University of Minnesota School of Dentistry — DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions 2026
Updated: October 14, 2026
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is a public dental school located in Minneapolis, Minnesota. It is known for its strong clinical training, diverse patient population, and commitment to advancing oral health in underserved communities across the Midwest and beyond.
Students who thrive at Minnesota demonstrate strong academic preparation, a commitment to community service, and a genuine passion for improving access to dental care.
DAT Expectations at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Minnesota evaluates DAT scores as part of a holistic application review. Competitive applicants typically present solid scores across all sections with particular strength in the sciences.
Minnesota requires a minimum Academic Average DAT score of 330 to apply, unless an exemption is granted. For the entering DDS Class of 2030, the university reports average scores of 445 Academic Average, 444 Total Science, and 454 Perceptual Ability. These are entering-class averages, not minimum requirements or guarantees of admission.
Students preparing for Minnesota often rely on the DAT Destroyer, created by Dr. Jim Romano, to build the deep conceptual understanding required for competitive 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 the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Stands Out
- A public dental school offering clinical training, research, and community outreach
- Located in Minneapolis with access to a large and diverse patient population
- Lower published tuition for Minnesota residents than for nonresidents
- Strong emphasis on community service and access to care for underserved populations
- High-volume clinical training with broad exposure to dental specialties
- Robust research programs and interdisciplinary collaboration within the University of Minnesota health sciences
Dental Programs at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates
- Combined DDS/PhD program
- Dental Therapy program
- Dental Hygiene program
Post-Graduate and Specialty Programs
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- General Practice Residency
University of Minnesota Dental School Admissions
Application Timeline
- For the 2026–2027 application cycle, the ADEA AADSAS application deadline is October 1, 2026.
- The application processing fee, DAT scores, letters of evaluation, and applicable additional materials must be received by October 31, 2026.
- Selected applicants complete a first-round Kira interview. Selected candidates then receive a live interview, held in person from July through November or virtually in January or February. Admission offers begin December 15.
Required Materials
- ADEA AADSAS application, including the personal statement
- University of Minnesota application processing fee of $95, unless waived
- DAT scores
- Three letters of evaluation: two from science or mathematics faculty who taught the applicant, and one from a professional of the applicant’s choice
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- Additional materials when applicable, according to the university’s current instructions
Prerequisite Coursework Requirements
Incoming students must complete at least 87 semester credits or 130 quarter credits at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university. A maximum of 64 semester credits from community or junior colleges may count toward the 87-credit requirement.
Required Courses
- General Biology or Zoology — 8 semester credits, including lab.
- General Chemistry — 8 semester credits, including lab.
- Organic Chemistry — 8 semester credits; only one lab is required.
- Biochemistry — 3 semester credits; no lab is required. The course must have the organic chemistry sequence as a prerequisite.
- Physics — 8 semester credits, including lab.
- Mathematics — at least 3 semester credits of college algebra or a higher-level mathematics course.
- English — 6 semester credits. Two composition courses are preferred, or one composition course and one writing-intensive course in literature, humanities, or public speaking.
All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or higher by June 1 of the year of entry. Science coursework taken more than five years before application may be considered outdated. Online labs are generally not accepted, with specific COVID-era exceptions.
GPA Review Includes
- Overall GPA: minimum total GPA of 2.5 to apply, unless an exemption is granted.
- Science GPA
- Grade trends and academic rigor
- Institution level and course difficulty
Shadowing Requirement
Minnesota requires 40 hours of in-person exposure to dentistry by matriculation. Qualifying experience includes shadowing or paid or volunteer work as a dental assistant, dental hygienist, or dental therapist. At least half of the hours are recommended to be in general dentistry. Applicants are encouraged to exceed 40 hours and observe different dentists and practice settings. Virtual shadowing and hours completed with a relative do not count.
Boosting Your Chances of Acceptance at Minnesota
Earn a Competitive DAT Score
Use concept-driven materials like DAT Destroyer to strengthen Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Quantitative Reasoning. DAT Destroyer does not cover Perceptual Ability or Reading Comprehension.
Demonstrate Community Service
Minnesota values applicants with a strong commitment to serving diverse and underserved communities. Volunteer and community health experience strengthens your application significantly.
Apply Early
Prepare your application early enough to meet Minnesota’s application and supporting-material deadlines.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Clearly articulate your passion for dentistry and how Minnesota's mission of expanding access to oral health care aligns with your goals.
Recommended Personal Statement Help: EduWritingServices
DAT Prep Support for Minnesota Applicants
DAT Destroyer
Advanced practice in Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Math:
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Math Destroyer
Targeted quantitative reasoning practice:
Math Destroyer
General Chemistry Destroyer
Deep concept mastery for General Chemistry:
General Chemistry Destroyer
Organic Chemistry Odyssey
Master Organic Chemistry reactions and mechanisms:
Organic Chemistry Odyssey
Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book
Comprehensive Biology review for the DAT:
Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book
Free Biology Review
Download Dr. Romano's Dynamite Biology Review inside the DAT and OAT Destroyer Study Group
YouTube Lessons
Hundreds of free video lessons across all DAT subjects:
DAT Destroyer YouTube Channel
Best DAT Study Materials (2026 Guide)
See how all the books work together: Best DAT Study Materials (2026 Guide)
Frequently Asked Questions — University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Is the University of Minnesota a good dental school?
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry offers clinical training, research opportunities, and community outreach experiences.
What DAT score do I need for the University of Minnesota?
Minnesota’s minimum Academic Average DAT score is 330, unless an exemption is granted. The entering DDS Class of 2030 had an average Academic Average score of 445. Minnesota reviews DAT results alongside the rest of the application.
What GPA does Minnesota look for?
Minnesota requires a minimum total GPA of 2.5 to apply, unless an exemption is granted. For the entering DDS Class of 2030, the average total GPA was 3.78 and the average science GPA was 3.72. Overall and science GPA are considered alongside coursework quality, consistency, and improvement.
Is shadowing required?
Yes. Minnesota requires 40 hours of qualifying in-person dental exposure by matriculation and encourages applicants to exceed that requirement and gain experience in different practice settings.
Does Minnesota accept international students?
Yes. International applicants may apply to the traditional DDS program if they meet its requirements, including prerequisite coursework at accredited U.S. or Canadian institutions. Graduates of dental schools outside the United States and Canada may apply separately to UMN PASS, the university’s advanced-standing program.
Is Minnesota good for Midwest residents?
Minnesota residents have lower published tuition than nonresidents. Midwest residence alone does not establish eligibility for Minnesota resident tuition.
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Math Destroyer
General Chemistry Destroyer
Organic Chemistry Odyssey
Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book
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