UCLA School of Dentistry (2026): DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions | DAT Destroyer | OAT Destroyer | Dr. Jim Romano
The UCLA School of Dentistry is one of the most competitive dental programs in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, California, it is part of the University of California system and consistently ranks among the top dental schools in the country. This guide covers everything pre-dental students need to know about UCLA dental school requirements, DAT scores, GPA expectations, and how to prepare a strong application.
UCLA Dental School at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | UCLA School of Dentistry |
| Location | Los Angeles, California |
| Degree Offered | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) |
| Program Length | 4 years |
| Application System | AADSAS |
| Average DAT Score (AA) | ~420–440 (200–600 scale) |
| Average GPA | ~3.8 overall / ~3.7 science |
| Class Size | ~88 students per year |
What DAT Score Do You Need for UCLA Dental School?
UCLA is highly competitive. Most successful applicants have a DAT Academic Average (AA) in the 420–440 range on the current 200–600 scale. A score of 440 or above significantly strengthens your application.
Competitive applicants to UCLA typically have:
- DAT Academic Average around 420–440 (new 200–600 scale)
- Overall GPA around 3.8 or higher
| DAT Section | Competitive Score for UCLA (200–600 scale) |
|---|---|
| Academic Average (AA) | 420–440+ |
| Total Science (TS) | 420–440+ |
| Biology | 400+ |
| General Chemistry | 400+ |
| Organic Chemistry | 400+ |
Learn how DAT scores are evaluated and what is considered competitive:
DAT Percentiles — How to Interpret Your Score and Improve Your Chances
Note: The DAT now uses a 3-digit scoring scale (200–600) in addition to the traditional 1–30 scale. Learn more about the DAT Score Conversion (2026).
UCLA Dental School GPA Requirements
UCLA expects a strong academic record. Most admitted students have:
- Overall GPA of 3.8 or higher
- Science GPA of 3.7 or higher
- Upward GPA trend is viewed favorably
- Post-baccalaureate coursework can help offset a lower undergraduate GPA
UCLA considers both your cumulative GPA and your science GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Math — BCPM) separately.
UCLA Dental School Prerequisites
UCLA requires the following undergraduate coursework for admission:
- Biology with lab (1 year)
- General Chemistry with lab (1 year)
- Organic Chemistry with lab (1 year)
- Physics with lab (1 year)
- English or Writing (1 year)
- Mathematics — Calculus or Statistics recommended
- Biochemistry (strongly recommended)
All prerequisite courses should be completed at an accredited U.S. or Canadian institution. Online-only lab courses may not be accepted — confirm directly with UCLA admissions.
UCLA Dental School Application Requirements
- AADSAS application
- DAT scores (taken within the last 3 years)
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended
- Three letters of recommendation (at least one from a dentist)
- Personal statement
- Dental shadowing hours (minimum 100 hours recommended)
- Community service and research experience are valued
UCLA Dental School Acceptance Rate
UCLA School of Dentistry is highly selective. The acceptance rate is approximately 3–5%, making it one of the most competitive dental schools in the country. Each year, thousands of applicants compete for approximately 88 seats.
A strong DAT score, high GPA, meaningful dental experience, and a compelling personal statement are all essential for a competitive application.
How to Prepare for the DAT for UCLA
To be competitive at UCLA, you need a DAT score in the 420–440 range. That requires serious, structured preparation.
The DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer by Dr. Jim Romano are the most comprehensive DAT prep books available. Dr. Jim Romano has over 35 years of teaching experience and has helped students prepare for the DAT with the DAT Destroyer series since 2006.
For a structured preparation plan, see the DAT Study Guide (2026) and the Best DAT Prep Books (2026 Guide).
For a full breakdown of the DAT exam structure, read:
What Is the DAT? Understanding the Dental Admission Test
Students comparing top dental schools often also review programs such as the Harvard School of Dental Medicine and the University of Michigan School of Dentistry to better understand differences in admissions standards.
Frequently Asked Questions: UCLA Dental School
What GPA do you need for UCLA dental school?
Most admitted students have an overall GPA of 3.8 or higher and a science GPA of 3.7 or higher. UCLA considers both cumulative and science GPA separately in the admissions process.
What DAT score do you need for UCLA dental school?
A competitive DAT Academic Average for UCLA is in the 420–440 range on the current 200–600 scale. Scores of 440 and above are ideal. No single section should fall significantly below 380.
How hard is it to get into UCLA dental school?
Very competitive. UCLA has an acceptance rate of approximately 3–5% and receives thousands of applications each year for roughly 88 seats. Strong DAT scores, GPA, dental experience, and a compelling personal statement are all essential.
Does UCLA dental school require the DAT?
Yes. The DAT is required for all applicants. Scores must be from within the last 3 years. UCLA reviews all DAT attempts on your record.
Start Your DAT Preparation Today
If UCLA School of Dentistry is your goal, your DAT score is one of the most important factors in your application. Start preparing early and use the right materials.
Students often ask which DAT study materials are actually used in real courses. The DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer are the core books used in Dr. Jim Romano's DAT preparation classes, both online and in person. Dr. Jim Romano has over 35 years of teaching experience and has helped students prepare for the DAT with the DAT Destroyer series since 2006.
➡️ 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
Join the DAT and OAT Destroyer Study Group on Facebook for free resources and daily practice questions.
As Dr. Romano says: “Get the damn book — it is all in there.”