Before you chose a college, you should understand some things about the school choice. You need a resource to make a better decision about your college life and career path. This article serves as a guideline where you can find the information of uop dental school acceptance rate. A huge amount of applicants enter each year to take part in the competitive admission process. Thousands of applicants hope to get accepted by this prestigious university that offers excellent undergraduate and graduate degrees. Before you apply for admission, be informed about the uop pre-dental school acceptance rate

As of 2024, the acceptance rate for the University of the Pacific Dental School stands at approximately 7%, making it a highly competitive program to gain admission to. While this statistic may seem daunting, it’s important to keep in mind that the school is looking for more than just good grades when considering applicants. The University of the Pacific Dental School prides itself on selecting well-rounded individuals who not only excel academically but also demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to serving their community.

In order to be considered for admission to the University of the Pacific Dental School, applicants must meet certain basic requirements. These include completing a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, preferably with a strong background in science courses such as biology, chemistry, and physics. Additionally, applicants must achieve a competitive score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and provide letters of recommendation that speak to their academic abilities, character, and potential to succeed in dental school. Strong communication skills and a genuine passion for the field of dentistry are also highly valued by the admissions committee.

The admission process for the University of the Pacific Dental School involves submitting a comprehensive application that includes transcripts, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and DAT scores. If selected for an interview, applicants will have the opportunity to further showcase their qualifications and discuss their motivations for pursuing a career in dentistry.

The admissions committee evaluates each applicant holistically, taking into account not only their academic achievements but also their personal qualities, experiences, and goals for the future. Ultimately, those who are admitted to the University of the Pacific Dental School are not only academically accomplished but also demonstrate a strong commitment to the field and a desire to make a positive impact on the community through their work as dental professionals.

uOP pre dental school Overview

University of the Pacific offers a pre-dental program to first-time freshmen, the accelerated Pre-Dental Advantage Program (3+3). in which you complete all pre-dental and general education requirements and the courses for the biological sciences or chemistry majors in just three years and three years of dental school. Optionally, you can apply to accelerate to the 2+3 program or spend more time in the undergraduate portion by switching to the 4+3 program.

When you complete the program, you will earn both a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of the Pacific (Stockton Campus) and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry (San Francisco Campus). 

Through the 3+3 program, students can complete all pre-dental and general education requirements and the courses for the biological sciences or chemistry majors in just three years (six regular semesters). Course credits from the first year of dental school can be used to earn a bachelor’s degree, and upon completion of the third year of dental school you will earn the DDS degree. Students admitted to the pre-dental advantage program who fulfill both academic and non-academic requirements are guaranteed an interview at the Dugoni School:

• Complete all pre-dental program course requirements and dental school prerequisites
• Maintain an overall grade point average (GPA) of 3.05 or above in coursework from Pacific and other institutions, BBCP (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, and physics), and Science
• Achieve Dental Admissions Test exam scores of 18 or above in all categories
• Submit a completed dental school application, including three letters of evaluation from two Pacific science faculty and one dentist, by September 1 of the application cycle
• Complete at least 40 hours of shadowing a general dentist

Prerequisites

Predental College Years: General minimum is three years (90 semester or 135 quarter units)

Limitation on Community College Work: Courses taken at a community college will be acceptable if they are transferable as equivalent to predental courses at a four-year college. 

Biological Sciences* (with laboratory)	4 semesters or 6 quarters
Inorganic Chemistry (with laboratory)	2 semesters or 3 quarters
Organic Chemistry (with laboratory)	2 semesters or 3 quarters
Physics (with laboratory)	2 semesters or 3 quarters
English, Speech, or Communication**	2 semesters or 3 quarters

The following represents the minimum required number of courses for semester and quarter system-based universities.

Highly Recommended: anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, histology/cell biology & research experience — practical or theory

* Note: The Admissions Committee requires that applicants complete either two semesters of organic chemistry or one semester each of organic chemistry and biochemistry.

** Note: One course in composition or technical writing is required. Other courses should develop written or verbal communication skills. English as a Second Language (ESL) course work does not meet this requirement.

Students may not elect pass/fail options in required course work unless a narrative transcript is provided by the college.

Letter of Recommendation: 2 letters from science professors and 1 of your choice (e.g., dentist, research or work manager/supervisor) OR 1 committee letter.

