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General Information
& Admitting Clinic:
503.494.8867

Faculty Dental Practice:
503.494.4316

OHSU School of Dentistry
611 SW Campus Dr.
Portland, OR 97239

Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) Degree Program
School of Dentistry > Student Admissions > DMD Program

Admission Requirements

Predental Education: A minimum of three years (90 semester or 135 quarter credit hours) from an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada. Full time enrollment is recommended with an emphasis in the basic sciences.

Foreign course work: Foreign course work will not be accepted.

Community College Limitations: It is recommended that a student attend no more than one year at a community college.

Pass/No Pass: Admissions requirements taken for P/NP credit will not fulfill our requirements. Please note: the only exception to this policy applies to students attending a very limited number of schools that solely offer P/NP grades for lab courses. If you are given the option to take a lab course P/NP or for a grade, you must take it for a grade.

Grade Point Average (GPA): It is recommended that you have a minimum of 3.0 in both your cumulative overall GPA, and required science/BCP (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) GPA.

Degree Requirement: Although OHSU does not require a baccalaureate (B.A./B.S.) degree for admission, it is highly recommended that you plan to complete a bachelor's degree prior to matriculation.

Required Prerequisite Courses:

Courses 

Quarter/Semester

General Biology w/labs1

3/2

General Chemistry w/labs1

3/2

Organic Chemistry w/labs1

2/2

Physics w/labs1

3/2

Human Anatomy and Physiology w/ labs1

1 year sequence

Biochemistry w/lab2

1/1

English Composition3

3/2

1 Courses must be completed as part of a sequence (for example 201/202/203 or 201a/201b/201c).
2 Biochemistry lab is highly recommended but not required.

3 One year or the minimum number of credit hours required to meet your institution's bachelor degree requirement.

Prerequisite and Advisor table specific to Oregon 4-year Colleges/Universities (PDF)

Prerequisite table for OHSU's most common out-of-state feeder Colleges/Universities (PDF)

Suggested additional preparation: Additional science courses such as microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, genetics, histology and neuroscience are highly recommended . Study of the social and behavioral sciences, and humanities as well as the courses in the fine arts such as sculpture and 3-D drawing will enhance the student's ability to practice dentistry.

OHSU Dental Hygiene Graduates: OHSU Dental Hygiene graduates are held to the same pre-dental admissions requirements as all other applicants to the DMD program. Please consult with your pre-dental advisor or an OHSU admissions officer as many of the admissions requirements used to gain entrance into the Dental Hygiene program will not fulfill our dental school prerequisite requirements.

Dental Admission Test (DAT): The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized exam designed to assess general academic ability, knowledge of scientific information, and perceptual ability . Both American and Canadian DAT scores are accepted. Our priority deadline for receipt of official DAT scores is November 1. It is recommended, however, that the DAT be taken far enough in advance to allow for retake if needed. Applicants should achieve a minimum score of 15 in all DAT categories.

Dental Observation: Prior to application, applicants must have a minimum of 50 hours of observation in a dental setting. Of the 50 hours we suggest a minimum of 25 hours in a general dental practice. The remaining 25 hours can be in a dental setting of your choice such as a dental public health clinic or dental specialty.

Other General Information

Health Requirements: All admitted students must meet OHSU's health and immunization requirements prior to matriculation. For more information please visit the Student Health Service online at www.ohsu.edu/academic/acad/health/ or by calling (503) 494-8665.

Criminal History Reviews: Admitted students must complete a background disclosure form and undergo a criminal history review as part of the matriculation process. Prior conviction does not necessarily disqualify an admitted student from matriculation. The admitted student has the right to inspect and challenge the results of the inquiry. Information about federal civil rights law and arrest records may be obtained through the Bureau of Labor and Industries.

Drug Screening: Beginning in 2008, all newly admitted students must successfully complete a drug screening within 14 days from the date of matriculation. This requirement is one way OHSU demonstrates its commitment to maintaining a safe and healthy environment for employees, students, patients and visitors. Positive test results may immediately disqualify an admitted student from enrollment. The admitted student has the right to inspect and challenge the results of the inquiry.

OHSU policy indicates that no person shall be under the influence of any unlawful drug, any alcohol, or any misused prescription drug while on OHSU premises. Students suspected of being under the influence in violation of this prohibition may be required to submit to a drug or alcohol test at cause.

Student with Disabilities: OHSU's Office for Student Access responds to all requests for assistance in the accommodation of students with disabilities. Appropriate accommodations are provided on a case-by-case basis. For more information about the services available through the Office of Student Access please call (503) 494-0082.

Reapplication: Applicants who have submitted applications in previous years and are seeking to reapply must submit an entirely new application and supporting documentation. No materials from previous applications will be used to complete your application documentation requirements.

Deferred Admissions: OHSU does not offer an option to defer admissions. Accepted applicants who wish to postpone enrollment must reapply through AADSAS during a subsequent application cycle.

Transfer Applications: OHSU typically does not accept applications from students seeking to transfer from other dental schools.

Advanced Standing: OHSU does not offer an advanced standing program for foreign-trained dentists.


Applying to the OHSU School of Dentistry

SUMBIT THE FOLLOWING TO AADSAS:

Completed AADSAS Application: Applicants must submit an application through AADSAS (American Associated Dental Application Support Service) prior to our application deadline of November 1. The AADSAS application is exclusively a web-based application and is available at http://www.adea.org .

Letters of Evaluation: OHSU requires three letters of evaluation from basic science faculty and one from a dental professional, or one pre-professional committee letter. If your pre-professional committee letter does not include an evaluation from a dentist, we ask that you send a supplemental letter of evaluation from a dentist under separate cover.

