Dental Medicine

A Unique Program Leading to 2 Degrees & a Meaningful Career in Dental Medicine

How we take care of our teeth and gums has a significant impact on our overall health. This is one of the reasons why dental medicine is such a strong career field. At Seton Hill, you get the benefits of top-notch biology and biochemistry programs, plus a fast track to dental school. The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) holds seats in its Dental School just for Seton Hill graduates. You can reserve one of these when you start at Seton Hill, and move straight from earning your bachelor’s degree to getting your Doctor of Dental Medicine.

Why Choose the Seton Hill/LECOM Dental Medicine Program?

As a student in this program, you will spend four years at Seton Hill:

• learning the science that supports the practice of dental medicine, using advanced technology in state-of-the-art facilities like the Boyle Health Sciences Center
• building confidence, as expert faculty and career professionals work with you one-on-one to keep you moving toward your goals
• studying in the liberal arts, to ensure that you have a broad knowledge base that will support you in the years to come 

Then, you’ll move directly into the Dental School at LECOM, where you’ll benefit from programs of excellence in education, research, clinical care and community service. (Most students spend four years at Seton Hill and four years in Dental School.)

How the Combined Bachelor’s/Doctor of Dental Medicine Program Works

Phase I - Undergraduate Study at Seton Hill

If accepted into the program, you will begin Phase I of the program at Seton Hill as a biology or biochemistry major. After completing all undergraduate degree requirements, you will receive a Bachelor of Science degree from Seton Hill. Seton Hill’s experienced faculty will provide you with individualized attention in the classroom and the labs, and will also work with you to ensure that all of the prerequisites for dental school are met.

Phase II - Dental School at LECOM Dental School

If you fulfill the requirements for Phase I and all dental school entrance requirements, you can then begin Phase II: four years of study at LECOM’s dental school in Bradenton, Florida. Upon successful completion of your studies at LECOM, you will receive a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine. 

Courses & Admission Requirements

Admission requirements and the courses you take at Seton Hill will depend on the major you choose. Click on your program of interest to access specifics through Seton Hill's online catalog:

• Dental Medicine - Biology Pre-Medical
• Dental Medicine - Biochemistry

Careers in Dental Medicine

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, career opportunities in this field will continue to grow. The average median pay for dentists in 2021 was $163,220 per year. Pay can be significantly higher for dentists with specialties, such as orthodontists.

Career services at Seton Hill are a lifetime benefit. Our award-winning Career and Professional Development Center will help you with career planning while you’re at Seton Hill, and will remain available to you throughout your time at LECOM and beyond.