Dental Shadowing Experience: 40 hours minimum (minimum hours must be general dentistry).

Grade Point Average (GPA): Your overall and science GPA, the schools attended, and the difficulty of your course load are all assessed on an individual basis.

Dental Admissions Test (DAT): Preference is given to students who provide Dental Admissions Test scores no later than November.  June 1st update: Due to COVID-19 and reduced DAT testing capacity, DAT scores will now be valid to up to 3 years. Scores before June 15, 2018 will not be considered for the 2020-2021 admissions cycle. This does not apply to Univ. of the Pacific Pre-dental Advantage students – please refer to your contract and your pre-dental advisor. 

The committee reviews the most recent DAT scores in the application. For instructions on how to schedule a date for the DAT, please go online to American Dental Association (ADA).

No supplementary application is required, but there is a supplementary fee of $75. Link is provided in AADSAS.

uOP dental school acceptance rate

The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry at University of the Pacific is a renowned institution that provides on-going educational opportunities for students pursuing a career in dentistry. With a highly competitive acceptance rate of approximately 7% as of 2024, the University of the Pacific Dental School is selective in admitting students who demonstrate academic excellence and a strong passion for dentistry.

In order to be considered for admission to the University of the Pacific Dental School, applicants must meet certain basic requirements. These may include a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, and physics, a competitive GPA, and a strong Dental Admission Test (DAT) score. Additionally, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and participation in extracurricular activities related to the field of dentistry may also be required.

Category	Details
Acceptance Rate	7%
Total Applicants	3,197
Total Accepted	276
Eligibility	Undergraduates in the University of the Pacific’s accelerated pre-dental program
Program Restrictions	No pass/no credit courses allowed

Transfer Students/Advanced Standing

Only under unusual and compelling circumstances does the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry accept transfer students. Incompatibility of dental education programs inhibits transition from another school to our program. Students requesting such classification usually matriculate with the first-year class. No student will be admitted to advanced standing beyond the second year. Special action regarding transfers is required.

Health Requirements, Medical and Disability Insurance

Prior to matriculation, health requirements must be met and documentation submitted to the Admissions Office, as follows:

• Medical Examination: Submit our school’s “Health Requirement Examination Form,” signed by a health care provider confirming that a medical examination was completed within 6 months of the date of matriculation.
• Measles, Rubella (German Measles) and Mumps: Documented vaccination (2 vaccines) with live attenuated Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) virus is adequate. A history of measles and rubella as childhood diseases is not sufficient. If documentation is not available, blood tests showing immunity will suffice.
• Tuberculosis: Submit the report of a 2-step Mantoux tuberculosis skin test. (Commonly referred to as PPD) within 6 months of matriculation. With a history of tuberculosis OR a positive skin test, submit the provider’s report of a chest X-ray taken within 6 months prior to matriculation. Chest X-rays may be required at intervals, and suppressive medication may be recommended.
• Hepatitis B: Every dental student is required to submit documented proof of presence of antibodies to the Hepatitis B virus AND complete the Hepatitis B vaccination series. It is recommended that this be done prior to matriculation; in all cases, however, it must be done before a student is allowed to treat patients. If a student does not have documented proof of having antibodies to this virus, the vaccination series is available at our dental school for a fee.

Medical and Disability Insurance: All enrolled students and residents participate in mandatory medical insurance and disability insurance programs selected by the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. Unless proof of current health insurance is provided to university specification, no one shall be exempt from the mandatory health insurance. Insurance premiums are assessed with tuition and other fees.

Reservation of Powers: The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry reserves the right to modify or change admissions standards or requirements any time without prior notice. The information on this website is not to be regarded as creating a binding contract between the student and the dental school.

University of the Pacific

UOP Dental School Requirements

Overview

University of the Pacific / Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is located in Stockton, CA, in a suburban setting.

Degrees & Awards

Degrees Offered

Degree	Concentration	Sub-concentration
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD)
(Certificate)

Degrees Awarded

Degree	Number Awarded
Master’s Degrees	8
Doctoral Degrees	156

Earning Your Degree

Part-time study available?	No
Evening/weekend programs available?	No
Distance learning programs available?	No

Degree Requirements

Degree	Requirement
Master’s Degrees	Entrance Exam GRE General Test Comp Exam Required Thesis Required

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

3,197 Applied 276 Accepted 179 Enrolled 9%

Applying

Yes Electronic
applications accepted? Yes Applications processed
on a rolling basis?

