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Loma Linda University School of Dentistry | DAT Scores and Admissions 2026

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD) is one of the most respected dental programs in the western United States. Located in Loma Linda, California, it is part of Loma Linda University — a Seventh-day Adventist institution with a strong emphasis on whole-person care, service, and mission-driven dentistry.

This guide covers everything pre-dental students need to know about the Loma Linda dental program: DAT score requirements, GPA expectations, prerequisites, application timeline, and how to prepare competitively.

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry — Quick Facts

  • Location: Loma Linda, California
  • Degree Offered: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
  • Program Length: 4 years
  • Affiliation: Seventh-day Adventist (open to all applicants)
  • CODA Accredited: Yes
  • Application System: AADSAS
  • Application Deadline: Typically October 1 (verify annually at llu.edu)

Loma Linda Dental School DAT Score Requirements

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry is moderately to highly competitive. Here are the typical DAT score ranges for accepted students:

  • Academic Average (AA): 400–420 (competitive range)
  • Total Science (TS): 400–420

Scores above 420 significantly strengthen your application. Scores below 400 are unlikely to be competitive. Always verify current averages directly with the admissions office at llu.edu/dentistry.

👉 DAT Score Conversion (2026): How DAT Scores Are Calculated on the 200–600 Scale

GPA Requirements

  • Overall GPA: 3.4+ recommended
  • Science GPA: 3.3+ recommended

Loma Linda places significant weight on both science GPA and overall academic performance. A strong upward GPA trend is viewed favorably by the admissions committee.

Prerequisites for the Loma Linda Dental Program

The following coursework is typically required before applying to Loma Linda University School of Dentistry:

  • Biology with lab (2 semesters)
  • General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
  • Organic Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
  • Physics with lab (2 semesters)
  • English or Writing (2 semesters)
  • Mathematics (1 semester — statistics or calculus)
  • Biochemistry (1 semester — strongly recommended)

All prerequisite courses should be completed at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university. Online-only lab courses may not be accepted — verify with admissions.

Shadowing and Clinical Experience

Loma Linda strongly values hands-on experience. Competitive applicants typically have:

  • 100+ hours of dental shadowing (general dentistry)
  • Exposure to specialty dentistry (orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry)
  • Community service or mission-related experience (valued highly given the school's mission)
  • Research experience (helpful but not required)

Application Timeline

  • AADSAS opens: May/June each year
  • Submit early: July or August for best consideration (rolling admissions)
  • DAT deadline: Take by September at the latest for fall cycle
  • Interviews: Offered on a rolling basis — earlier applicants have an advantage

Loma Linda uses rolling admissions, which means applying early significantly increases your chances. Do not wait until the deadline.

Tuition and Cost of Attendance

Tuition at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry is among the higher ranges for private dental schools in California. Estimated annual tuition is approximately $80,000–$90,000 (verify current figures at llu.edu). Financial aid, scholarships, and loan programs are available through the university.

How to Prepare for the Loma Linda Dental Program

The DAT is one of the most important components of your Loma Linda application. Here is how Dr. Jim Romano recommends preparing:

Start Early

Give yourself 4–6 months of dedicated DAT preparation. Most competitive applicants study 20–30 hours per week during their prep period.

Use the Right Study Materials

The DAT Destroyer series is the most rigorous DAT prep resource available. Each book is intentionally harder than the actual exam — so that on test day, the real questions feel manageable. Thousands of students have used the Destroyer series to achieve competitive scores for programs like Loma Linda.

Join the Community

Connect with thousands of pre-dental students in the DAT and OAT Destroyer Study Group on Facebook — ask questions, share strategies, and learn from students who have already been accepted to programs like Loma Linda.

Is Loma Linda Right for You?

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry is an excellent choice for students who value a mission-driven education, whole-person care, and a strong clinical training environment. Its location in Southern California and affiliation with Loma Linda University Medical Center provide unique clinical exposure opportunities.

Whether or not you share the Seventh-day Adventist faith, Loma Linda welcomes applicants of all backgrounds who align with its values of service, integrity, and compassionate care.

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