Predental Postbaccalaureate Program (Postbacc Certificate)
Creighton’s Predental Postbaccalaureate Program is designed for students who have faced challenges with dental school admission. This intensive four-semester (13-month) program, delivered in a small-group format, helps students strengthen their credentials and skills to better prepare for the rigors of dental school.
Predental Postbaccalaureate Program Details
This program is designed to prepare students to enter dental school by:
- Meeting or exceeding minimum standards on the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
- Excelling in the classroom with enhanced academic skills
- Being a positive influence on peers
- Exhibiting professionalism and interpersonal skills
- Participating in learning outside the classroom, through volunteerism and clinical or mentoring opportunities
A laptop is provided upon admission into the program.
Session Schedule
Students will complete the program in four semesters:
Diagnostic Summer Session
June-July
- Academic skills assessment
- Curricular review sessions in biology, chemistry, mathematics and English
- Training in study skills, test taking, time management, library resources, personal wellness and perceptional ability
- Computer skills training
Academic Year Session
Fall Session: August-December
Spring Session: January-May
- Intensive coursework in biology, physics, chemistry, mathematics and English (writing and analytical reading)
- DAT preparation through DAT Bootcamp
Prematriculation Summer Session
June-July
- Curricular review sessions in anatomy, molecular and cell biology (genetics and biochemistry), host defense, microbiology, pharmacology, neurosciences and academic excellence
Admission Requirements
Application opens: September 1
Application deadline: February 15
To be eligible to apply for the Creighton University Predental Postbaccalaureate Program, an applicant must:
- Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or foreign national with a visa permitting permanent residence in the U.S.
- Possess a baccalaureate degree from an accredited institution in the U.S., which indicates a significant focus on science
- Have applied to and been denied entry into a dental school
- Not have been accepted previously to an accredited dental school
- Not currently be enrolled in dental school or any other health or allied health professions degree-granting program
In addition, students are expected to meet the responsibility of the program fees and their own living expenses, in addition to any tuition fees for the courses. Financial assistance is available through FAFSA, Creighton University payment plan and alternative loans.
Applicants to the Creighton University Predental Postbaccalaureate Program must submit:
- The application for the Predental Postbaccalaureate Program, including a personal statement.
- A copy of the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) application to dental school.
- Transcripts of all academic work not reported on your AADSAS application (optional).
- Three letters of reference from professors and/or community leaders that speak to your commitment to the study of dentistry, potential for success, empathy and compassion for humankind and rationale for lack of success to date in gaining entry into a school of dentistry.
Please request that these letters be sent directly to:
Predental Postbaccalaureate Program
Attn: Jonathan Saffold
Creighton University
Eppley Building, B11
2500 California Plaza
Omaha, NE 68178
Or they can be emailed to: jonathansaffold@creighton.edu
Application Process Details
- Notification of ‘Complete’ file status will be sent to the applicant.
- The Postbaccalaureate Admissions Committee will conduct interviews with selected applicants in March of the matriculating year. Seven participants and a list of alternates will be selected.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Applicants to the Predental Postbaccalaureate Program who wish to be considered for federal student aid will need to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Due to the costs of the program and limited federal loan funds, many students must obtain an alternative loan to help cover the costs of this program. Admitted students will need to provide a copy of the alternative loan approval (or other satisfactory payment arrangement) along with their acceptance letter. In addition, admitted students are eligible for the Postbaccalaureate Alumni Scholarship, which typically ranges from $1,000–$2,000.
If my AADSAS application is online with Creighton, do I still need to send all required documents?
- Yes, you are required to submit the necessary documentation.
What does it mean to be an accredited dental school?
- It means the program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education.
How many recommendation letters are required?
- Three recommendation letters are required. You may use the letters from your AADSAS application.
If I apply and get accepted to the postbaccalaureate program, will I have to withdraw my dental school application?
- Yes, all dental school applications must be withdrawn by the start of the program.
Is your program a career-changer?
- No, this is an academic-enhancer program.
Can I postpone my acceptance until next year due to circumstances beyond my control?
- Unfortunately, there is no deferment for the program. You will have to reapply next year.
Is there an online application to submit with the information or do I mail everything to the school?
- The application must be submitted online. Your letters of recommendation and official transcripts can be emailed to jonathansaffold@creighton.edu.
I still have a question. Who can I contact?
- Reach out to postbac.appl@creighton.edu with any questions.
“Even though I didn’t get into dental school the first time, I pushed forward and was able to get in the second time around. I’m glad I stuck with it.”
Ryan Inouye, DDS
