Admissions FAQ's
To assist you in navigating the application process and understanding our guidelines, we have compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). This section provides detailed answers on many topics including eligibility, requirements, submission deadlines, and general policy. Reviewing these FAQs is highly recommended.
Other FAQ
Are international students eligible for admission to the DDS Program?
- Yes. However, only academic credit hours completed at U.S. or Canadian institutions are eligible for consideration toward admission.
- International applicants are advised to consult the American Dental Association or the Canadian Dental Association to determine any post-graduation practice restrictions.
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?
- No. If you already have a dental degree from another country, you are 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.
How do I know if I qualify for New York State residency and tuition?
- Please refer to the UB New York State Residency page.
Does your admissions office offer dental school tours?
- 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. This group works with our admissions office to coordinate open houses throughout the year.
May I schedule a meeting with an admissions officer for a preliminary review of my application?
- Given the high volume of applications we receive each year, our admissions office is unable to provide preliminary reviews or informal assessments of admission chances.
- However, we encourage you to connect with our Buffalo ASDA Pre-Dental group for guidance and insight from current students.
Do New York State residents receive preference during the admissions process?
- No. New York State residents are not given preference in the admissions process.
- While many applicants are from New York due to our status as a state institution, all applicants are evaluated equally. We do not have quotas for the number of New York State residents admitted each year.
- Typically, about 30–35% of our incoming class is from outside New York State, including Canadian and other international students.
Do undergraduates or alumni of the University at Buffalo receive any preference in the admissions process?”
- No. Undergraduates and alumni of the University at Buffalo are not given preference in the admissions process, and we do not have legacy admissions.
- While many applicants come from the University at Buffalo, our program receives applications from a wide range of institutions.
- Each year, our incoming class of 95 typically represents students from more than 50 different colleges and universities.
Are applications from asylum seekers considered for admission to the DDS program?
- Asylum seekers may be considered for admission to the DDS program. However, there are strict regulations governing their ability to practice dentistry.
- We strongly recommend that asylum seekers contact the American Dental Association (ADA) or the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) to determine their eligibility to practice after graduation, as our dental school does not make decisions regarding post-graduation licensure or practice rights.
Where can I find admission statistics?
- Historical admissions data can be found in Report 2 of the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) Survey of Dental Education series.
Do all dental schools have the same admissions process?
- No. Each dental school has its own way of handling their admission process. Please do not assume all school handle their admissions in the same manner.
- We can not speak for how other schools choose to manage their admissions process.
What does verified mean?
- Per AADSAS, Verification is the process used to ensure all of your coursework was entered correctly and consistently.
- Since credit values, grade values, and course subjects vary widely from school to school, your programs need some type of standardization so they can accurately compare applicants.
- This standardization is achieved by using your coursework to create a standard set of GPAs, ensuring you are compared to other applicants fairly and equally.
I’ve changed my email address. What steps should I take to ensure you update your records with my new address?
Read instructions on updating your AADSAS Profile.
How does the Admissions Committee evaluate applicants who have taken a gap year?
- A gap year refers to a year-long break in a student’s formal education, often taken between completing an undergraduate degree and beginning dental school.
- Many students use this time to gain additional experience by shadowing, working in the dental field, participating in community service, or traveling abroad.
- Our Admissions Committee does not have a specific policy regarding gap years, and taking one is not viewed negatively.
- We understand that applicants may choose to take time off for personal, academic, or financial reasons before starting dental school.