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LSU School of Dentistry (2026 Guide)

LSU School of Dentistry (LSUSD) is one of the leading public dental schools in the southeastern United States, located in New Orleans, Louisiana, on the LSU Health Sciences Center campus. LSUSD offers the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The school is known for its strong clinical training, research opportunities, and commitment to improving oral health across Louisiana and the Gulf Coast region.

Admissions Overview

LSUSD is competitive, with a strong preference for Louisiana residents. Successful applicants typically present solid DAT scores, strong GPAs, and meaningful dental shadowing experience.

Typical Admitted Student Profile:

  • DAT Academic Average (AA): Approximately 19–21 AA (380–420 on the new DAT scale)
  • DAT Total Science (TS): Approximately 19–21 TS (380–420 on the new DAT scale)
  • Overall GPA: 3.3–3.6
  • Science GPA: 3.2–3.5
  • Dental shadowing: 100+ hours recommended

DAT Requirements

LSU 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.

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

How to Prepare for the DAT for LSU

Scoring competitively for LSUSD 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.

Recommended DAT Prep Books:

  1. DAT Destroyer — comprehensive science review
  2. Math Destroyer — Quantitative Reasoning practice
  3. General Chemistry Destroyer — focused chemistry review
  4. Organic Chemistry Odyssey — in-depth Organic Chemistry preparation
  5. Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book — Biology review for DAT and OAT

Application Process

LSUSD participates in AADSAS. The application cycle typically opens in May and the school uses rolling admissions — applying early is strongly recommended. Out-of-state applicants should be aware that LSUSD historically fills the majority of its class with Louisiana residents.

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 LSUSD is approximately $25,000–$35,000 per year for in-state students and $50,000–$60,000 per year for out-of-state students. As a public institution, LSUSD offers strong value for Louisiana residents. Out-of-state applicants should factor the more expensive tuition into their school list planning.

Location and Campus

LSU School of Dentistry is located on the LSU Health Sciences Center campus in New Orleans, Louisiana, one of the most culturally rich and vibrant cities in the United States. Students benefit from access to a large and diverse patient population through LSU Health's extensive healthcare network. New Orleans offers a unique quality of life with strong clinical exposure across a wide range of patient needs. The school is part of a major research university with deep ties to the surrounding healthcare community.

Is LSU a Good Dental School?

LSU School of Dentistry has a strong regional reputation and is consistently recognized for its clinical training and community outreach. The school provides early hands-on patient care experience and graduates are well-prepared for licensure. For Louisiana residents, LSUSD offers exceptional value and strong career placement in the region.

For out-of-state applicants, competitive DAT scores around 20+ AA (approximately 400+ on the new DAT scale) and a strong GPA are important for remaining competitive.

Watch free DAT prep lessons from Dr. Jim Romano on our YouTube channel.

Start Your DAT Preparation

Whether you are applying to LSU or building your dental school list, strong DAT scores open doors. Follow our DAT 3-Month Study Schedule to build a structured plan from day one.

  1. DAT Destroyer — comprehensive science review
  2. Math Destroyer — Quantitative Reasoning practice
  3. General Chemistry Destroyer — focused chemistry review
  4. Organic Chemistry Odyssey — in-depth Organic Chemistry preparation
  5. Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book — Biology review for DAT and OAT

Join our Live DAT and OAT Classes with Dr. Romano

Join our DAT and OAT Destroyer Study Group on Facebook — free resources and community support.