Explore Tufts Dental School Admissions, Programs, and Student Life

Explore Tufts Dental School Admissions, Programs, and Student Life

Tufts University's Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program is an exceptional option for aspiring dental clinicians. Established as Boston Dental College in 1868, it was incorporated into Tufts College in 1899. Today, students at Tufts Dental School benefit from a collaborative learning environment that fosters academic growth and professional development. 

Tufts Dental School: DMD Program

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine's DMD Program is committed to producing dental professionals who possess essential skills and characteristics vital for succeeding in the constantly changing field of dentistry. 

Students at Tufts Dental School receive a well-rounded education that focuses on didactic coursework, pre-clinical training, clinical experience, and practice management to prepare them for successful careers as skilled clinicians. 

Prerequisites and Minimum Entry Score

The Tufts University School of Dental Medicine DMD program has specific prerequisites that applicants are required to fulfill. The general prerequisites include the following:

Required Documents

Applicants must submit a complete AADSAS application form, including a personal statement expressing their motivation for a career in dentistry. Official transcripts from all universities attended, including study abroad programs, should also be submitted.

Two letters of evaluation from science professors and a third letter from a dental experience, community service, or research should be included. US citizens, Permanent Residents, or international students completing a bachelor's degree from a four-year accredited US college/university are eligible to apply.

Academic Requirements

Specific academic coursework is required for eligibility. This includes biology, upper-level biology, inorganic chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and a writing-intensive humanities or social science course. Labs are required for all science courses except for biochemistry or upper-level biology if it is a required part of the course. 

All prerequisite coursework must be completed at an accredited four-year college/university that offers a bachelor's degree in the respective subject area.

Dental Shadowing Requirement

Applicants must complete 75 hours of exposure to the dental profession through shadowing experiences, with at least 40 hours completed with a general dentist. Involvement in dental research and/or community service is also encouraged.

DAT Requirement

DAT scores completed after June 1, 2022, are valid. Applicants are encouraged to complete the DAT before September 1 of the application cycle. Competitive scores for the Academic Average, Reading Comprehension, and Total Science sections are 20, 21, and 19-20, respectively. We suggest preparing for the DAT exam seriously.

Academic Regimen

Tufts Dental School includes a diverse set of courses covering foundational sciences such as biology, chemistry, and anatomy. In addition to theoretical coursework, students engage in hands-on clinical training, patient care experiences, and research opportunities to develop practical skills required for a career in dentistry. 

The program also emphasizes professional development and ethical considerations to prepare students for the complexities of the dental profession.

Tips to Get Into Tufts DMD Program

If you are aiming to get into the DMD program at Tufts University, here are some tips to increase your chances:

Show Commitment to Community Service

Tufts University values applicants who have demonstrated a commitment to community service and helping others. Engaging in volunteer work or community outreach initiatives can strengthen your application.

Extra Academic Coursework

Getting into Tufts Dental School is highly competitive. The completion of upper-level Biology coursework, such as Anatomy, Genetics, Physiology, Microbiology, Immunology, Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Histology, is recommended.

Life as a DMD Student at Tufts University

A day in the life of a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) student at Tufts University is filled with early morning lectures, hands-on laboratory work to develop technical skills, and clinical rotations to interact with patients and perform dental procedures under supervision.

In addition to academic activities, students engage in research projects, participate in student organizations, and benefit from mentorship and support. Despite the demanding schedule, DMD students at Tufts find a sense of community and camaraderie, balancing academic rigor with personal well-being while preparing for a successful career in dentistry.

Apply for Tufts University School of Dental Medicine's DMD Program

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine's DMD program offers a comprehensive education that prepares students for careers as skilled dental clinicians. Tufts Dental School's academic regimen provides a diverse educational experience to equip students with practical skills and deep theoretical understanding required for the field.

If you are looking for additional resources to excel in the academic requirements and DAT preparation for Tufts University School of Dental Medicine's DMD program, Orgoman provides comprehensive study materials, courses, and guidance to help you in the admission process. Join study groups and apply for Tufts Dental School today!

Note for 2025

Starting March 1, 2025, the American Dental Association (ADA) will implement a new scoring model for the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The current 2-digit score reporting scale (1 to 30) will change to a 3-digit scale (200 to 600).