Program Overview

Introduction to the B/DDS Pathway to Dentistry Program

The B/DDS Pathway to Dentistry program offers conditional admission to the IU School of Dentistry DDS program. Students accepted into the B/DDS program will pursue the traditional (4+4) pathway.

Eligible Majors

To be eligible for the B/DDS Pathway to Dentistry program, students must apply to one of the following majors:

• Biochemistry (BS)
• Biology (BS, BA)
• Chemistry (BS, BA)
• Forensic & Investigative Sciences (BS)
• Neuroscience (BS)
• Physics (BS)
• Psychology (BS)

Application Process

The application process for the B/DDS Pathway to Dentistry program involves the following steps:

• Apply to IU Indianapolis
• Complete the B/DDS Pathway to Dentistry application, which includes:
  • Essay (350 words or less) explaining why you want to be a dentist
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV) highlighting relevant experiences
  • Letter of Recommendation from a teacher, school counselor, or principal
  • Dental observation verification form
• Submit the B/DDS program application by November 17, 2025, at 5 p.m. EST

Essay Requirements

The essay should explain why you want to be a dentist, specifically addressing your motivation and commitment to being a dentist. The essay should be 350 words or less and saved as a Word or PDF file.

Curriculum Vitae (CV) Requirements

The CV should highlight relevant experiences and can be created using the provided CV template. The CV should be saved as a Word or PDF file.

Letter of Recommendation Requirements

A letter of recommendation is required from a teacher, school counselor, or principal. The letter must be submitted by the letter writer through the provided link and must be on organization letterhead, signed, and dated.

Dental Observation Verification Form Requirements

A minimum of 12 hours of observation of community dental practice is required. The dental observation verification form must be submitted by the contact person for the dental practice and must be on organization letterhead, signed, and dated.

Additional Requirements

• High school transcript: An official copy of the high school transcript must be sent to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
• Test scores: Official copies of SAT or ACT scores must be sent to IU Indianapolis.

Deadline for Supplemental Materials

The deadline for submitting supplemental materials, including the letter of recommendation, dental observation verification form, high school transcript, and test scores, is December 5, 2025.