Application Deadlines

Type	Domestic	International	Priority date
Fall deadline	Not reported	September 15th	Yes

Entrance Requirements

Exam	Details
Master’s Degree Exam	GRE General Test	Improve your score!

Doctoral Degree Exam	National Board Dental Exam Part I, DAT
Doctoral Degree Requirements	Foreign dental degree (for international students)
Additional Entrance Requirements	DDS/DMD

International Students

Exam	Details
TOEFL: Required		Improve your score!

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Tuition & Fees

Financial Support

Financial award applicants must submit:	FAFSA
Application deadlines for financial awards	March 2
Types of financial support available	Institutionally-sponsored Loans Scholarship and/or loans Financial support for part-time students

Student Body

568 Total Graduate Students 8% International Breakout (representing other countries)

Race/Ethnicity

Hispanic/Latino	6.87%
Black or African American	1.06%
White or Caucasian	30%
American Indian or Alaska Native	0.18%
Asian	43.49%
Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander	0%
Two or more races	6.34%
Unknown	2.46%

Gender

Male (55%)Female (44%)

Faculty

237 Total faculty Full-time – 66Part-time – 171Male (149)Female (88)

Research

Focus of faculty research:	Cell kinetics, cell membrane transport, orthodontics, virus cell membrane fusion, bioenergy transduction
Externally sponsored research expenditures last year:	0

Location & Contact

Address 3601 Pacific Avenue
Stockton, CA  95211-0197
United States Contact Nader Nadershahi
Dean
Email: nnadershahi@pacific.edu
Phone: 415-929-6425

pre dental programs

Students dreaming about filling cavities, extracting molars, and fighting plaque should consider ‘cutting their teeth’ in an undergraduate pre-dental program.

It is important to note that pre-dental is not a major of study, but rather an advising track to help students prepare for dental school. 

In their undergraduate years, pre-dental students can expect to enroll in courses focused heavily on mathematics and the sciences, including biology, organic chemistry, anatomy, and more.

Contrary to what many students might assume, it is rarely mandated that pre-dental students choose a science- or math-focused major. 

Many dental schools actually appreciate students who have a well-rounded collegiate experience in the humanities and social studies, as well as the traditional sciences.

Here are 10 of the very best schools offering pre-dental tracks.

Auburn University (Auburn, AL)

Recently ranked as one of the top 100 best places to live in the country, Auburn provides an ideal setting for students to enjoy a collegiate experience. 

While Auburn’s overall acceptance rate is 85%, interested students should know that admission to the university is highly competitive. The school candidly shares that there are more qualified applicants than there are placements available in the pre-dentistry program. 

It is recommended that students meet with the College of Science and Mathematics (COSAM) Director of Pre-Health Programs in their first year at Auburn to learn how to develop a competitive background. It is also advised that students attend mandatory meetings regarding the dental school application process, and take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) at least one year prior to entering a professional school. 

Students who perform at a high level may be invited to join the Alpha Epsilon Delta national honor society for students preparing for a dentistry career; this organization acts as a liaison between students and the pre-dentistry advisory team. 

Auburn alumnus – Dr. Jim Phillips, Jr. (class of 1980) – has volunteered as the Auburn Athletics football team dentist for over 20 years. 

Additionally, he teaches at the COSAM, serves on the Dean’s Leadership Council, participates in the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame selection committee, and was recently elected president of the Alabama Dental Association (ALDA). 

Auburn students can certainly expect to feel the community support to which Phillips alludes. 

Mrs. Beverley Childress is the Pre-Health Professions Director and has 20+ years of experience in an advisory role at Auburn; she oversees the PPAC – Pre-Health Professions Advisory Committee – whose applicants are accepted to professional schools at a rate that is 30% above the national average. 

While Auburn does not have a dental school on campus, most Auburn pre-dentistry students attend the University of Alabama School of Dentistry in Birmingham.

Eastern University (St. Davids, PA)

Students who seek to follow a pre-dental track, as well as attend a school with a tight-knit, faith-based community, should consider all that Eastern University has to offer. 

