Frequently Asked Questions

What are the requirements for admission to the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program?

A minimum of 3 years of college coursework completed in an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university is required. To be considered, an applicant must have documentation certifying completion of a minimum of 90 semester credit hours at the time of application.

A letter grade must be documented for all required courses completed through in-person, online or hybrid learning platforms. Science courses with grades of Pass/Fail or Satisfactory will not be accepted. Non-science prerequisite courses impacted by Pass/Fail grading system will not be evaluated negatively.

The college coursework must include:

English Composition & Rhetoric - 6 semester hours
Biology or Zoology (with Lab) - 8 semester hours
General/Inorganic Chemistry (with Lab) - 8 semester hours
Organic Chemistry (with Lab) - 8 semester hours
Physics (with Lab) - 8 semester hours
Biochemistry - 3 semester hours
Comparative or Human Anatomy - 3 semester hours

These are firm requirements regardless of undergraduate or graduate preparation.

Additional recommended coursework:

Cellular and Molecular Biology
Physiology
Microbiology
Embryology/Developmental Biology
Genetics
Psychology
Communication

No more than 64 hours of community college credit will be accepted toward course requirements. Accepted students must have completed all required courses by June 1, prior to matriculation.

Do online courses count toward admission requirements?

Yes. A letter grade must be documented for all required courses completed through in person, online or hybrid learning platforms. Science courses with grades of Pass/Fail or Satisfactory will not be accepted. Non-science prerequisite courses impacted by Pass/Fail grading system will not be evaluated negatively.

What is the process for submitting an application for Admission?

The WVU School of Dentistry participates in the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Applications must be submitted electronically through AADSAS. Explicit information and instructions are available on the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) website www.adea.org. The deadline to submit the completed AADSAS application is November 1st.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to give this part of the application process their strict attention. Even though the application deadline is November 1st, it is advantageous to submit the AADSAS online application early because the Admissions Committee begins admitting the class on December 15th. If you have specific questions regarding West Virginia University's application procedures and admission requirements, please call the Office of Dental Admissions at 304-293-6646 or e-mail your questions to dentaladmit@hsc.wvu.edu.

Computer literacy is an essential skill for all applicants and enrollees beginning with the AADSAS online application.

Must I complete all of the required courses before I apply?

No, but the majority of the coursework should be completed before applying. As indicated earlier, applicants must have completed at least 90 semester credit hours prior to application.

Does the West Virginia School of Dentistry (WVUSOD) have its own application form?

Yes. The Admissions Committee evaluates all AADSAS applications and invites selected applicants to submit a secondary (institutional) application. There is a non-refundable fee of $60 with the secondary application. This fee is not applied toward tuition or other charges upon admittance. Instructions for submitting the online secondary application and fee will be provided to selected applicants by email. Secondary applications must be submitted within the timeframe provided in the email from the School of Dentistry Admissions Office. Once applicants have completed the secondary application payment information will be entered and submitted. A required verification page will appear and must be signed before the application is submitted.

What undergraduate major does the Admissions Committee prefer?

Many dental school applicants select Biology or Chemistry as their undergraduate major. However, the Admissions Committee gives no particular priority to any major, providing the minimum science course requirements for admission have been met. While preparation in the sciences is absolutely essential, interest in the humanities reflects indispensable qualities of the professional person.

Apart from the required and recommended courses, what other courses are suggested?

Having satisfied all pre-dental course requirements, the applicant is free to select courses that hold special interest for the individual or which may strengthen an area of academic inadequacy. The Committee does highly recommend that the applicant complete more than the minimum hours of biology. Additional recommended courses include: cell and molecular biology, physiology, embryology, genetics, microbiology, communication, and psychology.

Will the Admissions Committee pay particular attention to my performance in certain courses?

While a good grade in a very challenging course may be noted favorably, it will not be viewed as a unique indication of success in dental school. The Admissions Committee expects demonstrated academic competence in all areas of the undergraduate curriculum. The Admissions Committee generally favors those who have completed all required courses with a grade of B or above.

What are the minimum cumulative and science grade-point averages required to get into dental school?

The Admissions Committee has no "cut-off" points or specific required grade-point averages. Competition at the undergraduate level has forced these numbers to a rather high plateau (3.5+). The committee will review transcripts with regard to consistency of performance, course load, and the degree of difficulty of the curriculum. It is important to emphasize that the Admissions Committee seeks the best and most well-prepared applicants.

