If you are considering developing a career in dentistry, but you are not quite sure whether your academic success matches dental programs requirements, you might want to check these 10 least competitive dental schools in America. We created the ranking using as criteria average GPA and DAT of recently enrolled students. In addition, we looked whether programs include special course requirements as well as tuition fees or not.
In general, future dental students should consider three things. First, you should find out what core predental course are mandatory. The majority of schools require that applicants have taken one year course of biology, general and organic chemistry with laboratory work, physics with lab and English. For some programs courses such as biochemistry and microbiology, or math and psychology might also be part of admission prerequisites. While some programs only recommend that applicants have knowledge in previously mentioned subjects, others explicitly state that these courses are mandatory. Moreover, some practical experience in dentistry is a must for students applying for dental schools.
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Secondly, you should look at average GPA and DAT of most recently admitted students. An excellent starting point for the investigation might be checking out sites which compare different dental school across the US. Depending on your ambitions, i.e. whether you want to get into the best dental school or just be admitted to any school, you will know which programs to rule out immediately and which to add to your wish list. Note that students enrolled at best schools had average GPA 3.87, compared to GPA of 3.3, which is the average academic result at the 10th program on this list – the one that is the most competitive among the least competitive. If your academic performance was so poor that you do not meet criteria for schools that are easiest to get into, do not worry. You can check these 10 least competitive medical specialties in America, where you will find out that some programs admit students who have GPA of 2.3
Now let’s turn to Dental Admission Test (DAT) which is mandatory for all dental school applicants. The computed-based test, which measures general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability, includes multiple-choice questions in biology (40), general chemistry (30), organic chemistry (30), perceptual ability (90), reading comprehension (50); and quantitative reasoning (40). DAT scores range from 1 to 30, while the national average in recent years has been the result of 19-20. As with all standardized tests, the key to scoring well, besides knowledge, is staying calm and focused. Panic often interferes with students’ performance and the best way to overcome test anxiety is to get familiar with the test’s structure by practicing as often as you can.
Even if you are applying for dental schools with minimum admission requirements, GPA and DAT alone won’t secure you the place. Since dentistry is a patient-orientated profession, admission committees will like to know whether you are the person who can empathize with others, establish a caring relationship, maintain good working ethics, etc. Having volunteering experience under your belt is a good way to show that you possess these qualities.
Finally, tuition fees are also an important factor when choosing a dental school. The majority of colleges on this list are private, and tuition ranges from $42,235 to $70,639. On the other side, if you choose a public college you will need to pay between $8,751 and $26,708 annually. Some colleges give preference to in-state students and tuition for them is usually much lower than for non-residents.
Now that you have all information necessary for starting the application for a dental program lets explore in more details these 10 least competitive dental schools in America. The ranking is based on data obtained from DAT PREP. First, we ranked schools by average GPA, and separately by average DAT. Then we combined the ranking, calculating the average ranking for each program to come up with this list. Note that for some schools DAT PREP doesn’t give average GPA. In cases like that, we relied on information found at Startclass.
10. Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Average GPA: 3.3
Average DAT: 20
We start with the school which states “Belief in God” as its first core value. We are not sure whether this means that atheist should immediately cross out the school from the wish list. However, other stated values such as respect for individual, empathetic care, the pursuit of truth are deeply humanistic and should be shared by both, atheists and believers. As to more down-to-earth matters, you should know that Loma Linda University School of Dentistry falls into the category of expensive dental schools on this list. Residents and non-residents students pay $59,211 annually. The school admits 99 students and list of mandatory courses also includes biochemistry.
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9. Midwestern University – Illinois College of Dental Medicine-Illinois (CDMI)
Average GPA: 3.43
Average DAT: 18.6
While average GPA and DAT of recently enrolled students are not as high as at some of the most prestigious dental schools, two things might put you off applying. First, tuition fees, which are 88 percent higher than average costs of all dental schools. Regardless of whether you live in the state or not, you need to pay $70,639 yearly. Secondly, a list of additional course requirements includes four courses: anatomy, microbiology, physiology, and biochemistry. On the other side, you can benefit from an interdisciplinary approach, use of latest equipment and innovative curriculum. As a second youngest dental program on our list, changes and improvements are made on a daily basis, so if CDMI is on your wish list, make sure you check the college’s site regularly. Finally, the College admits international applicants and non-US citizens are eligible to apply.
