easy dental schools to get into
The University of Iowa BSDH Program
The University of Iowa BSDH Program is a great option for those looking to break into the field. The school has been up and running since 1873, making it highly reputable in both the Midwest and beyond. Its BSDH program is also open to out of state students, which further increases its overall accessibility.
To apply, you will need to submit an online application as well as an official transcript along with your ACT scores (a minimum score of 16 English/Reading is required). You’ll also be required to take the Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) and submit your completed results as part of your application.
The University of Iowa also conducts interviews with all prospective dental hygienists. However, these interviews are not used for admissions purposes. Instead, they’re just informational sessions used by the school to answer any questions applicants may have about their degree program or options after graduation.
You’ll be expected to pay a $100 application fee at the time you submit your online application; however, the school does offer fee waivers for students who request them in writing through their Office of Admissions prior to submitting their electronic applications.
Marquette University College of Nursing and Health Sciences
The Marquette University College of Nursing and Health Sciences offers students a unique educational environment. With an enrollment of about 3,000 undergraduates, of which more than 90% are women, the school is among the top five nursing schools in the United States.
The college, which opened in 1909 as Milwaukee Normal School and Infirmary, became known as Milwaukee City Teacher’s College and was placed on the Wisconsin State Regents’ List of approved institutions for offering initial teacher training in 1905.
In 1930, it became part of Marquette University at its new location on Michigan Street (the present-day St. John’s campus). In 1953, it was renamed the Milwaukee College of Nursing and Health Sciences to reflect its growing curriculum.
Highline College
- Highline College, Des Moines, WA
Highline is a public community college in the suburbs of Seattle, Washington. Their dental hygiene program is a four-year program that is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been since 1977. The average GPA of admitted students hovers around 3.0, making this one of the top 10 easiest dental schools to get into. In addition, their average DAT score is approximately 18. For these reasons, Highline College is considered one of the best colleges for dentistry for nontraditional students (those who are older than 24 upon program entry). Students also have a high rate of acceptance into dental school after completing their program at Highline College—over 80 percent from 1994 to 2007 and over 90 percent from 2008 to present.
If you want to consider attending this school and need help getting your GPA up before applying to dental school there, you can take advantage of any number of free online resources that can help you raise it quickly so that you can apply soon!
Nova Southeastern University
Of all of the dental schools in Florida, Nova Southeastern University is one of the easier ones to get into. The school has an acceptance rate of around 50%, which means that half of the people who apply are accepted. This makes it a more accessible option for those who may not have stellar grades or test scores. That being said, students do still need to meet certain minimum requirements.
The average GPA of students accepted at Nova Southeastern University is 3.70, and the average DAT score is 18—anything above these numbers will boost your chances even further. The school offers both in-state and out-of-state tuition at $22,250 annually, bringing the cost to around $48,270 per year with books and other expenses factored in.
Texas A&M University Baylor College of Dentistry
Located in Dallas, Texas, Baylor College of Dentistry is part of the Texas A&M University Health Science Center. This school offers a four-year program and requires a bachelor’s degree as well as a background in science courses. The application deadline is February 1.
Once admitted to the program, you will learn through case studies, simulation training and real patients. The school also boasts of having advanced technology for its students to use.
Oregon Institute of Technology
The Oregon Institute of Technology is a public university with campuses in Klamath Falls, Wilsonville and La Grande, Oregon. It has approximately 4,000 students across all three campuses and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees. The school’s dental hygiene program is offered at the Wilsonville campus.
- DAT Score: Not required
- GPA: 3.2 on a 4-point scale
- Residency Requirements: None – the entire program can be completed online with no on-campus classroom requirements
- Application Deadline: March 1 each year for the following year’s fall enrollments (May 15 for spring enrollment)
- Years to Complete Program: Two years with previous associate degree in dental hygiene or three years to complete both an associate’s and bachelor’s degree
- Cost: $14,700 annually for residents; $24,700 annually for nonresidents
Tufts School of Dental Medicine
Tufts School of Dental Medicine
Dental Hygiene
Boston, MA
2,822
- 35
- 0
- 8
41
90
17 70 24 13 84
University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry offers a four-year program that culminates in a certificate in dental surgery. The school was founded by the Religious Sisters of Mercy in 1877, and is located in Michigan. Students are expected to have a cumulative college GPA of 2.5 or higher and an average DAT score of 17.5 or above, although scores below these standards do not automatically disqualify applicants from admission.
The school offers general dentistry programs, as well as concentrations such as endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics and oral and maxillofacial surgery. Students can expect coursework on topics such as pain management, surgical procedures, anesthesia and materials for laboratory study.
The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center College Of Dentistry
Located in Memphis, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry is one of the easiest dental schools to get into. The average GPA for accepted students is 3.5, and you typically need a GPA of 3.5 or higher to be considered for admission here.
The average DAT score for accepted students is 18, and the college recommends around 25 hours of dental experience before applying. If you’re looking to get into this school, take a look at their website and see if their programs are right for you!
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois
The Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois is located in Downers Grove, Illinois. Its website can be found at [midwestern.edu](https://www.midwestern.edu/programs_and_admission/dental_medicine_illinois/index.html) (Midwestern University, 2018).
According to the College of Dental Medicine-Illinois’s website, its average student has a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.75 and an average dental admission test score of 19 ([Midwesestern University](https://www.midwestern.edu/programs_and_admission/dental_medicine_illinois/index.html), 2018).
Buffalo State, SUNY Office Of Admissions And Recruitment
Buffalo State, SUNY Office Of Admissions And Recruitment
- Prerequisites
- GPA
- DAT
- TOEFL
- Transcripts
- Writing Sample
- Personal Statement
- References
- Experience
- Application Fee: $50 (non-refundable)
Send completed application to:
SUNY at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (SBDM)
Dental Admissions Office, Room N328
3435 Main Street
Buffalo, New York 14214-3000
Each school has their own requirements.
Dental schools are not all created equal, and it is important to know what a school is looking for from applicants. For example, the University of Washington School of Dentistry looks for applicants with experience working in a clinical setting and involvement in community outreach programs. Additionally, the school prefers that applicants have completed at least one year of general biology coursework, as well as physics or chemistry.
While this may seem like an overwhelming amount of criteria, keep in mind that you don’t need to fulfill each requirement on your own—you can use extracurriculars to fill any gaps. For example, if you don’t have much experience shadowing dentists, working at biomedical research organizations or volunteering with nonprofit groups will help demonstrate your interest in the field.