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The School of Dental Medicine seeks to enroll students with the academic background, personality, and motivation to enjoy and profit from our educational program and to become the
best possible dental practitioners. Since the University is committed to selecting a student body representative of society at large, students represent a diversity of backgrounds and
interests and come from a variety of undergraduate colleges. Many have had significant full-time work experience prior to applying to dental school.
As the only public dental school in New England, the School of Dental Medicine participates in the New England Regional Program and gives preference and reduced tuition rate to
residents of Connecticut and the rest of New England. However, non-New England residents are admitted each year and are encouraged to apply. All applications are given a thorough and
holistic review as expeditiously as possible.
In general, each applicant is expected to have completed the equivalent of four years of college and have a baccalaureate degree by the time he or she enters the School. In unusual
cases, an exception may be made for an applicant with a minimum of three years of college. Specific requirements for admission include one year (two semesters) each of general
chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, and physics, as well as facility in English. Courses in biochemistry, cell and molecular biology, and genetics are strongly recommended.
Application Procedures
To facilitate the application process, the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine participates in the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).
AADSAS transmits to a dental school the biographical and academic data required by admissions committees, thereby relieving the applicant of the need to complete multiple, repetitious
individual applications. It is advantageous to start the application process as early as possible. More information may be obtained from AADSAS.
Applications may be initiated as early as July of the year prior to intended registration, but no later than February 1 of the intended registration year. It is permitted to apply
prior to the completion of prerequisite course work and the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
At the time the application is sent to AADSAS, supplementary materials should be forwarded to: The University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, Admissions Office, MC3905,
Farmington, CT 06030. These include the application fee of $75 and official DAT results. For further information call 860-679-2175.
Dental Admission Test (DAT)
All applicants are required to take the Dental Admission Test. The test is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual
abilities. The DAT is offered in a computerized format which can be taken at any time. Additional information is available from the Dental Admission Testing Program, American Dental
Association Division of Educational Measurements, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1846, Chicago, IL 60611-8099; 312-440-2689 or 800-621-8099. DAT registration and test information can
also be obtained at the American Dental Association web site.
Letters of Recommendation
Letters of recommendation should be forwarded from the predental advisory committee at the applicant's undergraduate school directly to AADSAS. If no predental advisory committee
exists, then letters from three faculty members are acceptable.
Required Interview
An interview at the School of Dental Medicine by invitation of the Admissions Committee is required prior to final evaluation. During the visit, an applicant will receive
information about the curriculum, talk with dental students and faculty, and explore the School's facilities.
Applicant Selection and Review Process
All applicant files are initially reviewed by the Chairman of the Admissions Committee (Associate Dean for Admissions) for completeness of prerequisites, required documentation and
evidence of minimum academic performance. Minimum academic standards, including science GPA and DAT scores, are established by the members of the Admissions Committee at the beginning
of every admissions cycle. Applicants meeting all requirements may be invited for an interview. Applicants not meeting minimum Committee standards, but who show strong potential, may
be granted an interview by the Associate Dean of Admissions.
Interviews are mandatory for consideration for acceptance.
Interviews are part of a day-long orientation that includes an
overview of the School of Dental Medicine and the curriculum by
the Associate Dean for Admissions. Lunch and a tour of facilities is conducted by students.
All interviews are conducted by basic science and/or clinical faculty. Interviews are designed to assist the Admissions Committee in evaluating the overall potential of each
candidate and suitability for admission into the program. Interviews are also used to help clarify an applicant's record and allow candidates an opportunity to ask questions.
Interviewed applicants are evaluated by the full Admissions Committee during regularly scheduled general meetings. Selection factors include:
- Overall strength of the predental academic record
- Scores on the DAT
- Personal statement
- Commitment to learning
- Motivation for seeking a career in dentistry
- General impressions formed at the interview
- Quality and objectivity of references
A summary of each applicant's entire record is presented to the Committee by their respective interviewers. Applicants are rated on a scale from one to three (one being the
strongest) by each Committee member; the mean score from all Committee members establishes that individual's priority. Offers are made to applicants with the highest priority scores
consistent with AADSAS notification date guidelines. Connecticut residents reviewed prior to December 1 may qualify for early decision. Preference is given to Connecticut residents and
New England residents during the admissions review. Applicants not receiving initial acceptances are placed on a wait list and ranked according to their priority scores.
