Admission Requirements
In order to be considered for the four-year DDS progam at the University at Buffalo, applicants must meet our admission requirements.
Beginning May 2022
2023 Applicants can begin the ADEA AADSAS application process.
Early Application Strongly Encouraged
We have a rolling admissions process. This means the earlier we receive your completed, verified application, the earlier our committee conducts a full file review of your application and you can be considered for an interview. Waiting until the deadline is a poor strategy that results in an applicant competing for far fewer positions in the entering class.
Starting June 2022:
2023 Applicants and reapplicants, make the choice to submit early—June 2022 is the first date to submit an ADEA AADSAS application.
If all official transcripts are received, ADEA AADSAS will start the application verification process.
Applicants who submitted all required documents for ADEA Fee Assistance will begin receiving decision statuses.
ON THIS PAGE:
Prior to Application — 60 Credit Hours
Applicants must have completed a minimum of 60 credit hours — two full years — of study at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university prior to application.
Prior to Enrollment — 90 Credit Hours
Applicants must complete a minimum of 90 credit hours of study at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university prior to enrollment in the DDS program. Students are strongly encouraged to earn a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment in the DDS program. Students who will not earn a bachelor’s degree prior to enrollment must demonstrate a higher level of academic performance.
Required Courses
All applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university:
- 2 semesters = 6 credit hours = 8 quarter hours of English including composition
- 2 semesters = 8 credit hours = 12 quarter hours of General, inorganic chemistry (including laboratory)
- 2 semesters = 8 credit hours = 12 quarter hours of Organic chemistry (including laboratory)
- 2 semesters = 8 credit hours = 12 quarter hours of General biology (including laboratory)
- 2 semesters = 8 credit hours = 12 quarter hours of General physics - algebra or calculus based (including laboratory)
- 1 semester = 3 credit hours = 5 quarter hours of Biochemistry (does not require a laboratory component)
Students are strongly urged to complete all prerequisite courses at a four-year institution.
Courses Effected by COVID-19 - IMPORTANT
- The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine will be flexible in the graded requirement for pre-requisite coursework if an applicant attends a school that made system-wide grading changes.
- In these situations we will accept online labs and pass/fail grades considering many changes due to COVID-19.
Are Your Pre-Reqs Equivalent?
If you are unsure if any course you took (or are currently taking) meet our prerequisite requirements, you are welcome to submit the prerequisite course equivalency form and our committee will be able to confirm.
Q: Do I need to have all of my prerequisites completed before applying?
A: No. You do not need to have all of your prerequisites completed before applying. If admitted, you must have completed all of your prerequisites before matriculating. Applying prior to completion of all prerequisites will not disadvantage your application.
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Q: How old can my prerequisites be when applying to Dental School?
A: Prerequisites can be no older than five [5] years when applying to our DDS program. For example, if you’re applying to begin our program in Fall 2022, your prerequisites can be no older than Fall 2017.
Note: The ONLY prerequisite that can be older than five [5] years is English.
5 Year Prerequisite Exemption Form
There may be unique circumstances in which a potential applicant might be considered for an exemption. One example is a candidate who has remained academically active even though their pre-requisites are older than five [5] years.
If you believe you qualify for an exemption, you are welcome to submti a five-year waiver request form: https://ubsdm.formstack.com/forms/sdm_5_year_exemption_request_form
Once submitted, our admissions committee will review the request.
Q: Why can’t my prerequisites be older than five years when applying?
A: Our rigorous curriculum requires students to have the most current knowledge, skills and abilities. Therefore, it is imperative these courses be no older than five years.
There may be unique circumstances in which a potential applicant might be considered for an exemption. One example is a candidate who has remained academically active even though their pre-requisites are older than five [5] years.
If you believe you qualify for an exemption, you are welcome to submti a five-year waiver request form: https://ubsdm.formstack.com/forms/sdm_5_year_exemption_request_form
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Q: Do you accept AP credit for prerequisite courses?
A: Yes. The only exception is Biology. We will accept upper level Biology courses in lieu of general Biology prerequisite.
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Q: Do you accept International Baccalaureate [IB] credit for prerequisite courses?
A: Yes. If your undergraduate insitution accepted the IB credit towards your degree, then we would consider the course as meeting our prerequisite. The only exception is Biology. We will accept upper level Biology courses in lieu of general Biology prerequisite.
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Q: Can my prerequisites be taken online?
A: We accept online lecture classes. However, labs must be taken in person and in a traditional brick and mortar setting.
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Q: Can I take my prerequisite courses at a Community College?
A: Yes. However, students are strongly urged to complete all prerequisite courses at a four-year institution.
