University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine: An Overview of Admissions Requirements

If you are considering a career in dentistry, you may be aiming for the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, one of the oldest dental schools in the nation. Located in Philadelphia, the school is consistently ranked as one of the top dental schools in the country, emphasizing both clinical skills and research. In this article, we’ll provide you with a detailed overview of admissions requirements for the UPenn School of Dental Medicine, including academic requirements, standardized tests, the application process, and more. By the end of this article, you will have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to become a student at UPenn's prestigious dental school.

UPenn DMD Class Profile (Class of 2026)

• Class Size: 150
• Applicants: 2,211
• Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
• Average Overall GPA: 3.77
• Average Science GPA: 3.71
• Average DAT Score (Academic Average): 22.9
• Average DAT Score (Perceptual Ability): 21.8
• Average DAT Score (Science): 22.4
• Female Students: 64.7%

UPenn DMD Application Overview

Application Deadlines (2025–2026)

• The AADSAS primary application opens in early May (around May 14).
• Penn Dental accepts submissions until December 1, 2025, but strongly recommends applying well before then, ideally by September 1, due to the high volume of applicants (about 3,000 for the 2025 entering class).

Review Timeline & Notifications

• Admissions review begins in July.
• Interviews are offered on a rolling basis from August through March.
• First acceptance offers are released on December 15 (the first business day), continuing on a rolling basis into May as seats become available.

Why It Matters

• Submitting early increases your chance of receiving an interview invitation before later rounds become competitive.
• Final decisions start in mid-December, and seats fill quickly, rolling admissions means earlier applicants often have better chances.

Academic Prerequisites

Academic performance is a crucial factor in the admissions process at UPenn Dental. To be considered for admission, applicants must submit official transcripts showing the completion of 64 or more semester hours, with at least half of the hours being in basic science or math courses, by the time of their application. By the time of matriculation, applicants will need to have completed 96 semester hours in total and the following prerequisites:

• General Biology with lab (2 semesters/3 quarters)
  • Additional coursework in anatomy, microbiology, and physiology are highly recommended
• Chemistry with lab (3 semesters/5 quarters) in either combination
  • General/inorganic chemistry (2 semesters/3 quarters) and organic chemistry (1 semester/2 quarters) or
  • Organic chemistry (2 semesters/3 quarters) and general/inorganic chemistry (1 semester/2 quarters)
  • Additional coursework in physical chemistry is recommended
• Biochemistry (1 semester/1 quarter)
• Physics with lab (2 semesters/3 quarters)
• Mathematics (1 semester/2 quarters)
  • Calculus is preferred
  • Statistics or any other college-level math course is acceptable
• English (2 semesters/3 quarters)
  • Speech, composition, literature, humanities courses, freshman writing seminars, technical and business writing, and other writing intensive courses are accepted
  • Courses may be taken outside of the English department

AP and IB coursework may be used to fulfill these requirements as long as credit appears on your official college transcript. All prerequisite courses must have been completed with a letter grade of C or higher, with the exception of courses taken in spring, summer, and fall 2020 and 2021.

If you completed your bachelor’s at an institution outside of the U.S. or Canada, you must submit translated transcripts from the ECE transcript service. Preference will be given to international students who have completed coursework in the U.S.

While Penn Dental does not have a minimum GPA requirement to apply, the admissions committee gives special consideration to applicants with a GPA of 3.2 or above on a 4.0 scale.

DAT Scores

All applicants must take either the ADA version or Canadian version of the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). You’ll need to submit official scores from a DAT taken before January 2021 for the 2025-2026 application cycle. There is no minimum score requirement, but scores 20 or higher are considered competitive.

Letters of Evaluation

You’ll need to submit at least two letters of evaluation from professors (preferably from your major) or a committee letter from a pre-health advisory committee or another committee familiar with your academic abilities. Your letters must be on letterhead with your evaluators’ titles and signatures. This is the only part of your application that does not come directly from you, so it’s important you choose recommenders who know you well and can speak to how you’ll succeed at Penn Dental Medicine.

Selection Criteria

Penn Dental Medicine seeks diverse, motivated, engaged, and compassionate applicants committed to advancing the dental field through the following:

• Excellence and leadership through extracurricular activities and community service
• Exposure to the dental profession through observation, review of dental procedures, attending dental-related informational programs through pre-dental organizations, etc.
  • Dental shadowing and observation experience in a general dentistry practice is highly recommended. While applicants are encouraged to gain exposure to the dental field through a variety of firsthand experiences, the majority of your experience must occur in the U.S. or Canada

Supplemental Essay Questions

After submitting your AADSAS application and paying the $60 application fee, you will be invited to complete the supplemental application through the Penn Dental Medicine applicant portal. The required essays both have a 1000 word limit, but the admissions committee asks you to be concise. The supplemental essay questions are:

Optional questions:

Interviews

Interview invitations are extended to select students from August to February on a rolling basis. The interview is primarily conversational, intended to get to know you better both as a prospective dental student and as an individual.

