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. These schools only accept 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
| Rank | School | Acceptance Rate |
| 1 | Oregon Health & Science University | 30.12% |
| 2 | East Carolina University | 27.71% |
| 3 | New York University | 26.38% |
| 4 | University of Minnesota | 24.89% |
| 5 | University of New England | 24.52% |
| 6 | University of Detroit Mercy | 24.15% |
| 7 | University of Louisville | 24.05% |
| 8 | University of Utah | 22.91% |
| 9 | University of Mississippi | 21.53% |
| 10 | UT Health San Antonio | 21.29% |
Top Ten of the Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into
1. Oregon Health & Science University
Acceptance rate: 30.12%
Click for Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Dentistry
The Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Dentistry is known for its commitment to excellence in oral health education, patient care, research, and community service.
- Comprehensive Education: OHSU offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program that combines rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experience.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The school is located in the modern Skourtes Tower at the Robertson Life Sciences Building in Portland's South Waterfront, providing an excellent environment for learning and research.
- Clinical Excellence: OHSU's dental clinics offer a full range of dental services, and students gain practical experience by working in these clinics under supervision.
- Community Focus: The school serves the local community, the state of Oregon, and beyond, with a mission to improve oral health and provide high-quality care.
- Support and Resources: OHSU provides various scholarships and continuing education opportunities for students and professionals.
It's a great option if you're looking for a well-rounded dental education with a strong emphasis on clinical practice and community service.
2. East Carolina University
Acceptance Rate: 27.71%
Click for East Carolina University (ECU) School of Dental Medicine
The East Carolina University (ECU) School of Dental Medicine is dedicated to addressing the shortage of dentists in rural North Carolina.
- Established in 2011: ECU SoDM is North Carolina's second dental school, with its inaugural class starting in the fall of 2011.
- Comprehensive Programs: The school offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program, as well as post-doctoral programs in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD), General Practice Residency (GPR), and Pediatric Dentistry.
- Community Service Learning Centers: Students gain hands-on experience at eight community service learning centers across North Carolina, providing care in underserved areas.
- Focus on Rural Health: The school aims to educate dentists who are proficient in clinical medicine and prepared to address the needs of patients with multiple and chronic health conditions.
- State-Supported Mission: ECU SoDM is a state-supported professional school with a mission to provide dentists to serve the people of North Carolina.
It's a great option if you're looking to make a difference in rural healthcare and gain extensive clinical experience.
3. New York University
Acceptance Rate: 26.38%
Click for New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry)
The New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) is one of the oldest and most prestigious dental schools in the United States.
- Established in 1865: NYU Dentistry is the third oldest continuously operating dental school in the U.S.
- Comprehensive Programs: The school offers a range of programs, including a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), dental hygiene programs, advanced education programs, and research opportunities.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: Located on First Avenue in New York City, the school boasts modern facilities, including the Schwartz Hall of Dental Sciences and the David B. Kriser Dental Center.
- Research and Innovation: NYU Dentistry is known for its extensive research enterprise, including student research and collaborations with other institutions.
- Patient Care: The school provides comprehensive dental care to the community through its clinics and faculty practices.
- Global Health Initiatives: NYU Dentistry is involved in global health initiatives and collaborates with organizations to improve access to oral health care worldwide.
It's a great option if you're looking for a well-rounded dental education with a strong emphasis on research and community service.
4. University of Minnesota
Acceptance Rate: 24.89%
Click for University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is the only dental school in the state and one of the few in the northern tier of states between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest.
- Comprehensive Programs: The school offers a range of programs, including a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), dental therapy, dental hygiene, and advanced education programs.
- Clinical Experience: Students gain hands-on experience through community outreach and clinical rotations at various sites across the Midwest.
- Research and Innovation: The school is known for its research initiatives and contributions to the field of dentistry.
- Diversity and Inclusion: The school emphasizes diversity in its admissions process and aims to prepare graduates to practice in diverse environments.
- Community Service: Students are required to participate in community outreach experiences as a condition of graduation, providing dental care to underserved populations.
It's a great option if you're looking for a well-rounded dental education with a strong emphasis on community service and research.
