Indiana University School of Dentistry (2026 Guide)

Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) is one of the largest and most respected dental schools in the United States, located in Indianapolis, Indiana. Founded in 1879, it is part of Indiana University and offers the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. The school is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and is known for its strong clinical training and research programs.

Admissions Overview

IUSD is moderately to highly competitive. Successful applicants typically present strong DAT scores, solid GPAs, and meaningful dental shadowing experience. If you are building your study plan, start with our DAT and OAT Destroyer Study Guides to understand what materials top scorers use.

Typical Admitted Student Profile:

DAT Academic Average (AA): 19–21
DAT Total Science (TS): 19–21
Overall GPA: 3.4–3.7
Science GPA: 3.3–3.6
Dental shadowing: 100+ hours recommended

DAT Requirements

Indiana University School of Dentistry requires all applicants to submit DAT scores through AADSAS. There is no published minimum score, but competitive applicants typically score at or above the national average of 19–20 AA.

The DAT now also uses a 3-digit scoring scale (200–600), with 400 representing the national average. Understanding both DAT scoring scales is important when evaluating your scores and setting your target.

Sections tested on the DAT:

Biology
General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Perceptual Ability (PAT)
Reading Comprehension
Quantitative Reasoning

Strong performance in Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry is especially important for IUSD applicants.

How to Prepare for the DAT for Indiana University

Scoring competitively for IUSD requires mastering the science sections of the DAT. For over 35 years, pre-dental students have relied on the DAT Destroyer series to build the depth of knowledge needed to score above the national average. If you are comparing prep options, read our honest breakdown: DAT Bootcamp vs DAT Booster vs DAT Destroyer (2026).

Recommended DAT Prep Books:

DAT Destroyer — comprehensive science review for Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry
Math Destroyer — Quantitative Reasoning mastery
General Chemistry Destroyer — focused General Chemistry review
Organic Chemistry Odyssey — in-depth Organic Chemistry preparation
Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book — Biology deep dive for DAT and OAT

Application Process

Indiana University School of Dentistry participates in AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service). The application cycle typically opens in May and the school uses rolling admissions — applying early is strongly recommended.

Application checklist:

AADSAS application
DAT scores (taken within the last 3 years)
Official transcripts
Letters of recommendation (3 required)
Personal statement
Dental shadowing documentation

Tuition and Fees (2026)

Tuition at Indiana University School of Dentistry is approximately $35,000–$45,000 per year for in-state students and $55,000–$65,000 per year for out-of-state students. As a public institution, IUSD offers one of the more affordable DDS programs in the country for Indiana residents. Financial aid and scholarships are available through the university.

Location and Campus

Indiana University School of Dentistry is located on the IUPUI campus in Indianapolis, Indiana. Indianapolis is a mid-sized city with a relatively low cost of living, making it an attractive option for students managing educational expenses. The school is part of a large academic health center that includes medical, nursing, and pharmacy programs. Students applying to Midwest dental schools may also want to explore Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine – Illinois, a private DMD program located in the Chicago suburbs.

Is Indiana University a Good Dental School?

Indiana University School of Dentistry has a strong national reputation and is consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the United States. The school emphasizes early clinical exposure, giving students hands-on patient care experience from the early years of the program. IUSD graduates are well-prepared for licensure and have strong INBDE pass rates.

For in-state students, IUSD offers exceptional value. For out-of-state applicants, a DAT score of 20+ AA and a strong GPA are important for remaining competitive.

Start Your DAT Preparation

Whether you are applying to Indiana University or building your dental school list, strong DAT scores open doors. The DAT Destroyer series has helped pre-dental students build the foundation needed for competitive DAT scores.

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