Dental Surgery

The Associate Dean for Student and Faculty Affairs, the Director of Admissions Administration and Advising, along with the UTHSC College of Dentistry DDS Admissions Committee, review applications for admission to the entry level professional degree program in dentistry (the Doctor of Dental Surgery; DDS). Admissions information is described in detail below. Prospective students should carefully review all admissions requirements, technical standards and application procedures before applying to DDS degree program in the College of Dentistry. This information may also be found at http://www.uthsc.edu/dentistry/Admissions/.

Admission to the various advanced education programs (Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontology, Pediatric Dentistry, and Prosthodontics) is made either directly to the program or through a centralized service such as PASS or MATCH. Please contact the program directly for details.

The DDS Admissions Committee formulates and recommends policies and procedures for admission to the College of Dentistry. The committee establishes criteria, procedures, and data used in appraising and selecting applicants for admission. This committee evaluates qualifications of applicants and submits names of selected candidates for admission to the dean. Information related to applicants such as personal credentials, information gained through interviews, acceptance or denials, and related matters are considered confidential remaining "in committee," except as reported through appropriate channels.

The College of Dentistry admits one class for the DDS degree program per year beginning in July. The DDS program lasts 4 years with graduation usually occuring in May.

Much of the first two years is devoted to the biomedical sciences of anatomy, biochemistry, histology, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, and physiology. Preclinical technical courses are also taught to achieve a close correlation of the basic sciences with the clinical disciplines.

As the state's flagship health science center, UTHSC aims to improve human health through education, research, clinical care, and public service. A variety of professional programs are offered through the six colleges that comprise the health science center. These programs prepare skilled health care professionals to meet the health care needs of the state of Tennessee and surrounding communities. To this end the campus welcomes applications from women and men of all races, creeds, and cultures who can pursue their studies in an environment that values intellectual curiosity, the pursuit of knowledge, excellence, compassion, and integrity. The College of Dentistry DDS Admissions Committee selects highly qualified applicants, seeking to enroll students from all regions and from a variety of backgrounds so as to provide access to a broad range of students and to serve the needs of the state's diverse communities for skilled health care providers.

Fulfillment of the basic requirements does not guarantee admission. The College of Dentistry DDS Admissions Committee selects the applicants it considers best qualified for the study and practice of dentistry from the pool of applicants who meet the basic requirements.

The Admissions Committee reviews the cumulative grade point average, science grade point average, DAT score, performance during the interview, Pre-Professional Evaluation, and letters of recommendation. The years in school, any trend in grades, degrees attained, awards, and such personality characteristics as motivation and social awareness are also considered.

Applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of the United States at the time of application.

The College of Dentistry does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, religion, creed, or handicapping condition.

2. Chose the program that's right for you

After comparing programs, if you still have questions, visit our Admissions website or contact the program of your choice's admissions site.