Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry — DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions 2026

Updated: October 14, 2026
The Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1863, Kornberg is one of the oldest dental schools in the country and offers a clinically oriented dental education.
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.
Temple considers DAT scores alongside academic records and other application information through a holistic review. Applicants should consult Temple Admissions for current score expectations; a numerical competitive range is not established by the official sources reviewed here.
Temple requires reported DAT scores before reviewing an application and does not accept scores more than two years old at the time of application.
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 dental schools in the United States
- Located in Philadelphia — easily accessible from New York and New Jersey
- Extensive clinical training with a large patient population
- Strong emphasis on hands-on clinical training
- Highly diverse patient population — ideal preparation for real-world practice
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
- Temple’s published application deadline is January 15. Applications must be completed and verified by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.
- Temple’s admissions page specifies a January 20 deadline at 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time for receipt of the supplemental application fee.
Required Materials
- AADSAS application with personal statement
- Two letters of recommendation from science professors or pre-health committee members.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- DAT scores
- Temple supplementary application, sent after the preliminary AADSAS application is verified.
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 — 8 semester credits, including laboratory experience.
- General Chemistry — 8 semester credits, including laboratory experience.
- Organic Chemistry — 8 semester credits, including laboratory experience.
- Physics — 8 semester credits, including laboratory experience.
- English — 6 semester credits.
Recommended advanced science coursework includes anatomy, biochemistry, histology, and physiology.
GPA Review Includes
- Overall GPA
- Science GPA
- Grade trends and academic rigor
- Institution level and course difficulty
Shadowing Requirement
Gain experience observing dentistry and consult Temple Admissions for current shadowing requirements or recommendations.
Boosting Your Chances of Acceptance at Temple
Earn a Competitive DAT Score
Use concept-driven materials like DAT Destroyer to strengthen Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Quantitative Reasoning. DAT Destroyer does not cover Perceptual Ability or Reading Comprehension.
Demonstrate Clinical Exposure
Dental observation and related experience can help applicants understand the profession. Consult Temple Admissions for its current expectations regarding clinical exposure.
Apply Early
Temple encourages applicants to apply early to allow sufficient time for application processing.
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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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?
Temple Kornberg offers a clinically oriented DMD program with extensive patient-care experience and a diverse patient population.
What DAT score do I need for Temple?
Temple considers DAT scores as part of its holistic admissions review. Consult Temple Admissions for current score expectations. Reported DAT scores are required before an application is reviewed.
What GPA does Temple look for?
Temple reviews overall and science GPA as part of its holistic admissions process. Applicants should consult Temple Admissions for current GPA expectations.
Is shadowing required?
Gain experience observing dentistry and consult Temple Admissions for current shadowing requirements or recommendations.
Does Temple accept international students?
Temple offers an Advanced Standing Program for qualified dentists educated outside the United States or Canada. Applicants educated abroad who seek the traditional DMD program must meet Temple’s applicable U.S. or Canadian coursework requirements.
Is Temple good for NY and NJ students?
Temple Kornberg is located in Philadelphia. Applicants from New York and New Jersey should compare the program, travel arrangements, and current cost of attendance with their individual needs.
Start Your DAT Preparation
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Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book
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