University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry (2026 Guide)

University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry (UIC) is one of the largest and most respected public dental schools in the United States, located in Chicago, Illinois. Founded in 1913, UIC offers the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The school is known for its strong clinical training, research opportunities, and commitment to serving diverse urban communities.

Admissions Overview

UIC College of Dentistry is highly competitive, particularly for out-of-state applicants. Successful applicants typically present strong DAT scores, solid GPAs, and meaningful dental shadowing experience.

Typical Admitted Student Profile:

DAT Academic Average (AA): Approximately 20–22 AA (400–430 on the new DAT scale)
DAT Total Science (TS): Approximately 20–22 TS (400–430 on the new DAT scale)
Overall GPA: 3.4–3.7
Science GPA: 3.3–3.6
Dental shadowing: 100+ hours recommended

DAT Requirements

UIC College of Dentistry requires all applicants to submit DAT scores through AADSAS. There is no published minimum score, but competitive applicants typically score at or above the national average of 19–20 AA.

The DAT now also uses a 3-digit scoring scale (200–600), with 400 representing the national average. Understanding both DAT scoring scales is important when evaluating your scores and setting your target.

Sections tested on the DAT:

Biology
General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Perceptual Ability (PAT)
Reading Comprehension
Quantitative Reasoning

Strong performance in Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry is especially important for UIC applicants.

How to Prepare for the DAT for UIC

Scoring competitively for UIC requires mastering the science sections of the DAT. For over 35 years, pre-dental students have relied on the DAT Destroyer series to build the depth of knowledge needed to score above the national average.

Recommended DAT Prep Books:

DAT Destroyer — comprehensive science review for Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry
Math Destroyer — Quantitative Reasoning mastery
General Chemistry Destroyer — focused General Chemistry review
Organic Chemistry Odyssey — in-depth Organic Chemistry preparation
Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book — Biology deep dive for DAT and OAT

Application Process

UIC College of Dentistry participates in AADSAS. The application cycle typically opens in May and the school uses rolling admissions — applying early is strongly recommended.

Application checklist:

AADSAS application
DAT scores (taken within the last 3 years)
Official transcripts
Letters of recommendation (3 required)
Personal statement
Dental shadowing documentation

Tuition and Fees (2026)

Tuition at UIC College of Dentistry is approximately $37,000–$47,000 per year for in-state students and $65,000–$75,000 per year for out-of-state students. As a public institution, UIC offers strong value for Illinois residents. Out-of-state applicants should factor the more expensive tuition into their school list planning. Financial aid and scholarships are available through the university.

Location and Campus

UIC College of Dentistry is located in the Illinois Medical District on Chicago’s Near West Side, one of the largest medical districts in the world. Chicago offers students access to a vibrant city with diverse patient populations, strong research infrastructure, and extensive networking opportunities. The school is part of a major research university with deep ties to the surrounding healthcare community. Students applying to Illinois dental schools may also want to explore our Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine – Illinois admissions guide to compare DAT expectations, prerequisites, and admissions requirements.

Is UIC a Good Dental School?

UIC College of Dentistry has a strong national reputation and is consistently recognized for its clinical training and research output. The school provides early hands-on patient care experience and graduates are well-prepared for licensure. UIC’s location in Chicago gives students access to one of the most diverse patient populations in the country, which is a significant advantage for clinical development.

For in-state students, UIC offers exceptional value. For out-of-state applicants, DAT scores around 21+ AA (approximately 420+ on the new DAT scale) and a strong GPA are often important for remaining competitive.

Watch free DAT prep lessons from Dr. Jim Romano on our YouTube channel.

Start Your DAT Preparation

Whether you are applying to UIC or building your dental school list, strong DAT scores open doors. The DAT Destroyer series has helped pre-dental students build the foundation needed for competitive DAT scores.

Join our Live DAT and OAT Classes with Dr. Romano

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