Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry — DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions 2026
The Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry is one of the largest and most respected dental schools in the United States, located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1863, Kornberg is one of the oldest dental schools in the country and is a top choice for pre-dental students from New York and New Jersey looking for a world-class education at a competitive cost.
Students who thrive at Temple demonstrate strong academic preparation, clinical drive, and a commitment to serving diverse patient populations.
DAT Expectations at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry
Temple 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 Kornberg generally present:
- Academic Average (AA): 19–22 (old scale) / approximately 390–430 (new 200–600 scale)
- Total Science (TS): 19–22 (old scale) / approximately 390–430 (new 200–600 scale)
- Perceptual Ability Test (PAT): competitive scores across all sections
Students preparing for Temple often rely on the DAT Destroyer, created by Dr. Jim Romano, to build the deep conceptual understanding required for competitive scores.
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Why Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry Stands Out
- One of the oldest and largest dental schools in the United States
- Located in Philadelphia — easily accessible from New York and New Jersey
- Exceptional clinical volume with one of the busiest dental clinics in the country
- Strong emphasis on hands-on clinical training from the first year
- Highly diverse patient population — ideal preparation for real-world practice
- Competitive tuition compared to many private dental schools
Dental Programs at Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry
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
- Oral Medicine
- General Practice Residency
Temple 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 Temple
Earn a Competitive DAT Score
Use concept-driven materials like the DAT Destroyer to build mastery across all sections and walk into test day fully prepared.
Demonstrate Clinical Exposure
Temple places a strong emphasis on clinical readiness. Shadowing across multiple specialties and hands-on experience will strengthen your application significantly.
Apply Early
Temple uses rolling admissions — earlier applications have a significant advantage.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Clearly articulate your passion for dentistry and why Temple's clinical-first approach aligns with your goals.
Recommended Personal Statement Help: EduWritingServices
DAT Prep Support for Temple Applicants
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Advanced practice in Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Math:
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Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book
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Best DAT Study Materials (2026 Guide)
See how all the books work together: Best DAT Study Materials (2026 Guide)
Frequently Asked Questions — Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry
Is Temple a good dental school?
Yes — Temple Kornberg is one of the most respected dental schools in the United States, known for exceptional clinical training, high patient volume, and strong career outcomes.
What DAT score do I need for Temple?
Competitive applicants typically present an AA of 19–22 on the old scale / approximately 390–430 on the new 200–600 scale. Strong performance across all sections is recommended.
What GPA does Temple 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 Temple accept international students?
Yes, through the Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates.
Is Temple good for NY and NJ students?
Yes — Temple is one of the most popular dental schools for students from New York and New Jersey. Philadelphia is easily accessible by train, and Temple offers competitive tuition compared to many private dental schools in the region.
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.
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