D.M.D. Program Admissions

Twelve semester hours of general biology or zoology. Additional upper level human/animal biology courses are recommended. These courses may include cell biology, physiology, comparative anatomy, embryology, histology, human anatomy, microbiology and others.

Eight semester hours of general inorganic chemistry which includes qualitative analysis and laboratory work. Eight semester hours of organic chemistry with laboratory work. Biochemistry is recommended strongly.

Eight semester hours of physics. Mechanics, heat, light, sound, and electricity, with appropriate laboratory work, should be included in the courses.

Analytic geometry and differential and integral calculus are recommended.

The requirement that at least 30 semester hours of non-science coursework be included in the predental program of study assures a broad general education which is the best preparation for a career in dentistry. Such non-science courses as English (six semester hours) and courses in the social sciences and humanities are recommended strongly to meet this requirement. Courses to enhance manual dexterity (sculpting, painting, etc.) also are encouraged.

All required courses must be taken within the last 5 years.

Physical education, military science, and similar courses are not acceptable as part of the minimum non-science requirements.

We will honor online courses and pass/fail courses due to the COVID-19 changes in instruction and grading.

For the past several years the number of applications has continued to increase. Recently the number has been well over 1300.

Approximately 84.

Yes, but U.S. candidates with excellent credentials are also considered.

Yes, and accepted applicants are highly qualified.

How do you determine if incoming dental students are considered “resident-students” or “non-resident-students” for tuition purposes? Read more about residency determination for UAB SOD tuition purposes.

Technically yes. However, an applicant completing only three years of college would generally not be competitive against recent applicant groups.

The average is about 3.75 on a 4.0 scale.

No. The overall academic record is more important. Some very important factors that are taken into consideration are where you went to school, the courses you took and how many courses you took each term, and how well you did.

Approximately 21 for the academic portion and 20 for the perceptual ability section.

This decision is probably best made in conjunction with your school's predental advisor. However, most people take it during or just after their junior year -after they have completed the prerequisite courses in general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biology. Although physics is an important prerequisite course, it is not on the DAT.

We generally advise students to retake the DAT if they score a 18 or below. A score of 18 is marginal and in recent years has generally not been sufficient for an interview.

Many things, including but not limited to, letters of evaluation, your essay, your interview, extracurricular activities, knowledge of dentistry as a career, and work history.

No. Although any dental experience is useful in helping to determine whether or not this is a good career choice for you. It is not common that applicants work in a dental office prior to entering dental school. It has been our experience that such opportunities are limited and it is not realistic to emphasize "employment". It is important for you to observe in a number of dental offices to get a real feel for what the profession involves.

Acceptances are given throughout the interview year when final decisions are made about individual applicants. This generally occurs from December through February.

Not unless they are Alabama residents and have completed all undergraduate requirements at an accredited U.S. college or university.

D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine) and D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degrees are equivalent degrees. The University of Alabama School of Dentistry awards the D.M.D. degree.

UAB School of Dentistry participates in the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) application service. Through AADSAS, the applicant files only one application for admission to any of the participating dental schools. Extreme care should be exercised to make certain that the application form is filled out accurately and completely. Errors or omissions will delay processing. AADSAS will process the application for distribution to each of the participating schools designated by the applicant. Applicants will be required to pay an initial application fee through AADSAS upon submitting their application.

For more information on AADSAS:

AADSAS

Yes, as long as they are on your official university transcript.

The Academic Pre-Health Advisor at your college/university can best assist with course questions.