Studying at dental schools can be quite challenging, especially if you’re not fully prepared, but you can increase your chance if starting with the least competitive dental schools in America. These schools make the application process easier, allowing you to pass the test swiftly and gain admission even if your grades aren’t exceptionally high. It’s a crucial step since it can lead you to a rewarding and well-paying career.
Being a dentist entails a wide range of duties and responsibilities, from providing oral hygiene advice to performing surgeries and examinations. To get into dental school, you’ll need to complete a bachelor’s degree and take pre-dental coursework, which typically includes subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy, physiology, and English composition. Some schools may have additional requirements.
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Job shadowing dentists before applying to dental school is a valuable practice recommended by many professionals. Some schools even suggest accumulating around 100 hours of job shadowing as a prerequisite. Joining dental associations that include students and practitioners can also be beneficial.
Once you’ve completed these steps, you’ll need to approach the exams. The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is essential for admission to many dental schools in the US and Canada. It’s designed to assess applicants’ potential for success and takes approximately 4.5 hours to complete. Additionally, your GPA (Grade Point Average) is crucial, and most schools expect an average of 3.5 or higher. However, some schools on our list don’t require a high GPA, making it easier to pass the exam and there are dental schools that do not require DAT.
Obtaining a letter of recommendation from a dentist or mentor is another necessary step, among other similar letters. It’s important to remember that the easiest schools to get into don’t are not the worst dental schools in the US. You’ll still receive excellent training and education in these schools.
To compile our list of the least competitive dental schools in America, we conducted extensive research based on acceptance rates. Universities with high acceptance rates are more favorable, as you’ll need fewer points on the test to gain admission. These statistics are available from universities themselves or through student organizations. We ranked the schools accordingly, and one name consistently emerged at the top – no surprise, as it’s a well-known institution. Read our list and make an informed decision about your future!
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25. Howard University College of Dentistry
Acceptance rate: 7%
At the College of Dentistry, their primary focus is on delivering exceptional patient-centered care based on solid evidence. They are committed to enhancing the overall oral health of the local, national, and global communities through their dedication to excellence in dentistry.
24. University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry
Acceptance rate: 7.03%
The UTHSC College of Dentistry recognizes and appreciates the importance of diversity in dental education. The Moving Forward Committee is dedicated to promoting diversity among students, faculty, and staff. Their mission is to address the unique needs and perspectives of everyone within the dental field, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
23. University of Oklahoma Health Science College of Dentistry
Acceptance rate: 7.03%
University of Oklahoma ranks 23rd on our list of the least competitive dental schools in America. Since its establishment in 1971, the College has maintained a strong legacy of imparting top-notch clinical care education to its students. Apart from clinical excellence, the curriculum emphasizes the development of well-rounded practitioners capable of delivering dental care across various clinical environments. The College provides a Doctor of Dental Surgery program and a Bachelor of Science degree in dental hygiene. Additionally, there are graduate and residency programs available in advanced general dentistry, orthodontics, periodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.
22. Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Acceptance rate: 7.03%
The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is a nationally renowned institution known for its world-class dental education and compassionate patient care. Their humanistic model of education promotes individual dignity and personal growth. The school offers an accelerated predoctoral program and innovative dental curriculum emphasizing comprehensive patient care and competency-based education.
21. University of Alabama School of Dentistry
Acceptance rate: 7.8%
The institution offers acclaimed academic programs that encompass a wide range of specialized areas, including general dentistry. Prospective students can explore various options, such as DMD programs, postdoctoral residencies, and graduate degrees, among others. The institution also provides innovative pathway programs that serve as a foundation for DMD admission. For those seeking continuous learning, the institution offers a comprehensive continuing dental education program.
20. Southern Illinois University of Dental Medicine
Acceptance rate: 7.91%
The SIU School of Dental Medicine is known for offering exceptional value in dental education. Students have the advantage of accessing the latest technology used in today’s oral health care field, as well as utilizing a state-of-the-art clinic. Notably, the dental school tuition at SIU is the lowest in Illinois, making it a more affordable option for aspiring dentists. The institution’s small student body and intimate environment foster a conducive atmosphere for excellent student-to-faculty interaction.
19. Loma Linda University
Acceptance rate: 8.4%
The faculty members at our institution are a group of caring, practicing professionals who are deeply passionate about whole person health. Despite coming from diverse backgrounds and practice areas, they all share a common commitment to helping you fulfill your unique call to serve. Their dedication to guiding and supporting you on your journey is a cornerstone of our institution’s values.
18. University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
Acceptance rate: 8.81%
The UNMC College of Dentistry Dental Program offers small class sizes and personalized guidance from expert faculty members. Students gain hands-on learning using cutting-edge technology in clinical and virtual simulation labs. The program’s exceptional patient care model fosters teamwork and patient relationships. Community outreach, student-led research, leadership opportunities, and student scholarships enrich the learning experience.
