Pre-Dentistry

Westminster College (WC) – Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)

4+4 Dental School Affiliate Program

• 4 years at Westminster College, New Wilmington, PA – earn baccalaureate degree
• 4 years at LECOM Bradenton, FL – earn Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree

HS Students – Qualifications and Application

• Minimum 3.5 HS GPA and minimum 1170 Math + Verbal SAT or 26 ACT Composite
• Apply directly to LECOM
• Interview at LECOM

Westminster College Students - Qualifications and Application

• Apply to LECOM by end of second year
• Interview at LECOM
• Minimum 1170 Math + Verbal SAT or 26 ACT Composite
• Does not apply if enrolled at WC for at least 1 year and meet GPA criteria
• College GPA 3.4 or higher

Program Requirements While at Westminster

• Maintain minimum overall GPA of 3.4 and science GPA of 3.2
• Warning letter - failing to meet minimum GPA for 1 semester
• Consecutive semesters with science GPA ≤ 3.0 = withdrawal from program
• Follow requisite program of study (see below)
• No grade lower than “C” for any pre-requisite course.
• No pass/fail grading for pre-requisite courses.
• Any AP credited pre-requisite courses must be replaced by appropriate courses
• IB and CLEP credits not acceptable for pre-requisite courses
• No retaking of pre-requisite courses
• Summer pre-requisite courses prohibited unless for scheduling conflicts/necessities
• Up to 2 pre-requisite courses can transfer in; must be replaced by appropriate courses
• Take DAT by fall of 3rd year at WC Earn a minimum 16 on the DAT
• Meet with Westminster MedPAC representative each semester to review status
• Visit with LECOM representative each year
• Attend LECOM On-Campus Affiliate Day
• Successfully complete Westminster College degree requirements
• Receive MedPAC recommendation to LECOM
• LECOM recommends 100 hours job shadowing in a clinical dental setting
• Submit all required information and forms to LECOM
• Apply (via AADAS) by Nov. 15th of 3rd Year at WC – submit LECOM 2ndary app by Jan 1
• Students in the WC-LECOM Affiliation cannot apply to other dental schools
• Full-time students, US citizens or lawful residents qualify for the Affiliation program
• Affiliates cannot already hold a 4-year undergrad degree
• Students transferring to WC may qualify based on MedPAC and LECOM review
• Limited to 5 WC students per academic year/class
• Background check through LECOM – initiate by January of LECOM matriculation year
• Meet and uphold WC and LECOM character and professionalism standards

MINIMUM UNDERGRADUATE COURSES REQUIRED

6 Semester Credit Hours of English; composition emphasizing technical language
8 Semester Credit Hours Biology including two labs
8 Semester Credit Hours Inorganic/General Chemistry including two labs
8 Semester Credit Hours Organic Chemistry including two labs
3 Semester Credit Hours Biochemistry

LECOM does not require but strongly recommends these courses be taken prior to matriculation:

4 Semester Credit Hours Physiology
4 Semester Credit Hours Physics including lab
4 Semester Credit Hours of Anatomy including lab
4 Semester Credit Hours of Microbiology including lab
3 Semester Credit Hours of Cell Biology
3 Semester Credit Hours of Histology
3 Semester Credit Hours of Immunology
3 Semester Credit Hours of Genetics

Timeline Summary

High School Applicant

Existing Student - 4+ Program