Dental School Acceptance Rates 2025: Highest, Lowest & How to Improve Your Chances

If you are aiming for a career in dentistry, getting accepted into dental school is one of the most competitive steps on your journey. Understanding acceptance rates, GPA expectations, and Dental Admission Test (DAT) score ranges can help you create a strong, targeted application.

Below, we’ve compiled a list of U.S. dental schools with some of the highest and lowest acceptance rates, along with their average GPA and DAT score requirements. This information can help you identify programs that align with your academic profile and career goals.

For students looking to gain valuable shadowing and clinical experience before applying, Go Elective’s pre-dental internships abroad in Kenya and Tanzania provide unique, hands-on opportunities that strengthen your application and interview readiness.

Highest Acceptance Rates – Dental Schools in the U.S.

While dental school admission is challenging across the board, a few programs have comparatively higher acceptance rates:

School	Average GPA	Average DAT Score	Acceptance Rate
University of Mississippi School of Dentistry	3.73	19.3	40%
University of Minnesota	3.74	20.83	38%
LSU Health Sciences Center School of Dentistry	3.64	21.00	41%
University of Detroit Mercy	3.00	19.00	28%
Ohio State University	3.65	21.00	9.9%
New York University	3.50	21.10	11.9%
University of Utah School of Dentistry	3.78	20.90	9.8%
University of Missouri–Kansas City	3.78	20.10	12.4%
Oregon Health & Science University	3.78	21.10	10.1%
East Carolina University	3.50	20.6	17.2%

Most Competitive Dental Schools – Lowest Acceptance Rates

The following programs admit only a small percentage of applicants, making them among the toughest to get into:

School	Average GPA	Average DAT Score	Acceptance Rate
Harvard School of Dental Medicine	3.89	24.70	3.5%
University of California, Los Angeles	3.84	23.10	5.6%
University of California, San Francisco	3.76	23.30	4.3%
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine	3.48	21.10	4.5%
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine	3.43	19.00	5.0%
University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine	3.67	20.90	4.9%
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine	3.77	20.60	4.4%
Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University	3.70	21.00	3.8%
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine	3.72	21.40	4.3%
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine	3.79	24.00	5.2%

Average Dental School Acceptance Rates in the U.S.

According to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the average U.S. dental school acceptance rate is about 58.6%, based on 2021 data. While this is higher than the rate for the most competitive programs, it still reflects a highly selective process compared to the general college acceptance rate of about 71.4% (U.S. News).

How to Improve Your Chances of Acceptance

Strong grades and DAT scores are only part of a successful dental school application. Programs also look for well-rounded candidates with demonstrated commitment to patient care and community service. Consider:

Completing pre-dental internships to gain clinical exposure.
Participating in volunteer projects or outreach initiatives.
Seeking mentorship from practicing dentists.
Building a compelling personal statement and preparing thoroughly for interviews.

Go Elective’s dental internships abroad place you alongside experienced dentists in public hospitals and clinics, giving you real-world experience that strengthens both your skills and your application.

Final Thoughts

Dental school admissions are competitive, but with the right preparation, you can stand out among applicants. Researching acceptance rates, knowing where your academic profile fits, and gaining meaningful hands-on experience will all boost your chances.

If you’re looking for a unique way to build your portfolio and develop practical skills before applying, explore Go Elective’s pre-dental internships and volunteer abroad in Kenya and Tanzania. An unforgettable opportunity to combine cultural immersion with clinical learning. Inquire here.

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