Some of the easiest dental schools to get into are University of Mississippi, University of Minnesota, University of Puerto Rico and LSU Health Sciences Center.
These schools listed in this post have a more lenient admissions policy than other dental schools in the US. But at the same time, they have a rigorous curriculum as just any other dental school.
Even with higher acceptance rates, these dental schools only accept the most determined, well-qualified, educated, and highly intelligent students. These schools have prestigious accreditations and expect their students to uphold values like professionalism and respect in order to keep their school’s reputation intact.
Why These Schools are Easy!
The acceptance rate is the easiest way to estimate how “easy” dentistry schools are to get into. The acceptance rate is typically expressed as a percentage, such as 10%. That means that just ten students out of every hundred who apply will be accepted.
According to U.S. News, the average admittance rate for all institutions in the United States is 68%. According to the American Dental Association’s (ADA) 2017-2018 study of dental education, the average admission rate for dental schools was 5.1%.
Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into – Top 10
As mentioned earlier, just because these schools have a pretty high acceptance rate doesn’t in any way mean they are not educationally inclined. Let’s now review some of these schools.
Below are some of the easiest dental schools to get into:
1. University of Mississippi (Acceptance Rate: 44.3)
The University of Mississippi tops our list as one of the easiest dental schools to get into. This is because it has a high acceptance rate.
Even with its admirable acceptance rate, the University of Mississippi has accreditation from the American Dental Association.
Aside from a high admission rate, the University of Mississippi has other exceptional services that make it a desirable university for studying dentistry. Notably, the institution provides a few programs, has a high success rate, and accepts a wide range of GPA and DAT scores.
Despite the school’s high admission rate, prospective students must meet certain requirements. You must have a number of math and science courses if you want to join the University’s school of dentistry.
You must have completed courses in biology, behavioral science, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physics, statistics, and math (trigonometry, algebra, or calculus).
2. University of Minnesota (Acceptance Rate: 38.54)
The University of Minnesota also boasts one of the highest admission rates in the country for dentistry schools. It is the only dentistry school in the state and the northern tier of states stretching from Wisconsin to the Pacific Northwest.
You might want to enroll in the institution to take advantage of some of the programs it provides. The school of dentistry at the University educates and trains general dentists, dental specialists, and dental therapists. If you’re a dental hygienist, dental instructor, or research scientist, you could also apply.
One of the University’s most significant features is its international reputation in dentistry. Every year, students and teachers treat around 105,260 patients on campus and 48,700 others in outreach sites.
A bachelor’s degree, a GPA of 3.0, a graduate record examination, recommendation letters, transcripts and certificates, and English language proficiency are all required for admission to the University of Minnesota dentistry school.
3. University of Puerto Rico (Acceptance Rate: 36.70)
The University of Puerto Rico is third on our list on one of the easiest dental schools to get into. The University’s school of dental medicine is committed to offering high-quality higher education in order to develop the best dental practitioners.
Several accreditation institutions accredit the school of dental medicine at UPR. The accreditations demonstrate the institution’s ability to provide high-quality education and services. So, whether you’re interested in prosthodontics or pediatric dentistry, you can rest assured that the school is properly accredited.
You can also choose from a variety of academic programs at the school. You can pursue your first professional degree or advanced dental education programs at a university.
You must follow a specified method if you want to enroll in the institution. This procedure is determined by the program in which you are enrolled.
For instance, if you are seeking advanced dental education programs, you must go through a different process than first-time students. You can contact the school for information on the application process and requirements.
4. LSU Health Sciences Center (Acceptance Rate: 16.8%)
The LSU Health Sciences Center in New Orleans offers a dynamic and modern School of Dentistry. This institution provides more dental courses than typical, including oral and maxillofacial surgery, which can lead to the highest-paying positions (an average income of $242,370) once you graduate.
Advantages include good courses for high-paying careers and an international student program.
5. Ohio State University (Acceptance Rate: 14.8%)
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry is among the top in terms of providing hands-on experience, including clinical training programs and a variety of community service opportunities. A Ph.D. in dentistry from Ohio State University qualifies you for primary care and dental specialty.
