Destination Dental School
Destination Dental School is an intense gateway experience for undergraduate students and bachelor degree recipients who are interested in a career in dentistry. This program prepares individuals to successfully apply to dental school.
In this annual summer program, DDS Fellows learn about the dental profession, dental school application, financing strategies, and the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), participate in hands-on activities, conduct research projects, and network with faculty mentors, dental students and community leaders.
Students attend six virtual sessions held on Saturdays in April and May, and a five-day, in-person, intensive training program at the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. DDS Fellows' travel and lodging expenses are covered through our program. Graduates receive reimbursement for one DAT and a waived application fee to the UBSDM.
How to Apply
Stay tuned for our 2026 application!
The application cycle for the 2026 Destination Dental School program will open in December 2025. Please contact Ms. Jessica Scates at jmscates@buffalo.edu with any questions.
The 2026 Destination Dental School application will open in December. Please check back soon!
Preparing Your Application
We encourage you to consider preparing your application offline using the list of the application components as a reference.
When you're ready, return to this page to complete and submit your application.
Application Review
All application packages are reviewed holistically. In addition to meeting the eligibility criteria outlined, preference will be given to candidates based on the following qualities: investigation of the profession, persistence and resilience, commitment to service, pursuit of leadership and communication and accuracy.
Use of Generative AI
While the application committee understands and appreciates the power of AI in today’s world, we believe it must be used appropriately. Please refrain from using AI to generate answers to questions posed within this application.
Questions?
Please direct questions about Destination Dental School to:
Jessica Scates
Director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Operations
Office of the Dean