Marquette University School of Dentistry (2026 Guide)

Marquette University School of Dentistry is one of the leading dental schools in the Midwest, located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Founded in 1907, it is part of Marquette University, a Jesuit Catholic research university. The school offers the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

Admissions Overview

Marquette School of Dentistry is moderately competitive. Most successful applicants present strong DAT scores, competitive 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: 3.4–3.6
Science GPA: 3.3–3.5
Dental shadowing: 100+ hours recommended

DAT Requirements

Marquette requires all applicants to submit DAT scores through AADSAS. There is no minimum DAT score published, 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 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 Marquette applicants.

How to Prepare for the DAT for Marquette

Scoring competitively for Marquette requires mastering the science sections of the DAT. For more than 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

Marquette 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 Marquette School of Dentistry is approximately $75,000–$80,000 per year for the DDS program. Total program cost over four years typically exceeds $300,000 including fees and living expenses. Financial aid and scholarships are available through the university.

Location and Campus

Marquette University School of Dentistry is located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on the main Marquette University campus. Milwaukee offers a lower cost of living compared to many major dental school cities, which can be an advantage for students managing educational debt.

Is Marquette a Good Dental School?

Marquette School of Dentistry has a strong regional reputation, particularly in the Midwest. Graduates are well-prepared for licensure and practice. The school's INBDE pass rates and clinical training programs are consistently strong. Marquette emphasizes strong clinical training and early patient experience, giving students hands-on preparation from the early years of the program.

For students targeting Marquette, a DAT score of 20+ AA gives you a competitive edge. Use the time before your application cycle to build your science foundation with structured, exam-focused prep materials.

Start Your DAT Preparation

Whether you are applying to Marquette or building your dental school list, strong DAT scores open doors. The DAT Destroyer series has helped thousands of pre-dental students reach their target scores.

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