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Would a post-baccalaureate or post-graduate course satisfy prerequisite requirements?
A: Yes.
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Should I take algebra based physics or calculus based physics to meet the prerequisite?
A: We will accept algebra based or calculus based physics.
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Suggested Courses
Histology coursework is strongly recommended prior to matriculation.
In addition, while dentistry is a discipline based in the biological sciences, the practice of dentistry is very much a “people” profession based on communication skills and an understanding of human behavior. Prospective dental students are encouraged to take courses in psychology, sociology, public speaking, composition and the humanities to better interact with patients.
Suggested Majors
Although most applicants choose to concentrate their academic efforts in the sciences, there is no required undergraduate major area of study. Students are encouraged to pursue a major in an area of interest. Students who do not major in the sciences are strongly encouraged to pursue additional coursework in biology and chemistry beyond the minimum required courses as our DDS curriculum is scientifically rigorous.
Q: Does your school prefer students who graduated from UB?
A: Our admissions committee does not give preferential consideration to those candidates who have graduated, or will be graduating, from the University at Buffalo.
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Q: Does pursuing a Biology or Chemistry major increase my chances of getting accepted to the UB Dental School?
A: No. While many students major in biology or chemistry, many do not. There is no required undergraduate major area of study for admittance. However, given our academically rigorous science curriculum, we encourage applicants to complete higher level science courses beyond the prerequisites.
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Q: I am thinking about completing my undergraduate degree in business before going to dental school. I’ll complete my business degree along with the science prerequisite classes. Do you get many applicants who do this?
A: We admit students from a variety of backgrounds who have taken multiple paths to enrolling.
Although most applicants choose to concentrate their academic efforts in the sciences, there is no required undergraduate major area of study. Students are encouraged to pursue a major in an area of interest. Students who do not major in the sciences are strongly encouraged to pursue additional coursework in biology and chemistry beyond the minimum required courses.
All applicants must have an undergraduate minimum overall and science college grade-point average of 3.0 (as calculated by ADEA AADSAS) . Exceptions to the minimums are given to all applicants who have completed the equivalent of two semesters of full-time graduate coursework.
How are Grade Point Averages [GPA] calculated?
Learn more about how ADEA AADSAS calculates grade point averages by visiting the ADEA Frequently Asked Questions page.
Q: What GPA do I need for admission consideration?
A: You must have a minimum 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.0 minimum Science GPA, as calculated by ADEA AADSAS, for admission consideration.
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Q: What GPA do I need to be considered competitive?
A: Please see this page for DDS Admission Statistics.
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Q: How does AADSAS calculate my GPA?
A: Please refer to the AADSAS Application Instructions Page for details.
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Q: When considering my grades to meet GPA and Science minimums for admission requirements, do you look at grading with +/- grades, or without +/- grades?
A: We only consider AADSAS grading with +/- grades.
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Q: I am planning to apply to the program in 2023. I repeated a course for a higher grade, I would like to know if the school will average both grades into my GPA.
A: We receive all grades directly from AADSAS, the centralized application service. AADSAS will show both grades, and both will be a part of your overall GPA. Please refer to the AADSAS Application Instructions Page for details.
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Q: Should I repeat courses in which I did not do well, even though I passed them?
A: No, this is rarely helpful. Any student should be expected to do well in a course the second time. The Admissions Committee will not often be impressed by such action.
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Q: I won’t meet the overall GPA or Science GPA requirement by the January 23, 2023 deadline. However, I’m taking Fall 2022 classes and should be able to meet this requirement by end of December. Will I still be considered?
A: No. You must have both an averall GPA & Science GPA of 3.0 or better indicated in the AADSAS portal by January 23, 2023. If these averages aren’t met by January 23, your application will not be considered. The only exception is for those students who have the equivalent of two full-time semesters of graduate coursework.
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Q: I have a 2.99 Overall GPA or Science GPA, because I’m so close to your minimum, can I still be considered?
A: No. You must have a 3.0 overall GPA and 3.0 Science GPA as calculated by AADSAS to be considered. The only exception is for those students who have the equivalent of two full-time semesters of graduate coursework
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Q: I didn’t meet your undergraduate GPA minimums for consideration. To strengthen my application, is it better to pursue a Masters Degree or enroll in a post-baccalaureate program?
A: If your GPA did not meet our minimum requriements for consideration, we would encourage you to assess whether or not dentistry is the correct career path as our curriculum is built on a strong science foundation.
When choosing between a Masters or Post-Bacc program, we recommend candidates pursue a Masters degree. If in the event dental school does not work out, you will have a Masters degree in hand.