17. University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine
Acceptance rate: 8.8%
The UNLV School of Dental Medicine, Nevada’s only accredited dental school, provides eight education programs. With over 70,000 patient visits annually, the school engages in research, offers continuing education, and plays a vital role in dental care and education in the region. It surely deserves to be on the list of the least competitive dental schools in America.
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16. WesternU College of Dental Medicine
Acceptance rate: 9.3%
The College of Dental Medicine at WesternU focuses on patient-centered care and embraces innovation. With a curriculum designed to incorporate the latest ideas and state-of-the-art facilities, it offers a great opportunity for students to practice modern dentistry while valuing the uniqueness of each patient.
15. University of Iowa
Acceptance rate: 10.6%
University of Iowa ranks 15th on our list of the least competitive dental schools in the US. Established in 1847, the University of Iowa is the oldest institution of higher education in the state, situated in Iowa City along the beautiful Iowa River. It holds memberships in the Association of American Universities and the Big Ten Conference. The university is renowned for its exceptional academic medical center and distinguished expertise in writing. Offering top-notch undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs in diverse fields, Iowa excels in both the arts and sciences.
14. A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
Acceptance rate: 13.08%
The Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (ASDOH) is a dental graduate school located in Mesa, Arizona, affiliated with A.T. Still University. Founded in 2003, it became the first dental school in the state, emphasizing public health in its curriculum. Accredited by the American Dental Association, ASDOH received a Piper Trust Award in 2005 to acquire equipment, including a CT scan machine, for treating special needs children in the community.
13. Augusta University
Acceptance rate: 13.8%
At Augusta University, students experience life-changing transformations from the very beginning. Challenging classes, inspiring faculty, and fulfilling work shape their journey. Building friendships from diverse backgrounds, they grow in skills, knowledge, curiosity, and confidence through real-world opportunities.
12. University of Missouri
Acceptance rate: 14%
Mizzou is recognized as the 12th best value among all national public universities and holds the top spot among national public universities in Missouri and nearby states.
11. Louisiana State University School of Dentistry
Acceptance rate: 16.8%
The LSU School of Dentistry requires applicants to demonstrate specific skills and qualities, along with academic ability, for admission. These include physical health, intellectual skills for problem-solving and comprehension, motor skills for procedural tasks, effective communication, and sensory abilities for observation. Additionally, applicants must exhibit emotional health, good judgment, professionalism, and genuine care for others.
10. Indiana University
Acceptance rate: 19.95%
Indiana University ranks 10th on our list of the least competitive dental schools. IU provides a pathway to a fulfilling career, joining over 760,000 successful alumni making a difference worldwide. With a selection of over 2,400 programs, dentistry stands among the diverse range of opportunities to develop essential skills and contribute to communities and the future.
9. New York University
Acceptance rate: 20.32%
NYU Dentistry stands as the third oldest and largest dental school in the US, shaping the education of nearly 10 percent of American dentists. With a diverse student body of over 1,900 individuals hailing from the US and 40 other countries, NYU Dentistry offers pre- and postdoctoral programs, including specialty training in various dental areas. It hosts a comprehensive continuing education program and is proud to be the only dental school in New York State with an affiliated dental hygiene program. NYU’s dental school’s acceptance rate is more than 20%.
8. Ohio State University
Acceptance rate: 20.33%
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, as the sole state-supported dental school in Ohio, upholds its commitment to educating skilled and empathetic dental hygiene and dental professionals. It prioritizes patient care, conducts groundbreaking research, and actively serves the community. For further information about the College of Dentistry, explore their offerings and mission.
7. ECU School of Dental Medicine
Acceptance rate: 21.16%
The ECU School of Dental Medicine is committed to educating future oral healthcare providers to address North Carolina’s dental needs. Their curriculum focuses on training students inclined to serve rural and underserved communities using a national model incorporating modern technology and hands-on experience. Faculty, students, and residents aim to offer accessible care through clinics and service-learning centers across the state.
6. University of Washington
Acceptance rate: 22.54%
Since its establishment in 1861, the University of Washington has been a thriving center for education, innovation, problem-solving, and community engagement. Guided by a commitment to contribute to the common good, the university’s students, faculty, and staff fearlessly address current pressing issues with ingenuity, creating an impact not only in Washington state but also globally.
5. University of Utah
Acceptance rate: 27.45%
The University of Utah School of Dentistry ranks fith on our list of the least competitive dental schools in the US. The University of Utah School of Dentistry passionately delivers comprehensive oral healthcare to Utahns in need across the state, from Ogden to St. George. Their Mobile Dentistry Clinic extends access to care for rural communities, including Blanding to Tremonton and beyond. The School of Dentistry remains deeply committed to its service mission, focusing on patient care, student education, and research endeavors.