West Liberty University (DEAP)

Dentists are integral members of the healthcare team. Today's oral health professionals focus not only on the diagnosis and detection of oral health problems, they also stress the importance of oral health to systemic health and well-being. Oral-systemic health linkages and profound oral health disparities are indicated in emerging research. The West Virginia University School of Dentistry engages students in an abundance of educational, outreach, and research experiences to help reduce these disparities and prepare them to provide exemplary and culturally sensitive oral healthcare. There are many career options in dentistry, including private practice, public health, and academic dentistry. Dentists in private practice serve as their own bosses, allowing them flexibility to balance their professional and personal lives. A career in public health focuses on community health. Academic dentistry careers combine teaching, research, community service, and patient care. There are nine recognized dental specialties: Dental Public Health, Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics. The need for dentists is expected to continue to increase as the demand for oral healthcare grows.

Capitalizing on the strength of partnerships, the WVU School of Dentistry and West Liberty University Biology Program are joining together to promote students' seamless progression from college to dental school through the West Liberty University and WVU School of Dentistry Dental Early Admission Program (WLU/WVU DEAP). This joint program helps simplify the dental school admission process while easing the financial burden of the application. DEAP gives a select number of motivated West Liberty University Biology students an early introduction to the WVU School of Dentistry faculty, students, and alumni while also providing unique opportunities to help prepare them for WVU's challenging dental program.

The WVU School of Dentistry has partnered with WLU Department Biology Program to offer highly qualified second year students’ potential early admission to WVU's Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) program. Individuals who complete their first year at WLU and aspire to earn a dental degree are eligible to apply to DEAP. 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. Because the WVU School of Dentistry values diversity and recognizes its importance in addressing access to quality oral healthcare, individuals from populations that are under-represented in dental school, including African American, Latino/Hispanic, Native American, first-generation college, and economically disadvantaged, are encouraged to apply.

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

DEAP applications are available to all WLU 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 WLU.

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 WLU 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.

WLU 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.