We also encourage candidates to choose a program that will further their educational goals regardless of whether or not they gain admittance to our program.
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Q: I didn’t meet your undergraduate GPA minimums for consideration. Should I complete a Masters Program or enroll in additional undergraduate courses?
A: When choosing between a Masters degree and additional undergraduate courses, we recommend candidates pursue a Masters Degree.
Official scores must be received by January 23, 2023
Applications without official DAT scores by January 23, 2023 will be regarded as incomplete and will not be considered.
- DAT (or CDAT) scores are required for admission consideration. There are no exam waivers.
- Applications will not be considered before official DAT or CDAT scores are submitted to AADSAS.
- When more than one DAT or CDAT score is reported, the most recent set of scores is considered to meet our admissions requirements..
- Only scores from tests taken in 2020, 2021, or 2022 will be considered for Fall 2023 admission.
- It is recommended that the DAT or CDAT be taken no later than December 1 so your scores may reach AADSAS by the UB School of Dental Medicine application deadline of January 23, 2023.
Minimum DAT or CDAT Scores for Admission Consideration
In order to be considered, you must have:
DAT Reading Comprehension: 16 minimum score on most recent test date.
All other DAT Sections: 15 minimum score on most recent test date.
Q: How old can DAT scores be for Fall 2023 consideration?
A: Only scores from tests taken in 2020, 2021, or 2022 will be considered for Fall 2023 admission.
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Q: What if I met the DAT requirements between two SEPARATE test dates? Does that meet the minimum?
A: No. All minimum DAT requirements must be met from the MOST RECENT test date to be considered.
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Q: What if I take the exam twice? Will you count the higher score?
A: No. We will only look at the scores from the MOST RECENT test date regardless of which exam had higher scores for admission consideration. If your most recent set of scores does NOT meet minimum requirements, your application will not be considered even if you previously met minimum DAT scores.
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Q: What if I am off by one point in one section? Can I still be considered?
A: No. If you do not meet the minimum requirements, even if it is by one point, your application cannot be considered. We hold all candidates to the same set of admission standards.
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Q: Is there a certain date by which I need to have minimum DAT scores met?
A: Yes. You must submit a valid, minimum DAT score in the AADSAS portal by January 23, 2023. Your application will not be considered if you haven’t met this requirement even if you are taking another DAT after January 24. No exceptions.
It is recommended that the DAT be taken no later than December 1 in order for your scores to reach AADSAS by the UB School of Dental Medicine application deadline of January 23, 2023. You should consult DAT exam administration if you have any questions about the time it takes for schools to receive official score reports in AADSAS.
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Q: I just took my DAT and received an unofficial score report after the exam. Will you accept it if I send it to you?
A: No. We only accept official score submittedthrough the AADSAS portal. Our committee will see when your official scores have arrived. You can also check the ADEA AADSAS application instructions.
Please do not send or e-mail copies of your DAT score reports to our admissions office. They will not be considered.
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Q: I already met your minimum DAT scores, but they are outdated. Will you still accept these scores?
A: No. You must have a minimum DAT score with an acceptable test date by January 23, 2023.
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Q: When do you suggest I take the DAT exam?
A: It depends. Most students tend to take the DAT exam during their junior year of undergraduate, but this is completely up to you. Take it only when you feel truly prepared.
- Please remember that DAT scores are only valid for a certain period of time and you should consider this when taking your exam.
- Additionally, official DAT scores take time to reach the AADSAS portal. Our school is not responsible for the timing of when official DAT scores are uploaded into AADSAS. Remember, we do not accept unofficial DAT score reports.
Canadian Dental Aptitude Test [CDAT] Score Submission
At this time, candidates are unable to send official CDAT scores directly to ADEA AADSAS.
Instead, candidates who take the CDAT should make arrangements to have official scores sent electronically to the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.
There is no need to send any paper copy of your scores to our office. We will receive the electronic scores directly from CDAT testing administration and you will receive confirmation.
Q: Do you accept the Canadian Dental Aptitude Test [CDAT]?
A: Yes. The Canadian DAT is acceptable for Canadian applicants (www.CDA-ADC.ca). Please note that candidates are encouraged to investigate the timing of score reports prior to taking the Canadian DAT to ensure that results will meet the application deadline of January 23, 2023. Our committee must have valid, minimum official CDAT scores in by January 23, 2023. You will not be considered if you don’t meet this deadline.
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Q: What are the minimum CDAT scores needed for admission consideration?
A: In order to be considered, you MUST HAVE:
- DAT Reading Comprehension: 16 minimum score on most recent test date
- All other DAT Sections: 15 minimum score on most recent test date
Note: Our committee does not consider the Manual Dexterity section for evaluation.