5. University of New England
Acceptance Rate: 24.52%
Click for University of New England (UNE) College of Dental Medicine
The University of New England (UNE) College of Dental Medicine is Maine's only dental school and a national leader in dental education.
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Program: UNE offers a comprehensive DMD program that combines traditional methods with innovative approaches to dental education.
- Interprofessional Learning: Students learn alongside peers from other health programs, such as osteopathic medicine and physician assistant studies, fostering a team-based care approach.
- Oral Health Center: UNE's state-of-the-art Oral Health Center in Portland provides hands-on clinical experience under faculty supervision.
- Community Service: Students provide dental care to patients in both urban and rural settings, gaining valuable real-world experience.
- Advanced Standing Track: For international dentists, UNE offers a 29-month program to integrate them into the U.S. dental practice.
It's a great option if you're looking for a well-rounded dental education with a strong emphasis on interprofessional learning and community service.
6. University of Detroit Mercy
Acceptance Rate: 24.15%
Click for University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry is one of two dental schools in Michigan and is known for its commitment to patient care and community wellness.
- Location: The school is located at 2700 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Detroit, MI.
- Comprehensive Education: The program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experience, preparing students to become competent dental professionals.
- Community Focus: The school emphasizes serving those in need and provides comprehensive, patient-centered care through its clinics.
- Research and Innovation: The school is dedicated to research and scholarly activities, fostering a forward-thinking and inclusive learning environment.
- Support Services: Students receive support through career services, academic advising, and a collaborative culture that encourages leadership and learning.
It's a great option if you're looking for a well-rounded dental education with a strong emphasis on community service and research.
7. University of Louisville
Acceptance Rate: 24.05%
Click for University of Louisville School of Dentistry
The University of Louisville School of Dentistry is known for its commitment to excellence in dental education, patient care, and research.
- Location: The school is located at 452 E. Muhammad Ali Blvd, Louisville, KY.
- Comprehensive Education: The program combines rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experience, preparing students to become competent dental professionals.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The school boasts modern facilities, including advanced simulation technology and research labs.
- Community Focus: The school emphasizes serving those in need and provides comprehensive, patient-centered care through its clinics.
- Research and Innovation: The school is dedicated to research and scholarly activities, fostering a forward-thinking and inclusive learning environment.
- Support Services: Students receive support through career services, academic advising, and a collaborative culture that encourages leadership and learning.
It's a great option if you're looking for a well-rounded dental education with a strong emphasis on community service and research.
8. University of Utah
Acceptance Rate: 22.91%
Click for University of Utah School of Dentistry
The University of Utah School of Dentistry is known for its innovative curriculum, modern teaching facilities, and world-class researchers.
- Location: Nestled in Research Park on the south side of campus, the school offers stunning views of the Salt Lake Valley.
- Comprehensive Education: The school provides a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program, combining rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical experience.
- Research Opportunities: The school is involved in ongoing studies ranging from basic science inquiries to clinical trials, contributing to advancements in oral health.
- Clinical Experience: Students gain practical experience through clinical rotations and externships, working with a large patient population.
- Community Service: The school emphasizes community service and provides comprehensive care to patients, including those with special needs2.
- Support Services: Students receive support through career services, academic advising, and a collaborative environment that encourages leadership and learning.
It's a great option if you're looking for a well-rounded dental education with a strong emphasis on research and community service.
9. University of Mississippi
Acceptance Rate: 21.53%
Click for University of Mississippi School of Dentistry
The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry is the only dental school in Mississippi and is part of the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson.
- Comprehensive Programs: The school offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program, as well as dental hygiene programs and advanced education programs.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: UMMC houses over 5,000 square feet of research laboratories where innovative, world-class research is conducted.
- Clinical Experience: Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations and externships, providing care under the supervision of licensed faculty dentists.
- Community Service: The school emphasizes community service, offering free dental treatment during events like Dental Mission Week.
- Diversity and Inclusion: UMMC is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, essential for achieving its mission and vision.
It's a great option if you're looking for a well-rounded dental education with a strong emphasis on research and community service.
10. UT Health San Antonio
Acceptance Rate: 21.29%
Click for UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry is a leading institution in dental education, research, community service, and patient care in South Texas.