My transcript shows several withdrawals from courses. How will the Admissions Committee view this?

The applicant should be prepared to explain these withdrawals. Withdrawing from a course because of illness or accident might be legitimate reasons. On the other hand, withdrawal simply because a course turned out to be too challenging, and you did not wish to meet the challenge may be detrimental.

Should I repeat courses in which I did not do well, even though I passed them?

Repeating a course to obtain a higher grade shouldn’t be the main motive. Any student is expected to do well in a course the second time. The Admissions Committee will not look favorably on such actions without strong justification for doing so.

Earning a college degree is not my plan. Will this decision impact my dental school application?

The Admissions Committee strongly recommends that applicants work toward receiving a degree at the baccalaureate level. Applicants must have completed at least 90 semester credit hours at the time of application. The Admissions Committee has seen a significant increase in the number of dental school enrollees with college degrees. The Admissions Committee feels that the quality of preparation is as important as the length of preparation.

If I apply as a third-year applicant, will it help or hinder my chances for admissions?

Neither. Each applicant is considered within the competitive context of the application pool for the year in which they apply. As noted previously, applicants must have completed at least 90 semester credit hours prior to application.

Even though rejected several times, should I continue to reapply to prove my motivation?

Re-application without significant change in credentials in the interim is not likely to meet with success. A mature and realistic self-appraisal is strongly recommended.

Does an individual who is re-applying need to submit a new application?

Yes. All applicants, whether first-time or re-applying, must submit a new application through AADSAS.

When should I take the Dental Admission Test (DAT)?

It is strongly recommended that potential applicants take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) so that scores may be submitted by November 1st of the year prior to expected enrollment. (Example: DAT in September 2023, enrollment in August 2024). Information concerning the time and place for DAT testing can be obtained by contacting:

DAT Program
Department of Testing Services
American Dental Association
Telephone: 800-232-1694
Website: https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/dental-admission-test

How does the Admissions Committee use the DAT scores?

DAT scores are used as another measure of academic preparation. The Committee expects the applicant to have shown at least average competence in the various sub-sections of the test. If discrepancies exist between scholastic achievement and DAT scores, an effort will be made to determine why the inconsistency exists.

Does the Admission Committee evaluate all DAT scores if more than one score report is submitted?

Yes. The Admissions Committee evaluates all DAT scores.

Should I study for the DAT?

Many students take the basic required courses, especially the sciences, early in their undergraduate career. Failure to review basic factual information in these courses before taking the DAT could be detrimental. No DAT review book, online study aid, or privately instructed short course may be equal to a careful and systematic review of one's own notes and textbooks.

How long are DAT scores valid?

DAT scores are valid for 3 years from test date.

Whom should I approach about recommendation letters?

If a pre-health professions committee or comprehensive recommendation is available at your college or university, please request the committee or your advisor submit a letter directly to the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).

OR

If no comprehensive committee letter or packet is available two letters written by science professors who have taught and graded the applicant at the undergraduate or graduate level (anatomy, biochemistry, biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, or physics) and two letters of the applicant’s choice from science or non-science professors, advisors, mentors, dentists, or other individuals who can recommend the applicant. Quality rather than quantity of such letters should be of primary importance. NOTE: Up to four letters of recommendation will be processed by AADSAS. Adherence to this guideline is strongly encouraged.

Do I need to have letters of recommendation submitted at the time of AADSAS application?

No, evaluators should submit all letters electronically using Letters by Liaison, the AADSAS Recommender Portal. You will submit the evaluator's name and email address. The status of letters of recommendation can be monitored through AADSAS. Complete instructions are available through the AADSAS Application Instructions online.

Do you retain letters of recommendation from one application cycle to the next?

No. Letters of recommendation are not retained from one application cycle to the next. If you reapply, it is necessary to obtain new letters of recommendation for each application cycle. All letters of recommendation must be submitted through AADSAS. (Refer to the previous question on whom to approach about recommendation letters.)

What about recommendation letters from prominent persons?

If the prominent person has had the opportunity to get to know the applicant well, the Admissions Committee will review this additional information. Perfunctory letters of recommendation add little to the applicant's credentials. (Refer to the previous question on whom to approach about recommendation letters.)

Will I be interviewed as part of the application procedure?

