The information in this guide is subject to change. The universities may require additional lower division courses beyond those listed or articulated. Please review a current catalog of the campus of your choice and consult with a counselor.
Last updated 3/20/19.
A common educational requirement for admission to dental school is completion of at least two academic years of liberal arts study; however, many dental schools in the United States require three or more years of college. Applicants should be aware that a majority of the most recent first-year dental class completed four years of pre-professional education, and received a baccalaureate degree prior to dental school enrollment. There are certain basic pre-dental education courses that must be completed prior to enrollment in dental school. Because dental schools vary with regard to these prerequisite courses, applicants should contact the appropriate schools to understand specific admission requirements.
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA) is required by U.S. dental schools. The testing program is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability. Use this link for information about the DAT. In addition to the universities listed below, there are many other accredited dental schools in California and the U.S. For a list by state and more information, see the ADA web site at www.ada.org/267.aspx.
School Information
UC SAN FRANCISCO
Information is based on 2013 School of Dentistry admissions information & 2012-13 articulation agreement Completion of 90 transferable semester units of college work (exclusive of repeated courses) is a minimum requirement for admission. 20 semester units must be completed at an accredited four-year U.S. institution. Applicants must meet the requirements for admission to the University of California as well as the requirements listed below. Requirements must be completed by the end of the spring session before the desired date of enrollment. California residents must have a minimum overall and science college GPA of 2.70, although very few students are admitted with a GPA below 3.0. Prerequisite courses must be completed with at least a “C” grade. The Admissions Committee prefers letter grades, particularly in the sciences. See the articulation agreement at www.assist.org.
Pre-Dental Prerequisites:
- BIO 2.1+2.2
- CHEM 1A+1B; CHEM 12A
- Biochemistry (no course articulated)
- ENGL 1A+1B
- PHYS 20/20L+21/21L
- PSYCH 1A
Social Sciences, Humanities, and/or Foreign Language - 11 semester units in addition to above requirements.
Additional electives: UCSF recommends comparative vertebrate anatomy, embryology, genetics, and statistics.
For information about the admissions process, please check the UCSF School of Dentistry website. Admission is based on each applicant’s academic background, DAT scores, perceptual skill as determined by that portion of the DAT, motivation toward a dental career, and the potential for future success in dentistry indicated by past achievements and present commitments. Other factors include desire to practice in a medically underserved community and how well applicants present themselves in an interview. Three letters of recommendation are required. Applicants are advised to apply early. Applications are processed through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).
LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY
Information is based on 2015 School of Dentistry admissions information & 2009-10 articulation agreement Admission requirements: Proficiency in verbal and written English; the DAT completed within two years of admission; A minimum of 50 hours of dental practice observation/shadowing; Three letters of reference; A formal interview by invitation only. A minimum of 96 semester units are required from an accredited school. A baccalaureate degree is preferred. Prerequisites must be taken in the U.S. or Canada. A grade of “C” or higher is required. Science sequences must be completed within five years of admission. A science GPA of 3.3 or higher is recommended. Science coursework completed at a four year school is preferred. Additional information is available on Loma Linda’s webpage.
Pre-Dental Prerequisites:
- BIO 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 – or – BIO 10, 12
- CHEM 1A, 1B
- CHEM 12A, 12B
- ENGL 1A, 1B
- PHYS 20/20L, 21/21L
Biochemistry: one semester or two quarters required, full year recommended (no course articulated)
Coursework recommended by Loma Linda: Accounting, Anatomy, Business Management, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Ceramics, Communication, Genetics, Histology, Immunology, Microbiology, Neuroscience, Psychology, Religion, Sculpture, Statistics, Systems Physiology.