This dentistry school has recently begun a $95 million effort to extend and modernize its facilities so that students can practice and learn utilizing cutting-edge equipment. This is a big, bustling (yet nice) campus!
6. University of Missouri – Kansas City (Acceptance Rate: 14%)
In the UMKC Health Sciences District, the School of Dentistry at this Kansas City university runs a student dental clinic as well as a community clinic.
The average DAT Academic Average for the Doctor of Dental Surgery program is 19, and the average science and math GPA is 3.6. So, even if this school has a greater acceptance rate for applicants, you must still meet these stringent standards.
7. Augusta University, Georgia (Acceptance Rate: 13.8%)
This Dental College of Georgia is part of Augusta University and is located in Augusta. As a student at this dental college, you will study on campus and may attend one of the many clinics that the dental college serves around Georgia.
Students who complete the program will be awarded two degrees: a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree and a dual degree in oral biology.
The University accepts 90% of applications from Georgia, with the remaining 10% coming from other states (or countries). A Dental Admission Test score of at least 20 will increase your chances of acceptance. A GPA of 3.6 or higher is also advantageous.
8. University of Washington (Acceptance rate: 13.1%)
the Northwest Commission accredits the University of Washington on Colleges and Universities. The school is regarded as exceptionally competitive, with a 13.1 percent overall admittance rate.
Furthermore, the University of Washington has a 32.5 percent success rate. Meanwhile, the average approved GPA of a University of Washington candidate is 3.53. As a result, students with lower GPAs will be denied admission.
It is also vital to mention that the Dental Admission Test must be taken (DAT). The average accepted DAT score for admission to the University of Washington is 20.9.
9. New York University (Acceptance rate: 11.7%)
The American Dental Association has accredited New York University College of Dentistry. Despite its ease of admission, New York University remains superior in terms of quality education. In fact, it is often regarded as one of the most expensive dentistry schools in the United States.
As a result, many students prefer affordable dentistry schools over this one. Regardless, if you have no objections to a school’s tuition prices, then this should apply to this school.
10. East Carolina University (Acceptance rate: 11.5%)
The Commission accredits East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine on Dental Accreditation.
You must receive a Residency Certification Number before applying to ECU School of Dental Medicine (RCN). You will receive this after completing the Residency Determination Service (RDS) Online Interview.
Prospective students are encouraged by the ECU School of Dental Medicine to earn a range of shadowing experiences, as well as to participate in community service and other comparable activities.
With an acceptance rate of 11.5 percent, the ECU dental school is one of the easiest dental schools to get into in 2021. Students with GPAs below 3.5, on the other hand, will not be admitted to the institution.
Every applicant interested in becoming a dentistry student at East Carolina University must also submit a DAT score. As a minimum, your DAT score should be 19.9.
Dental School Rankings
It is crucial to understand that a variety of factors will influence your choice of school. As a result, we considered the following characteristics to successfully rank the easiest dental schools to get into.
Here are 4 ways dental schools are ranked:
1. Accreditation
It is critical to understand whether or not a school is accredited. This is due to the fact that without a school’s accreditation, the credential you receive from that school has no market value. As a result, your years of study will have been for nothing.
2. Reputation
A school’s reputation is an extremely significant thing to consider. This refers to how real people (and potential employers!) see the University.
The reputation of your University has a greater impact on you and your career than you may realize.
It includes the school’s history, location, academic success, physical conditions, and so on.
3. Acceptance Percentage
At first look, schools with low acceptance rates appear to be the most desired due to their excellent reputations and very competitive admissions. However, there are numerous advantages to attending a university with a higher admission rate. For starters, colleges with high acceptance rates are easier to gain admission to.
4. The DAT Result
DAT is an abbreviation for Dental Admissions Test. Admission to dental school is contingent on the DAT score. It is graded on a scale of 1 to 30, with the national average in recent years being 19 to 20.
If you want to apply to the easiest dental school, you should do your best to earn the scores that will put you on a level playing field with all of the other applicants.
Dental School Prerequisites
There are various prerequisites that must be met first to gain admission into any dental school. Of course, these criteria vary by University, but even the easiest dental schools to get into will some basic requirements.
Here are 7 basic requirements needed for dentals schools:
1. Undergraduate College Degree
The general requirements include 8 hours of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry (all with lab work), physics, and English. Some universities may have higher standards.