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8. University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine
Average GPA: 3.5
Average DAT: 17
The University of Puerto Rico offers the cheapest dental program on the list. Domestic students pay tuition of only $8,751 annually while for those who live outside Puerto Rico the tuition is $27,128. The school admits 40 students yearly, which is the smallest class size on the list. List of mandatory courses includes social and behavioral science while courses such as biochemistry or molecular Biology, histology, physiology, anatomy, etc. are highly recommended. While low tuition and requirements might seem attractive, you should know that the school occupies the lowest position on Startclass list which ranks dental school by a number of parameters, including GPA, DAT, class size, NIDCR funding, and so on.
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7. University of Tennessee College of Dentistry
Average GPA: 3.3
Average DAT: 19.3
The oldest dental college in the South and third oldest public college which offers a program in Dentistry in the US, admits 432 students every year, which is the highest number among all schools on this list. Tuition for in-state students is $30,966 and $69,166 for non-residents. Students who apply for the dental program at Tennessee college must have completed two additional courses: biochemistry and one of these courses: histology, microbiology or comparative anatomy.
6. A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
Average GPA: 3.37
Average DAT: 19
At Arizona dental school students spend first two years gaining experience through dental simulation exercises, while the third and fourth year is reserved for direct patient care. The school praises itself for the use of innovative technology and the fact that its students are among the first in the US to obtain certification in laser therapy. The school admits 76 students every year and tuition fees of $68,549 are the same for in-state and out-state students.
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5. East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine
Average GPA: 3.4
Average DAT: 18.2
The fifth program on the list of 10 least competitive dental schools in America is also among the cheapest ones with tuition of $26,708 for both resident and non-resident students. While all programs on our list boast about the use of latest technologies, East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine can go one step further in praising itself since Apple named the School an Apple Distinguished Program due to the innovative implementation of technology in student learning and teledentistry. Moreover, the college is orientated towards improving dental health across North Carolina. With state’s support, the school has built centers in rural areas where citizens can get dental care and students have the opportunity to gain practical experience in working with patients. The school admits 53 students and mathematics is included on the list of mandatory courses.
4.Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
Average GPA: 3.31
Average DAT: 19
If you believe that the best way to learn is through practice, then Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine might be the school you are looking for. The college puts emphasis on clinical training opportunities, which include early direct patient care, preclinical simulation, possibility to work with faculty staff at WesternU dental clinic, etc. List of prerequisite courses includes subjects mentioned in the introduction. However the school highly recommends that applicants have taken some of the following subjects: biochemistry, genetics, cell biology, human anatomy and physiology, microbiology, calculus 1, biometrics, psychology, conversational Spanish. Since only 69 students are admitted yearly, knowledge in some of these subjects might give you a competitive advantage. Finally, tuition fees are $66,878.
3. University of New England College of Dental Medicine
Average GPA: 3.33
Average DAT: 18.2
The youngest dental program on our list, UNE College of Dental Medicine, offers extensive clinical training to its students. First-year students provide care to simulated patients while students in second and third year work with patients in the Oral Health Center. Finally, during the fourth year, students have the opportunity to provide direct patient care in communities throughout Northern New England. The college does not give preference to in-state students. Last year 64 students were admitted and among them, 40 came from 16 different US states. Tuition fees of $59,710 are the same for resident and non-resident students. Additional course requirements include microbiology and biochemistry while courses such as anatomy, psychology, 3D art, etc. are highly recommended.
2. Howard University College of Dentistry
Average GPA: 2.85
Average DAT: 18
Another institution with a long tradition, Howard University College of Dentistry, was established in 1881, and it is fifth oldest dental school in America. College vision focuses on eliminating health disparities among Americans. Students who get into the program have the opportunity to gain practical experience through working in college’s dental clinics under the supervision of senior staff. The college offers a place to 74 students yearly and tuition for residents and non-residents is $42,631 and $63,250, respectively. Additional course requirements include biochemistry and human anatomy, which are mandatory, and physiology and microbiology which are recommended.
1. Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry
Average GPA: 3.20
Average DAT: 18
Meharry dental program ranks as first on the list of 10 least competitive dental schools in America. If you are a person who wants to make a contribution to creating a society in which all citizens have equal access to medical care, then Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry is the right match for you. The college is dedicated to improving the health care of the minorities and underserved communities by offering uncompensated $26 million dental and health care for Nashville’s vulnerable citizens. Meharry also puts emphasize on fostering ethnic, social and cultural diversity among students. The tuition of $42,235 is the same for in-state and out-state students. The college admits 60 students annually, and additional course requirements include biochemistry and mathematics or calculus.
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