Every year, dental schools receive thousands of applications from interested students while only accepting a small fraction of those who apply. Generally, the major headache students who wish to study dentistry have is that most dental schools demand a lot of documents and a certain level of academic performance from applicants. Notwithstanding, there are dental schools with good acceptance rates where you can study dentistry. To an average student, being in a dental school is like an Elephant passing through a needle’s eye. This is because of the low acceptance fee and other admission requirements in some dental schools. To solve this fear of not getting admission into a good dental school, I have good news for you. The World Scholarship Forum team has compiled a list of dental schools that are quite easy to get into in 2022. This article will throw more light on the basic requirements for these dental schools. A glance at the table of contents below will give you an overview of the information found in this article.
Why is a Dental School Important?
The most important thing to consider in choosing a school should not be the cost, but value. The ratio of quality over price should be considered.
Taking care of your dental health is very important. Truly, having good dental hygiene prevents bad breath, tooth decay, and gum disease. This is why we all need a Dentist to give us the best dental care we need. In fact, dentistry is one of the best fields to get into.
In addition, a Dentist is also responsible for other operations in the teeth such as the filling and crowning of teeth, the straightening of teeth, and the construction of artificial dentures.
However, one can’t just wake up ad decide to be a Dentist without attending a dental school.
In simple terms, a dental school is a tertiary educational institution that offers programs for students interested in the study, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases that affect the teeth or gum.
Therefore, if your dream is to attend to the oral healthcare of others, then, attending a Dental school should be a goal you must achieve. Well done as you take that bold step to apply to any of the schools that would be listed in this article!
What do I need to apply to a dental school?
Getting into dental school is so competitive. However, it is not impossible. Dental schools, like every other school, have requirements that should be met by every proposed student. Before you even get to the application process of any of the easiest dental schools to get into, you have to decide what kind of dental program you want to apply to. Your consideration should be based on these:
Firstly, you have to be sure of the accreditation of the school.Secondly, you have to know about the reputation of the school. Also, you should consider the acceptance rate of the school.Is the school public or private? Finally, you have to know the number and duration of the program.
It is important for each applicant to fully research each institution they plan to apply to. Indeed, it is difficult to get into dental school without a bachelor’s degree. So, if you want to be a dental student, you have to meet up the requirements below.
Dental school requirements
Dental school undergraduate course requirements differ from school to school. Here are the basic requirements for anyone who wants to get into dental school. Before applying to dental school, you must have completed a year of chemistry, biology, physics, organic chemistry, each with laboratory work and English. Also, some dental schools require undergraduate coursework in anatomy and physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and English composition. In fact, getting into dental school isn’t just a matter of grades. You also need to participate in extracurricular activities that show you’re a well-rounded student. Try to volunteer, specifically in activities under the dental or health care fields. In fact, the volunteering experience will give you a major edge over other applicants. Shadowing a professional is also encouraged. Meanwhile, one nice thing about applying to dental school in the U.S.A is that the process is streamlined. In fact, you can apply to schools throughout the U.S.A through a single organization. All you need to do is to fill out all the forms once, no matter how many schools you apply to. Awesome, right?
What is the Dental School Acceptance Rate?
To be accepted by the school of your choice is the goal of every student. However, a school can’t accept every student that submits an application. It is for this reason that you need to also consider the acceptance rate of a school while you apply. The acceptance rate of a school is determined by the ratio of the number of students who are admitted into that university, to the number of students that applied. Generally, getting into a Dental School is quite hard. This can easily be attributed to the low acceptance rate of most schools. However, according to research, dental school acceptance rates can be as high as 20% or as low as 0.8%. Once you’re accepted into a dental school, you will begin a four-year program to complete a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree. So, if you are interested in attending a dental school, you have to make your application stand out, and also, make sure you meet up with the school’s admission requirements. Good luck, as you put in your best.
Dental School Cost
Well, the cost of a dental school actually depends on the specific institution you choose. Tuition isn’t the only cost you face when entering dental school. As a dental student, you will also pay for your instruments, instructional materials, and other fixed costs. Remember, the cost is all dependent on the school you choose to apply to. In addition, you should know that the cost of a dental school depends on whether it is a public or a private dental school. Apparently, cost should play an important role when you are searching for a school. However, you shouldn’t limit your options to just the lowest-priced schools. In some cases, the most expensive schools could be your best option. You should also consider applying for scholarships, or other financial aids for dental students. This can play an important role in helping you choose the right school for yourself. Also, it helps you save costs.
