Apply to DDS
https://dentistry.ouhsc.edu/Academic-Programs Parent Page: Academic Programs id: 31521 Active Page: Applyid:31522

Application Deadline

September 30, 2025 - Non Residents
September 30, 2025 - Oklahoma Resident

*Verification of transcripts can take up to 2-3 weeks. It's advisable to submit your application by the first week of August 20, 2025.

Contact

John Slish
Director of Admissions & Recruitment
College of Dentistry Office of Admissions & Student Affairs 
Phone (405) 271-8001 ext. 57627
E-mail: John-Slish@ouhsc.edu

Heidi Martin
Student Program Coordinator 
College of Dentistry Office of Admissions & Student Affairs 
Phone (405) 271-3530 
E-mail: Heidi-Martin@ouhsc.edu

 

Preparing to Apply (D.D.S.)

The training that leads to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree is a combination of didactic (theoretical) and applied coursework together with a progressive experience in patient treatment in a clinical environment. The four-year DDS program is widely known as one of the top leaders in pre-clinical and clinical education.

If after reviewing the qualifications for the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program you are unsure of whether you meet them, please contact John-Slish@ouhsc.edu.  We are here to help and support you as you pursue a career in the health sciences. 

Application Timeline

Mid May – ADEA AADSAS application opens

Early June – Able to submit AADSAS application

August – Interview invitations begin going out

September 30 – Application deadline

September – November – Interviews conducted

Mid December – Acceptances communicated

Admissions Requirements

Academics

  • A minimum of 90 semester hours of coursework from any accredited college or university.
  • A minimum of 75 semester hours of coursework prior to application.
  • A minimum 2.5 GPA for all college level work attempted.
  • Recommended 2.5 math and science GPA for all college level work attempted. 
  • Applicants who have completed their bachelor’s degree more than two years before expected dental school attendance are advised to pursue academic activities or employment in the oral health field.

Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

  • DAT Academic Average (AA): 370 minimum
    • Subscores should be 370 or above.
  • Highest score is accepted
  • Exam score is valid for 3 years from the date of the exam.

Subjective Criteria 

  • A minimum of 100 hours of dental shadowing
    • Hours should reflect shadowing in at least 3 different offices of which 2 offices should be a general dental environment.
      • Shadowing is an opportunity to observe without any associated responsibility in that setting. You should be able to reflect on these experiences and describe how they impact you.
    • Hours should reflect a variety of specialties and dental environments and be outside of places of employment.
    • If you have Dental Assisting hours contact the College of Dentistry Office of Admissions for clarification.
  • A minimum of 100 hours of community service
    • Hours should reflect a variety of opportunities.
    • Hours should show engagement in different types of communities.
  • Demonstrates quality communication and problem-solving skills, time management, personal character, and motivation.

Prerequisites

 

  • All labs must be taken in person. We will accept an online Physics Lab up through the 2025 entrance cycle (class of 2029). Beginning with the 2026 entrance cycle (class of 2030) all labs are required to be taken in person.

  • Use this chart for information regarding specific prerequisite requirements. OU and OSU course listings are for guidance only, use these lists to help choose appropriate courses at your institution.

 

 

Application Materials

Step 1: Submit to AADSAS:

The following items are submitted to AADSAS according to their instructions:

  • AADSAS Dental School Application - The 2025 AADSAS Dental School Application is available beginning June 1, 2025.
  • Official Transcript(s) - Official transcripts from each college or university attended showing all coursework attempted and completed.
  • Letters of Recommendation (All letters must be on letterhead. It is the student's responsibility and burden to ensure that letters of recommendation are on letterhead.)
  1. A letter from a dentist.
  2. A recommendation uploaded directly from your institution's Pre-professional Advisory Committee is preferred. In lieu of a committee recommendation, two letters of recommendation from science instructors are acceptable.
  3. *It's advisable to submit your application by August 20, 2025. You do not need to wait on your letters of recommendation or DAT exam to upload prior to submitting your application. Transcript(s) need time to upload and be verified.
  4. Application deadline is September 30, 2025.
Step 2: Submit to OU College of Dentistry:

International Students:

Any persons (applicants) born outside the U.S., this may include U.S. Territories and/or where English is considered a second language, may be required to provide additional information with their application:

  • Acceptable TOEFL scores are required of all applicants from countries where English is the second language. This requirement pertains to any person born outside the United States and includes Permanent Residents of the U.S. (green card holders) and Naturalized U.S. Citizens. The applicant may request a waiver through the OUHSC application. The College of Dentistry may waive TOEFL scores if the applicant provides evidence of a diploma from an English-speaking high school or a bachelors degree from a U.S. institution. An official score report must be received by OUHSC Admissions and Records directly from Educational Testing Service.

The minimum test scores for applicants to the Doctor of Dental Surgery program are as follows:

Paper Based TOEFL: 587

Computer Based TOEFL: 240

Internet Based TOEFL: 88

  • Transcript Evaluations by Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

All applicants with foreign credentials are required to submit official documents to ECE for a course-by-course evaluation.

More information regarding International admission is available at OUHSC Admissions and then clicking on "Prospective Students." 

Accreditation

The OU College of Dentistry is one of approximately 65 programs in the United States and is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, Commission on the Institutions of Higher Education, and the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.