All Connecticut residents who are not accepted are invited to schedule a counseling visit with the Associate Dean for Admissions to discuss their application. Deposit of Acceptance
Acceptances are provisional and contingent upon the applicant's maintenance of acceptable academic achievement throughout the remainder of their undergraduate program. Upon
notification of acceptance, the applicant is required to make a nonrefundable deposit of $400, which is applied toward tuition.
Admission with Advanced Standing and Transfer Students
The School of Dental Medicine will accept applications from individuals seeking admission with advanced standing. All applicants for advanced standing must be U.S. citizens,
permanent residents or applying for permanent status. Applicants holding permanent residency in the State of Connecticut are given preference. Application materials and specific
information may be obtained by writing to the Office of Dental Admissions, University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, 263 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06030, or calling
860-679-2175.
Advanced standing students from schools other than accredited dental schools in the United States and Canada must:
- Present proof of graduation from a recognized dental school and official transcripts and/or such other documents as may be requested by the Admissions Committee as evidence of
having successfully completed courses equivalent to the first and second years of the curriculum of this dental school. The Admissions Committee requires applicants to take Part I of
the National Board Dental Examination and attain a score of at least a 90.
- Submit an application fee, completed application forms
(PDF), and attachments by February 1.
- Give evidence of ability to speak, write, and read English. Successful completion of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a score of 550 or above for the
paper-based exam or 215 or above for the computer-based exam is required.
- Be interviewed at the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine.
Advanced Standing Applicant Selection and Review Process
All applicant files are initially reviewed by the Chairman of the Admissions Committee (Associate Dean for Admissions) for completeness of prerequisites, required documentation and
evidence of minimum academic performance. Minimum academic standards, including
GPA and NBDE Part 1 scores, are established by the members of the Admissions Committee at the beginning
of every admissions cycle. Applicants meeting all requirements may be invited for an interview. Applicants not meeting minimum Committee standards, but who show strong potential, may
be granted an interview by the Associate Dean of Admissions.
Interviews are mandatory for consideration for acceptance.
Interviews are part of a day-long orientation that includes an
overview of the School of Dental Medicine and the curriculum by
the Associate Dean for Admissions. Lunch and a tour of facilities is conducted by students.
All interviews are conducted by basic science and/or clinical faculty. Interviews are designed to assist the Admissions Committee in evaluating the overall potential of each
candidate and suitability for admission into the program. Interviews are also used to help clarify an applicant's record and allow candidates an opportunity to ask questions.
Interviewed applicants are evaluated by the full Admissions Committee during regularly scheduled general meetings. Selection factors include:
- Overall strength of the academic record
- Scores on the NBDE Part 1
- Personal statement
- Commitment to learning
- Motivation for continuing a career in dentistry
- General impressions formed at the interview
- Quality and objectivity of references
A summary of each applicant's entire record is presented to
the Committee by their respective interviewers. Applicants are
rated on a scale from one to three (one being the strongest) by
each Committee member; the mean score from all Committee members
establishes that individual's priority. Preference is given to Connecticut residents and
New England residents during the admissions review. Applicants not receiving initial acceptances are placed on a wait list and ranked according to their priority scores.
All Connecticut residents who are not accepted are invited to schedule a counseling visit with the Associate Dean for Admissions to discuss their application. If accepted, students with advanced standing will matriculate at the beginning of the second academic year. A committee of advisors (not less than three faculty members) may be
appointed to establish those objectives and courses to be completed by all special students prior to receipt of the DMD degree.
Special students are required to complete three full academic years in residence.
Transfer Students
The School of Dental Medicine does not accept transfer students at this time.
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