UCSF Dental School Requirements (2026) | DAT Destroyer
The UCSF School of Dentistry is one of the most prestigious and competitive dental schools in the United States. Located in San Francisco, California, UCSF is consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the country and is known for its world-class research, diverse patient population, and commitment to advancing oral health care.
Students who thrive at UCSF demonstrate exceptional academic preparation, strong DAT scores, and a passion for research and community service.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | San Francisco, California |
| Founded | 1881 |
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 4–5% |
| Class Size | Approximately 88 students per year |
| Average GPA (Class of 2029) | 3.78 cumulative / 3.72 science (range: 3.11–4.00 cumulative; 2.87–4.00 science) |
| Average DAT — Class of 2029 (old scale) | AA: 23.1 (range 18–28) / TS: 23.2 (range 18–30) |
| Tuition & Fees (2026–27) | $66,893 per year |
| Cost of Attendance (2026–27, D1) | $110,983 (California resident) / $123,228 (nonresident) |
| Geographic Profile (Class of 2029) | 71% California / 26% out of state / 3% international |
DAT Expectations at UCSF School of Dentistry
UCSF is one of the most competitive dental schools in the country. Based on the Class of 2029, the average Academic Average (AA) for admitted students was 23.1 on the old DAT scale — placing it among the highest of any dental school in the United States.
Official Class of 2029 DAT figures (old scale):
- Academic Average (AA): average 23.1, range 18–28
- Total Science (TS): average 23.2, range 18–30
Students preparing for UCSF 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 — Understand the New 3-Digit Scale
Why UCSF School of Dentistry Stands Out
- Consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the United States
- Located in San Francisco with access to one of the most diverse patient populations in the country
- World-class research programs and strong emphasis on evidence-based dentistry
- Extensive clinical training with high patient volume
- Strong interdisciplinary collaboration with UCSF's broader health sciences programs
- Robust alumni network across the country and internationally
Dental Programs at UCSF School of Dentistry
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- International Dentist Pathway (IDP)
- Combined DDS/MBA program
Post-Graduate and Specialty Programs
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- General Practice Residency
UCSF Dental School Admissions
Application Timeline
- Applications open through ADEA AADSAS in May
- Early submission strongly recommended — rolling admissions
- ADEA AADSAS application deadline: October 1 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time
- Interviews conducted on a rolling basis; UCSF conducts two interviews — one with faculty and one with a current student
Application Fee
$75 non-refundable application processing fee (traditional DDS program).
Required Materials
- AADSAS application with personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- DAT scores
Prerequisite Coursework Requirements
Applicants must have completed at least 93 semester units / 139 quarter units of coursework. At least 29 semester units (43 quarter units) must be from a four-year institution. Up to 64 semester units (96 quarter units) may come from a community college. A bachelor's degree is not required; applicants must satisfy UCSF's coursework and unit requirements. A minimum grade of C– is required in prerequisites a–g.
Required Courses
- English Composition — 6 semester units
- Biological Sciences with lab — 8 semester units
- Inorganic (General) Chemistry with lab — 8 semester units
- Organic Chemistry with lab — 4 semester units (1 semester / 8 quarter units)
- Biochemistry — 3 semester units / 4 quarter units (must be taken at a four-year institution)
- Physics with lab — 8 semester units
- General Psychology — 3 semester units
- Social Sciences / Humanities / Foreign Language — 11 semester units
- Additional electives sufficient to reach 93 total semester units
GPA Review Includes
- Overall GPA (Class of 2029 average: 3.78; range 3.11–4.00)
- Science GPA (Class of 2029 average: 3.72; range 2.87–4.00)
- Grade trends and academic rigor
- Institution level and course difficulty
Dental Shadowing
UCSF does not have a mandatory minimum number of dental shadowing hours. Dental exposure and shadowing can help applicants demonstrate their understanding of the profession.
2026–27 Cost of Attendance
| Year | California Resident Total COA | Nonresident Total COA |
|---|---|---|
| D1 | $110,983 | $123,228 |
| D2 | $120,758 | $133,428 |
| D3 | $121,183 | $133,428 |
| D4 | $122,479 | $134,724 |
Tuition & fees: $66,893 per year.
Boosting Your Chances of Acceptance at UCSF
Earn a Highly Competitive DAT Score
UCSF is one of the most selective dental schools in the country. The Class of 2029 entered with an average AA of 23.1 on the old scale. Use concept-driven materials like the DAT Destroyer to build mastery across all sections of the DAT.
Demonstrate Research Experience
UCSF is a research-intensive institution, and meaningful research experience can be a valuable component of an applicant's background.
Apply Early
UCSF uses rolling admissions — earlier applications have a significant advantage. The ADEA AADSAS deadline is October 1 at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Clearly articulate your passion for dentistry and how UCSF's research-driven mission aligns with your career goals.
DAT Prep Support for UCSF Applicants
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Best DAT Study Materials (2026 Guide)
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Frequently Asked Questions — UCSF School of Dentistry
Is UCSF a good dental school?
Yes — UCSF is consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the United States, known for its research output, clinical training, and strong alumni network.
What DAT score do I need for UCSF?
UCSF is one of the most competitive dental schools in the country. Based on the Class of 2029, the average AA was 23.1 (range 18–28) and the average TS was 23.2 (range 18–30), on the old DAT scale.
What GPA does UCSF look for?
Both overall and science GPA are reviewed holistically. The Class of 2029 entered with an average cumulative GPA of 3.78 (range 3.11–4.00) and an average science GPA of 3.72 (range 2.87–4.00).
Does UCSF value research experience?
Yes. UCSF is a research-intensive institution, and applicants with meaningful laboratory or research experience may strengthen their application, particularly if they can discuss their work and its impact during the admissions process.
Is shadowing required?
UCSF does not have a mandatory minimum number of dental shadowing hours. Dental exposure and shadowing can help applicants demonstrate their understanding of the profession.
Does UCSF accept international students?
Yes, through the International Dentist Pathway (IDP).
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Students comparing top dental schools often also review programs such as the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, NYU College of Dentistry, and Yeshiva University College of Dental Medicine to better understand differences in admissions standards, class size, and cost of attendance.
For a full breakdown of DAT scoring, see: DAT Percentiles (2026) and the Dental School Fact Sheet.