Tuition Costs at Public Dental Schools
Well, it is not new to us that tuition in public dental schools is lower than tuition in private schools. This is because public schools receive funding from the state and the federal government. In 2017 – 2018, public school students paid $37,877 This price includes tuition and mandatory fees, but it does not account for living expenses or supplies. The four-year cost of tuition nears $151,508.
Tuition Costs at Private Dental Schools
Private dental schools tend to charge more for tuition. This is because they lack state and federal funding. Tuition costs vary greatly between schools, but on average, private institutions charge $67,087 per year. The four-year cost totals $268,348. In addition, other expenses include lab fees, preclinical supplies, books, dental kits, scrubs, and exam costs.
How long does it take to become a Dentist?
Getting a degree in dentistry from any of the top accredited dental schools must require you to give it your time and resources. In fact, the average time required to complete a dentistry program in a dental school is four years. Meanwhile, this is after you must have completed a four-year bachelor’s degree program. Finally, after you’ve completed your bachelor’s degree program, the next step in becoming a dentist is by taking the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). DAT is designed to assess your fit for dental school.
How Hard is it to Get into Dental School?
Is it hard to get into dental school? Well, it is tremendously difficult if you’re not used to such a kind of task. You need high scores and involvement in research work all the time. Also, shadowing a dentist to learn from them is a great idea. The competition is tough, so extracurricular activities will be a considerable advantage. Checking specific dental school admission requirements will also be of use to you.
Tips to get into any of the least competitive Dental Schools?
Truly, the goal of every prospective dental student is to get an acceptance letter from the school of their choice. But, is getting into a dental school that easy? Well, it all depends on your level of performance, and your ability to meet up all the necessary requirements as a dental student. These tips would help your application to any of the least competitive dental schools of your choice stand out. Read them carefully, and practice. Remember, practice makes perfect.
Ranking Criteria
It is important to note that your choice of school will depend on many factors. Therefore, to effectively rank the easiest schools in the world, we used the following factors. Accreditation: Knowing if a school is accredited or not is very important. This is because, without the accreditation of a school, the certificate you get from that school will have no market value. Thus, making your years spent studying become a waste. Reputation The reputation of a school is a very important factor to be considered. By this, we are talking about how real people (and employers!) view the university. Your university’s reputation affects you and your career more than you might think. It is made up of the history of the school, location, academic success, physical conditions, and so on. Acceptance rate At first glance, you will think that schools with low acceptance rates are the most desirable due to their superior reputations and highly competitive admissions. However, in reality, there are many benefits to attending a university with a higher acceptance rate. For one thing, schools with high acceptance rates are easier to get into.
The DAT score
DAT simply stands for Dental Admissions Test. The DAT score is a requirement for admission to dental school. It is scored on a 1 to 30 scale, while the national average in recent years has been the result of 19 to 20. If you would like to apply to the easiest dental school, then, you should try your best to achieve the scores that will put you on a competitive footing among all the other applicants.
Easiest Dental Schools to get into in 2022
Dentistry remains one of the most respected professions nationally, and an increasing number of young men and women seek to enter dental schools each year. In fact, the dental schools with the highest acceptance rates are not necessarily that easy to get into. Equally important, you should keep in mind that all programs will require the student to comply with the prerequisites. Dental schools do not require a particular major, but it requires a majority of students’ degrees in a science area. By the nature of the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), which is mostly Biology and Chemistry, students tend to major in one of those disciplines.
List of the easiest dental schools in 2022
Below is a list of the easiest dental schools to get into:
University of MississippiLSU Health Science CenterOhio State UniversityAugusta UniversityUniversity Of WashingtonUniversity of Missouri, Kansas CityNew York UniversityEast CarolinaUniversity of UtahUniversity of Iowa
These easiest Dental Schools are arranged in the order of acceptance rate. These schools are all based in the USA. Carefully follow the schools by visiting the school’s site. Now that you have all information necessary for choosing a dental program, let’s explore in more detail the easiest dental schools to get into in 2022.
#1. University Of Mississippi Dental School
The school of dentistry at the University of Mississippi is accredited by the American Dental Association. 90% of the students have a bachelor’s degree. However, unlike other dental schools, the University of Mississippi has proven to be the easiest dental school to get into in 2022. This is because of the school’s high acceptance rate, number of programs, success rate, average rate of GPA, and the DAT score accepted. As a prospective student, the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry requires the following math and science courses from you:
Behavioral scienceBiologyOrganic chemistryInorganic chemistryPhysicsMathematics (algebra, trigonometry) or 1 course in calculus.Statistics
The University Of Mississippi Dental School’s overall acceptance rate for students who apply to the is 19.9%. If you are able have a GPA score of 3.62 and a DAT score of 19.0, then you are good to apply to the school of dentistry, University of Mississippi.