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Q: How do I submit official CDAT scores to the Universiy at Buffalo?
A: Please see the CDAT testing administration webpage: https://www.cda-adc.ca/en/becoming/dat/faqs/
When you register for a CDAT exam, up to 5 official transcripts of your DAT scores are included in the DAT registration fee (and 1 personal copy). During registration, you can choose to have official transcripts of your DAT scores sent to the schools of your choice.
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Q: Can I submit a copy of my CDAT score for consideration?
A: No. We can only accept score reports directly from CDAT testing administration. Please take particular note as we must receive your official CDAT score report by January 23, 2023.
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Q: I’ve submitted all of my materials and you will receive my CDAT after Januarey 23, 2023. Can I still be considered?
A: No. If we do not receive your valid, official minimum CDAT by January 23, 2023, you will not be considered for admission during the current cycle.
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Q: If I take the Canadian DAT & US DAT, which scores will be considered?
A: The most recent set of scores will be considered to meet our minimum reqiurement regardless of whether they are DAT or CDAT and/or regardless of which scores are higher.
The Student Admissions Committee strongly encourages applicants to acquire adequate numbers of hours in health care settings in order to maximize their understanding of the health care field. While this number will vary among applicants, we believe a minimum of 75 - 100 hours is a reasonable expectation. Additionally the committee values a breadth of unique experiences over multiple hours in one setting.
COVID-19 Experience Notes:
- Our admissions committee understands that the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic has impacted dental shadowing availabiliyt and experiences. Plesae utiliize the COVID-19 Impact Statement on your ADEA AADSAS application to address how the pandemic may have have affected your experiences prior to applying to dental school.
- Our committee also suggest obtaining a realistic preview of the profession virtually. This may include social media, webinars, and podcasts. Virtual shadowing will be considered and this can be added to your AADSAS application.
The UB School of Dental Medicine requires applicants to submit either a minimum of one [1] composite committee letter/report or three individual letters of evaluation.
ADEA AADSAS allows applicants to submit one committee letter and one individual letter, or four indivdual letters.
- Our Admissions Committee accepts a composite committee letter/report. If the undergraduate school does not have such a committee or a mechanism for providing a composite letter, applicants may submit individual letters of evaluation.
- If you are submitting three individual letters, we encourage you to obtain letters from those individuals who can best attest to your academic abilities, personal attributes, and why you are a good candidate for dental school consideration.
- All letters of evaluation must be submitted to AADSAS through the AADSAS Portal. ADEA AADSAS allows applicants to submit a maximum of four individual letters of evaluation or one committee letter/report plus the option of one additional individual letter. Although the School of Dental Medicine only requires three letters of evaluation, the Student Admissions Committee will consider all letters of evaluation submitted to AADSAS.
Letters sent directly to our admissions office, dean, faculty, or staff will not be considered.
The personal statement provides you the opportunity to let our committee know who you are. Candidates can share their academic, professional, and personal goals; why they are choosing to pursue dentistry; and how the Univeristy at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine can help candidates achieve these goals.
Because command of the English language is essential for successful professional school study, applicants whose first language is not English, regardless of citizenship, must demonstrate their English proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Students who have completed a full undergraduate degree in the United States or an English speaking Province of Canada can be considered for a waiver of the TOEFL requirement.
TOEFL Score and Deadline
Students must achieve scores at or above minimum of 79 (internet based) or better obtained within 18 months of the application deadline. Official TOEFL score reports must be received by our application deadline of January 23, 2023.
Submit TOEFL Score Reports
Official TOEFL Score Reports must be submitted by using the following codes:
| Institution Code | 2925 SUNY U at Buffalo |
| Graduate Study Code | 01 |
| Name of Department | Biological Sciences |
| Department Code | 38 Dentistry |
Improve Your English Skills
UB’s English Language Institute offers programs during the summer and the academic year for those students who want or need to improve their competence in reading, speaking, or writing English prior to applying to dental school.
If admitted, International students must document their ability to meet all educational and personal expenses for the duration of the program. Foreign students are eligible for assistantships and fellowships, but not for New York State or federal financial aid. Students should contact their own government or the American Embassy or Consulate for financial information.
All offers of acceptance and admission are conditional pending completion, at the applicant’s expense, of an acceptable Background Check from a vendor approved by the UB School of Dental Medicine. Once accepted, applicants will receive instructions on how to apply for the Background Check. Admission offers may be withdrawn for applicants who refuse to submit to the Background Check or who receive an accurate unacceptable Background Check.