Interviewing for Penn Dental: Tips & Advice

• Come prepared with possible answers to common behavioral questions, such as “Why Penn Dental?” or “Why do you want to become a dentist?” Try practicing through mock interviews with an experienced interviewer, such as an admissions coach
• Demonstrate your unique strengths and personality. The interview format is very casual with behavioral questions intended to get to know you beyond your application. Past interviewees have noted how positive and relaxed their experiences were, so focus more on presenting yourself as an individual rather trying to impress your interviewer
• Write down a few questions to ask your interviewer. This will help you demonstrate genuine interest in the program

UPenn DMD Program Overview

Year 1

The Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program at Penn is a four-year program with an emphasis on both oral science and oral health care. In the first year, students will learn about the concepts of human biology in relation to dental and general medicine, with a focus on oral tissues and contiguous structures. They’ll also start a three-year long Professional Practitioner Development course and be introduced to the concepts and practices of community oral health and public health. First-years will also begin a preclinical restorative dentistry course and advance to rotations assisting D3s and D4s in teams called Primary Care Units (PCUs) to work with patients in Penn’s various dental teaching clinics, which include:

• Predoctoral Comprehensive Care clinics
• Special Care Center for Persons with Disabilities
• Brainerd F. Swain Orthodontic Clinic
• Syngcuk Kim Endodontic Clinic
• Oral Surgery Clinic
• Satio Pediatric Clinic

Year 2

The second-year curriculum is focused on the function, pathology, and treatment of the oral cavity and all organ systems and the principles of diagnosis and treatment, with courses in general and oral pathology, pharmacology, and the principles of medicine. The preclinical restorative dental course continues into this year, with a new focus on prosthetic therapy and advanced restorative concepts, as well as rotations in the Advanced Simulation Laboratory. D2s will also begin directly caring for patients and also provide patient screenings and education in community-based dental health programs.

Year 3

D3s will begin functioning as full-time comprehensive dental practitioners, utilizing the foundational knowledge from D1 and D2 to provide comprehensive patient care in their PCUs that rotate through various clinics. In the second semester, third-year students will also practice alongside faculty members and students from other professional schools at UPenn in community-based settings, such as:

• The Homeless Health Initiative of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
• United Community Clinics
• University City Hospitality Coalition
• Mercy LIFE
• Puentes de Salud
• PennSmiles

Year 4

In the final year, students will continue providing dental services in community health clinics and present clinical cases in PCU seminars. They’ll also take a year-long practice management course preparing them to practice general dentistry, manage a practice as a business, and build professional relationships with other dentists and healthcare professionals.

Student Research

Penn Dental students have several opportunities to conduct research within the dental school or in collaboration with other schools at UPenn.

Summer Research Program:

Students interested in research or academic careers in oral health will work on a basic laboratory or clinical research project with a faculty advisor full-time over the summer and continuing into the academic year. Students will present their posters at Research Day and may be granted travel awards to attend national or international conferences

Basic and Translational Research Honors:

Incoming, D1, and D2 students may apply to this honors program, in which they will work with a faculty mentor to conduct a one- or two-year research project. Honors scholars will present their work at Research Day and write a thesis, which they are also encouraged to publish

Clinical Research Honors:

Incoming, second, third, and fourth year students interested in human subjects research are encouraged to apply to this honors program. Students will spend one year learning about clinical research practices, regulations, and settings and complete a short project that they will present at Research Day

Leonard Davis Institute Summer Research Fellowship:

Offered in collaboration with the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics and Wharton’s Health Care Management Department, this summer fellowship supports students interested in a health services or health policy research project

Independent Research:

Students may volunteer in basic and clinical research studies or apply to research positions through the Office of Graduate Studies and Student Research

Vernon Brightman Research Society:

Penn’s chapter of the American Association for Dental Research National Student Research Group connects DMD students with various research opportunities and programs

Further Academic Opportunities at Penn Dental Medicine

Penn Dental offers a wide range of academic enrichment programs that allow motivated students to tailor their education and pursue advanced training in clinical specialties, public health, research, and interdisciplinary fields. These opportunities help students deepen their expertise, serve underserved communities, and prepare for postdoctoral programs or dual-career pathways.

Community Health Honors

This year-long program requires students to complete a minimum of 140 hours at an approved community health site. Students engage in projects such as oral health education workshops, school-based dental screenings, preventive care initiatives, and referral networks for underserved populations. The goal is to foster leadership in public and community oral health delivery.

Honors in Vulnerable Populations

Students in this clinic-based program provide comprehensive care to marginalized groups, including refugees, asylum seekers, survivors of interpersonal violence (IPV), and torture survivors. In addition to clinical care, students gain valuable training in cultural competency, trauma-informed care, and social determinants of health.

Honors in Endodontics

Designed for students interested in pursuing an endodontics residency, this program offers advanced exposure to root canal therapy, endodontic surgery, and molar endodontics. Participants attend specialty seminars, assist with surgical procedures, and may contribute to research within the department.

