Slippery Rock University (DEAP)

The WVU School of Dentistry has partnered with the Slippery Rock University Department of Biology to offer highly qualified rising sophomores potential early admission to the WVU Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) program. Individuals who complete their first year at Slippery Rock University and aspire to earn a dental degree are eligible to apply to the Dental Early Admission Program. Admission to the DEAP is available to a maximum of two Slippery Rock University students annually through a competitive application and interview process. West Virginia residents receive priority consideration.

Slippery Rock University is responsible for DEAP student recruitment since enrollment in Slippery Rock University is a key program requirement.

DEAP applications are available to all Slippery Rock University students who meet the specified criteria below.

DEAP is one of several WVU School of Dentistry early admission agreements with college and universities to help guide pre-dental students’ smooth progression into the D.D.S. program. Participating students take part in pre-health professions seminars and community service activities while enrolled at Slippery Rock University.

DEAP Admission Requirements

Applicants must have completed the following specific course requirements at Slippery Rock University prior to application: 

  • Biology: A minimum of 11 semester credit hours, including two credits of laboratory work. These 11 credits may consist of 8 credits of general biology and zoology, or a combination of biology, zoology and botany, and 3 credits of Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy.
  • Inorganic Chemistry: A minimum of eight semester credit hours, including two credits of laboratory work.
  • Organic Chemistry: A minimum of eight semester credit hours, including two credits of laboratory work.
  • Biochemistry: Three semester credit hours of Biochemistry.
  • Mathematics: Four semester credit hours of Calculus and three credits of Statistics
  • Physics: A minimum of eight semester credit hours, including two credits of laboratory work.
  • English: A minimum of six semester credit hours of Composition and Literature.
  • Behavioral Sciences: A minimum of six semester credit hours of courses in the behavioral sciences; i.e., psychology, sociology, anthropology, medical ethics or philosophy.

Students admitted to DEAP must:

  • Have successfully completed a minimum of 30 semester hours and a maximum of 75 semester hours, with a minimum of a 3.60 GPA, to include at least two (2) of the required Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Math core courses each semester. Core courses are listed under “Undergraduate Curriculum.”
  • Complete the Physics core courses by the completion of their sophomore year.

Prior to admission to DEAP, students must have at least 20 hours of documented observation in one or more general dental practices.

Upon acceptance to DEAP, students sign a commitment statement affirming their intention to satisfy program requirements and participate in SRU/WVU DEAP activities. 

DEAP participants typically are expected to complete their undergraduate degree at Slippery Rock University within four four years.

Dental School Application

In the summer following their junior year at Slippery Rock University, DEAP students are required to apply to the WVU D.D.S. program via the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) and, when prompted, complete the WVU School of Dentistry Supplemental Application for Admission in the fall semester of their senior year. The latter application fee is waived. An interview with the Dental Admissions Committee is required to verify that the candidate has fulfilled all D.D.S. program admissions requirements. DEAP applicants are informed about their dental school application status via letter from the associate dean for dental admissions, recruitment and access on or after December 1.

Slippery Rock University DEAP Application

Individuals who receive provisional acceptance to the 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 of Dentistry.

DEAP Ongoing Requirements

To continue participation in DEAP while enrolled in Slippery Rock University, students must:

  • Maintain at least 3.60 overall and science GPAs.
  • Maintain standards of honesty, integrity and citizenship.

Students accepted into the SRU/WVU DEAP program will be guaranteed admittance to the WVU dental program if they:

  • Successfully complete all prerequisite courses for dental school admission and all other requirements, including immunizations and criminal background clearance.
  • Have maintained overall and science GPAs of 3.60 or above at Slippery Rock University.
  • Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and score at or above the average Academic and Perceptual Ability Test (PAT) scores achieved by the previous WVU entering dental class.
  • Fulfill preparatory community service (minimum 75 hours) and dental shadowing requirements (minimum 75 hours in various general dental practices).
  • Successfully complete dental school application and interview requirements.
  • Demonstrate honesty, integrity, leadership and citizenship.
  • Individuals who receive provisional acceptance to the 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 of Dentistry.

Undergraduate Curriculum

Biology Core Courses (11 semester credit hours)

  • Bio 104 Principles of Biology (4 hours)
  • Bio 212 General Zoology (4 hours)
  • Biology 340 Comparative Vertebrate Anatomy (3 hours)

Chemistry Core Courses (19 semester credit hours)

  • Inorganic Chemistry + labs (8 hours)
  • Organic Chemistry + labs (8 hours)
  • Biochemistry (3 hours)

Mathematics Core Courses (7 semester credit hours)

  • Math 225 Calculus (8 hours)
  • BIOL 325 Biometry (8 hours)

Physics Core Courses + labs (8 semester credit hours)

English Composition and Rhetoric Core Courses (6 semester credit hours)

Behavioral and Social Sciences Core Courses (6 semester credit hours)

  • Psychology 101 (3 hours)
  • Elective Behavioral/Social Sciences Course (3 hours)

Dental Track Courses (26 semester credit hours)

*Slippery Rock University determines the additional courses necessary to fulfill undergraduate degree requirements.