Posted by Enrolling in dental schools can be a tedious and exhausting process, that’s why it is important to be aware of some Dental schools with the easiest admission requirements.
Before we dive into the list of dental schools with the easiest admission requirements, let’s first understand what makes a dental school “easy” to get into. While all dental schools have strict requirements in place, some schools are known to have more lenient admission policies than others.
Several factors can contribute to a dental school being considered “easy” to get into, including their acceptance rates, GPA and test score requirements, and overall competitiveness.
Table of Contents
What are the Requirements for Dental School?
Here are some basic requirements you might need for a dental school:
- A year course in English, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Organic Chemistry and some Laboratory work.
- Undergraduate coursework in anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and English composition.
- Participation in extracurricular activities.
- Volunteering experience in activities in the dental or healthcare fields.
- You’ll need to have 100 hours of experience job shadowing multiple dentists so you can see how different offices operate.
- Join the Student National Dental Association.
- Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
- Complete an admissions interview.
- Letters of recommendation.
List of the Dental Schools with the Easiest Admission Requirements
Below is a list of the Dental schools with the easiest admission requirements:
- University of Mississippi
- East Carolina University
- University of Missouri – Kansas City
- Ohio State University
- Augusta University
- University of Puerto Rico
- LSU Health Sciences Center
- University of Minnesota
- University of Alabama, Birmingham
- Southern Illinois university
- University of Detroit – Mercy
- University of Iowa
- University of Oklahoma
- Medical University of Southern Carolina
- New York University
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- Indiana University
- University of Texas at Houston
- UT Health San Antonio
- University of Florida.
20 Dental Schools with the Easiest Admission Requirements
1. University of Mississippi
- Founded: 1848
- Location: Oxford, Mississippi, U.S
The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry is the only dental school in Mississippi, located in Jackson, Mississippi, U.S. on the campus of the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
The school delivers state-of-the-art dental care in Mississippi, provided by student doctors in the school, by resident doctors in the school, University Hospital, and Medical Mall, and by our full-time faculty in the school’s faculty practice suite.
The school houses more than 5,000 square feet of research laboratories from which innovative, world-class research is currently being conducted by faculty.
The Associated American Dentistry Schools Application Service (AADSAS) includes this dental school.
The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry requires a minimum GPA of 3.0 for automatic file review and consideration for interviews. However, with a GPA of 3.7 and a DAT score of 18.0, you stand a good chance of getting admitted to this top dental school.
2. East Carolina University
- Founded: 1907
- Location: Greenville, North Carolina, United States
East Carolina University is a public research university located in Greenville, North Carolina. The ECU School of Dental Medicine has received funding from the State of North Carolina to construct dental facilities.
These dental clinics, known as community service-learning centers (CSLCs), are situated in eight underprivileged and rural areas, including Ahoskie, Brunswick County, Elizabeth City, Davidson County, Lillington, Robeson County, Spruce Pine, and Sylva.
These independent facilities are utilized for practical training throughout your dental courses. However, only North Carolina residents are eligible to enroll.
3. University of Missouri – Kansas City
- Founded: 1929
- Location: Kansas City, MO
The University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) is the largest, most comprehensive, and fully accredited institution in the Kansas City region. It welcomes students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 85 foreign nations.
UMKC offers its students a wealth of opportunities to explore, discover, and design their ideal dentistry career thanks to its more than 125 academic departments.
The School of Dentistry at UMKC is located in the UMKC Health Sciences District and runs a community clinic in addition to a student dental clinic.
The school offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery program, which requires an average DAT Academic Average of at least 19 and an average science and math GPA of 3.6 or higher for eligibility.
4. Ohio State University
- Founded: 1870
- Location: Columbus, Ohio, United States
Ohio State University’s college of Dentistry is the fourth-largest public dental school in the United States.
It has eight academic departments that cover all of the main dentistry specializations. These departments offer academic programs and patient care services, enabling dentists to pursue advanced training.
The college also has outreach and engagement initiatives, including more than 60 running programs and more than 42 additional mural locations.
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry has embraced its public purpose of educating exceptionally capable and compassionate dental hygiene and dental professionals, providing care to patients, conducting cutting-edge research, and serving the community.
5. Augusta University
- Founded: 1828
Augusta University’s Dental College of Georgia (DCG) is a leading institution that provides dental education to the next generation of professionals through innovative research, patient care, and service.
The DCG was founded to provide the people of Georgia with quality dental care by educating students in dentistry. The college offers a four-year program that leads to a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.
The dental curriculum consists of courses in clinical and basic sciences, business management, ethics, cultural professionalism, and behavioral sciences.
6. University of Puerto Rico
- Founded: 1903
- Location: San Juan, Puerto Rico
The School of Dental Medicine at the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) is a higher education institution that aims to produce highly skilled dentists.
The school offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, as well as a range of post-doctoral options and an innovative Continuing Education program.
