University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (2026): DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions | DAT Destroyer | OAT Destroyer | Dr. Jim Romano
The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine is one of the oldest and most prestigious dental schools in the United States, known for its world-class research, innovative curriculum, and commitment to advancing oral health care.
Students applying to Penn Dental should be prepared to submit competitive DAT scores, a strong science GPA, and meaningful dental shadowing and research experience.
DAT Requirements at University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Penn does not publish a minimum DAT score. Competitive applicants typically present strong DAT performance across all sections and a solid science GPA. Admissions decisions are made using a holistic review process that considers academic achievement, DAT performance, research experience, shadowing, leadership, and service.
👉 Learn how the DAT is scored: DAT Score Conversion (2026)
To understand where your score ranks among all test-takers, see DAT Percentiles (2026).
For a full preparation plan, see the DAT Study Guide (2026) and the Best DAT Prep Books (2026 Guide).
GPA Requirements
Competitive applicants typically present:
- Science GPA: 3.4 or higher
- Overall GPA: 3.5 or higher
Prerequisites
Applicants must complete at least 90 semester hours of undergraduate coursework. A bachelor's degree is strongly preferred. Required coursework includes:
- Biology with lab (2 semesters)
- General Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
- Organic Chemistry with lab (2 semesters)
- Physics with lab (2 semesters)
- English or Writing (2 semesters)
- Biochemistry (1 semester, strongly recommended)
Meaningful dental shadowing is required. A minimum of 100 hours is recommended, with exposure to multiple dental specialties preferred.
Application Process
Penn participates in the ADEA AADSAS application system. Key steps include:
- Submit your AADSAS application (opens in May each year)
- Submit three letters of recommendation
- Submit DAT scores and official transcripts
- Selected applicants are invited for an interview
Penn uses rolling admissions — earlier applications have a significant advantage.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance
The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine is a private institution.
- Tuition: approximately $75,000–$85,000 per year
- Total estimated cost of attendance (including living expenses): $95,000–$110,000 per year
Tuition figures are approximate and subject to change. Always verify current rates on the University of Pennsylvania official website.
Location and Campus
The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine is located in *Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in the heart of Penn's University City campus. Students benefit from close integration with Penn Medicine and one of the nation's most dynamic academic health systems. Philadelphia offers a large and diverse patient population, a vibrant urban environment, and strong ties to the broader Mid-Atlantic dental community.
Students comparing top dental schools often also review programs such as the Harvard School of Dental Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, and UCLA School of Dentistry to better understand differences in admissions standards. Applicants interested in the Philadelphia region may also want to explore Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry and University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine.
How to Prepare for the DAT for Penn Admissions
To be competitive at Penn, you need a strong foundation in the sciences — especially Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry. Dr. Jim Romano's DAT Destroyer series is built around exactly these subjects.
Watch free DAT prep lessons from Dr. Jim Romano on our YouTube channel: DAT Destroyer YouTube Channel
👉 What is the DAT? Understanding the Dental Admission Test
Start Your DAT Preparation for Penn
If you are preparing to apply to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, the DAT Destroyer series is the core material used in Dr. Jim Romano's DAT preparation courses, both online and in person. Dr. Jim Romano has over 35 years of teaching experience and has helped students prepare for the DAT with the DAT Destroyer series since 2006.
➡️ Start your DAT preparation for free
- DAT Destroyer — advanced DAT science practice and review
- Math Destroyer — master the quantitative reasoning section
- General Chemistry Destroyer — deep preparation for one of the hardest DAT sections
- Organic Chemistry Odyssey — master reactions, mechanisms, and stereochemistry
- Dr. Jim Romano's Biology Review — comprehensive biology coverage
- DAT and OAT Classes — in-person and online with Dr. Jim Romano
Join the DAT and OAT Destroyer Study Group on Facebook for free resources and daily practice questions.