Easiest Dental Schools To Get Into

Getting into dental school can be tough, but education should be accessible to all. We've listed ten dental schools that are easier to get into. Don't let the relatively high acceptance rates fool you - these programs still pack a punch.

These schools only accept smart, dedicated students who meet high standards. Founded on a bedrock of accreditation, they seek students who can walk the walk, not just talk the talk – mature individuals who respect themselves, their peers, and their teachers.

Many of these schools offer extra training for both new and experienced dentists. Skill refinement is an essential part of being a successful dental pro – it's what sets the best apart from the rest.

Look no further than these exceptional institutions if becoming a dentist is your goal. You'll get the perfect blend of accessibility and high-caliber education to kick off your dental career on the right foot.

List of Top Ten Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into

RankSchoolAcceptance Rate
1University of Mississippi44.32%
2University of Minnesota38.54%
3University of Puerto Rico36.70%
4University of Detroit Mercy28.71%
5University of Utah27.45%
6University of Washington22.54%
7East Carolina University21.16%
8Ohio State University20.33%
9New York University20.32%
10Indiana University19.95%

Top Ten of the Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into

1. University of Mississippi

Acceptance rate: 44.3%

The University of Mississippi is one of the easiest dental schools to get into. This is because it has the highest acceptance rate in 2021. The school's student body comprises nearly 90% of individuals holding a bachelor's degree.

Besides a high acceptance rate, University of Mississippi also has other outstanding offerings that make it a preferred institution for studying dentistry. Notably the school offers a couple of programs, has a great success rate, and accepts an average rate of GPA and DAT scores.

Despite the high acceptance rate of the school, however, potential students have to meet specific expectations. Admission to the universitys dental school requires the completion of specific math and science courses. These courses are biology, behavioral science, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physics, statistics, and mathematics which may cover trigonometry, algebra or calculus. The school has made it a requirement to finish these courses to gain admission. In addition to meeting the required coursework a minimum DAT score of 19.0 and a GPA score of 3.62 are prerequisites for application to the school.

The University of Mississippi accepts applications from July 1 to December 1 before the year of admission. If you get admitted to their school of dentistry, you will have access to 9 programs of study.

2. University of Minnesota

Acceptance rate: 38.54%

The University of Minnesotas dental school has an exceptional acceptance rate, ranking among the top in the country. It is the sole dental school in the state and in the northern tier of states between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest.

You might want to enroll in the school to study some of the programs it offers. The universitys school of dentistry educates and trains general dentists, dental specialists, and dental therapists. Dental hygienists, dental educators, and research scientists are also eligible for enrollment.

One of the notable things about the university is its international reputation in dentistry. Every year, the students and faculty treat about 105,260 patients in their campus clinics and 48,700 others in outreach sites.

You might also be interested to know that the faculty offers continuing dental education for up to 7100 practicing dental professionals annually. The dental schools requirements include a bachelor's degree, a GPA score of 3.0, graduate record examination, recommendation letters, transcripts and credentials, and English language proficiency.

3. University of Puerto Rico

Acceptance rate: 36.70%

The University of Puerto Rico is among the dental schools in the nation with the least rigorous admission requirements. The school of dental medicine at the university is focused on providing quality higher education to ensure it produces the ultimate dental professionals.

You will find that the school of dental medicine at UPR has several accreditations. The accreditations prove the capability of the institution to provide quality education and services. So, whether you're going to study prosthodontics or pediatric dentistry, you can rest easy knowing the institution is fully accredited.

The school also offers you several academic programs. You can enroll at the university for your first professional degree or advanced dental education programs. The latter is meant for well-qualified dental specialists in the oral health field.

Additionally, the school also offers continuing education. This program aims to upgrade the knowledge, skills, and values of practicing dental health professionals. Enrollment at the school necessitates adhering to a specific procedure.

This procedure depends on the program you're enrolling in. Those applying for advanced dental education programs, for instance, have to follow a process different to that followed by first-time students. You can make inquiries from the school for guidance on the application procedure and requirements.

4. University of Detroit Mercy

Acceptance rate: 28.71%

If you're considering pursuing dental medicine, the University of Detroit Mercy may be an ideal place to commence your studies. By joining the university's school of dentistry, you can be a part of something great, considering the campus has grown by about 150% over 10 years.

Moreover the School of Dentistry at University of Detroit Mercy has a student to faculty ratio of 6:1. That indicates that you'll get a quality education, making you a proficient dental health professional in the future.

The faculty offers you several programs, but to be part of the university, you must meet its dental school requirements. A majority of the applicants admitted to University of Detroit Mercy have SAT scores between 1050 and 1260 or an ACT score of 22 and 27.

