Specific admission requirements vary per dental program. You should consult with schools
of interest to determine their specific admission requirements.
Suggested academic preparation:
- A bachelor's degree is strongly recommended or required by many programs. In addition
to the bachelor's degree, pre-dental students complete specific required prerequisites
determined by the dental program to which they wish to apply.
- Competitive academic record- Most dental schools require a minimum of two or three
years of undergraduate education (64-90 credit hours), but strong grades in academic
course loads heavy in the sciences and the completion of a bachelor's degree can be
advantageous.
- Major in anything
We recommend you meet with an advisor once a semester to ensure you are progressing
with the correct academic coursework.
WCU offers an early assurance (EA) program for Dental Medicine at LECOM. For more
information on the program click here
Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Information
The DAT is required. It is recommended that students complete 2 semesters of general
biology, 2 semesters of general chemistry, 2 semesters of organic chemistry, and 1
semester of physiology before taking the DAT. It is also recommended that you take
the DAT 13-15 months before your intended enrollment. DAT examinations are computer
based and are coordinated by the Dental Admission Testing Program and administered
at Prometric Test Centers.
AADSAS (Centralized Application Service)
It is best to apply early to dental school. Schools may also require a secondary application
following the submission of your initial application through AADSAS or TMDSAS. Secondary
applications may require additional essays and letters of recommendation. If the school
you are applying to does not participate in a centralized application service, contact
the school directly for application materials.
Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.)
There are 65 dental schools in the country. Dental programs take 4 years to complete.
Virtually all programs prepare students to be general dental practitioners and to
render comprehensive patient care. Educational emphasis is generally placed on scientific
development; diagnostic skills and treatment planning; clinical treatment and technical
performance; practice administration; and personal, professional and community responsibility.
Curriculum and outcomes vary from school to school, so you should contact programs
of interest directly to determine specific curriculum content.
Resources
Pennsylvania Professional Schools