By Rod, IvyWise College Admissions Counselor
Direct dental programs allow high school students to apply to and, if successful, be admitted into an undergraduate institution and a partner dental school simultaneously. These programs are referred to by several names, such as:
Regardless of the nomenclature, direct dentistry programs typically allow students to complete an undergrad and dentistry degree at the same institution, although in some cases these two degrees must be completed at two separate but partner institutions. Direct dental programs can range in duration from five to eight years — however, the more accelerated the program, the more intensive and condensed the undergraduate portion usually is.
Direct entry dental programs can vary in intensity and the time it takes to complete, so it’s important to understand your options.
A B.S./DDS program allows students to earn both a Bachelor of Science (B.S.) and a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. These programs are designed for students who are certain about pursuing a career in dentistry and want a streamlined route to achieve their goals. Most students can complete this type of program in seven or eight years.
Similarly, students can enroll in a combined program to earn a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) and DDS. Other options for direct dental programs include a combined bachelor’s — either a B.A. or a B.S. — with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
Dental school accelerated programs allow students to complete their dental education in a shorter period than traditional programs — typically five to six years. These programs typically compress the same amount of coursework and clinical experiences into a shorter timeframe, enabling students to graduate and enter the workforce sooner.
The coursework and clinical training are more condensed, which can make the program more rigorous but also more focused. Accelerated dental programs are ideal for students who are highly motivated and certain about their career in dentistry, as they require a significant commitment and a strong academic performance.
The main advantage of direct admit dental programs is that students get to bypass the hassle of completing dental school applications as an undergrad. Dental school applications are long, complex, time-consuming, and stressful, so a direct dental program will allow students more time to focus on academics and leverage their undergraduate experience to the fullest. This could allow for more time spent on research, shadowing dentists, and getting involved in other extracurricular activities. Additionally, there are significant tuition savings associated with accelerated dentistry programs.
Direct dental admission does not mean that a student can simply coast through their undergrad experience. Acceptance is usually contingent upon meeting minimum GPA and DAT (Dental Admission Test) requirements. Despite the advantages of these programs, direct dental programs are not for everyone — they can limit both the majors you are allowed to pursue as well as your social experience. Applying to such programs should not be taken lightly.
All direct dental programs are competitive, but selectivity varies widely from program to program. Despite less competition than direct medical programs, direct dental program applicants will still need a strong record of academic performance (including test scores, if applicable), meaningful clinical experience, substantive extracurricular activities, and stellar recommendations to be competitive.
An excellent academic record is the foundation of a successful application for direct dental programs after high school. Competitive applicants are usually expected to be A students and take the most rigorous courses offered, especially in math and sciences.
Programs do not always advertise this information, but there are usually minimum thresholds you must meet to be considered for admission. These thresholds can be based on your math progression, the rigor of your science course load, and your grades and test scores.
A good rule of thumb for a competitive direct dental program application is that your academic stats should comfortably rest above the 75th percentile data for the incoming class of the school whose program you are applying to. This applies to both GPA and test scores.
A commitment to dentistry and an understanding of what a dentist does are essential aspects of a direct dental program assessment. You must be able to show admissions committees that you have explored the field of dentistry enough to understand what it is you are committing to.
Shadowing dental practitioners is a great way to gain exposure and make a compelling case that your choice to apply to direct dental programs is an informed one. Research experience is usually not required to be a competitive dental applicant, but it can further differentiate you from the pack and highlight your passion for the sciences.
The most successful direct dental applicants are able to highlight involvement in a variety of extracurricular activities through which they can showcase sustained commitment, initiative, and leadership. When it comes to extracurriculars, quality is always better than quantity. It is better to be a part of two clubs that you are very committed to and have a high impact on, rather than be in five clubs on the periphery.
Even if this is not required for the program to which you are applying, aim to have both a math and science teacher provide you with recommendation letters for direct dental applications. Try to strike a balance between prioritizing math and science teachers and getting recommendation letters from teachers who know you best and can comment on your qualities as a student, classmate, and community member.
Most students who enroll in a direct dental program will be significantly younger than their entry cohort in dental school. It is thus important that your recommenders can speak to your level of maturity as well as some of the qualities that would make you a successful healthcare professional. If you have shadowed a dental professional or conducted research in high school, asking your mentor to submit an additional recommendation can be invaluable.
Many schools have maintained test-optional admissions since the pandemic — though exceptions may exist for direct dental programs. Always check the program requirements. Even if test scores are not required, it’s in your best interest to submit them if they can further enhance your application. You can look at the most recent class profile or Common Data Set for each institution to find the SAT and ACT score ranges for enrolled students — this will help you determine if you should submit your score.
As you compile your college list, check out these schools that offer direct dental programs.
