We strive to recruit students with diverse backgrounds by promoting a culture of inclusion that embraces the richness of diversity and respects individuals for their cultures, contributions and points of view.
How many students do you admit?
We accept 52 students each year. We typically receive 700+ applications.
What are your student demographics?
Among the first-year students in 2024:- 79% are Nebraska residents, 21% are from rural areas
- 60% female, 40% male
- Average GPA: 3.77
- Average DAT: 20.7
Where do graduates go?
Among the graduating class of 2024:- 61% went into private practice
- 29% were accepted into advanced education residencies
- 10% went into public health
Learn more about dentistry career options.
What do you learn in dental school?
- At the UNMC College of Dentistry, our students undergo a comprehensive educational journey that equips them with the knowledge, skills and values they need to provide general dental care to patients in all stages of life.
- The dental curriculum is meticulously structured to ensure a systematic progression of knowledge and skills, as evidenced by the attainment of specific competencies. These competencies encompass a wide range of complex abilities that are essential for a general dentist to begin practicing independently and without supervision.
- Students develop a solid foundation in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences, cognitive and psychomotor skills, and a commitment to professional ethics and values. We foster a human-centered learning environment where each dental graduate develops a profound sense of responsibility toward themselves, their community and the dental profession.
- Our curriculum is designed to accommodate the unique backgrounds, interests and career aspirations of each student, allowing them to realize their full potential in their dental education journey.
Learn more about the UNMC College of Dentistry learning experience.
How do students learn? What are your teaching approaches?
- Students have valuable hands-on learning experiences in our patient care clinics and through participating in numerous community outreach programs.
- To prepare students for working with patients, they build their skills in our clinical and virtual simulation laboratory using the most advanced simulation technology.
- In our collaborative and interactive classrooms, faculty use the latest learning technology to make dentistry come to life.
- All students have the opportunity to participate in and lead cutting-edge research.
Learn more about the UNMC College of Dentistry learning experience.
How do students pay for dental school?
- Nearly 100 percent of our students receive some form of financial assistance. A number of grants and scholarships are available to students through the College of Dentistry. Awards vary from $200 to full tuition.
- Federal loans and grants are available through the UNMC Office of Financial Aid.
Learn more about financial aid.
The UNMC College of Dentistry does not require a minimum grade point average or DAT score. All students considered for admission must be academically prepared. Students must possess intellectual capability and stability, social and perceptual skills, and physical capability to observe, communicate and perform motor skills adequately to satisfactorily complete the rigorous curriculum.
Important factors in selection include the following:
- Academic Background - grade point average and science grade point average
- DAT Scores
- Campus, Community and Dental Career (Shadowing) Involvement
- State of Residence - One of our missions is to develop Nebraska’s oral health workforce; however, 40% or more of our enrolled students come from across the country. View Nebraska residency requirements.
- Letters of evaluation are strongly encouraged. Evaluations of a student’s progress and potential by a predental adviser or committee are appreciated. Letters of evaluation are to be submitted through AADSAS.
For consideration for admission, students must complete 90 semester hours and are strongly encouraged to complete a four-year degree program prior to matriculation. Predental work may be completed at any accredited university, college or community college in the US or Canada.
Our pre-requisites are not exhaustive, and most applicants to our program are working toward the completion of science majors. While we cannot tell you what courses to take, we advise a deep program of study in biology and chemistry. Recommended courses include anatomy and physiology, biochemistry, and microbiology or histology. The following courses are only the minimum requirements.
Required Courses
English Composition, Two Semesters (6 hours)
Inorganic Chemistry with Laboratory, Two Semesters (8 hours)
Organic Chemistry with Laboratory, Two Semesters (8 hours)
Biology with Laboratory, Two Semesters (8 hours)
Physics with Laboratory, Two Semesters (8-10 hours)
Suggested Elective Courses: Anatomy, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Comparative Anatomy, Embryology, Genetics, Histology, Immunology, Microbiology, Physiology, Psychology, Scientific Greek or Latin, Statistics
Students are enrolled in the UNMC College of Dentistry each August. Candidates apply for admission approximately one year before they wish to be admitted to the college.
The early application deadline is October 1. Applicants are encouraged to apply early.
| May: | Take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) so that results are available prior to the early application deadline of October 1. The DAT can be taken through Prometric Test Centers. |
| June - October: | Apply by using the ADEA AADSAS (American Dental Education Association Associated American Dental Schools Application Service) online application.* |
| August - November: | Candidates under serious consideration will be invited to interview with the admissions committee during this time. Interviews are offered by invitation only. |
| December: | First round admission notifications are sent in December. |
*Applicants should not wait for DAT scores, transcripts or other application materials before applying through AADSAS. Applicant files are updated as these materials are received. A processing fee of $60 is required by the College of Dentistry. A link and instructions to pay the fee online will be emailed to you following the submission of your application.