Explore UCLA School of Dentistry: Programs, Admissions & Student Life

🦷 UCLA School of Dentistry Prerequisites, DAT Scores, and Admission Overview

UCLA’s dental program is one of the most selective in the nation, and understanding its prerequisites is the first step to success. This page outlines everything applicants need to know — from required courses and GPA ranges to DAT score expectations and admissions insights from Dr. Jim Romano and the DAT Destroyer team. Whether you’re preparing to apply or mapping out your pre-dental coursework, these details will help you plan strategically and stand out as a strong UCLA candidate.

If you’re planning to apply to the UCLA School of Dentistry, it’s important to understand the course prerequisites, GPA expectations, and DAT requirements. This guide summarizes the coursework UCLA expects, how applications are reviewed, and what competitive applicants typically look like—so you can plan your classes and timeline with confidence.

🎓 UCLA School of Dentistry Program

The UCLA School of Dentistry offers several programs, including Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD), and multiple specialty residency options. These programs provide extensive clinical experience, cutting-edge research opportunities, and a solid foundation in the dental sciences.

📘 UCLA Dental School Admission Overview

UCLA evaluates applicants holistically. In addition to prerequisite coursework and strong academic performance, the admissions committee considers experiences in shadowing, volunteering, research, and employment, as well as letters of recommendation and the personal interview.

Successful applicants typically complete at least 90 semester units (or 135 quarter units) before matriculation and show consistent strength in the sciences. Because UCLA uses a rolling review process, submitting a complete, well-prepared application early in the cycle can be helpful.

Learn more about preparing for the exam itself in our What Is the DAT Exam? guide.

🧪 Course Prerequisites and DAT Scores

Applicants seeking admission to UCLA’s 4-year DDS program must have completed at least three years of coursework, with most completing four. A minimum of 90 semester units or 135 quarter units is required.

All prerequisite courses—including inorganic/general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biology—must be passed with a grade of “C” or higher and completed by June 30 of the application year.

Additional recommended courses include histology, microbiology, biochemistry, and social sciences to strengthen preparation. International applicants must meet the same admission requirements as domestic applicants.

Applicants must also take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), which evaluates general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability.

Your Academic Average (AA) and science scores are important, but UCLA also considers GPA trends and overall preparation. Focus on mastering the underlying concepts instead of memorization—understanding mechanisms and reasoning patterns will serve you best both for the DAT and in dental school.

🏆 Selection Process and Competitive Scores

The Admissions Committee begins reviewing applications in July and conducts interviews between July and January. UCLA considers scholastic records (science GPA and overall GPA), DAT scores, and a holistic review of shadowing, research, community service, employment, and recommendation letters.

While cutoff scores vary each year, UCLA’s average accepted applicant profile includes:

Overall GPA: 3.72
Science GPA: 3.67
DAT Academic Average: 22

To understand how the new three-digit DAT scoring system works and what the numbers mean, visit DAT Score Conversion – Understand the New 3-Digit Scale.

💡 Tips to Strengthen Your Application

Gain relevant experience and strong letters
Volunteer or work in dental-related settings, participate in research, and shadow dentists to demonstrate commitment. Secure three to four strong letters from professors, dentists, or mentors who know your work ethic and character.

Prepare for interviews and highlight your diversity
Practice answering questions about your motivations and goals in dentistry. Emphasize your unique experiences and how they align with UCLA’s mission to foster diversity and inclusion in patient care.

🧠 Life as a UCLA Dental Student

Students at UCLA School of Dentistry gain access to cutting-edge equipment, hands-on clinical experience, and opportunities to collaborate with world-class faculty. The program encourages community engagement, interdisciplinary learning, and research participation.

Outside academics, students enjoy an active campus life in Los Angeles, surrounded by cultural landmarks, dining, and social events. UCLA emphasizes a collaborative environment where students grow into compassionate and skilled dental professionals.

📝 Apply to UCLA School of Dentistry

Ready to take the next step?
Visit the UCLA School of Dentistry Admissions Page to explore application requirements, deadlines, and program details.

For additional help preparing for your DAT and building a strong foundation in the sciences, explore trusted resources like the DAT Destroyer, Math Destroyer, and Dr. Jim Romano’s Dynamite Biology Review—all designed to help you study with purpose and confidence.

🧾 Note for 2025

Starting March 1, 2025, the American Dental Association (ADA) will implement a new three-digit scoring system for the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
The current two-digit scale (1–30) will be replaced by a 200–600 system, offering greater precision in performance reporting.
For a detailed explanation of how the change affects your DAT results, read DAT Score Conversion – Understand the New 3-Digit Scale.

Thinking about other dental and optometry programs?
👉 Compare the DAT vs OAT exams to see which best fits your goals — section breakdowns, timing, and scoring are explained in detail in our DAT vs OAT Difficulty Guide