The school of dentistry in this university provides you with several graduate programs. When you enroll there, you should expect to study Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD), orthodontics, endodontics, and periodontics. Moreover, the faculty offers you other educational programs. You could either enroll in doctor of dental surgery programs or dental hygiene programs.

5. University of Utah

Acceptance rate: 27.45%

The University of Utah also has a great dentistry school acceptance rate. As such, you can learn a lot regarding dental health practice by attending the university. The university is a reliable institution because it is accredited by the Commission of Dental Accreditation.

To be granted access to this esteemed center of scholarship, it is crucial that one holds a bachelor's degree, ideally from a higher education establishment officially recognized and located within the territorial borders of the United States of America. Additionally, it is required that you display a grade point average of at least 3.7 or a DATT score that roughly equates to 21.

Moreover, the faculty requires its applicants to have studied specific courses. When applying to the university, therefore, ensure you have some knowledge in molecular biology or genetics, business, cell biology, computer science, ethics, and histology, among others.

The University of Utah offers you one graduate degree and one residency program. Additionally, it combines research with clinical experience to give you the ideal educational experience.

To increase your chances of studying in the institution, you must fill in the application forms between June 1 and October 1 before the year of admission. If you qualify after the first submission, you'll receive a link to the supplemental application.

6. University of Washington

Acceptance rate: 22.54%

The University of Washington's dental program ranks among the most fiercely contested in the entire nation. The dental school is not only accredited by the American Dental Association but also by the Northwest Commission on College and University.

The university's popularity continues to grow because it has a good success rate of 32.5%. All the applicants need to meet the University of Washington graduate school admission requirements. To meet the eligibility criteria it is mandatory to maintain a minimum grade point average of 3.0 and possess either a recognized degree in the domain of dentistry or be enrolled in the terminal year of dental school.

You must also provide the faculty with your transcripts, official documentation, letters of recommendation, and an application fee. The department also requires you to have a written personal statement related to your interest in dental medicine.

Additionally, you have to meet the school's residency and citizenship requirements. You must also take a dental admission test. Most importantly, you have to complete your graduate school application form and show certification of adequate financial support. What's more? As a prospective applicant, you can visit the department and meet with staff and students. The selection process also involves formal interviews with applicants before the dental program begins.

7. East Carolina University

Acceptance rate: 21.16%

East Carolina University is yet another reputable school of dental medicine in the country. The school has a good acceptance rate, and it operates professionally. Additionally, it holds accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

Besides its focus on oral health, East Carolina University also encourages its students to obtain a wide range of knowledge, including engaging in community service and related activities.

Attainment of a grade point average of 3.5 is indispensable since none compliance will result in the rejection of the admission application. Moreover, you must do the DAT and get a score of at least 19.9. Although East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine has a high acceptance rate you may need to make the state your permanent home.

This might be the case because North Carolina has a limited number of practicing dentists. It is imperative to bear in mind if one intends to seek admission into the EUC School of Dental Medicine.

8. Ohio State University

Acceptance rate: 20.33%

In 2021, Ohio State University School of Dentistry had a great acceptance rate of 20.33%. Gaining admission into the dental program of this university is highly feasible as it is among the few institutions in the country that does not mandate a bachelor's degree for enrollment.

Furthermore, the school offers top notch oral health education and boasts accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The quality of education in the school is evidenced by the fact that approximately 49.3% of dental health students at the university graduate successfully.

Before applying to Ohio State University College of Dentistry, you need to meet several requirements. To satisfy the requirements for enrollment it is compulsory to finish nine of the thirteen prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher. You'll take courses like anatomy, biochemistry, chemistry, biology, and physiology. Others include organic chemistry, microbiology, physics, English, and second writing course.

To be deemed eligible for admission it is mandatory to secure a minimum grade point average of 3.6. However, in the circumstance where this criterion cannot be satisfied, possession of an advanced degree with a GPA of not less than 3.5 becomes a requirement. Furthermore, acquisition of a minimum DAT score of 17 is also a prerequisite for enrollment.

9. New York University

Acceptance rate: 20.32%

New York University is one of the most reputable dental institutions in the country that you could join. The institution has a good acceptance rate, thus increasing your chances of studying there. Moreover, the establishment furnishes exceptional pedagogy and has earned accreditation from the American Dental Association.

However, the tuition fee at New York University is relatively expensive. Therefore, before sending in your application, you must prepare to dig deeper into your pockets. Although the fee is high, you might prefer the institution for its great success rate and average GPA requirements.

Attaining entrance into NYU College of Dentistry mandates possessing a median scholastic aptitude quotient of 3.44. NYU dental also requires you to take the DAT and get a minimum score of 21.2. Nevertheless, holding a bachelor's degree is obligatory for submitting an application to the academy.

