University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry (2026 Guide)

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

UDM School of Dentistry is moderately competitive. 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.

Typical Admitted Student Profile:

DAT Academic Average (AA): 18–21
DAT Total Science (TS): 18–20
Overall GPA: 3.3–3.6
Science GPA: 3.2–3.5
Dental shadowing: 100+ hours recommended

DAT Requirements

UDM 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 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 UDM applicants.

How to Prepare for the DAT for Detroit Mercy

Scoring competitively for UDM requires mastering the science sections of the DAT. For more than 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. 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

Application Process

UDM School of Dentistry participates in AADSAS (Associated American Dental Schools Application Service). 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 UDM School of Dentistry is approximately $65,000–$75,000 per year for the DDS program. Total program cost over four years typically exceeds $280,000 including fees and living expenses. 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. INBDE pass rates are strong and graduates are well-prepared for licensure and practice across Michigan and beyond.

For students targeting UDM, a DAT score of 19+ AA is 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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