2. Courses in Pre-Dental Science
More specialized studies, such as anatomy or biochemistry, may be required. If your present college does not provide this, check to see if the dental school provides these courses before enrolling in a dentistry program.
3. College for Four Years
Some dental schools may admit you if you have more than four years of the college experience and have taken some related courses, even if you did not major in a science degree.
4. A Grade Point Average (GPA) Of 3.00 Or Above
Your GPA is important, but the particular GPA required will vary depending on the institution and the general GPA of other applications. The typical recommendation is to have a GPA of 3.0, but the higher, the better.
5. Passed the Dental Admissions Exam (DAT)
The DAT is a computerized test that may be taken by anyone. To grasp it, you’ll need a year or two of college biology and chemistry. Ideally, you should have passed the DAT within the previous 12 months of applying to dental school.
6. Recommendation Letters
This is a mandatory prerequisite for any university, college, or school application. However, do not simply re-use your letters from college applications. Talk to your teachers and try to think outside the box. Consider whether you know any dentistry-specific academics who could write a letter of recommendation for you.
7. A Great Application
Even though the schools mentioned in this post have a high acceptance rate, you must take an extra step to ensure that your application stands out. Go above and beyond the minimum standards to demonstrate how you are a well-rounded team player who is also interested in the community. What do you have to offer the dentistry school that other applicants do not?
Dentistry School Acceptance Rate
Because a school cannot accept every student who applies, it is important to examine a school’s acceptance rate before applying.
Getting into a Dental School is often difficult. This is easily explained by most colleges’ low admission rates. However, according to data, dentistry school acceptance rates might range from 20% to 0.8 percent.
Once accepted into a dental school, you will begin a four-year program to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD).
So, if you want to join a dental school, you must make your application stand out and ensure that you match the school’s admission requirements.
How Much Does Dentistry School Cost?
Although we are looking at the easiest dental schools to get into in 2021, the tuition of these schools mentioned might be on the high side.
Dental school costs vary depending on whether the school is private or public.
Meanwhile, keep in mind that tuition isn’t the only expense you’ll encounter while attending dentistry school. You will also have to pay for your instruments, instructional materials, and other fixed fees as a dental student. Remember that the cost is entirely dependent on the school to which you apply.
Please don’t limit your alternatives to only the lowest-priced institutions when making your decision based on cost. In some circumstances, the most expensive colleges may be the best choice.
As a result, dental students may consider applying for scholarships or other financial aid. This can assist you in selecting the best school for yourself while also saving money.
Best Dental Schools to Get into the UK
Some of the best dental schools to get into in the UK are:
1. Peninsula Dental School.
2. The University of Dundee.
3. Queen’s University Belfast School of Medicine, Dentistry and
Biomedical Sciences
4. The University of Aberdeen School of Medicine, Medical Sciences, and Nutrition
5. King’s College, London.
Easiest Dental Schools to Get into Canada
Looking to study dentistry in Canada? The schools listed below have the highest acceptance rates compared to other dental schools in Canada.
1. UBC Faculty of Dentistry.
2. Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry.
3. McGill University Faculty of Dentistry.
4. The University of Toronto, Faculty of Dentistry.
5. The University of Saskatchewan, College of Dentistry.
Dental Schools with Low GPA to Get Into
Dental school is a branch of medical school and you already know that in terms of a discipline requiring a high GPA to gain entry, medicine, and medical courses top the list, and dentistry isn’t excluded.
3 dental schools with low GPA to get into are:
1. Howard University College of Dentistry
2. Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry.
3. Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry.
Top Dental Schools in The US
Making the decision to attend dental school is an important step on the path to becoming a dentist. Another aspect is deciding which dental school to attend.
It will take around eight years of education to become a fully qualified dentist. A bachelor’s degree in any subject is required, followed by either a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS).
There are also national and state exams that must be passed. A solid foundation is required for this. A top-tier dental school will help a dental student gain the fundamental and advanced information, skills, and aptitude needed to become a dentist.
According to Shanghai Ranking’s 2021 Academic Ranking of World Universities, the following are the top five dental schools in the United States:
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor School of Dentistry
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
The University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry
The University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry
How Many Dental Schools in US?