Applicants who are residents of West Virginia are usually interviewed, although the Admissions Committee may elect not to interview an unrealistic applicant. The committee will review AADSAS and supplemental application materials to select non-resident applicants to invite for an interview, depending on the applicant's academic qualifications.

When does the WVU School of Dentistry begin interviews?

Interviews usually begin in September of each year.

Does an early application and interview guarantee an early decision by the Admissions Committee?

No. Even though early applicants are usually interviewed early, the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) recommends that dental schools do not notify applicants either orally or in writing of provisional or final acceptance before December 15th of the academic year prior to the year of matriculation. See AADSAS guidelines on website: www.adea.org). Utilizing these guidelines, the School will make an effort to inform applicants of the decision as soon as possible. The Admissions Committee may delay the decision until spring or early summer for some applicants because of continued deliberation.

What is the basic interview process?

Interviews are offered in both virtual and in-person formats. Members of the Admissions Committee, aided by the Dental Admissions and Recruitment staff, participate in this effort. Applicants invited to interview participate in a group introduction, take part in a guided tour of the School, meet with dental students, participate in an interactive questions/answer session, and have a personal interview with two or more admissions committee members. In addition, an onsite writing exercise is part of the interview schedule.

Who makes up the Admissions Committee?

The Admissions Committee is made up of faculty from various disciplines within the School of Dentistry as well as alumni, local dentists, and dental students. The staff of the dental admissions and recruitment office provides administrative assistance to the Committee.

What does the Admissions Committee focus on during the review process?

There are several parameters to the admissions process which are carefully considered:

Academic achievement
Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores
Recommendation letters
Communication skills
Dental shadowing, manual dexterity, research, and career, life, and volunteer experiences
Personal Interview

Additional information is provided in the WVU Dental Applicant Data Monitored by the Interview Team (ADMIT) card.

Does a non-resident student attending West Virginia University or one of the in-state colleges or universities have a chance of being accepted to the dental program?

The Dental Admissions Committee gives priority to qualified West Virginia residents. Highly qualified non-resident applicants are given strong consideration, particularly those attending a West Virginia college or university.

I am not a resident of West Virginia. If I meet the requirements for residency, will my chances for acceptance be increased?

As indicated earlier, well-prepared in-state resident applicants are given priority. However, residency classification is determined by the Board of Governor’s Academics Rule 2.4- Residency Status for Admissions, Tuition, and Fee Purposes. This policy, as well as the appropriate forms, may be obtained online.

Do graduate students or holders of advanced degrees receive priority consideration by the Admissions Committee?

The Admissions Committee will carefully review the total academic record of all applicants and will make decisions based on this review. It is possible, of course, that a previous marginal undergraduate record could be strengthened by an outstanding graduate performance.

If I apply to both dental school and medical school, will both Admissions Committees question my motivation?

No specific effort is made by the Admissions Committee to learn of such dual applications. If aware, interviewers might indeed question an applicant regarding the motivation for dual application. However, the applicant will undoubtedly have a primary choice and is advised to make a realistic selection of one program.

Does the Admissions Committee place great emphasis on extracurricular activities?

The applicant who has been involved in extracurricular activities and maintained a good academic record is often a caring person with a considerable amount of energy and who manages time effectively. These characteristics should enhance chances of success in dental school. The Admissions Committee is not so presumptuous to list "preferred" extracurricular activities or to assume that one such activity has a higher priority over another.

Is working in some health care activity considered to be important preparation for dental school by the Admissions Committee?

Most Committee members would agree that while an in-depth experience in the health care field is not of itself a critical selection factor, the total absence of any communication with the dental field makes motivation more difficult to assess. The applicant should seek opportunities for observation in the dental setting, discuss dentistry as a career with dentists, and if available, participate in pre-dental groups, which offer programs giving some insight into the dental profession.

Does a denial of admissions mean that I am totally incapable of grasping the work in dental school?

No. A denial of admission does not mean that an applicant is incapable of becoming a dentist. Applications that are denied undergo comprehensive vetting by the admissions committee. In many instances applications are denied due to the steep competition for a seat in the relatively small class.

As an out-of-state applicant, is there a rule of thumb that might apply to the applicant’s GPA and DAT scores?

Non-resident applicants should generally have a grade-point average of 3.5 or above and an average score on the Academic and PAT sections of the DAT of at least 18. However, these are not absolute minimums and all persons having a strong interest in the WVU School of Dentistry are encouraged to apply.

I am economically disadvantaged. Should I even think about applying to dental school?