- Comprehensive Programs: The school offers a range of programs, including a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.), bachelor's and online master's degrees in dental hygiene, postgraduate certificates in nine dental specialties, and an international dental program.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities: The school is equipped with modern facilities and attracts world-renowned faculty to educate the next generation of oral health care professionals.
- Clinical Experience: Students gain extensive clinical experience through rotations and externships, serving over 122,000 patients annually.
- Research Opportunities: The school is involved in significant research, receiving over $15.8 million in research funding in 2023.
- Community Service: The school emphasizes community service, providing comprehensive care to patients and offering various outreach programs.
It's a great option if you're looking for a well-rounded dental education with strong clinical and research components.
List of Dental Schools with Acceptance Rates
Click for List of 66 Dental Schools
| Rank | School | Acceptance Rate |
| 1 | Oregon Health & Science University | 30.12% |
| 2 | East Carolina University | 27.71% |
| 3 | New York University | 26.38% |
| 4 | University of Minnesota | 24.89% |
| 5 | University of New England | 24.52% |
| 6 | University of Detroit Mercy | 24.15% |
| 7 | University of Louisville | 24.05% |
| 8 | University of Utah | 22.91% |
| 9 | University of Mississippi | 21.53% |
| 10 | UT Health San Antonio | 21.29% |
| 11 | Touro College of Dental Medicine | 20.65% |
| 12 | Indiana University | 19.13% |
| 13 | Loma Linda University | 17.67% |
| 14 | University of Missouri, Kansas City | 17.20% |
| 15 | Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC | 16.94% |
| 16 | Howard University | 16.73% |
| 17 | University of Iowa | 16.61% |
| 18 | Temple University | 16.51% |
| 19 | University of Washington | 15.38% |
| 20 | Ohio State University | 15.20% |
| 21 | Case Western Reserve University | 14.96% |
| 22 | Midwestern University - AZ | 14.70% |
| 23 | University of Pennsylvania | 14.32% |
| 24 | Southern Illinois University | 14.22% |
| 25 | Stony Brook University | 13.90% |
| 26 | University of Nebraska Medical Center | 13.70% |
| 27 | LSU Health Sciences Center | 13.56% |
| 28 | University of Alabama | 13.43% |
| 29 | University of Tennessee College of Dentistry | 12.90% |
| 30 | Creighton University | 12.79% |
| 31 | Nova Southeastern University | 12.64% |
| 32 | Midwestern University - IL | 12.61% |
| 33 | West Virginia University | 12.50% |
| 34 | Tufts University | 12.48% |
| 35 | University of Kentucky | 12.39% |
| 36 | University of Maryland | 12.11% |
| 37 | University of Michigan | 12.08% |
| 38 | Augusta University | 11.69% |
| 39 | University of the Pacific | 11.69% |
| 40 | Boston University | 11.14% |
| 41 | Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health | 11.13% |
| 42 | University of Oklahoma | 11.09% |
| 43 | University of Puerto Rico | 10.96% |
| 44 | University of North Carolina | 10.90% |
| 45 | Virginia Commonwealth University | 10.76% |
| 46 | Rutgers School of Dental Medicine | 10.70% |
| 47 | University of Texas at Houston | 10.68% |
| 48 | Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health | 10.67% |
| 49 | Columbia University | 10.38% |
| 50 | Roseman University of Health Sciences | 10.17% |
| 51 | Texas A&M University | 10.15% |
| 52 | University of Nevada, Las Vegas | 9.83% |
| 53 | University of California, Los Angeles | 8.74% |
| 54 | University of Pittsburgh | 8.60% |
| 55 | University of Illinois, Chicago | 8.57% |
| 56 | University of California, San Francisco | 8.43% |
| 57 | University of Florida | 8.15% |
| 58 | Marquette University | 7.87% |
| 59 | University at Buffalo | 7.49% |
| 60 | LECOM College of Dental Medicine | 7.33% |
| 61 | Western University of Health Sciences | 7.08% |
| 62 | Medical University of South Carolina | 6.87% |
| 63 | University of Colorado | 6.41% |
| 64 | Meharry Medical College | 6.19% |
| 65 | University of Connecticut | 5.86% |
| 66 | Harvard University | 4.64% |
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
