Reviewed by:
Akhil Katakam
Third-Year Medical Student, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University
Reviewed: 11/14/23
What are some of the easiest dental schools to get into? This article will offer you all you need to know about what are the easiest dental schools to get into!
Embarking on a journey toward a career in dentistry is both an exciting and challenging endeavor. Becoming a dentist is paved with dedication, hard work, academic excellence, and a genuine passion. Seeking the best educational opportunities aligning with our goals and aspirations is crucial.
Getting into a dental school can be quite competitive and challenging. Many applicants with a lot of academic accomplishments and even more passion for pursuing a career in dentistry, and the high selectivity and low acceptance rate of dental schools is an extremely common problem applicants face.
But don’t let this alone dampen your aspirations towards dentistry! While the challenge of competitive entry is certainly ubiquitous, some dental schools are known for their more accessible admission processes. In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the easiest dental schools to get into.
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List of Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into
Dentistry is a popular and respected profession, which leads to a high demand for dental education, where many applicants are vying for a limited number of spots in dental school programs. Admission places high requirements on factors such as academic background, DAT scores, clinical experience, and recommendation letters.
So, what are the easiest dental schools to get into? While "easy" is a relatively difficult term to define or measure objectively, this article will delve into the factors that support the idea that a school has a more lenient application process, particularly the school’s acceptance rate, average GPA, and average DAT.
Without further ado, here are the easiest dental schools to get admitted to.
1. The University of Mississippi
Acceptance Rate: 29.4%
Average GPA: 3.54
Average DAT Score: 19.3
Housing 5,000 square feet of research laboratories, an extensive set of faculty practice suites, and departments such as the University Hospital and Medical Mall, the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry offers innovative, enriching, and state-of-the-art dental care by countless student and resident doctors.
2. Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Acceptance Rate: 13.08%
Average GPA: 3.42
Average DAT: 19.5
At the University's Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU-ASDOH), graduates are nurtured to become the essence of the profession. With a mission to cultivate empathetic, community-focused oral health practitioners, the school is dedicated to shaping industry leaders and enhancing community health.
3. East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine
Acceptance Rate: 15.8%
Average GPA: 3.67
Average DAT Score: 21
ECU is home to countless educational resources and facilities that strive to transform students into tomorrow’s solution for oral healthcare. This includes the Ledyard E. Ross Hall, a 188,000-square-foot facility with cutting-edge learning halls, simulation labs, patient clinics, clinical research areas, and faculty and administrative offices.
4. The University of Utah
Acceptance Rate: 10.44%
Average GPA: 3.63
Average DAT: 20.8
Nestled in Research Park on the south side of campus, the School of Dentistry at the University of Utah offers innovative education dedicated to serving students, educators, patients, and the community through its commitment to oral health. The school strives to lead the profession in dental education, discovery, and nurturing.
5. The University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine
Acceptance Rate: 10%
Average GPA: 3.46
Average DAT: 17.4
The UPR School of Dental Medicine is dedicated to producing high-quality dentists who prioritize patient needs and serve Puerto Rico and the global community. The institution aims for sustained academic excellence and community impact through interprofessional practice, technology integration, and cutting-edge research.
6. Augusta University Dental College of Georgia
Acceptance Rate: 11.3%
Average GPA: 3.67
Average DAT: 21
Priding itself on being “the home of dental education and oral hygiene,” the Dental College of Georgia of Augusta University educates future dental professionals through research, patient care, and service. The school operates over 20 clinics across Georgia, providing an unparalleled hands-on learning experience.
7. The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Acceptance Rate: 10.21%
Average GPA: 3.58
Average DAT: 20.9
Holding the honor of being the regional resource to five northern states for dental education, consulting services, patient treatment, and continuing dental education, the University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry offers education suitable for many professions, including dentists, hygienists, and dental therapists.
8. Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Acceptance Rate: 12.55%
Average GPA: 3.65
Average DAT: 21
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry educates skilled dental professionals, delivers patient care, conducts research, and serves the community. It offers top-notch patient care and uncompromising education within a unique learning setting, along with renowned faculty and strong alumni support.
9. The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
Acceptance Rate: 9.4%
Average Cumulative GPA: 3.61
Average DAT: 20.2
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry is a collaborative community fostering growth as learners and future leaders. The institution is committed to delivering excellent clinical care and emphasizes the importance of service to the underserved.
10. The University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry
Acceptance Rate: 12.8%
Average Cumulative GPA: 3.76
Average DAT: 20.5
UMKC School of Dentistry is committed to upholding ethical and scientific care standards and serving patients and the profession in a changing healthcare landscape. It is a pioneering oral health education institution with exceptional education, research, patient care, and community respect.
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Dental School Requirements
Admission requirements for dental schools in the United States can vary between institutions, but there are several common components that most dental schools consider as part of their application process.
Remember that requirements may change over time, so checking the dental school's official website for the most up-to-date information is important. Here are some typical components of American dental school requirements.
Prerequisite Coursework
Most dental schools require applicants to take specific prerequisite courses, each for a specific amount of time. Common subjects include biology, chemistry, physics, and mathematics, though some schools also require English composition, computer science, or advanced biology courses like biochemistry and physiology.
