The goal of the general dentistry program is to educate students to provide high–quality dental care that is preventive in purpose, comprehensive in scope, based on sound biological principles and focused on service.
Admission Requirements
- Proficiency in verbal and written English is required
- Dental Admission Test completed within 2 years of admission
- A minimum of 50 hours of dental practice observation/shadowing
- Three recommendations are required: employer or dental professional, pre-professional committee, or science professor uploaded with AADSAS application. A spiritual recommendation form must be submitted along with the LLUSD supplemental application.
- A formal interview (by invitation only)
Prerequisites
A complete academic year of coursework is required in all subjects except Biochemistry.
- General Biology with lab
- General Chemistry with lab
- Organic Chemistry with lab
- Biochemistry–One semester or two quarters required (a full year recommended) Lab courses do not meet this requirement.
- General Physics with lab
- English Composition (Requirement met automatically with Bachelor's degree}
Pre–requisites must be taken in the U.S or Canada.
All science pre-requisites must be taken in person.
Science coursework completed at a four year school is preferred.
AP science prerequisite courses are not accepted.
A minimum of 96 semester or 144 quarter units are required from an accredited school.
A grade of “C” or higher is required to meet LLUSD requirements.
Science sequences must be completed within five (5) years of admission.
A science GPA of 3.3 or higher is recommended.
DAT scores of 20 or higher are recommended.
A Baccalaureate degree is preferred.
Recommended Courses
| Recommended Science Courses | Other Recommended Courses |
| (Listed in order of Priority) | |
| Histology | Small Business Management |
| Human Gross Anatomy | Human Resource Management |
| Systems Physiology | Ceramics |
| Microbiology | Business & the Law |
| Cellular & Molecular Biology | Accounting |
| Immunology | Human Development |
| Neuroscience | Marketing |
| Genetics | Sculpture |
| Biochemistry II or III | Interpersonal Communication |
Transfer Agreements
These DDS transfer agreements are from the most frequently attended colleges and universities by our applicants. It is NOT a complete list of higher educational institutions from which we accept credits. We only accept credits from regionally accredited schools. If your previous school is not listed you may contact us directly.
Application Timeline
| Target Date | Tasks |
|---|---|
| Spring | Contact teachers/advisors, religious leaders, professionals and/or employers to obtain commitments for writing recommendation letters (a minimum of three recommendations or one committee letter). Complete personal statement. Complete Shadowing hours (50 hrs. required, 100 hrs. recommended). |
| June (First Week) |
Submit AADSAS application at adea.org with official transcripts. It is a major advantage to apply as early as possible. |
| Summer | Prepare for DAT (8-10 hrs., 6 days/week x 8 weeks) |
| Mid July | Receive LLUSD supplemental application invitation by email 6-8 weeks after AADSAS application has been submitted. |
| July - February | Return supplemental application to LLUSD within 30 days of invitation. |
| July - April | Followup: Check AADSAS & LLU web portals to ensure your application is complete. If there are discrepancies call the Office of Admissions 909-558-4621. |
| August - October | Take the DAT - Preference is given to applicants who take the DAT by end of summer. |
| December - March | Acceptance letters mailed and emailed to applicants, all other decisions are emailed only. |
Dental Admissions Test
All applicants must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
Preference is given to applicants who complete the test by October.
For DAT information contact the ADA at 312–440–2689 or www.ada.org
DAT Preparation Resources (Listed in order of Priority)
DAT Bootcamp: www.datbootcamp.com
DAT Destroyer: www.orgoman.com
Chad's Videos: www.chadsprep.com
Crack the DAT: www.crackdat.com
DAT Achiever: www.datachiever.com
Kaplan: www.kaplanmedical.com
How to Apply
Submit application to the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) between June 1 and November 1. For application, apply online at https://adea.org/.
We strongly recommend that you apply within the first two months. After your AADSAS application is received by LLUSD, a supplemental application invitation will be emailed to you. This can take from 4-6 weeks after the AADSAS application has been submitted.
Based on the review of a completed supplemental application, DAT scores, transcripts, and recommendations, you may be invited to LLUSD for a personal interview.
FAQ
Q: What is the minimum GPA that you require?
A: The minimum GPA is 2.7. To be a competitive applicant, a 3.5 or higher is recommended.
Q: What DAT scores are competitive?
A: To be competitive, scores of 20 or above in all areas are advised.
Q: If I have a sealed transcript will that be considered official?
A: No. To be considered official, transcripts must be mailed directly from your institution to LLUSD.
Q: Do you accept Canadian DAT scores.
A: Yes.
Q: Do you recommend dental assisting experience prior to submitting an application?
A: Yes.
Estimated Student Expenses
Estimated Student Expenses. Registration for the DDS program is once per year. Tuition and fees are required to be paid at the time of registration. Students who are covering expenses through private funding may receive a payment plan. Contact the director for student services of the School, 909-558-4790.
Financial Aid
A financial aid advisor and financial aid programs are available. Please contact 909–558–4509 or email finaid@llu.edu. Website information can be located at www.llu.edu/students/financial-aid/types-of-aid.php
Commitment Services Scholarships
Loan Repayment Programs
International Students
Students applying for, or holding F–1 U.S. Student Visas are required by U.S. immigration regulation to secure sufficient funds for their first year’s tuition and fees and provide documentary evidence of sufficient funds for their second year.
To satisfy this immigration requirement, LLUSD requires non–U.S. citizens and non–U.S. permanent residents to pay the first year’s tuition and fees before registration for the first term. Contact University International Student Affairs: 909-558-4955.
Forms and Additional Information
- Class of 2027 Profile
- Class of 2026 Profile
- Class of 2025 Profile
- Class of 2024 Profile
- Class of 2023 Profile
- Class of 2022 Profile
- Class of 2021 Profile
- Class of 2020 Profile
- Current Catalog
- Curriculum for cohort
Contact Information
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Office of Admissions
11092 Anderson Street Room 5503
Loma Linda, CA 92350
Disclaimer: The School reserves the right to modify or change admission standards or requirements at any time without prior notice and effective immediately. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and does not create any agreement or understanding or establish any rights or responsibilities whatsoever between LLU School of Dentistry and any student or prospective student.