There are roughly 64 universities in the United States that provide advanced dentistry degrees; making a decision will be difficult. However, when selecting a dental school, there are various aspects to consider, including:
Student body
Geographical location
Curriculum type
Dental experiences provided (clinical or community-centric)
Research or clinical focus
Facilities
Overall Reputation
Are private dental schools easier to get into?
In general, expensive private dental schools are simpler to get into since they admit a large number of students and will go to any length to fill their class seats. There are rare exceptions, such as Harvard, the University of the Pacific, and UPenn.
It is preferable to apply to any public dentistry school in your state. Not only will you save money and avoid loan debt, but you will also have a greater chance of acceptance if you match their entrance standards.
You should avoid applying to costly dentistry schools. Before applying to any university, always investigate the cost of attendance and financial assistance options accessible to dentistry students.
What Is The Typical Coursework Like In The Easiest Dental Hygiene Schools?
Every dental hygiene school has its own set of requirements, but there are courses that are similar among them. Some of these courses include classes meant to provide general-level theory knowledge and classes more specialized for dental hygienists. Among these courses include:
What Average Salary Can Graduates Of Easy To Get Into Dental Hygiene Schools Expect To Earn?
The average salary for graduates of easy to get into dental hygiene programs is $81,360 annually, which translates to $39.12 per hour, $1565 per week, or $6780 per month.
How long does it take to become a Dentist?
Studying to become a dental hygienist requires intensive training, so expect to spend at least several years completing a dental hygiene program.
Obtaining a degree in dentistry from any of the top authorized dental schools will need you to devote your time and money to the endeavor. A dentistry curriculum at a dental school typically takes four years to finish.
In the meanwhile, you must have finished a four-year bachelor’s degree program.
Following completion of a bachelor’s degree program, the next stage in becoming a dentist is to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). The DAT is intended to determine your suitability for dental school.
Top 3 Tips for Dental School Acceptance
Finally, we’ll leave you with three of our greatest ideas for maximizing your dental school application process.
Here are 3 tips for dental school acceptance:
1. Leave plenty of time
At least 12 months should elapse between the time you submit your application and the enrolling date. Check that you have everything ready!
2. Prep for the interview
Preparing for the interview is an important part of the application process. Practice as much as you can because the interview will be used by the school to judge your talents and traits. It’s also an opportunity to ask any questions you may have about the school.
3. Check out the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS)
This program allows you to submit a single application to many dental schools at the same time, saving you a significant amount of time. Some colleges will only accept applications submitted through this service. Just keep in mind that there will be a price, and your application will lose part of its personal touch. To increase your chances, you should tailor your application statement and letter to the individual colleges.
Conclusion: Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into
The admissions process of certain dental schools is quite disheartening for those who want to pursue a career in dentistry. Nothing, however, is insurmountable.
Surprisingly, a few dental schools have come to the aid of prospective dental students looking for institutions with a high acceptance rate while keeping their accreditation status.
FAQS on Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into
Are Easiest Dental Schools Worth Pursuing?
Yes, these schools are not academically inferior to schools with low acceptance rates.
How Many People Usually Get Into Dental School?
Dental schools in the US have an acceptance rate of between 40-50%. Dental schools in Canada have a lower rate since there are fewer dental schools, but the latest figures show that the Canadian acceptance rate is about 15%.
Is It Easy To Get Into Dental School?
Getting into any professional health care school is not easy and it takes a lot of hard-work and dedication to get into any of them. Dental school is no different and you must meet or exceed many different criteria to enter, such as having high DAT scores or a minimum GPA average.
Will Applying Early Increase My Chances Of Admission Into The Easiest Dental Hygiene Schools?
Applying early for the easiest dental hygiene schools doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll have better chances of admission. Even though dental hygiene programs have limited spaces, every student who turns in complete application requirements by the deadline will be given equal consideration.
What Is The Minimum GPA Required To Get Into The Easiest Dental Hygiene Schools?
The minimum GPA for the easiest dental hygiene schools varies. Some, like Missouri Southern State University, require a GPA of 3.0, while others, like Herzing University, don’t have a specified minimum GPA requirement.
