West Liberty University (DEAP)

The WVU School of Dentistry has partnered with the West Liberty University Biology Program to offer highly qualified second year students potential early admission to the WVU Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) program. Individuals who complete their first year at West Liberty 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 students annually through a competitive application and interview process. West Virginia residents receive priority consideration.

West Liberty University is responsible for DEAP student recruitment since enrollment in West Liberty University is a key program requirement.

DEAP applications are available to all West Liberty University students who meet the specified criteria (see below).

DEAP is one of several WVU School of Dentistry early admission agreements with colleges 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 West Liberty University.

DEAP Admission Requirements

Students admitted to DEAP must:

  • Have completed at least 30 semester hours but no more 75 semester hours, with a minimum of a 3.60 GPA, to include at least two (2) of the required Biology, Chemistry, and Math core courses each semester. Core courses are listed under “Undergraduate Curriculum.”
  • Take one Chemistry, one Biology and one Mathematics core course per semester during their freshman year.
  • 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 DEAP activities.

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

Dental School Application

In the summer following their junior year at West Liberty 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.

West Liberty 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 West Liberty University, students must:

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

Students accepted into the WLU/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 overall and science GPAs of 3.60 or above at West Liberty 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 50 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.

Undergraduate Curriculum

Biology Core Courses (8 semester credit hours)

  • Bio 124/125 Biological Principles (4 hours)
  • Bio 202/203 Zoology with lab (4 hours)

Chemistry Core Courses (19 semester credit hours)

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

Mathematics Core Courses (6 semester credit hours)

  • Math 145 Pre-calculus (3 hours)
  • Math 160 Statistics (3 hours)

Physics Core Courses (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 Tract Courses (27 semester credit hours)

*West Liberty University determines the additional courses necessary to fulfill undergraduate degree requirements.