These courses provide the foundational science knowledge needed for dental education. Therefore, for the sake of admission, the goal is not just to complete the courses required but to do as well as possible to build a solid basis for yourself, thereby making yourself more promising and competitive.
Bachelor’s Degree And Studies
While this requirement is less strict than prerequisite coursework, most applicants have completed a bachelor's degree. A bachelor’s degree can make you eligible for accelerated programs for students who have completed certain prerequisites.
Your bachelor’s studies is also where many applicants complete prerequisite courses, so use the time to enroll in the courses you need. But don’t just complete the prerequisite courses. Take anything that you think can help you prepare for the future. Communicating with your academic advisor is recommended.
Most dental schools have minimum GPA requirements for both overall GPA and science GPA, which specific requirements vary between institutions. Therefore, make sure you put your best foot forward and utilize your undergraduate studies to the fullest potential possible.
Dental Admission Test (DAT)
The DAT is a standardized test specifically designed for dental school admissions. It assesses your knowledge in many subjects and skills essential for dentistry, including but not limited to natural sciences (such as biology and chemistry), perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.
All dental schools require applicants to take the DAT, as it is a part of the comprehensive admission process. On top of your GPA, your DAT score is one of the most impactful factors determining your chances of admission to dental schools, so make sure you put in ample time and effort to prepare for it.
The American Dental Association recommends prospective dental students take the DAT during the second semester of their second undergraduate year or during the summer between the third and fourth years. You must also complete the subjects covered by the test, especially organic chemistry.
Clinical Experience and Extracurricular Activities
Dental schools value hands-on clinical experience, such as shadowing or volunteering with practicing dentists. These experiences are a tangible testament to your intimate understanding of the dental field and your genuine dedication to providing patient care by immersing yourself in the real world.
Furthermore, involvement in community service, leadership roles, and extracurricular activities relevant to dentistry can demonstrate interpersonal skills, leadership potential, and genuine interest in contributing to others and the community outside of academics, giving admission committees a fuller picture.
Mandatory Application Documents
In most cases, dental schools require letters of recommendation from faculty members, dentists, or other professionals who can speak to your academic abilities, character, and suitability for dental education. Like college applications, ensure you find those who truly understand you and can speak for your abilities.
Another document needed is your personal statement or essay. This is an opportunity to showcase your motivations for pursuing a dental career, your experiences in the field, and your unique qualities that would make you a strong dental school candidate. So, make sure you clarify your motivation and strengths.
Usually, two or three recommendation letters and a personal statement are mandatory for dental school applications. Sometimes, you must also submit a resume documenting details of your work experience, volunteer experience, education history, and others about your skills and experience.
State Residency Requirements
Some dental schools may give preference to in-state residents, so check if there are specific requirements or preferences for residents of your state.
Applying Through ADEA AADSAS
As for the application portal, many dental schools use the American Dental Education Association Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS) for centralized application submission. Please note that there is typically an application fee associated with submitting your application through here.
It's important to research each dental school's specific requirements and make sure you leave nothing out. Admissions to dental schools can be competitive, so thorough preparation, including strong academic performance, a well-rounded application, and effective DAT preparation, is essential for your chances of admission.
And remember, always check the individual dental school's official website for the most accurate and up-to-date information on their admission requirements, application process, and deadlines to complete everything they require.
Find Out If You'll Get Into Dental School!
While most dental schools are fairly competitive, you might have a good chance of admission to the above schools if you meet all these requirements! Use our admissions calculator tool below to find out your likelihood of getting into dental school.
FAQs: Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into
Hopefully, you feel more clarified about dental school applications and have a few viable options. But if you still need additional help, here are a few FAQs.
1. What Dental Schools are Easiest to Get Into?
The easiest dental school to get into is the University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry, followed by A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health and the University of Minnesota.
2. What's the Lowest GPA to Get Into Dental School?
A GPA under 3.0 is widely considered a low GPA score that is nearly non-viable competitively, with some applicants saying that they’ve been disqualified because their GPA was lower than 3.0. Thus, getting admitted with a GPA under 3.0 can be considered a rarity.
3. What Dental Schools Have the Highest Acceptance Rate?
Some dental schools that have the highest acceptance rates include:
- The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry
- East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine
- The University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry
So, if you don’t have a strong application, you should consider applying to these schools.
4. Is 3.4 A Good GPA for Dental School?
A 3.4 GPA is considered average for dental school. It won’t offer a disadvantage, but it doesn’t help you. Getting a GPA higher than 3.4 is heavily recommended if you want your GPA to give you an advantage over other applicants.
Final Thoughts
We hope that now you know more about the easiest dental schools to get into! As you explore the list of dental schools mentioned and consider their admission criteria, remember that the path to becoming a dentist is rewarding but challenging.
So make sure you focus on getting into a dental school and finding a program that aligns with your goals, values, and aspirations. Be prepared to demonstrate your commitment, dedication, and enthusiasm for the field through your application materials.
Whether you're drawn to a school with slightly higher acceptance rates or aiming for a more competitive institution, remember that your passion, determination, and drive will play a crucial role in your success as a dental professional. Best wishes for your journey of becoming a dental professional!