There are 9 programs of study in the school of Dentistry, University of Mississippi. These programs iclude:
Advanced General DentistryBiomedical Materials ScienceCare Planning and Restorative SciencesDental HygieneEndodonticsOral-Maxillofacial Surgery and PathologyOrthodonticsPediatric Dentistry and Community Oral HealthPeriodontics and Preventive SciencesAdvanced General DentistryBiomedical Materials ScienceCare Planning and Restorative SciencesDental HygieneEndodonticsOral-Maxillofacial Surgery and PathologyOrthodonticsPediatric Dentistry and Community Oral HealthPeriodontics and Preventive Sciences
The University of Mississippi accepts applications from July 1 to December 1 the year prior to admission. For more information on how to apply to the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry, visit the school website below. School Website
#2. LSU Health Science Center
It is not compulsory to have an academic degree before you apply for admission to LSU School of Dentistry. However, most of the students earn a degree before enrollment into dental school. The overall acceptance of LSU School Of Dentistry is 17.5%, while at least 57.6% of the accepted students successfully graduate from dental school after completing their programs. Students entering this educational program must possess a strong educational base. A 3.6 GPA is the average accepted GPA for admission into the LSU School of Dentistry. In addition, the applicant should endeavor to score at least 20 in the DAT. You should consider taking the following courses before entering the LSU School Of Dentistry: Comparative anatomy, Histology, Cell, and molecular biology, Physiology, Genetics, etc. All programs of the dental school are fully accredited by the American Dental Association. For more information, visit the school’s website below. School Website
#3. Ohio State University
Ohio State University is one of the easiest dental schools you can get into in 2022. It is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. With a 15% acceptance rate, a prospective dental student should definitely consider applying to this dental school. In addition, statistics show that 49.3% of students who study Dentistry at Ohio State University graduate successfully. The Average Accepted GPA is 3.61, while the Average Accepted DAT Score is 20.1. So, if this is your chosen dental school, you should do well to have a good academic performance. For more information on how to apply to the Ohio State University, visit the school’s website below. School Website
#4. Augusta University
The Dental College at Augusta University is a public university accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. With an acceptance rate of 13.4%, Augusta University is noted to be one of the easiest dental schools to get into in 2022. Also, statistics has shown that 41% of dental students who study dentistry at Augusta University successfully graduate. Thus, if you are in Georgia or plan to study in Georgia, then this Dental college should be on your application list. It is also important for you to take the Dental Admission Test and score at least 20 if you desire to study in Augusta University’s Dental College. Having a GPA of 3.6 and above is an added advantage. For more information, visit the school’s website below. School Website
#5. University Of Washington
Firstly, it is important to note that the University of Washington is accredited by the Northwest Commission on College and Universities. The school is considered very competitive, with an overall acceptance rate of 13.1%. In addition, the University of Washington has a good success rate of 32.5%. Meanwhile, the average accepted GPA from an applicant to the University of Washington is 3.53. That means students with a lower GPA won’t be admitted. Also, it is important to note that you must take the Dental Admission Test(DAT). The average accepted DAT Score for the University of Washington’s admission is 20.9 For more information on how to apply to the University of Washington, visit the school website below. School Website
#6. University of Missouri, Kansas City
The School of Dentistry, University of Missouri, is accredited by the American Dental Association’s Commission on Dental Accreditation. With a reputation of excellence in education since 1881, UMKC is the only institution in Missouri offering advanced educational programs and clinical training in 8 programs. The overall acceptance rate of students at the University of Missouri, Kansas City is 12.6%(which makes it one of the easiest dental schools to get into in 2022). At least 50.4% of these students graduate successfully. The average accepted GPA from an applicant to the University of Missouri’s School of Dentistry is 3.73. In addition, the average accepted DAT Score is 19.8. For more information, visit the school’s website below. School Website
#7. New York University
New York University College of Dentistry is accredited by the American Dental Association. Although it is easy to get into, we are aware that New York University is still superior in terms of quality education. In fact, it is known to be one of the most expensive dental schools in the U.S.A. For this reason, a lot of students choose affordable dental schools over this one. Notwithstanding, if you have no problem with the tuition fees of a school, then, this should apply to this school. Also, if you are looking for a dental school with a high acceptance rate, low GPA, and DAT scores, then, you should consider applying to New York University. Check below for the school’s acceptance rate, success rate, average GPA, and DAT score.