The UPR promotes critical thinking, intellectual curiosity, and a commitment to meeting people’s needs. It is a leader in research on disparities in oral and systemic health.
The School of Dental Medicine is located in San Juan, Puerto Rico, on the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. It is the only dental school in Puerto Rico and has been accredited by the American Dental Association.
7. LSU Health Sciences Center
- Founded: 1931
- Location: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States
The LSU Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry (LSUSD) offers a range of programs in dental hygiene, dental technology, and dentistry.
The LSUSD is committed to providing excellent and current healthcare to the citizens of Louisiana by educating future general dentists, specialists, and allied dental professionals. The school offers a Bachelor of Science degree in Dental Hygiene and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
The LSUSD has a strong reputation for producing highly skilled dental professionals, with a significant number of its alumni currently practicing in Louisiana.
8. University of Minnesota
- Founded: 1851
- Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
The University of Minnesota’s School of Dentistry is the only dental school in Minnesota and the northern region of the United States, spanning from Wisconsin to the Pacific Northwest.
The school boasts 377 clinical operatories, 71k square feet of clinic space, and over 1000 new patients each month.
The School of Dentistry offers a wide range of programs, including Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Dental Therapy, and Dental Hygiene, as well as clinical specialty training programs and graduate degrees.
The school educates general dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators, and research scientists.
The DDS program emphasizes scientific, scholarly, interpersonal communication, and practice management skills required of graduates in a continually changing profession.
9. University of Alabama, Birmingham
- Founded: 1936
- Location: Birmingham, Alabama, United States
The University of Alabama, Birmingham is located in the heart of a prestigious academic medical center on a sprawling urban campus.
The UAB School of Dentistry, established in 1948, is a blend of modern curricula, cutting-edge technology, and facilities with a rich legacy. The school has seven academic divisions and offers a range of educational programs covering the main dentistry specializations.
The School of Dentistry is committed to providing quality, comprehensive general and specialty oral health care for patients and their families.
The school’s top-notch providers, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, and the most up-to-date treatment techniques make it a preferred choice for dental care.
10. Southern Illinois University
- Founded: 1869
- Location: Carbondale, Edwardsville, Springfield, Illinois, United States
The SIU School of Dental Medicine is a dental school located outside the Chicago metropolitan area and within a 200-mile range of St. Louis. It offers the most advanced equipment for oral healthcare, a cutting-edge clinic, and the most affordable tuition in Illinois for dental schools.
The school was established in 1972 to provide a source of dentists in the southern half of Illinois. The school has nearly 200 students, with about 50 students in each entering class, and provides a fully accredited and nationally recognized dental education.
The small student body and intimate environment promote excellent student-to-faculty interaction. Graduates are prepared to be among the best general practitioners of dentistry in the country.
The SIU School of Dental Medicine is part of the Southern Illinois University (SIU) system, which is a nationally recognized university that provides students with a high-quality education that powerfully transforms the lives of all individuals who seek something greater.
11. University of Detroit – Mercy
- Founded: Over 146 years ago
- Location: Detroit, Michigan
The School of Dentistry at the University of Detroit Mercy is located in Detroit, Michigan, USA. It is one of two dental schools in Michigan. The school was established in 1932 and graduated its first class in 1935.
The school is committed to offering students a dynamic and comprehensive academic environment and is dedicated to being a provider of top-notch clinical care.
The school is also committed to developing competent, socially and ethically sensitive healthcare professionals who are committed to patient care and community wellness.
The school offers a range of programs including Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Dental Hygiene, and Advanced Education in General Dentistry.
12. University of Iowa
- Founded: 1847
- Location: Iowa City, Iowa, United States
The University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics is a highly selective institution that offers a comprehensive Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program.
The program is designed to prepare students for professional dental practice immediately after graduation. The college has a legacy of producing excellent dentists and experts who have made a significant impact in the field of dentistry both in Iowa and around the world.
The DDS program at the University of Iowa College of Dentistry is one of the best programs in the country with early clinical experiences for dental students and training across a wide spectrum of dental specialties.
Third-year students participate in clerkships that give them exposure to a variety of dental specialties, and dental students at Iowa are expected to have clinical experience after four years of school.
13. University of Oklahoma
- Founded: 1890
- Location: Norman, Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry, established in 1971, has a rich history of providing quality education and training to its students to deliver the best clinical care possible.
The college offers a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene and a Doctor of Dental Surgery curriculum. In addition, the college provides graduate and residency programs in advanced general dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
The curriculum is designed to prepare well-rounded practitioners who can provide dental care in a variety of clinical settings. The college also provides high-quality oral health care in various clinical settings ranging from student- and resident-provided care to faculty-provided care.
14. Medical University of Southern Carolina
- Founded: 1824
- Location: Charleston, South Carolina
The College of Dental Medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina is the only dental school in the state, located in Charleston.
The admission process is highly competitive, with 900 applications expected for a class of 70 seats. Out-of-state students are only allowed to sit in on about 15 of the seats; the remaining 55 are only available to South Carolinians.
