What is Basic Dental Principles?

Basic Dental Principles (BDP) is a program created at UCLA School of Dentistry to provide pre-dental students the opportunity to gain more experience within the field of dentistry.

The program consists of a lecture series and a lab series. The lab series can only be taken once the lecture series has been completed. The two series must be taken in two separate years.

• The lecture series consists of 24 sessions split throughout 2 quarters (Winter and Spring). The topics range from getting into dental school to the different specialities within dentistry.

• The lab series consists of 4 hands-on sessions on UCLA campus during either Winter or Spring quarter.

• This program is IN PERSON ONLY. There is no online option.

Recognition:

Students who successfully complete the lab series will be awarded a Certificate of Completion in recognition of their participation and fulfillment of all program requirements. This certificate may be included in their dental school application.

Registration for the 2026-2027 school year will open November 2026. Please join our mailing list to be notified when the next round of registration opens!