Overall Acceptance Rate (%): 11.7%Success Rate % (In-state): 26.3%Average Accepted GPA: 3.44Average Accepted DAT Score: 21.2
Before you apply to New York University, you must have a bachelor’s degree. As an applicant with a foreign bachelor’s degree, you must complete a minimum of 60 credits at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college. The total educational expenses you will spend in the school of dentistry at New York University is $94,978. All prerequisite courses must be completed prior to matriculation in dental school. These courses include:
Biology with labInorganic/General Chemistry with labOrganic Chemistry with labPhysics with labEnglish/Writing-Intensive
Also, courses such as comparative anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, microbiology, genetics, histology, embryology, physiology, sociology, philosophy, psychology, and mathematics are recommended. For more information on how to apply to the New York University College of Dentistry, visit the school website below. School Website
#8. East Carolina
East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Before applying to the ECU School of Dental Medicine, you must obtain a Residency Certification Number (RCN). This is gotten after you complete the Residency Determination Service (RDS) Online Interview. The ECU School of Dental Medicine encourages prospective students to gain a wide variety of shadowing experiences, engaging in community service and similar activities. In addition, if you must attend the ECU School of Dental Medicine, then, you must intend to make North Carolina their permanent home indefinitely and not only for the purpose of attending college. The ECU dental school is one of the easiest dental schools you can get into in 2022, with an acceptance rate of 11.5%. However, students with a very low GPA below 3.5, won’t stand a chance to be admitted into the school. A DAT score is also expected from every applicant interested in being a dental student at East Carolina University. You should score at least 19.9 as your DAT score. For more information, visit the school’s website below. School Website
#9. University of Utah
The University of Utah is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. As an applicant, you are required to have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited United States college. As a dental student, the recommended courses include the following: Cell biology, Business, Ethics, Molecular biology/genetics, Computer science, Histology, etc. All applicants are required to take the DAT and score at least 21. Also, you should note that the average GPA of current students accepted into the program is 3.7. For more information on how to apply to the University of Utah, visit the school website below. School Website
#10. University of Iowa
The University of Iowa is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Unlike other universities, Iowa University truly appreciates the diversity of humanity and believes in the power of united ideas.
The overall acceptance rate of students into the University of Iowa’s School of Dentistry is 10.4%. This makes it one of the easiest dental schools to get into in 2022. However, you have to do your part to stand out from other applicants.
Most students complete a bachelor’s degree before entering dental school.
As a student, it is important that take your studies seriously. This is because having good grades are important if you want to be a dental student. Thus, you should be able to perform excellently in your GPA with a 3.70 score and also have a good DAT score of 21.
For more information on how to apply to the University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry, visit the school website below. Their admission requirements and total cost of studying are all attached to the link below.
School Website
#11. High Point Dental School
High Point University will open the area’s first private dental school backed by $150 million in investment. The “School of Dental and Oral Health” will offer a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, pending accreditation, and is expected to welcome its first students in the fall 2023 semester. Application to dental schools can be made after satisfactory completion of a minimum of three years of undergraduate study (90-96 credits). Some dental schools will accept applications after two years of pre-professional study, although the preference is for 3-4 years of pre-dental study. The majority of students accepted for dental study have already earned a bachelor’s degree. School Website
Dental School That Doesn’t Require Bachelor’s Degree
While a bachelor’s degree may not be required, it might be preferred for a competitive candidate within the applicant pool. If a bachelor’s degree is not a requirement, candidates will need to meet a minimum number of prerequisite courses across science and non-science areas of study. Below are some of the dental schools that do not require a bachelor’s degree for admissions:
University of Alabama at Birmingham School of DentistryArizona School of Dentistry & Oral HealthUniversity of Southern California School of DentistryUniversity of the Pacific School of DentistryDental College of Georgia at Augusta UniversityThe University of Iowa College of DentistryIndiana University School of DentistryUniversity of Louisville School of DentistryLouisiana State University Health New Orleans School of DentistryUniversity of Maryland School of DentistryUniversity of Michigan School of DentistryUniversity of Minnesota School of DentistryMissouri School of Dentistry & Oral HealthUniversity of Mississippi Medical Center School of DentistryCreighton University School of DentistryUniversity of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental MedicineTouro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical CollegeThe Ohio State University College of DentistryMedical University of South Carolina College of Dental MedicineRoseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental MedicineWest Virginia University School of Dentistry
Conclusion
The admission process of some dental schools makes it very discouraging for students who wish to pursue a Dentistry profession. However, nothing is impossible to achieve. Interestingly, a few dental schools while maintaining their accreditation status, have come to the rescue of prospective dental students in search of schools with a high acceptance rate. This article compiles the easiest dental schools to get into in 2022. Read through the article and pick a school that you satisfy their eligibility thoroughly.
References
College of Dentistry and Dental ClinicTop Ten NationsDental School Acceptance RatesHow to Become a DentistAmerican Dental Association
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