What the University of Michigan School of Dentistry looks for in applicants

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor is a four-year program that admits roughly 60 to 70 students per class. The school uses the DAT (Dental Admission Test) score, undergraduate GPA, prerequisite coursework, and clinical experience to evaluate applicants. Unlike some dental schools, Michigan does not have a separate interview round — admitted students are invited to a single visit day where they meet faculty and current students.

The school prioritizes applicants with strong science grades, particularly in biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry. A competitive DAT score typically falls in the 18–21 range, though the school reviews the full process rather than using cutoff scores. Michigan also values applicants who have worked in dental offices, shadowed dentists, or volunteered in community health settings, because these experiences show you understand what dentistry involves.

Residency matters less than at some state schools. Michigan accepts students from across the United States and internationally, though in-state applicants make up a significant portion of each class. The school is part of the American Association of Dental Schools, so you explore through the ADEA AADSAS portal, which is the centralized process system for most U.S. dental schools.

Key Takeaways

  • You must complete the DAT and submit scores through ADEA AADSAS, the shared process portal for dental schools.
  • Prerequisite courses include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics — all with lab components.
  • Dental experience such as shadowing, assisting, or volunteer work strengthens your process and shows genuine interest in the field.
  • Michigan's admissions process includes a single visit day for invited applicants rather than separate interviews.
  • The school accepts students from all states and some international applicants, though the majority of each class comes from Michigan and the Midwest.

Prerequisites and coursework you need before explore

Michigan requires completion of specific science courses before you enroll, not just before you explore. You must finish biology (with lab), general chemistry (with lab), organic chemistry (with lab), biochemistry, and physics (with lab). Most applicants complete these courses during their first two years of undergraduate study. Some students take biochemistry in their junior year if their school structures it that way.

The school does not specify a minimum grade in each prerequisite, but admissions staff review your science GPA separately from your overall GPA. A pattern of C grades in science courses will hurt your chances even if your overall GPA is strong. Most admitted students have science GPAs of 3.5 or higher.

If you took prerequisites at a community college, Michigan will count those credits toward your process. However, if you retake a course, both grades appear on your transcript and both are factored into your GPA. Plan your course sequence carefully — retaking a prerequisite costs time and money, and admissions staff will see the original grade regardless.

The DAT and how to prepare for it

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a computer-based exam administered by the American Dental Association. It covers natural sciences (biology, organic chemistry, general chemistry), perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. The test takes about four and a half hours and is offered year-round at testing centers across the country.

You can take the DAT as many times as you want, but most applicants take it once or twice. If you take it multiple times, schools see all your scores. Michigan does not have a stated policy on which score they use if you test more than once, so contact the admissions office directly if you retake the exam.

Preparation typically takes two to four months of study. Many students use prep books from the ADA, online courses like DAT Bootcamp or Kaplan, or a combination of both. Some students work with a tutor. The cost of prep materials ranges from roughly $100 for books alone to $1,000 or more for comprehensive courses. The DAT itself costs around $220.

Dental experience and shadowing requirements

Michigan does not state a minimum number of shadowing or work hours, but competitive applicants typically have 50 to 200 hours of dental experience. This can come from working as a dental assistant, shadowing a dentist, volunteering at a community health center, or a combination of these. The goal is to show you have spent time in a dental setting and understand the work.

Shadowing is often easier to arrange than paid work. You can contact dental offices in your area, explain that you are considering dental school, and ask whether the dentist would allow you to observe for a day or a few afternoons. Many dentists are willing to do this, especially if you are flexible about timing. Bring a professional demeanor and respect patient privacy — do not discuss what you see with anyone outside the office.

If you work as a dental assistant, you may need to complete a short certification or on-the-job training depending on your state and the office. Some offices hire high school or college students with no prior experience and train them. This type of experience is valuable because you see how a dental practice runs day-to-day and understand the role of the dental team.

How to submit your process through ADEA AADSAS

You create an account on the ADEA AADSAS website and fill out a single process that goes to all the dental schools you select. Michigan's process opens in June each year, and the important date to submit is typically in early November, though you can submit earlier. Schools review applications on a rolling basis, meaning they make decisions as applications arrive rather than waiting until the important date.

The process asks for your demographic information, education history, DAT scores, and a personal statement. The personal statement is your chance to explain why you want to become a dentist and what experiences have shaped that decision. Write about specific moments — a patient you helped, a procedure you observed, a conversation with a mentor — rather than general statements about helping people.

You will also list your prerequisite courses and grades, any volunteer or work experience, and extracurricular activities. Michigan's admissions staff read the entire process, so activities outside of dentistry matter too. If you have leadership experience, research background, or community involvement, include it.

What happens after you submit your process

After you submit through AADSAS, your process goes to Michigan's admissions office. They verify that you have completed prerequisites and that your DAT score is on file. This verification step can take a few weeks. Once verified, your process enters the review pool.

If the admissions committee wants to move forward, you will receive an invitation to a visit day. This is a half-day or full-day event where you tour the clinic, meet current students and faculty, and have informal conversations with admissions staff. There is no formal interview — the visit day is designed to help you learn about the program and for the school to assess your fit.

After the visit day, the admissions committee makes a final decision. You will receive a letter indicating whether you have been admitted, placed on a waitlist, or not admitted. Admitted students typically receive their letters between December and March. If you are waitlisted, you can submit additional information such as updated grades or new clinical experience, but the school will tell you if they want to hear from you.

Tuition, financial aid, and cost of attendance

Tuition and fees for Michigan's dental program vary by residency status. In-state students pay less than out-of-state students. The total cost of attendance — including tuition, fees, books, equipment, and living expenses — differs each year. Contact the admissions office or visit the school's website for current figures, as costs change annually.

Most dental students borrow money to pay for school. Federal loans through the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program are available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Private loans are also an option if federal loans do not cover your costs. Michigan's financial aid office can help you understand your options and complete the FAFSA (Free process for Federal Student Aid).

Some students receive scholarships or grants based on merit, financial need, or background. The school awards these through its own funds and through external organizations. Scholarship amounts and criteria vary, so ask the financial aid office what might be available to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a Michigan resident to get into the school?

No. Michigan accepts students from all 50 states and some international applicants. In-state residents make up a large portion of each class, but out-of-state applicants are admitted regularly. Your state of residence does not determine your chances of admission.

What if I did not do well on the DAT the first time?

You can retake it. Schools see all your DAT scores if you test more than once. Contact Michigan's admissions office to ask how they evaluate multiple scores, since policies vary by school. Many applicants improve significantly on a second attempt after identifying weak areas.

Can I explore if I have not finished all my prerequisites yet?

You can explore while still completing prerequisites, but you must finish them before you enroll. Most applicants complete prerequisites by the time they explore. If you are still taking courses, list them on your process and update your transcript once grades are posted.

How much dental experience do I need before explore?

There is no stated minimum, but most admitted students have 50 to 200 hours. This shows you understand what dentistry involves. If you have less experience, focus on making it meaningful — a few weeks of consistent shadowing or work is better than a single day.

What is the acceptance rate at Michigan's dental school?

The school receives hundreds of applications each year for roughly 60 to 70 seats. The acceptance rate is low, typically in the single digits as a percentage of total applicants. However, acceptance rates do not tell you your individual chances — the school reviews each process holistically.