Pre-dental advisor Dr. Maria Ficherea loves the “dynamic Christian environment,” and many students embark on dental mission trips to countries outside of the United States.

Eastern University recommends that pre-dental students participate in community service projects, get involved in research opportunities, shadow practicing dentists, maintain excellent grades, and take required standardized tests. 

Eastern is close to three dental schools and their campus has a strong relationship with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine in Philadelphia, where many students volunteer during the school year.

Current biology student Kadeem attends class, plays on the lacrosse team, conducts and observes research with Eastern professors, manages first-year student study hall groups, and shadows at a local dental practice once a week. 

Students at Eastern can apply for the Gateway to Dentistry summer internship based at Rutgers School of Medicine. This 8-day immersive experience grants students exposure to clinical techniques, dental specialties, and admissions counseling. This internship is open to sophomores, juniors, seniors, or recent graduates.

James Madison University (Harrisonburg, VA)

One of the most competitive pre-dental programs on this list, JMU requires pre-dentistry students to undergo twice-annual performance reviews. They are expected to maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher; otherwise, they may be dropped from the program.

The Pre-Dentistry Program (PDP) is considered a minor at JMU, and students typically earn a BS or BA in a major of their choice. 

Students can join the Pre-Dental Society at JMU, which is committed to helping students prepare to become professional dentists. Membership in the society requires students to attend monthly meetings, local community service events, and other local professional opportunities. 

The Pre-Dental Society often visits regional dental schools, like Howard University, the Medical University of South Carolina, and the University of North Carolina at Chapel HIll. As of 2018, JMU reports that their students were accepted to nine dental schools in nine different states.

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse (La Crosse, WI)

With an acceptance rate of 82%, and a #1 ranking out of 34 schools in Wisconsin for value, the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse is a great option for pre-dental students that won’t break the bank. 

Students should add an “intended pre-professional track” when declaring their majors; the school recommends that students consult the ADEA coursework table to understand pre-dental course requirements.

Dr. Michael Abler collaborates with pre-dentistry students; he is an associate professor of biology students can join the Pre-Dentistry Club, whose purpose is to arm students with helpful resources that prepare them to be competitive dental school applications and leaders in the community. 

Recent club leader Kaitlyn Michalek served as a student-athlete and fundraiser leader for the Vida Dental Mission Trip to Guatemala. 

She traveled with 40 other La Crosse students to provide dental, medical, and vet services to Guatemalan citizens, free of charge. Her fundraiser to pay for the trip expenses collected over 1,000 pairs of shoes for those who need them. 

Johns Hopkins University (Baltimore, MD)

Johns Hopkins is one of the most selective schools on this list, with a recent acceptance rate of only 9% of applicants. They are also ranked 9th overall in U.S. universities, according to U.S. News.

Like Eastern University, Johns Hopkins links students to the Gateway to Dentistry pre-dental internship. 

Additionally, the Dentistry Today program – offered through the nearby University of Maryland’s Baltimore College of Dental Surgery – provides interactive experiences for students on a pre-dental track. 

Students at Johns Hopkins can expect to be supported with an abundance of resources. The university provides students with a list of current dental practices, along with addresses and phone numbers, where they can inquire about shadowing opportunities. 

With over 40 members, the Pre-Dental Society is dedicated to helping Johns Hopkins students transition to the dental schools of their choice. 

Students can also download a helpful spreadsheet – the Pre-Health Activities Tracker – which they can use to record their undergraduate experiences in pre-dental preparation.

Marquette University (Milwaukee, WI)

Unlike other schools on this list, Marquette offers an accelerated Pre-dental Scholars Program with conditional acceptance to their School of Dentistry; students can complete their bachelors and dental degrees in seven years (instead of the typical eight). 

Marquette enrolls a maximum of ten students in the Pre-dental Scholars Program annually, making it highly competitive.

Students find out by the end of their junior year if they are accepted into the Marquette dental school, which offers over $11 million in financial aid to each class of the School of Dentistry. 

Additionally, the school offers a five-week intensive program, called the Dental Summer Enrichment Program (DSEP), which prepares students to matriculate from pre-dental studies to the School of Dentistry. 

