What is the difference between the DDS and the DMD Degree?
DDS and DMD are the acronyms of the degrees dentists earn after finishing dental school. DDS means Doctor of Dental Surgery, and DMD can mean either Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine. While the names are different, the American Dental Association (ADA) explains that they represent the same education. Some universities may grant dental graduates with a DDS, and others grant a DMD, but both degrees have the same requirements. Currently, the majority of dental schools award the DDS degree.
What are Dental schools looking for?
Dental schools are looking for well-rounded individuals with strong academic backgrounds, especially in the sciences, and intellectual potential as evidenced by excellent grades and DAT scores. They seek candidates who demonstrate empathy, communication skills, a commitment to ethical practice, and a genuine interest in the field of dentistry. Furthermore, dental schools value experience in a dental setting, leadership qualities, and a strong work ethic.
What are the course requirements?
Dental schools require similar basic prerequisite courses as medical schools. Some dental schools also have additional course requirements in the sciences, math or social sciences, and many prefer more than two biology courses.  Many dental schools require one semester of psychology. The ADEA (American Dental Education Association) Official Guide to Dental Schools, provides detailed information about course prerequisites and admission criteria for all U.S. and Canadian dental schools. It is best to check if there are any for your state institution (where you have the best chance of being accepted) and other schools in which you may be interested. Many sections of the ADEA guide are freely available as downloadable pdf chapters, or you can purchase the entire book from the ADEA.
 Can I use AP/IB credit to fulfill science requirements?
Dental schools have not developed a uniform policy regarding accepting AP/IB credits. Some schools accept AP/IB credit to replace an introductory science course, other schools will only accept AP/IB credits for electives. In addition, there are schools which do not accept AP/IB credit at all. The ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools provides detailed admission criteria for all U.S and Canadian dental schools.
How can I obtain clinical experience?
Many dental schools require between 50-130 hours of observation at a dental practice prior to applying to dental school. You can contact your family dentist or UCLA alumni (UCLA ONE: https://uclaone.com/ ) to inquire about shadowing. Once you secure a shadowing opportunity set up a system to track your shadowing hours as you may be asked to submit documentation of your dentistry shadowing experience as part of your application. You can also apply for paid positions in dental settings, such as dental receptionist or dental assistant.
Which standardized tests are required?
Dental schools require the Dental Admission Test (DAT) which is sponsored by the American Dental Association. The test is offered year-round. The DAT takes approximately five hours and consists of four parts; natural sciences (introductory biology, general and organic chemistry) perceptual ability; reading comprehension and quantitative reasoning. The DAT scores range from a low of 200 to a high of 600. The national DAT average of matriculated dental school applicants is in the range of 410-430 per section. DAT scores are automatically reported in the AADSAS application, so there is no need to have them sent separately to dental schools. In addition, the ADA has implemented a life-time limit of no more than three testing attempts per applicant. You can find helpful information about the test on the ADA website.
How Are DAT Scores Sent To Schools?
You will receive an unofficial score on the day of the test. In 3-4 weeks, your official score will go to the dental schools you indicated when you registered for the test. These are included in the DAT fee, regardless of the number of schools selected. You will pay for each score report added to additional schools after submitting your DAT application.
When Should I take the DAT?
You should take the test after completing all the prerequisite courses and when you feel fully prepared. The majority of applicants take the test in the spring or early summer before applying. Here is a site that offers a good overview on this topic.
When do I apply to dental school?
It is recommended to apply early to dental schools. Your application should be submitted in late June to early July. The application verification process can take between one month to six weeks or more in the peak application season. If needed, you will be able to update the AADSAS application at the end of the fall quarter to report fall grades.
How do I apply to dental school?
The central, primary application used by the majority of U.S. dental schools is the AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service). The application opens in early June and the 2025Â fee was $264Â for the first school and $115Â for every additional school. AADSAS is a web-based application. Applicants must provide demographic information, information about dental related activities such as patient care, research, community service, leadership, honors and awards and a personal statement. You must request transcripts from all U.S. colleges you have attended and list your courses as instructed. AADSAS will calculate various GPAs, combining all your coursework from all the schools you have attended, with a particular focus on your science classes.
Fee Assistance Program (FAP)
AADSAS has a FAP for applicants with significant hardship. You must apply for the FAP prior to submitting your AADSAS application. The FAP becomes available in June with the start of the application cycle and closes in November. You should apply early for the FAP because it is awarded on a first-come-first-served basis. Applicants who qualify will receive a fee waiver which will cover the cost of three dental school designations on the AADSAS application.
What are the Secondary/Supplemental Applications?
Some schools will invite you to complete secondary applications immediately after you submit your AADSAS, others schools wait until your application is verified. The supplemental applications often ask you to write additional essays, and to list courses you have taken that satisfy requirements. You will also be asked to pay another fee, this time directly to the school.
Where do I send my Transcripts?
Remember to request transcripts early, as AADSAS will not begin to process your application until all transcripts have been received. To order official transcripts, contact the Registrar’s Office. You must submit transcripts from all the institutions you have attended. Learn how to send your official transcripts and test scores to ADEA.