Honors in Pediatric Dentistry

Students receive advanced training in pediatric dental care, including behavioral management techniques, sedation protocols, and care for special needs patients. They also attend a seminar series alongside pediatric residents, providing insights into pediatric dental residencies and hospital-based care.

Honors in Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery (OMFS)

This highly competitive track exposes students to complex surgical procedures such as preprosthetic surgeries, biopsies, dental extractions, and management of medically complex patients. Students shadow OMFS residents, attend rounds, and assist with surgical care under close faculty supervision.

Honors in Orthodontics

In this program, students participate in clinical orthodontic treatment planning, assist in appliance fabrication, and support residents during procedures. They also attend postgraduate orthodontic lectures to strengthen their understanding of malocclusion diagnosis and treatment strategies.

Honors in Periodontics

Students explore advanced periodontic topics such as crown lengthening, osseous surgery, mucogingival grafting, flap surgeries, laser-assisted therapy, and implant placement. They participate in seminars, conduct literature reviews, assist in research, and receive individualized mentorship.

Honors in Radiology

Radiology honors students work closely with the Division of Radiology to gain hands-on experience in digital intraoral, panoramic, and cone beam CT (CBCT) imaging. They learn both the acquisition and interpretation of diagnostic images and often conduct faculty-guided research that may lead to publication or presentation.

Dual and Joint Degree Programs

Joint Master’s Degrees (4-Year Programs)

Penn Dental students have the option to pursue interdisciplinary master's degrees during their four years in the DMD program. These joint degrees enhance their understanding of public policy, research, and professional practice across various fields:

• Master of Bioethics (MBE)
• Master of Public Health (MPH)
• Master of Bioengineering (MBE)
• Master of Higher Education
• Master of Science in Nutrition
• Master of Oral and Population Health
• Master of Science in Translational Research
• Master of Law (ML)

Note: Students typically apply to these programs during the spring of their first year (D1) and must demonstrate strong academic standing and interest in the chosen field.

JD/DMD Program (6–6.5 Years)

This unique joint-degree program combines dentistry with legal education, preparing graduates for careers in healthcare law, policy, compliance, academia, and healthcare administration. Students split their time between Penn Dental and Penn Law, completing both degrees in just over six years.

MBA/DMD Program (5.5 Years)

Offered in partnership with the Wharton School, this dual-degree track develops dentists into business leaders. Students complete coursework in finance, operations, entrepreneurship, and healthcare management, preparing for roles in dental practice management, biotech, consulting, and healthcare innovation.

The Bottom Line

The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine offers an academically rigorous, clinically rich, and research-driven DMD program that consistently ranks among the nation’s best. With a competitive admissions process, strong emphasis on early clinical experience, and opportunities for specialization, dual degrees, and community impact, Penn Dental prepares students to become leaders in the dental profession. If you're aiming for a program that blends innovation with tradition, clinical excellence with service, and offers unmatched interdisciplinary opportunities, UPenn should be at the top of your list. Start early, stay organized, and be intentional in every part of your application.

Want to Get Into Penn Dental?

Work with an admissions coach who knows what it takes. Get expert help on your application, essays, and interviews. Connect with a coach today and take the next step.

For more resources as you apply to dental school, check out these articles:

• How to Get Into a US Dental School as an International Applicant
• Writing a Winning Dental School Personal Statement
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Degree – What It Is & How to Apply
• DMD vs. DDS: What's the Difference and Which is Better?
• How Hard Is It (Actually) to Become a Dentist?
• Best Majors for Dental School: A Guide for Pre-Dental Students
• How to Become a Dentist: Application, Degree Programs, FAQs

Penn Dental FAQs

How do I apply for financial aid?

• If you are applying for need-based aid, you’ll need to submit the FAFSA and the PENN Financial Aid Applications. All applicants are considered for the merit-based Dean’s Scholarship, which offers up to $50,000 per year. Visit Penn Dental’s financial aid page for more information.

Can I tour the campus?

• Yes, you may register for a 30-minute tour here. Due to limited availability, you will need to register at least two weeks prior to your visit.

Is Penn Dental School hard to get into?

• Yes, Penn Dental is highly selective. It typically accepts around 6–7% of applicants. For example, the Class of 2026 saw nearly 2,900 applicants with only around 170 matriculating. Competitive applicants usually have strong academic records, with average GPAs around 3.8 and DAT scores above 22.

Is UPenn Dental School good?

• Absolutely. Penn Dental Medicine is consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the U.S. It’s well-known for its rigorous clinical training, world-class research, and access to dual-degree programs through the University of Pennsylvania’s professional schools.

What GPA do you need to get into Penn State dental school?

• While Penn State does not have its own dental school, students from Penn State typically apply to other U.S. dental programs. To be competitive, applicants should aim for a GPA of at least 3.3, with a 3.6 or higher preferred for science courses. Strong DAT scores and clinical experience are also essential.