In the event of possessing an international bachelor's degree, NYU stipulates the fulfillment of a minimum threshold of 60 credits at an accredited institution within the United States or Canada. The prerequisite courses you're required to complete include biology inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. All these sciences include lab practicals. You should also have English, microbiology, biochemistry, anatomy, physiology, and cell biology, among others. The institution also offers Master's degree programs.

10. Indiana University

Acceptance rate: 19.95%

Indiana University School of Dentistry represents an additional dental academia within the nation, offering more accessible admission prospects. The university has 11 academic programs that you could choose from based on the career path you'd like to follow. Additionally, the institution proffers elevated academic curricula, including a degree in dental sciences and a master's degree pertaining to dentistry.

If you are applying for the Doctor of dental surgery degree program, you must meet certain requirements. The course takes four academic years. To meet the prerequisites, one must possess a median cumulative GPA of 3.55 and an average DAT score approximating 20.11.

The selecting committee must also assess your academic record, technical skills, letters of recommendation, and exposure to the field of dentistry. They must also conduct a personal interview. The interview helps the committee determine your personality, character, motivation, and ethics.

Indiana University School of Dentistry also offers other programs such as dental hygiene. This program stipulates a comprehensive university GPA of 2.7 (employing a 4.0 scale) or a minimal GPA of 3.0 in the required academics. Fundamental antecedent courses encircle disciplines like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, and immunology.

List of Dental Schools with Acceptance Rates

RankSchoolAcceptance Rate
1University of Mississippi44.32%
2University of Minnesota38.54%
3University of Puerto Rico36.70%
4University of Detroit Mercy28.71%
5University of Utah27.45%
6University of Washington22.54%
7East Carolina University21.16%
8Ohio State University20.33%
9New York University20.32%
10Indiana University19.95%
11University of New England18.99%
12University of Iowa18.90%
13University of Pittsburgh17.92%
14University of Missouri, Kansas City17.45%
15Oregon Health & Science University16.60%
16LSU Health Sciences Center16.29%
17University of Maryland16.26%
18Augusta University16.06%
19UT Health San Antonio15.21%
20University of Pennsylvania15.15%
21University of Nebraska Medical Center15.09%
22Midwestern University - AZ14.89%
23Touro College of Dental Medicine14.72%
24Midwestern University - IL14.47%
25University of Louisville14.08%
26Southern Illinois University14.08%
27Boston University13.32%
28Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health12.92%
29Case Western Reserve University12.81%
30Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC12.57%
31Stony Brook University12.49%
32University of Texas at Houston12.42%
33Nova Southeastern University12.08%
34Temple University12.01%
35Roseman University of Health Sciences11.99%
36University of Michigan11.68%
37Loma Linda University11.62%
38University of the Pacific11.50%
39University of California, San Francisco11.47%
40Tufts University11.32%
41University of Kentucky11.23%
42Creighton University10.99%
43Rutgers School of Dental Medicine10.81%
44Columbia University10.78%
45LECOM College of Dental Medicine10.69%
46University of Alabama10.45%
47Virginia Commonwealth University10.38%
48University of California, Los Angeles10.16%
49University of Florida10.08%
50University of Nevada, Las Vegas9.72%
51Medical University of South Carolina9.47%
52University of Tennessee College of Dentistry9.47%
53Texas A&M University8.60%
54Marquette University8.55%
55University of North Carolina8.54%
56University of Illinois, Chicago8.54%
57West Virginia University8.23%
58University at Buffalo8.23%
59Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health7.36%
60University of Colorado7.14%
61University of Connecticut7.08%
62Western University of Health Sciences7.03%
63University of Oklahoma6.72%
64Harvard University5.85%
65Meharry Medical College3.33%

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental School Admissions

What is a typical dental school acceptance rate?

Dental school acceptance rates vary widely. Some programs accept around 25% of applicants, while others have lower rates.

How important are DAT scores for getting into dental school?

DAT scores play a big role in admissions. Most schools look for scores of 18-21 or higher.

Is it harder to get into dental school as an out-of-state applicant?

Many dental schools give preference to in-state residents. Out-of-state applicants often face more competition.

What GPA do I need for dental school?

Most dental schools want to see a GPA of 3.2 or higher. Top programs may look for 3.5+.

Do all dental schools require the same prerequisite courses?

Dental schools typically require similar prerequisites. These include biology, chemistry, physics, and math courses.

How many dental schools should I apply to?

Experts often suggest applying to 10-15 schools to improve your chances of acceptance.

What factors besides grades and test scores matter for dental school admissions?

Schools also value:

  • Research experience
  • Volunteer work
  • Strong letters of recommendation

Take the next step toward your future with online learning.

Discover schools with the programs and courses you’re interested in, and start learning today.
crossmenuchevron-down