A new emphasis — pre-dentistry — has been added to the biology major at The Master’s University.

Dr. Neil McLeod, who developed the program, is the dentist and owner of Dr. Neil McLeod DDS Inc, a private dental practice in West Hollywood. He is also an adjunct professor at TMU. He has worked to develop this new program for pre-dental students, which consists of job shadowing opportunities and a new course.

The shadowing program, McLeod says, is essential for those interested in dentistry. Not only does dental school require 100 hours of shadowing, but the experience gained is vital to understanding what clinical dentistry is all about.

McLeod connected with several dentists in the Santa Clarita area and has organized the opportunity for students to explore various specialties, including children’s dentistry, orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontists, and prosthodontics.

Along with the shadowing program, McLeod is offering a new class called “Special Topics: Dental Studies.” The course will cover a range of topics: the realities of dental school, the history of dentistry, inventions that made dentistry possible, and the importance of dental care.

“I want students to have an understanding about the profession, how it developed, and what it requires to be a good dentist. Then when they go in for an interview, they will be prepared,” McLeod says. “I want to excite students about being in the profession of dentistry.”

But most importantly, he sees the field as an opportunity to glorify Christ.

“Dentists occasionally have the reputation that they are more interested in making money than treating their patients. But we want to represent Christian ethics as a part of their treatment,” McLeod says. “It’s important for Christians to be in every profession, and all aspects of medical care are a part of the way we can help each other and understand the miraculous way our bodies work.”

If you are interested in learning more about TMU’s pre-dentistry program, see here.