 hours of observation in a community dental practice before applying. This observation requirement underscores the program’s emphasis on firsthand exposure to dentistry and the patient care environment.
Even after acceptance, students will need to continue demonstrating commitment and academic performance. To remain in the program, participants must maintain GPA standards, complete all prerequisite coursework for the School of Dentistry, record at least 100 additional hours of observation in community dental practices, and earn competitive scores on the Dental Admission Test.
The pathway is intended to attract highly motivated students who already see themselves pursuing dentistry and want a structured, supportive environment to achieve that goal. By offering mentoring, hands-on experiences, and early integration into the culture of the School of Dentistry, IU hopes to give these students a sense of belonging and purpose from the start of their college careers.
The timing of the program also reflects a broader need in the state and across the country. Like many areas of health care, dentistry faces workforce shortages and rising demand for services. By creating a direct pathway for students in Indiana, IU is not only helping students succeed but also strengthening the future dental workforce that communities will depend on.
Applications for IU Indianapolis undergraduate admission, as well as for the new Bachelor’s/DDS Pathway to Dentistry program, opened on August 1. Prospective students and families who want to learn more can contact IU Indianapolis admissions at [email protected].
With its combination of academic rigor, early professional exposure, and built-in support, the Pathway to Dentistry is designed to be more than a degree plan. It is a long-term investment in students and in the communities they will eventually serve as practicing dentists.