The average undergraduate GPA of admitted students is 3.6, with an average perceptual ability (PAT) score of 20 and an academic average (AA) score of 20 on the DAT.
The college offers pre-doctorate, residency, post-doctorate, dual degree, and summer programs. They are increasing their community-based care offerings and integrating dental and oral health services in alignment with MUSC’s vision of expanding care in South Carolina.
15. New York University
- Founded: 1831
- Location: New York City, New York
New York University College of Dentistry is the third oldest and largest dental school in the US, with over 1,900 students from all over the United States and 40 foreign countries enrolled in its various pre- and postdoctoral programs.
The college has a reputation for producing highly skilled dentists, with nearly 10% of dentists in the US being graduates of NYU College of Dentistry.
To be admitted to the NYU College of Dentistry, you will need a bachelor’s degree or a GPA of 3.5 and 90+ credits. Additionally, you will require three different letters of recommendation and 100 hours of shadowing (observing a dentist in action).
16. University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- Founded: 1911
- Location: Memphis, Tennessee
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) is home to the College of Dentistry, which is one of the earliest dental colleges established in the United States.
The college was founded in 1878 and is the third-oldest public college of dentistry in the country.
The UTHSC College of Dentistry is committed to diversifying its student, faculty, and staff population through the work of committed professionals whose mission is to address the needs of everyone within the field of dentistry.
The UTHSC College of Dentistry offers a four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program consisting of nine months for the first two years and eleven months for the last two clinical years.
The program is devoted to the biomedical sciences of anatomy, biochemistry, histology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and more. The college also offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Dental Hygiene, which is fully accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation.
17. Indiana University
- Founded: 1820
- Location: Bloomington, Indiana and Indianapolis, Indiana
Indiana University has a school of dentistry called the Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD). It is located in downtown Indianapolis on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. It is the only dental school in Indiana.
The school was founded in 1879 as the Indiana Dental College and has since become a national leader in preparing oral health professionals, conducting innovative research that has an impact on patients and the profession, and providing patient-centered care.
The school offers 11 degree and certificate programs that will prepare students for a successful career in dentistry or an allied health profession. The school also provides quality dental care at an affordable cost to patients.
18. University of Texas at Houston
- Founded: 1972
- Location: Houston, Texas
The University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston, founded in 1905, is the first dental school in Texas and a founding institution of the world-renowned Texas Medical Center.
As part of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth Houston), the School of Dentistry has a three-part mission of education, patient care, and research, which aims to advance human health by providing high-quality education, patient care, and research in oral health for Texas, the nation, and the world.
Patients with any kind of dental issue are taken care of by skilled general dentists, specialists, and dental hygienists. All of the UT Dentists providers also teach at the School of Dentistry and are tuned in to the newest approaches in dentistry.
19. UT Health San Antonio
- Founded: 1959
- Location: San Antonio, Texas, USA.
UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry is a dental school located in San Antonio, Texas. It is one of three dental schools in the state of Texas and is sometimes referred to as the Dental School at the University of Texas Health Science Center.
The DDS program has a minimum admission standard of a GPA of 2.8, a DAT of 17, at least 90 total hours of course credit, a grade of C or higher for all required courses, shadowing for multiple offices, healthcare-related community service, and two letters of recommendation or HPE packet.
The School of Dentistry at UT Health San Antonio is internationally recognized for its contributions to dental education, research, community service, and patient care in South Texas.
It offers a range of programs including the highly regarded D.D.S. program, bachelor’s and online master’s options in dental hygiene, postgraduate certificates in most dental specialties, and international dental programs.
20. University of Florida
- Founded: 1853
- Location: Gainesville, Florida, United States
The University of Florida College of Dentistry is one of the top dental schools in the United States, featuring a nationally ranked research enterprise.
The American Dental Association (ADA) recognizes all clinical dental specializations offered by the college.
The college has been the recipient of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award for eight consecutive years, which recognizes U.S. health colleges and universities that demonstrate an outstanding commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the typical admission requirements for dental schools?
Dental schools generally consider factors such as GPA, DAT scores, letters of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and interviews. However, specific requirements can vary between institutions.
Is it advisable to choose a dental school solely based on easier admission requirements?
While admission criteria are crucial, it's equally important to assess the overall quality of the dental program, faculty, facilities, and post-graduate opportunities. Balance your priorities to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.
How can I improve my chances of getting accepted into dental school?
Strengthen your application by excelling in academics, gaining relevant experiences through internships or volunteer work, securing compelling letters of recommendation, and preparing thoroughly for interviews.
Can I apply to multiple dental schools with easier admission requirements?
Yes, you can apply to multiple schools; however, tailor your applications to each institution's specific requirements and strengths. Quality over quantity is crucial in the application process.
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Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an easier route to a dental degree, consider applying to one of the schools on our list. However, it’s important to keep in mind that admission to any dental program is still highly competitive, and it’s essential to put your best foot forward when applying.