JAMB Subject Combination for Dentistry and Dental Surgery in 2026

So you’re thinking about Dentistry and Dental Surgery in 2026?
Nice. That’s a top-tier, high-prestige medical course — but let’s be honest, it’s also one of those courses where one small JAMB mistake can ruin everything.

Before we even talk about the subjects, let’s slow down a bit 👀
Because Dentistry is not one of those “manage anything” courses.

If you rush your JAMB subject combination, you could:

Score 300+ and still get rejected
Miss Post-UTME screening
Be forced to change course later

So yeah… let’s do this properly.

Arewacampus Contents

What Dentistry and Dental Surgery Really Is (Quick Reality Check)

Dentistry and Dental Surgery is a medical science course focused on:

Oral health
Teeth, gums, jaws, and facial structures
Surgery, diagnosis, and patient care

Because of this, universities treat it almost like Medicine and Surgery. That’s why the subject requirements are strict and non-negotiable.

This is not a vibes-based course.
It’s science-heavy, and JAMB knows it.

How JAMB Subject Combinations Work (Important)

For JAMB 2026:

You must register 4 subjects
Use of English is compulsory
The remaining 3 subjects must match your course
Some courses allow options
Dentistry does not allow creativity 😭

Still, I’ll explain why each subject is required before listing them — so you understand the logic, not just memorize.

Why Certain Subjects Are Mandatory for Dentistry

Dentistry involves:

Human body systems
Chemical reactions (drugs, anesthesia, sterilization)
Physics principles (radiography, dental instruments)

That’s why JAMB and universities focus on core medical sciences.

If a subject does not directly support this foundation, it’s out.

CORE JAMB SUBJECTS for Dentistry and Dental Surgery (2026)

These subjects are fixed.
No argument. No replacement.

Compulsory Core Subjects

Use of English
Biology
Chemistry

Let’s pause here.

Biology → human anatomy, physiology, tissues, cells
Chemistry → drugs, reactions, dental materials, biochemistry
English → compulsory for all JAMB candidates

At this point, you already have 3 subjects locked in.

The Fourth Subject: Where JAMB “Chooses” from Options

This is where many students get confused.

Dentistry allows options — but only within a very narrow range.

Approved Optional Subject (Choose ONE)

Physics

Yes. Just Physics.

Even though it’s called “optional,” in reality:

Almost all universities expect Physics
Some schools won’t even consider you without it
Dental radiography and equipment depend on Physics

So while JAMB technically treats it as the selectable subject, Physics is the smart and safest choice.

Final JAMB Subject Combination for Dentistry and Dental Surgery (2026)

Here it is — after all that explanation 👇

Use of English
Biology
Chemistry
Physics

That’s the standard, widely accepted, no-stress combination.

Subjects You Should NOT Use (Very Important)

Do not replace Physics with:

Mathematics
Agricultural Science
Geography
Economics
CRS / IRS

Even if a CBT center tells you “it’s okay” — it’s not okay.

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board does not forgive wrong subject combinations, and most universities will quietly disqualify you without explanation.

Smart Advice for Serious Dentistry Aspirants

If you’re truly aiming for Dentistry in 2026:

Choose Physics, even if it’s not your strongest subject
Focus heavily on Biology and Chemistry while preparing
Check the JAMB brochure + university requirements together
Avoid “shortcut advice” from friends or random CBT centers

Dentistry is competitive.
Your subject combination should scream: “I know what I’m doing.”