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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 June of the year
prior to intended registration, but no later than January 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, any supplementary
materials (if requested) should be forwarded to: The University of Connecticut
School of Dental Medicine, Admissions Office, MC3905,
Farmington, CT 06030. The application fee of $75 can be paid
online at
https://enrollmentfees.uchc.edu/DentAppFees.html.
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. 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.
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