Try the hands-on work.
Practice mirror coordination, create a tooth form, and explore impressions and restorations using artificial dental models.
PDI homeA future place to
PDI Academy Chicago · Planned for 2028
A future place to
explore dentistry.
We are developing an in-person pre-dental learning program in the Chicago area, planned for 2028. Explore this proposed program preview and join the interest list for occasional updates as plans develop. Timing and program details may change.
Designed for high-school and college students. Enrollment is not currently open. Joining the interest list does not reserve a place.
Learn by taking part
A closer look at your future.
See how science, careful hand skills, communication, and service come together in dentistry. Bring your questions; you do not need prior dental experience.
Meet the profession.
Discuss everyday practice, specialties, patient communication, and dental-school life with a practicing dentist and a current dental student.
Leave with direction.
Build a personal 90-day plan with three practical next steps suited to where you are now.
Proposed program preview
A new perspective on dentistry.
A shared introduction to dentistry, followed by preparation workshops tailored to high-school and college students.
Understand dentistry.
Begin practicing.
- Inside a dentist’s day
Explore prevention, treatment, teamwork, and the different careers in oral health.
- Teeth, disease, and prevention
Learn basic tooth anatomy and how decay and gum disease affect oral health.
- Tooth form and hand skills
Shape a tooth model and practice precision with guided feedback.
- Small-group lab rotations
Try mirror coordination, take a model impression, and shape a simulated restoration.
- Think through a dental case
Discuss fictional examples of care and reflect on what the work feels like.
Explore the profession.
Plan your next step.
- Specialties and dental-school life
Get an introduction to different fields and the experience of learning dentistry.
- Continue the model workshop
Improve a simulated restoration and explain what you learned from the task.
- Communication and ethics
Practice a patient conversation and discuss confidentiality and access to care.
- Preparation for your stage
Work on career exploration or college and application planning in separate groups.
- Your 90-day action plan
Choose three realistic next steps and set dates to follow through.
These topics and activities are a proposed preview, not a confirmed schedule. Final curriculum and format will be announced closer to launch. Hands-on activities are planned around artificial models; patient treatment and clinical shadowing are not part of this program.
Start where you are
One foundation. Different next steps.
The pilot is being designed for students in grades 10–12 and college. Final eligibility and arrangements for students under 18 will be announced before enrollment.
High-school students
Explore your interest before you need to have everything figured out.
- Understand the broad path from college to dental school.
- Discuss science study habits, college exploration, and affordability.
- Learn how to find a mentor and ask useful observation questions.
- Create an exploration plan that fits your current stage.
College students
Connect your interest in dentistry with a practical preparation plan.
- Learn how to verify prerequisites and plan your timeline.
- Explore shadowing, service, and meaningful experience reflections.
- Discuss DAT planning, applications, letters, and interviews.
- Identify your next preparation priorities.
Clinical perspective
Peter Gallos, D.D.S.
A Chicago-area general dentist with more than 26 years of practice experience, bringing the perspective of everyday patient care.
Dental-student perspective
Andrew Gallos, M.S.
A Roseman D.M.D. candidate, Class of 2028, bringing recent experience with preparation, applications, and dental-school life.
Launch plans
Planned for 2028.
Academy Chicago will develop alongside PDI Admissions. Timing and program details may change; enrollment is not currently open.
Proposed program preview
Dentistry Foundations Weekend
- When
- Planned for 2028; exact dates have not been announced
- Where
- Chicago area; a Plainfield location is being considered
- For
- High-school and college students; eligibility to be confirmed
Final curriculum, venue, schedule, class size, tuition, and enrollment terms will be shared closer to launch.
After the weekend
Keep learning.
Keep your notes.
The planned Academy library will let you revisit what we covered: the slides, lesson notes, lab guides, and your next-step worksheets.
We are planning shared sign-in with PDI Admissions for adult students, with an Academy-specific guardian process for younger students. Access arrangements will be confirmed closer to launch.
Online Academy access is in development. It is not available yet, and you do not need an account to join the interest list.
- Class slides and lesson notesReview the key ideas at your own pace.
- Lab guides and worksheetsRevisit the model exercises and preparation activities.
- Your next-step resourcesUse the planning worksheet and official resource links.
- Access details to be confirmedDuration and download options will be announced closer to launch.
Before you join
A few common questions.
Do I need previous dental experience?
No. The proposed program starts with the basics and provides guided practice. Curiosity and a willingness to participate are enough.
Will high-school and college students learn together?
The proposed program would share the dentistry lessons and model workshops, with preparation activities tailored to each stage. Final cohort arrangements will be confirmed closer to launch.
Can a student under 18 attend?
The program is being designed to include younger students through a guardian enrollment process. Final age eligibility and permission requirements will be announced before booking opens. A parent or guardian can join the interest list now.
Does this include patient shadowing or clinical certification?
No. This is educational enrichment using artificial models and fictional cases. It does not provide patient shadowing hours, clinical certification, academic credit, or an admissions guarantee.
When can I apply, and what will it cost?
Academy Chicago is planned for 2028, with timing subject to change. Application dates, tuition, program inclusions, and any financial-support options will be announced closer to launch. Enrollment and payments are not open; interest-list signup does not reserve a place.
Do I need to use PDI Admissions to attend?
No. Academy is a separate educational offering. You will not need an Admissions assessment or a consulting purchase to attend. Shared account access is planned for adult students who use both.
Be first to hear
Interested in Academy Chicago?
Join the Academy interest list for occasional updates as the program develops toward a planned 2028 launch. Timing and program details may change. Enrollment is not currently open, and joining the list does not reserve a place.
If the prospective student is under 18, a parent or guardian should complete this form using their own contact details. Please do not submit a child’s personal records.
Questions about the program? Email the PDI team.