Official Transcripts: Forward official transcripts from all colleges and universities that you attended as instructed in the AADSAS instructions.

SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING TO OHSU:

$75.00 Non-Refundable Processing Fee: Make check or money order payable to OHSU. Send processing fee to the OHSU School of Dentistry, Office of Admissions and Student Affairs, 611 SW Campus Dr., Portland, OR 97239-3097. To ensure your fee is credited to your application, please include your full name, address and Social Security or AADSAS ID number with your payment.

Official DAT Scores: Both US and Canadian DAT scores are accepted. To order official score reports please visit the American Dental Association online at www.ada.org or by calling (800) 621-8099. Our priority deadline for DAT scores is November 1.


Admission Selection Factors

Students are selected on the basis of demonstrated scholastic ability in both required and elective courses. Quality and quantity of courses taken per quarter are also considered. Performance on the DAT is compared with the science GPA. Letters of recommendation are screened for personal qualities and demonstrated interest in and knowledge of the profession of dentistry. Selected applicants will be invited to visit the campus and interview with members of the admissions committee, as wall as have the opportunity to meet with current student students. Applicants are evaluated using established criteria without regard to national origin, color, race, religion, disability, veteran status, age, sexual orientation or gender.

Residency: The School of Dentistry recognizes that its primary obligation is to provide an opportunity in dental education for residents of Oregon. Selection, as far as residency is concerned, is based on the following order of priorities:

  • Oregon residency;
  • Residency in the western states participating in the program of the Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education (WICHE) : Alaska, Arizona, Hawaii, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Wyoming;
  • Residency in the remaining states
  • Canadians, and current F-1 visa holders from all other countries

Detailed information regarding OHSU's Residency Policy can be obtained from the University Registrar at (503) 494-7800.


Tuition, Fees, Equipment, Books and Supplies*

TUITION AND FEES 2007/2008 (PDF Version)

Tuition (1st Year DMD, 3 terms)

Resident
$6,194 per term
$18,582 annually

Non-resident
$10,854 per term
$32,562 annually

Tuition (2nd, 3rd and 4th year DMD, 3.5 terms)

Resident
$6,194 per term
$21,679 annually

Non-resident
$10,854 per term
$37,989 annually

Equipment, Books and Supplies (1st year totals only)

Equipment $11,522
Books $900
Supplies $400

Fees (Mandatory) - Charged Per Term

Building Fee $20
Incidental Fee $318
Student Activities Fee $10
Student Health Service $219
SD Instructional Aids $250
Pager Fee $18.30

Fee (Mandatory) - Charged Per Term (1st year totals only)

Major Medical Insurance $208.15 per month, based on number of months within a term
fall term = 5 months ($1,040.75)
winter term = 3 months ($624.45)
spring term = 3 months ($624.45)

Fee (Mandatory) - Charged Fall Term of Each Year

ASDA Dues $70
Disability Insurance $104

Fees (Optional)

Estimated Cost of Living $1490 monthly
Parking $12-$90 monthly
Tri-Met (Public Transportation Pass) approximately $270 annually

* Tuition, fees, and the associated costs listed above are provided for information purposes only. The Oregon Health & Science University, School of Dentistry reserves the right to modify tuition, fees and other costs which range from minimal to substantial without advance notice. This document should not be construed as creating a binding contract between the applicant/student and the University.


Financial Aid

Oregon Health & Science University recognizes that students and their families may have difficulty financing postsecondary education. To ensure that all qualified students have an opportunity to attend OHSU, the university provides financial assistance through the Financial Aid Office.

The student financial aid program at OHSU is designed to assist students in meeting their educational costs. The Financial Aid Office thoroughly reviews your application for aid, and the best possible assistance is offered to help cover the costs of attending. There are four general types of financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans and work-study employment. The types of aid you will be awarded will depend on many things, including your program of study and financial need.

Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) prior to the March priority deadline. Paper versions of the FAFSA form are also available on all college campuses, or they can be obtained by contacting OHSU's Financial Aid Office at (503) 494-7800.

The Office of Financial Aid publishes the document, 'Financial Aid Explained' , which provides detailed information on OHSU's financial aid process, policies and procedures.

Financial Aid Awards to First-Year Students in 2007/2008*

Number of Recipients: 72**
Percentage of Class: 96%

Residents
Average Award: $45,553
Range of Awards: $8,500 - $53,431

Non-residents
Average Award: $64,173
Range of Awards: $43,500 - $66,250

*Every School of Dentistry student who was eligible for assistance received an award.
**Ninety-four percent of all School of Dentistry students receive financial aid. The School of Dentistry awarded $13,277,238.00 in financial aid to dental students in the 2007/08 school year.

School of Dentistry Academic Based Merit Awards: Entering dental students with outstanding undergraduate academic achievement may be eligible to receive a merit award. Merit awards provide financial support and may reduce tuition. Selection criteria for merit awards include demonstrated academic excellence in all previous college work and performance on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).

Applicants will automatically be considered for these awards when all of the regular application materials have been received (official transcripts, DAT scores, letters of recommendation, supplemental application from OHSU). For more information concerning these awards, contact the Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs.


Admissions, Student and Minority Affairs Contact Information

Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs
OHSU School of Dentistry
611 SW Campus Drive
Portland, OR 97239-3097
(503) 494-5274
Fax: (503) 494-6244
E-mail: sodadmit@ohsu.edu
Homepage: http://www.ohsu.edu/sod

 

Last Updated 3/20/08 by Dental Informatics For Questions and Comments, e-mail: SOD Webmaster