Is It Hard to Get Into Dental School? Acceptance Rates, GPA & DAT Guide

Gaining admission to dental school is one of the most competitive steps in the journey toward becoming a dentist. It requires a balanced combination of academic excellence, practical skills, and the determination to thrive under pressure.

Top grades are just the starting point. Dental schools expect candidates to demonstrate commitment through extracurricular activities, volunteer work, research, and direct patient-care experiences. On top of that, the Dental Admission Test (DAT) measures not only your scientific knowledge but also your perceptual ability and quantitative reasoning skills.

In this guide, we’ll break down acceptance rates, GPA and DAT expectations, tuition considerations, common application mistakes, and strategies to strengthen your profile.

One of the most effective ways to stand out is to gain real-world clinical experience before you apply. Go Elective’s pre-dental internships abroad offer guided hands-on learning alongside experienced dentists in Kenya and Tanzania. Perfect for boosting your application and interview readiness. Inquire here.

Acceptance Rates for U.S. Dental Schools

Admission to dental school is highly competitive, with many top programs accepting fewer than 10% of applicants.

School	Acceptance Rate
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor	6.7%
University of California – San Francisco	6.44%
Harvard University	3.18%
University of Washington	10.08%
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill	5.43%
New York University	11%
University of Pennsylvania	6.1%
University of Maryland, Baltimore	6.68%
University of California, Los Angeles	6.36%
Ohio State University	12.55%

These numbers highlight just how selective dental schools can be — and why preparation and a standout application are essential.

GPA and DAT Expectations

Most competitive programs admit students with GPAs above 3.5 and DAT scores of 20 or higher.

School	DAT	GPA
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor	20.9	3.65
University of California – San Francisco	21.8	3.57
Harvard University	23.5	3.85
University of Washington	21.2	3.64
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill	20.9	3.56
New York University	21.1	3.49
University of Pennsylvania	21.9	3.68
University of Maryland, Baltimore	20.8	3.56
University of California, Los Angeles	22.8	3.75
Ohio State University	20.3	3.62

While a GPA above 3.5 is a good target, dental schools take a holistic approach — strong DAT scores, clinical experience, and compelling application materials can help balance a slightly lower GPA.

Tuition and the Cost of Dental Education

Dental school is a significant financial commitment, with tuition ranging widely:

School	Tuition
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor	$46,721
University of California – San Francisco	$11,442
Harvard University	$69,300
University of Washington	$56,530
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill	$17,804
New York University	$98,892
University of Pennsylvania	$86,448
University of Maryland, Baltimore	$24,330
University of California, Los Angeles	$47,360
Ohio State University	$43,755

Understanding tuition, along with living costs, materials, and potential debt — is essential when deciding where to apply.

Common Mistakes That Hurt Dental School Applications

#1. Late AADSAS Submissions

Because many programs use rolling admissions, late applications mean fewer available spots. Timely submission shows professionalism and strong organizational skills.

#2. Weak Personal Statements

A personal statement is your chance to tell your story and show why dentistry matters to you. Avoid generic language — focus on specific experiences, such as internships or patient interactions, that shaped your career goals.

#3. Incorrect or Incomplete Applications

Inaccuracies can undermine credibility. Review your ADEA AADSAS application carefully to ensure all details match your academic and professional history.

#4. Poor Interview Preparation

Interviews test not just knowledge, but also communication, empathy, and professionalism. Practice common questions, understand the school’s mission, and be ready with thoughtful questions of your own.

#5. Choosing the Wrong Dental Schools

Not every program fits every applicant. Research each school’s curriculum, clinical opportunities, and teaching style to find the right match.

#6. Lack of Relevant Experience

Hands-on experience is one of the strongest ways to demonstrate commitment. Volunteering in dental clinics, shadowing professionals, or joining a structured internship can set you apart.

FAQs: Getting Into Dental School

I. What GPA Do You Need?

A GPA of 3.5 or higher is competitive, but admissions are holistic.

II. Is Dental School Harder to Get Into Than Medical School?

Both are competitive; dental programs focus on oral health, while medical programs cover broader fields.

III. Which Dental Schools Are Easiest to Get Into?

Some schools, like University of Utah and New York University, have higher acceptance rates . But they are still selective.

IV. What’s the Lowest GPA Accepted?

Some programs consider applicants with GPAs around 3.0, but strong DAT scores and experience are essential.

Final Thoughts

Dental school admissions are challenging, but with preparation, strategic school selection, and relevant experience, you can improve your chances significantly.

If you’re serious about standing out, consider gaining international clinical exposure through Go Elective’s dental internships abroad. You’ll build skills, expand your cultural competence, and have meaningful experiences to share in your application and interviews. Giving you an edge in a competitive field. Apply here.

Article Details

Travel with us.
Inquire Today!

Go Elective offers immersive opportunities for medical students, pre-med undergraduates, residents, nursing practitioners, and PAs to gain guided invaluable experience in busy hospitals abroad. Discover the power of study, travel, and impact.