Ohio State University College of Dentistry — DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions 2026
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, OSU Dentistry is known for its comprehensive clinical training, strong research programs, and commitment to serving diverse patient populations across the state.
Students who thrive at OSU demonstrate strong academic preparation, a commitment to community service, and a passion for advancing oral health care.
DAT Expectations at Ohio State University College of Dentistry
OSU College of Dentistry is competitive. Applicants are expected to present strong scores across all DAT sections, with particular emphasis on the sciences.
Based on recent entering class data, competitive applicants to OSU generally present:
- Academic Average (AA): 20–22 (old scale) / approximately 400–440 (new 200–600 scale)
- Total Science (TS): 20–22 (old scale) / approximately 400–440 (new 200–600 scale)
- Perceptual Ability Test (PAT): competitive scores across all sections
Students preparing for OSU often rely on the DAT Destroyer, created by Dr. Jim Romano, to build the deep conceptual understanding required for competitive scores.
👉 Learn how the DAT is scored: DAT Score Conversion — Understand the New 3-Digit Scale
Why Ohio State University College of Dentistry Stands Out
- One of the largest dental schools in the United States by enrollment
- Located in Columbus with access to a large and diverse patient population
- Strong emphasis on research and evidence-based dentistry
- Extensive clinical training with high patient volume from day one
- Robust network of alumni across Ohio and nationally
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with OSU's broader health sciences programs
Dental Programs at Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Combined DDS/MS and DDS/PhD programs
- Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates
Post-Graduate and Specialty Programs
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- General Practice Residency
OSU College of Dentistry Admissions
Application Timeline
- Applications open through AADSAS in May
- Early submission strongly recommended — rolling admissions
- Interviews conducted on a rolling basis through the fall
Required Materials
- AADSAS application
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- DAT scores
- Personal statement
Prerequisite Coursework Requirements
Applicants must have completed at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework. A bachelor's degree is strongly preferred.
Required Courses
- 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
- Biochemistry — 1 semester (strongly recommended)
GPA Review Includes
- Overall GPA
- Science GPA
- Grade trends and academic rigor
- Institution level and course difficulty
Shadowing Requirement
Meaningful dental shadowing experience is required. A minimum of 100 hours is recommended.
Boosting Your Chances of Acceptance at OSU
Earn a Competitive DAT Score
Use concept-driven materials like the DAT Destroyer to build mastery across all sections.
Demonstrate Research or Community Service Experience
OSU values applicants who have contributed beyond the classroom — research, volunteer work, and leadership all strengthen your application.
Apply Early
OSU uses rolling admissions — earlier applications have a significant advantage.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Clearly articulate your passion for dentistry and how OSU's mission aligns with your career goals.
Recommended Personal Statement Help: EduWritingServices
DAT Prep Support for OSU Applicants
DAT Destroyer
Advanced practice in Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Math:
DAT Destroyer
Math Destroyer
Targeted quantitative reasoning practice:
Math Destroyer
Free Biology Review
Download Dr. Romano's Dynamite Biology Review inside the DAT and OAT Destroyer Study Group
YouTube Lessons
Hundreds of free video lessons across all DAT subjects:
DAT Destroyer YouTube Channel
Best DAT Study Materials (2026 Guide)
See how all the books work together: Best DAT Study Materials (2026 Guide)
Frequently Asked Questions — Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Is OSU a good dental school?
Yes — OSU College of Dentistry is one of the largest and most respected dental schools in the country, known for its clinical training, research output, and strong alumni network.
What DAT score do I need for OSU?
Competitive applicants typically present an AA of 20–22 on the old scale / 400–440 on the new scale. Strong performance across all sections is expected.
What GPA does OSU look for?
Both overall and science GPA are reviewed holistically. A science GPA of 3.3 or higher is generally competitive for OSU.
Is shadowing required?
Yes — meaningful dental shadowing is required. At least 100 hours is recommended.
Does OSU accept international students?
Yes, through the Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates.
Start Your DAT Preparation
If you're planning your DAT test date, the next step is choosing the right DAT study materials.
If you're preparing for the DAT or OAT, the DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer are the core books used in Dr. Jim Romano's DAT preparation courses.
Ready to start studying? Follow Dr. Romano's 3-Month DAT Study Schedule (2026)