Alumnus Chuck Kosowski, DDS, graduated from the Marquette University School of Dentistry in 2004 and now works at Marquette’s Advanced Care Clinic and St. Elizabeth Ann Seton’s Dental Clinic, specializing in serving Milwaukee residents who are at an economic disadvantage. 

Oregon State University (Corvallis, OR)

Oregon State is an ideal option for students who want to learn more about dentistry but aren’t yet ready to commit to a pre-dental track. 

BHS 107 (Pre-Dental Orientation) is a one-credit Pass/Fail course that helps orient students to the dentistry field and dental school application process. Course participants also get access to guest speakers and field visits to dental offices and labs.

Students can join the Oregon State Pre-Dental Club to learn about opportunities to hear guest speakers, volunteer at local practices and community events, and attend pertinent dental school application meetings. 

Located in Portland, the Oregon Health and Science University is the singular dental school in Oregon. They require students to have at least 50 hours of dental shadowing and 25 hours with a general practice dentist – students find that the Corvallis dental community is very welcome toward OSU students. 

OSU shares that most of their students take out loans to pay for dental school and pay them back within a decade; students can also obtain military health professions scholarships through the U.S. Army, Navy, or Air Force, as well as the National Health Services Corps.

UCLA (Los Angeles, CA)

On an annual basis, UCLA’s post-baccalaureate program offers two underrepresented and disadvantaged students a 1-year immersive experience that provides them with mentorship, clinical experience, volunteer opportunities, and research activities. 

The program is designed to help make them competitive applicants to the UCLA Dental School. According to the school, 75% of students who have participated in the program moved forward to attend dental school. 

All UCLA pre-dental students can attend the ‘Basic Dental Principles’ lecture series, which introduces undergraduates to pertinent topics and exercises in the dental field. UCLA also offers an 80-hour, 6-month clinical volunteer program and a research volunteer program for undergraduates interested in joining the dentistry field.

The ASDA pre-dental outreach committee collaborates closely with the UCLA Pre-Dental Student Outreach Program (PDSOP) to provide undergraduate mentorship to pre-dental students. They offer lab tutorials, job shadowing opportunities, presentations, and Q&A forums. 

The PDSOP meets regularly, helps inform students of what they need to be competitive applicants, and provides community outreach in the greater LA area. 

University of Texas at Arlington (Arlington, TX)

UTA offers two unique programs for pre-dental students: first, the 6-week Texas A&M Collegiate Program for Dentistry, which provides students with opportunities to strengthen their skills prior to applying to dental schools. 

The second is the Summer Health Professions Education Program, a 6-week program for first-year and sophomore students to learn more about careers in the health professions. 

The Julia & Dale Martin Pre-Dental Scholarship is used for students enrolled in the UTA College of Science who intend to practice dentistry.

It is highly recommended that UTA students join a pre-health student organization on the UTA campus. 

The Pre-Dental Society is an online-run club that seeks to educate students about the dental field and dental school application process; they host guest speakers, tours of dental schools, social mixers, job shadowing programs, community service opportunities, and scholarship info sessions regularly. 

Pre-dental students will have two advisors: a main advisor (for their major) and a health professions adviser, who is dedicated to helping them become a competitive applicant. The UTA College of Science additionally allows students to sign up for a peer or alumni mentor. 

There are four dental schools in Texas: Texas A&M College of Dentistry, UT Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry, UT Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry, and Texas Tech El Paso – The Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine. 

With a recent acceptance rate of 88%, UTA is an ideal choice for students who desire access to a wide variety of resources within a university and many nearby dental school options to where they can enroll.

Michigan State University (East Lansing, MI)

MSU boasts that their pre-dental alumni have progressed to gain employment at dental schools, private practices, major healthcare employers, and epidemiology research labs. 

Pre-dental students work closely with Michigan State Pre-Health advisers, who help connect students to essential resources. 

The Michigan State Pre-Dental Club informs students of the dental school application process and aims to connect them with fellow students and local dental practitioners. They maintain an impressive club enrollment of almost 100 members per year!

Those hoping to matriculate to dental school in Michigan have two in-state options: the University of Detroit Mercy and the University of Michigan (located in Ann Arbor). Interested students can access the pre-dental curriculum guide for Michigan dental schools here.