| Direct Dental Program | Partner Undergraduate School(s) | Program Type | Program Length |
| University of Pennsylvania Bio-Dental Program | Hampton University, Lehigh University, Muhlenberg College, Villanova University | B.S./DMD or B.A./DMD
|
7 years |
| New York University CAS B.A./DDS | Students complete the entire program at NYU. | B.A./DDS
|
7 years |
| Boston University MMEDIC | Students complete the entire program at BU. | B.S./DMD or B.A./DMD | 8 years |
| Tufts Eight Year Early Assurance | All pre-dental course requirements should be completed at Tufts. | B.S./DMD | 8 years |
| Case Western Reserve University Pre-Professional Scholars Program (PPSP) | CWRU, College of Wooster, Gannon University, Hiram College, University of Toledo, Walsh University, Westminster College | B.S./DMD or B.A./DMD | 7 years |
| Marquette University Pre-Dental Scholars Program | Students complete the entire program at Marquette. | B.S./DDS | 7 years |
| University of Pittsburgh Early and Guaranteed Admissions Program | Students complete the entire program at Pitt. | B.S./DMD or B.A./DMD | 8 years |
| University of Florida BS-DMD Program | Students complete the entire program at UF. | B.S./DMD | 7 years |
| University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine BA/BS-DDS Program | University of Colorado Denver College of Liberal Arts and Sciences | B.S./DDS or B.A./DDS | 8 years |
| Temple University Dental 3+4 Program | Students complete the entire program at Temple. | B.A./DMD | 7 years |
| University of Louisville ULEAD Program | Students complete the entire program at UofL. | B.S./DMD or B.A./DMD | 8 years |
| Rutgers University BS/DMD Program | Caldwell University, Farleigh Dickinson University, Montclair State University, New Jersey City University, New Jersey Institute of Technology, North Carolina Central University, Ramapo College, Rowan University, Rutgers, Saint Peter’s University, Stockton University | B.S./DMD | 7 years |
| University of Connecticut Special Program in Dental Medicine | Students complete the entire program at UConn. | B.S./DMD or B.A./DMD | 8 years |
| Stony Brook University Scholars for Dental Medicine | Students complete the entire program at Stony Brook. | B.S./DDS or B.A./DDS | 8 years |
| University of Illinois Chicago GPPA Dentistry | Students complete the entire program at UIC. | B.S./DMD or B.A./DMD | 8 years |
| Virginia Commonwealth University Guaranteed Admission Program | Students complete the entire program at VCU. | B.S./DDS or B.A./DDS | 8 years |
| Nova Southeastern University Dual Admission Program | Students complete the entire program at NSU. | B.S./DMD or B.A./DMD
|
7 years (3+4) or 8 years (4+4)
|
| University of the Pacific Pre-Dental Advantage Program | Students complete undergrad at Pacific’s Stockton campus. | B.S./DDS or B.A./DDS depending on the track | 5 years (2+3), 6 years (3+3), or 7 years (4+3) |
| Augusta University Professional Scholars Program | Students complete the entire program at Augusta University. | B.S./DMD | 7 years |
| University of Detroit Mercy 7-Year Dental Program | Students complete undergrad at the McNichols campus. | B.S./DDS or B.A./DDS | 7 years |
| LECOM School of Dental Medicine Early Acceptance Program (Bradenton, Florida) | Numerous affiliated colleges and universities | B.S./DMD or B.A./DMD | 8 years |
| Howard University B.S./DDS Combined Education Program | Students complete the entire program at Howard University. | B.S./DDS
|
6 years
|
| MSSU-KCU Early Acceptance Program (Kansas City University College of Dental Medicine) | Missouri Southern State University | B.S./DMD | 7 years |
Direct dental programs are a great fit for competitive students who are fully committed to a career in dentistry before they enter undergraduate studies. These programs offer students a chance to increase their focus and intensity in a less stressful environment. For students who may be interested in dentistry but are unsure if a career in the field would be the best fit, it makes more sense to follow the conventional path of a traditional undergraduate experience and apply to dental programs after their junior year. It is important to thoroughly weigh all the factors before deciding to apply to and enroll in a direct dental program.
At IvyWise, our team of former admissions directors knows how college applications are read, including in special situations like direct dental programs. If you are interested in pursuing a career in dentistry and think a direct dental program might be right for you, contact us today to see how we can help.
It’s important to remember that each rankings list is based on its own methodology and criteria. However, a few dental schools that consistently rank among the top in the U.S. include the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Harvard School of Dental Medicine, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. What’s more important is that you choose the dental programs that are the best fit for your needs and goals regardless of rankings.
High-achieving students who can work at an accelerated pace can finish both a bachelor’s and a dentistry degree within five years in some direct dental programs.
While getting into dental school is always competitive, some schools have slightly higher acceptance rates and lower average admission requirements. Here are a few of the easier dental schools to get into:
Keep in mind that “easier” is relative, and all dental schools require strong academic performance, good DAT scores, and relevant experience.
Three Ivies have dental schools: Harvard, Columbia, and Penn.
Acceptance into a B.S./DDS program does not always guarantee a spot in dental school. While these programs provide a streamlined path from undergraduate studies to dental school, students typically must meet certain academic and performance criteria during their undergraduate years to secure their place in the dental program.
Similar to the college application process, grades are one of the most important factors in admissions decisions for medical school. In fact, the Association of American Medical Colleges rates GPA as one of the most important academic metrics according to a survey of admissions officers.
Students who plan to go to medical school generally spend their undergraduate years pursuing a pre-med course of study to prepare them for a career in medicine or other health fields. But what exactly is pre-med, and what courses are you expected to take? If you’re thinking of attending medical school, keep reading to learn more about pre-med requirements and which schools in the U.S. offer the best programs.
Med School Advice from a Former Medical School Admissions Officer
Interested in applying to medical school? Gaining admission to medical school is a competitive process, and applicants need to be in the best position possible in order to have the best chance of admission to a good-fit program.
Applying to medical school is a very different process than the undergraduate admissions process that students have already experienced. While MCAT scores, applications, interviews, and prerequisite courses are important, it’s also critical for med school applicants inject their personality into their applications and find ways to stand out in the increasingly competitive medical school admissions process.