Yes. Economically disadvantaged students, and students from groups underrepresented in the dental profession (especially West Virginia residents) are strongly encouraged to apply. The WVU Financial Aid Office is available to answer questions about managing education expenses. Applicants can contact Financial Aid through the WVU HUB.

How is the waitlist made up?

The alternate list (waitlist) is comprised of a group of applicants who will be considered in the event of a vacancy in the class. It is made up of those candidates whom the Committee feels are qualified but of a lesser priority rating in view of the competitive application pool and limited number of seats in the class.

Is there anything else I should consider regarding dental school?

A candidate for the DDS degree must have abilities and skills of five varieties: 1) observation; 2) communication; 3) motor; 4) intellectual, conceptual, integrative, quantitative; and 5) behavioral and social.

Technological compensation can be made for some disabilities in certain areas, but a candidate should be able to perform in a reasonably independent manner. (For further details consult the WVU School of Dentistry Technical Standards Document available on the school’s website under "Policies and Standards" and in the Office of Dental Admissions).

Is it possible to defer admissions once I've been accepted?

While deferred entrance into the dental program is rarely granted, deferral requests are considered only under extraordinary circumstances and on case-by-case basis. For details contact Dental Admissions at dentaladmit@hsc.wvu.edu.

Is there really any hurry to get my application completed and returned at an early date?

It is advantageous to complete and submit your application as soon as possible. Interviews usually start in September and decisions on candidates are made at early dates since notification of admittance to the dental school program can be announced to successful candidates beginning on December 15th. The number of available positions awarded on December 15th varies from approximately 75-85%. This means that applicants who apply later in the application cycle may not be evaluated reviewed by the Admissions Committee before until after December 15th and consequently must compete for the remaining small number of available positions.

What is rolling admissions?

Rolling admissions at WVU means that the Admissions Committee makes a decision on a rolling basis beginning December 15th and ends when the class is finalized.

Are there other requirements that I should be aware of if I am admitted to WVU School of Dentistry?

Yes. Individuals who receive provisional acceptance to WVU School of Dentistry educational programs must pass a Criminal Background Investigation (CBI), at their own expense, prior to final acceptance to the WVU School Dentistry. Click to view the entire WVU School of Dentistry Criminal Background Investigation policy.

All provisionally admitted students must have proper documentation of immunizations prior to matriculation. All immunization documentation must be submitted electronically using the specified online system. Admitted candidates will receive orientation packets with the necessary pre-enrollment forms and details about additional information that is needed prior to enrollment.

What is a source of information regarding dental education costs?

Information on the cost of dental education are available from the West Virginia University School of Dentistry, Office of Student Affairs at 304-293-5589 or from the WVU Financial Aid Office through the WVU HUB at 304-293-1988 or online.

What is a source of information regarding loans and scholarships when financial assistance is deemed necessary?

Questions regarding loans and scholarships should be addressed to the WVU Financial Aid Office through WVU HUB at 304-293-1988 or online. A list of scholarship criteria and other dental specific aid is available at https://financialaid.wvu.edu/students/professional-hsc/aid-specific/dentistry.

Are there final notes from the Admissions Committee?

It is very important to realize that admission to the West Virginia University School of Dentistry is based on a number of factors. Admission is not based solely on the Overall GPA, Science GPA or the Dental Admission Test (DAT). Even though these three areas are very important and weigh heavily in the decisions of the Admissions Committee, there are several additional factors that come into consideration when the candidates are evaluated before final decisions on admittance are made, including:

The candidate's interview with two or more members of the Admissions Committee.
The recommendation letters that the Admissions Committee receives on behalf of the applicant. (Details of this procedure are covered previously).
Dental shadowing or work experience, knowledge of the field of dentistry, life experiences, and reasons for the applicant's pursuit of a career in dentistry.
Credits earned and performance in upper-level science courses beyond the minimums set forward on the first page of this document are considered.
Improvement shown by candidates in their undergraduate studies is also considered. (Some candidates start slowly with very average grades during early semesters and then show considerable improvement in later semesters.)

The Admissions Committee uses and follows explicitly the information provided when evaluating each applicant and making final decisions on individual acceptances and the composition of incoming dental classes. Admission decisions are based on this very complete collection of application data, letters, and interviews. It must be understood that GPA and DAT scores are considered carefully and possibly signify an individual's capacity to handle the very difficult dental school curriculum.