Ohio State University College of Dentistry (2026 Guide)

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry is one of the largest and most respected dental schools in the United States, located in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1890, it is part of The Ohio State University, a major public research university. The school offers the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). OSU College of Dentistry is known for its strong research programs, advanced clinical training, and commitment to community oral health.

Admissions Overview

Ohio State College of Dentistry is highly competitive, particularly for out-of-state applicants. 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): 20–22
DAT Total Science (TS): 20–22
Overall GPA: 3.5–3.8
Science GPA: 3.4–3.7
Dental shadowing: 100+ hours recommended

DAT Requirements

Ohio State requires all applicants to submit DAT scores through AADSAS. There is no published minimum score, but competitive applicants typically score above the national average of 19–20 AA. OSU is a competitive program and higher scores significantly improve your chances.

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 OSU applicants.

How to Prepare for the DAT for Ohio State

Scoring competitively for Ohio State 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

Ohio State College 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, especially for out-of-state applicants.

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 Ohio State College of Dentistry is approximately $35,000–$45,000 per year for in-state students and $60,000–$70,000 per year for out-of-state students. As a public institution, OSU offers strong value for Ohio residents. Financial aid and scholarships are available through the university.

Location and Campus

Ohio State University College of Dentistry is located on the main OSU campus in Columbus, Ohio. Columbus is a growing, affordable city with a vibrant student community. The dental school is part of the OSU Wexner Medical Center, giving students access to a large academic health system and diverse patient populations.

Is Ohio State a Good Dental School?

Ohio State University College of Dentistry is consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the United States. The school is particularly strong in research and offers students early clinical exposure through its extensive patient care clinics. INBDE pass rates are strong and graduates are highly competitive for residency programs and private practice across the country.

For in-state students, OSU offers exceptional value. For out-of-state applicants, a DAT score of 21+ AA and a strong GPA are important for remaining competitive in the applicant pool.

Start Your DAT Preparation

Whether you are applying to Ohio State 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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