Rutgers School of Dental Medicine — DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions 2026
The Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) is one of the most respected public dental schools in the United States, located in Newark, New Jersey. As part of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, RSDM offers exceptional clinical training, a diverse patient population, and outstanding value for New Jersey residents.
Students who thrive at Rutgers demonstrate strong academic preparation, a commitment to community service, and a passion for serving diverse and underserved populations.
DAT Expectations at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Rutgers evaluates DAT scores as part of a holistic application review. Competitive applicants typically present solid scores across all sections with particular strength in the sciences.
Based on recent entering class data, competitive applicants to RSDM generally present:
- Academic Average (AA): 19–21 (old scale) / approximately 390–420 (new 200–600 scale)
- Total Science (TS): 19–21 (old scale) / approximately 390–420 (new 200–600 scale)
- Perceptual Ability Test (PAT): competitive scores across all sections
Students preparing for Rutgers often rely on the DAT Destroyer, created by Dr. Jim Romano, to build the deep conceptual understanding required for competitive scores. To understand how to prepare effectively, see our DAT Study Guide (2026).
👉 Learn how the DAT is scored: DAT Score Conversion — Understand the New 3-Digit Scale
Why Rutgers School of Dental Medicine Stands Out
- One of the top public dental schools in the United States
- Located in Newark, New Jersey — ideal for NY and NJ applicants
- Exceptional value for New Jersey State residents
- Part of Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences — strong interdisciplinary training
- High-volume clinical training with one of the most diverse patient populations in the country
- Strong commitment to serving underserved communities
Dental Programs at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
- Combined DMD/PhD program
- 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
Rutgers Dental School 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 with personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- DAT scores
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 (recommended)
GPA Review Includes
- Overall GPA
- Science GPA (3.2 or higher is generally competitive)
- Grade trends and academic rigor
- Institution level and course difficulty
Shadowing Requirement
- Minimum 100 hours recommended
- Exposure to multiple dental specialties preferred
Boosting Your Chances of Acceptance at Rutgers
Earn a Competitive DAT Score
Use concept-driven materials like the DAT Destroyer to build mastery across all sections of the DAT.
Demonstrate Community Service
Rutgers values applicants with a strong commitment to serving diverse and underserved communities. Volunteer and community health experience strengthens your application significantly.
Apply Early
Rutgers uses rolling admissions — earlier applications have a significant advantage.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Clearly articulate your passion for dentistry and how Rutgers' mission of serving diverse communities aligns with your goals.
Recommended Personal Statement Help: EduWritingServices
DAT Prep Support for Rutgers Applicants
DAT Destroyer
Advanced practice in Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Math:
DAT Destroyer
Math Destroyer
Targeted quantitative reasoning practice:
Math Destroyer
General Chemistry Destroyer
Deep concept mastery for General Chemistry:
General Chemistry Destroyer
Organic Chemistry Odyssey
Master Organic Chemistry reactions and mechanisms:
Organic Chemistry Odyssey
Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book
Comprehensive Biology review for the DAT:
Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book
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 — Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Is Rutgers a good dental school?
Yes — Rutgers School of Dental Medicine is one of the top public dental schools in the United States, known for strong clinical training, a diverse patient population, and exceptional value for New Jersey residents.
What DAT score do I need for Rutgers?
Competitive applicants typically present an AA of 19–21 on the old scale / approximately 390–420 on the new 200–600 scale. Strong performance across all sections is recommended.
What GPA does Rutgers look for?
Both overall and science GPA are reviewed holistically. A science GPA of 3.2 or higher is generally competitive.
Is shadowing required?
Yes — meaningful dental shadowing is required. At least 100 hours is recommended with exposure to multiple specialties.
Does Rutgers accept international students?
Yes, through the Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates.
Is Rutgers good for New Jersey residents?
Yes — as a public university, Rutgers offers significantly reduced tuition for New Jersey residents, making it one of the best value dental schools on the East Coast.
Start Your DAT Preparation
If you're planning your DAT test date, the next step is choosing the right DAT study materials.
DAT Destroyer
Math Destroyer
General Chemistry Destroyer
Organic Chemistry Odyssey
Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book
If you're preparing for the DAT or OAT, the full Destroyer series is used in Dr. Jim Romano's DAT preparation courses.
Ready to start studying? Follow Dr. Romano's 3-Month DAT Study Schedule (2026)