University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry (2026 Guide)

University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry at the Corktown Campus in Detroit, Michigan.

University of Detroit Mercy Corktown Campus, home to the School of Dentistry and main dental clinic. Photo: University of Detroit Mercy, via Wikimedia Commons. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Updated: October 15, 2026

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry (UDM) is one of the oldest and most respected dental schools in the Midwest, located in Detroit, Michigan. Founded in 1932, it is part of the University of Detroit Mercy, a private Jesuit and Mercy Catholic university. The school offers the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). UDM is known for its strong emphasis on community service, clinical training, and patient care.

Admissions Overview

Most successful applicants present solid DAT scores, competitive GPAs, and meaningful dental shadowing experience. If you are building your study plan, start with our DAT and OAT Destroyer Study Guides to understand what materials top scorers use.

Admissions Criteria and Competitive Targets:

DAT: The university describes approximately 390 per section as its target minimum and approximately 420 or higher as competitive.
GPA: A minimum overall GPA and science GPA of 3.0 is required for consideration. GPAs of 3.5 or higher are described as strong and competitive.
College coursework: At least 60 semester hours.
Shadowing: 100 hours with a non-relative general dentist practicing in the United States or Canada. Dental assisting hours may substitute.

DAT Requirements

Detroit Mercy requires DAT scores as part of its admissions process. The university describes approximately 390 per section as its target minimum and approximately 420 or higher as competitive. Scores must be from within two years before the application is submitted.

The American DAT uses a 3-digit scoring scale (200–600). Applicants should use Detroit Mercy’s current admissions guidance when evaluating their scores and setting their targets.

For the 2026–2027 application cycle, Detroit Mercy accepts the Canadian DAT only for eligible Canadian-institution students. The university states that it will no longer accept the Canadian DAT beginning with the 2027–2028 cycle.

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 UDM applicants.

How to Prepare for the DAT for Detroit Mercy

Scoring competitively for UDM requires mastering the science sections of the DAT. DAT Destroyer was first published in 2006. Pre-dental students have relied on the DAT Destroyer series to build the depth of knowledge needed to score above the national average. If you are comparing prep options, read our honest breakdown: DAT Bootcamp vs DAT Booster vs DAT Destroyer (2026).

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

Prerequisite Coursework

Applicants must complete biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics, each totaling 8 semester hours with laboratory work; English, 6 semester hours; biochemistry, 3 semester hours; and microbiology, 3 semester hours. Grades of C or higher are expected.

Prerequisites must be completed within seven years. For the 2026–2027 application cycle, prerequisite courses must be dated 2019 or later.

Application Process

UDM School of Dentistry participates in ADEA AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service). For the 2026–2027 application cycle, ADEA AADSAS opened on May 12, 2026, and applications could first be submitted on June 2, 2026.

Detroit Mercy’s official application deadline is December 31, 2026. The university states that DAT scores received after December 31 will not be accepted.

Detroit Mercy considers applications on a rolling basis, with acceptances beginning December 15 and continuing until the class is filled. Applying early is recommended; that recommendation is separate from the official December 31 deadline.

Application checklist:

ADEA AADSAS application.
Detroit Mercy supplemental materials and a $125 supplemental application fee.
DAT scores from within two years before application submission.
Official transcripts.
Two science-faculty recommendation letters, or a qualifying committee composite in their place, plus a letter from a practicing general dentist.
Personal statement.
Documentation of 100 shadowing hours with a non-relative general dentist practicing in the United States or Canada; dental assisting hours may substitute.

A Kira assessment is mandatory if invited for an interview. Casper is no longer required.

Tuition and Fees (2026–2027): Detroit Cohort

For the 2026–2027 academic year, Detroit Mercy lists the following tuition and fees for its Detroit DDS cohort: Year 1, $102,617; Year 2, $98,368; Year 3, $95,771; and Year 4, $95,821.

Estimated total expenses, including housing and other costs, are $138,420 for Year 1, $133,171 for Year 2, $132,914 for Year 3, and $130,094 for Year 4.

These are academic-year budgets for the respective class years, not a guaranteed four-year price for an incoming student. The university states that tuition and fees are expected to increase approximately 4% annually.

Financial aid and scholarships are available through the university, and UDM has a strong history of supporting students from underserved communities.

Location and Campus

The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry is located in Detroit, Michigan. The school operates multiple clinic locations throughout the Detroit metropolitan area, giving students broad exposure to diverse patient populations and community-based dental care. Detroit's cost of living is relatively low compared to other major cities, which can help students manage educational expenses.

Is Detroit Mercy a Good Dental School?

UDM School of Dentistry has a strong regional reputation and is particularly well-regarded for its commitment to community service and clinical training. The school emphasizes early patient contact and extensive hands-on experience throughout the program.

For students targeting UDM, the university describes DAT scores of approximately 420 or higher as competitive. Building a strong science foundation early with structured prep materials gives you the best chance of success.

Start Your DAT Preparation

Whether you are applying to Detroit Mercy or building your dental school list, strong DAT scores open doors. The DAT Destroyer series has helped thousands of pre-dental students reach their target scores.

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