Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (2026): DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions | DAT Destroyer | OAT Destroyer | Dr. Jim Romano
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) is one of the most respected and competitive dental schools in the United States. Founded in 1868 as Boston Dental College and incorporated into Tufts University in 1899, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine is located in Boston and is known for its rigorous science curriculum, early clinical exposure, and strong commitment to community service.
Students who thrive at Tufts demonstrate exceptional academic preparation, strong DAT scores, and a genuine commitment to serving patients and communities.
DAT Expectations at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Tufts is highly competitive. Applicants are expected to present strong scores across all DAT sections, with particular emphasis on Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry.
Based on recent entering class data, competitive applicants to Tufts 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)
Students preparing for Tufts often rely on the DAT Destroyer, created by Dr. Jim Romano, to build the deep conceptual understanding required for top scores. To understand how to prepare effectively, see our DAT Study Guide (2026).
👉 Learn how the DAT is scored: DAT Score Conversion (2026)
To understand where your score ranks among all test-takers, see DAT Percentiles (2026).
Tufts Dental School Acceptance Rate
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine is one of the more selective dental schools in the country. The school receives thousands of applications each cycle and admits a small percentage of applicants into its DMD program.
- Acceptance rate: approximately 4–6% of applicants
- Entering class size: approximately 160–175 students per year
- Average applicant pool: highly competitive nationally
Because of this selectivity, early application and strong DAT scores are critical. Tufts uses rolling admissions, meaning earlier applications have a significant advantage over those submitted later in the cycle.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance at Tufts Dental School
Tufts University School of Dental Medicine is a private institution. Tuition is among the higher ranges for dental schools in the United States.
- Annual tuition: approximately $85,000–$95,000 per year (verify current figures at tufts.edu)
- Total estimated cost of attendance including living expenses: approximately $110,000–$120,000 per year
- Financial aid, scholarships, and federal loans are available through the Tufts financial aid office
Planning ahead financially is an important part of your dental school decision. Many students factor total cost of attendance into their school list alongside acceptance rates and program quality.
Why Tufts University School of Dental Medicine Stands Out
- One of the oldest and most respected dental schools in the United States
- Located in Boston with access to a large and diverse patient population
- Strong emphasis on early clinical exposure and patient care
- Commitment to community service and underserved populations
- Robust research programs and interdisciplinary collaboration
- Strong alumni network across the country and internationally
Dental Programs at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
- Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates
- Combined DMD/MS and DMD/PhD programs
Post-Graduate and Specialty Programs
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- General Practice Residency
Tufts Dental School Admissions
Application Timeline
- Applications open through AADSAS in May
- Early submission strongly recommended — rolling admissions
- DAT should be completed before September 1 of the application cycle
- Interviews conducted on a rolling basis through the fall
Required Materials
- AADSAS application with personal statement
- Two letters from science professors plus one from a dental/research/service setting
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- DAT scores (completed after June 1, 2022 are valid)
Prerequisite Coursework Requirements
All prerequisite coursework must be completed at an accredited four-year college or university before enrollment.
Required Courses
- Biology with lab — 2 semesters
- Upper-level Biology — 1 semester
- General Chemistry with lab — 2 semesters
- Organic Chemistry with lab — 2 semesters
- Physics with lab — 2 semesters
- Biochemistry — 1 semester
- Writing-intensive Humanities or Social Science — 1 course
Recommended Courses
- Microbiology
- Psychology
- Anatomy, Genetics, Physiology, Immunology, Pharmacology
GPA Review Includes
- Overall GPA
- Science GPA (mid-3s or higher is competitive)
- Grade trends and academic rigor
- Institution level and course difficulty
Shadowing Requirement
A minimum of 75 hours of dental shadowing is required, with at least 40 hours completed with a general dentist. Research and community service experience is also encouraged.
Boosting Your Chances of Acceptance at Tufts
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
Tufts values applicants who show a consistent commitment to helping others. Volunteer work, tutoring, and community outreach strengthen your application significantly.
Apply Early
Tufts uses rolling admissions — earlier applications have a significant advantage.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Clearly connect your background to Tufts' mission of compassionate, community-focused dental care.
DAT Prep Support for Tufts 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 one of Tufts' most heavily weighted subjects:
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 Prep Books (2026 Guide)
See how all the books work together: Best DAT Prep Books (2026 Guide)
Frequently Asked Questions — Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Is Tufts a good dental school?
Yes — Tufts is one of the oldest and most respected dental schools in the country, known for its clinical training, community focus, and strong alumni network.
What DAT score do I need for Tufts?
Competitive applicants typically present an AA of 19–21 on the old scale / 390–420 on the new scale. Strong performance across all sections is expected.
What GPA does Tufts look for?
Both overall and science GPA are reviewed holistically. A science GPA in the mid-3s or higher is generally competitive for Tufts.
How many shadowing hours does Tufts require?
A minimum of 75 hours is required, with at least 40 hours with a general dentist.
Does Tufts accept international students?
Yes, through the Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates.
What is the acceptance rate at Tufts dental school?
Tufts is highly selective with an acceptance rate of approximately 4–6%. Early application and strong DAT scores are essential.
How much does Tufts dental school cost?
Annual tuition is approximately $85,000–$95,000. Total cost of attendance including living expenses is approximately $110,000–$120,000 per year.
Start Your DAT Preparation
If you're applying to Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, strong DAT scores are essential. The next step is choosing the right study materials.
➡️ Start your DAT preparation for free
- DAT Destroyer — advanced DAT science practice and review
- Math Destroyer — master the quantitative reasoning section
- General Chemistry Destroyer — deep preparation for one of the hardest DAT sections
- Organic Chemistry Odyssey — master reactions, mechanisms, and stereochemistry
- Dr. Jim Romano's Biology Review — comprehensive biology coverage
- DAT and OAT Classes — in-person and online with Dr. Jim Romano
Ready to start studying? Follow Dr. Romano's 3-Month DAT Study Schedule (2026)
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