The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine’s Student Admission Committee wishes to admit individuals who will benefit from and contribute to the educational environment and the dental profession and be prepared at graduation to enter into a wide range of practice options. Assuming that posted GPA and DAT minimums have been met, the Admissions Committee reviews each application for admission in its entirety. The major factors given consideration by the Admissions Committee are:
- Academic background and ability
- Critical thinking and problem-solving ability
- Demonstrated compassion and service to others
- Demonstrated investigation of the profession of dentistry
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Life experiences
- Personal attributes
Community Service
Although not required to gain admission to the DDS program, community service and volunteer work is a great way to enhance your application. We are not looking for a specific number of volunteer hours.
The Transfer Student Program is a three-year program that admits qualified students who have completed the first year at an ADA accredited dental school to the School of Dental Medicine’s second year of the predoctoral program. Students are accepted into the Transfer Student Program on a space-available basis. Applicants must have completed similar first-year dental courses comparable to those in the School of Dental Medicine’s curriculum. Minor differences can be accommodated through summer course work. For example, some dental schools offer physiology in the second-year rather than in the first-year as at the University at Buffalo. Transfer students can complete an approved physiology course at another U.S. medical or dental school over the summer.
In order to be considered for the Transfer Student Program, an applicant must:
• Be in good academic standing at the previous dental school, with a minimum GPA of 3.0, and rank in the upper 25% of their class.
• Have no outstanding "F", "I" (incomplete) or "U" (unsatisfactory) grades.
• Be of good moral character as confirmed by the dean at the previous dental school.
• Wish to transfer from a dental school with a curriculum compatible to that of the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine.
In order to be considered for admission under the Transfer Student Program, applicants must submit the following information:
1. Official DAT scores.
2. Official transcript from the previous dental school.
3. Official transcripts from all post-secondary schools attended (pre-dental and dental). This should include official course descriptions of all courses completed at their current dental school.
4. Current resume listing all undergraduate and graduate employment, research, and community service.
5. NBDE Part 1 results, if applicable.
6. Two letters of recommendation from first-year basic science course directors at the previous dental school.
7. Two letters of recommendation from first-year dental course directors (i.e. dental anatomy, biomaterials, occlusion, etc.) or pre-clinical course directors at the previous dental school.
8. Letter of recommendation from the dean or the dean of students at the previous dental school attesting to: the applicant's good moral character, academic standing, and ethical standing. The letter must also indicate the student's class rank and GPA, and whether the student has ever been on disciplinary or academic probation.
9. Copy of the AADSAS application file, if available, from the application to the previous dental school.
10. Completed School of Dental Medicine application form with application fee.
Transfer applications are only considered if space is available in the incoming second-year class. Primary consideration is given to the dental school transcript, which must demonstrate a grade point average of at least 3.0. If the Student Admissions Committee chooses to interview the applicant, an on-site interview is conducted by two members of the committee. Following the interview, the interviewers present the application to the Student Admissions Committee. If accepted into the DDS program, the student must meet with the Associate Dean for Academic Affairs to determine placement into the curriculum. Transfer applications are accepted very infrequently due to lack of space in the second year class.
Q: I am an international student who already has a degree in dentistry from another country. I would like to practice in the United States, should I apply to the DDS program?
A: No. If you already have a dental degree from another country, you may be eligible for our International Dentist Program [IDP] which is two years in length compared to a traditional four-year DDS program. Please contact our IDP Admission Office with any questions.
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Q: Does your school place preference on in–state students?
A: All in-state and out-of-state candidates who meet our admission requirements will receive a full file review and equal consideration.
All admission data is located on the Commission on Dental Accreditation [CODA] website.
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Q: How do I know if I’m an In-State student? How can I qualify for In-State Residency & Tuition?
A: Please refer to the UB New York State Residency Page.
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Q: Do you offer Dental School tours?
A: Unfortunately, we cannot give personal tours of the dental school. Our school is clinic-based, which means we can have a few hundred patients in our clinics at any given time.
However, if you are interested in visiting our school, we encourage you to join our Buffalo ASDA Pre-Dental group. These students work with our admissions office to coordinate open houses throughout the year.
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Q: Can I meet with an admissions officer to gain an initial review of my application?
A: With so many applicants applying each year, we don’t have the capacity to offer preliminary review of your application. However, we would encourage you to contact our Buffalo ASDA Pre-Dental group to gain advice from current students.
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Q: Does your school qualify for IB?
A: Please check here.
For more information please contact the Office of Student Affairs
Phone: 716-829-6925
Fax: 716-829-2731
Email: sdmadmit@buffalo.edu
Hours:
8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., M-F
DDS Admissions
School of Dental Medicine
315 Squire Hall
University at Buffalo
Buffalo, NY 14214