Program Overview

DMD Program Overview

The Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program at the Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) School of Dentistry is designed to provide students with a comprehensive education in dental medicine.

Application Information and Admission Requirements

To apply to the DMD program, applicants must submit the following:

• Complete the AADSAS application by January 1
• Submit letters of evaluation from basic science faculty and a dental professional
• Forward official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
• Submit official DAT scores

Application Timeline

The application timeline for the DMD program is as follows:

• Spring: Contact faculty/advisers to request letters of evaluation
• May-August: Complete the AADSAS application online and collect official transcripts
• Summer (June-August): Take the DAT exam
• September: The School of Dentistry may request additional information
• October-March: Applicants are invited to interview with the School of Dentistry
• December-March: Acceptance letters are sent to applicants
• January 1: OHSU's AADSAS application deadline and last preferred DAT score date
• February: Begin applying for financial aid
• Mid-August: Begin classes at the OHSU School of Dentistry

Miscellaneous Criteria

• Health requirements: All admitted students must meet OHSU's health and immunization requirements prior to matriculation
• Criminal history reviews: Prospective students are not required to disclose criminal convictions prior to receiving an offer of admission
• Drug screening: All newly admitted students must successfully complete a drug screening within 14 days from the date of matriculation
• Students with disabilities: OHSU is committed to providing equal access to qualified students who experience a disability
• OHSU employees as students: It is the responsibility of OHSU employees seeking to pursue individual courses for academic credit or an academic degree or certificate within OHSU to notify the academic program of their employment status prior to registering or accepting admissions

Academic Requirements

• Pre-dental education: A minimum of three years (90 semester or 135 quarter credit hours) completed at the time of application from a regionally accredited college or university in the United States or Canada is suggested
• International course work: Course work outside of the U.S. or Canada will not be accepted
• Pass
  o pass: Admissions requirements taken for P/NP credit will not fulfill our requirements
• Advanced placement and international baccalaureate: While actual course work is preferred, applicants may use AP or IB credit toward the fulfillment of prerequisite course requirements
• Grade point average (GPA): It is recommended that you have a minimum of 3.0 in both your cumulative overall GPA and required science/BCP (biology, chemistry and physics) GPA
• Degree requirement: Although OHSU does not require a baccalaureate (B.A., B.S.) degree for admission, it is highly recommended that you plan to complete a bachelor's degree prior to matriculation

Required Prerequisite Courses

All courses should be completed for a grade of C or higher.

• General biology with labs: Three quarters or two semesters
• General chemistry with labs: Three quarters or two semesters
• Organic chemistry with labs: Two quarters or two semesters
• Physics with labs: Three quarters or two semesters
• Biochemistry with lab: One quarter or one semester
• English composition: Three quarters or two semesters
• Math/statistics: One quarter or one semester

Highly Recommended Courses

Completion of additional upper-division (300-400 level) courses at a four-year college or university is highly recommended.

• Anatomy—human, vertebrate or mammalian: One year
• Physiology: One year
• Cell/molecular biology: One course
• Microbiology: One course
• Genetics: One course
• Neuroanatomy: One course
• Histology: One course
• Pathology: One course

Dental Admission Test (DAT)

The Dental Admission Test is a standardized exam designed to assess general academic ability, knowledge of scientific information and perceptual ability. Canadian DAT scores are not accepted. The priority deadline for receipt of official DAT scores is January 1.

Dental Observation

Prior to application, applicants are recommended to have at least 50 clinical observation hours in a dental setting. Of the 50 hours, at least 25 hours should be in a general practice setting. The remaining 25 hours can continue to come from a general practice or a dental specialty office, a public health clinic, or any other clinical setting.

Covid-19 Vaccinations

OHSU strongly recommends that all OHSU members, regardless of their work location or job function, remain up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccines, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Under the revised policy as of June 12, 2023, all students must be fully vaccinated or up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations or they must submit a declination form via Enterprise Health and adhere to Student Health's current requirements designed to minimize COVID-19 transmission.