University of Tennessee College of Dentistry (2026 Guide)

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry (UTCD) is one of the most respected public dental schools in the southeastern United States, located in Memphis, Tennessee. Part of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, UTCD 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 the oral health needs of Tennessee and the surrounding region.

Admissions Overview

UTCD is competitive, with a strong preference for Tennessee residents. Successful applicants typically present solid DAT scores, strong GPAs, and meaningful dental shadowing experience.

Typical Admitted Student Profile:

DAT Academic Average (AA): Approximately 19–21 AA (380–420 on the new DAT scale)
DAT Total Science (TS): Approximately 19–21 TS (380–420 on the new DAT scale)
Overall GPA: 3.4–3.7
Science GPA: 3.3–3.6
Dental shadowing: 100+ hours recommended

DAT Requirements

University of Tennessee 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 UTCD applicants.

How to Prepare for the DAT for UT Tennessee

Scoring competitively for UTCD 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

UTCD participates in AADSAS. The application cycle typically opens in May and the school uses rolling admissions — applying early is strongly recommended. Out-of-state applicants should be aware that UTCD historically fills the majority of its class with Tennessee residents.

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 UTCD is approximately $30,000–$40,000 per year for in-state students and $55,000–$65,000 per year for out-of-state students. As a public institution, UTCD offers strong value for Tennessee 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

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry is located in Memphis, Tennessee, as part of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center — one of the largest academic health science centers in the southeastern United States. Memphis offers students a lower cost of living compared to many major cities, and the school’s location within a major health science campus provides strong clinical and research opportunities. Students benefit from exposure to a large and diverse patient population through UTHSC’s extensive healthcare network.

Is UT Tennessee a Good Dental School?

University of Tennessee College of Dentistry has a strong regional reputation and is consistently recognized for its clinical training and patient care volume. The school provides early hands-on patient care experience and graduates are well-prepared for licensure. For Tennessee residents, UTCD offers exceptional value and strong career placement in the region.

For out-of-state applicants, DAT scores around 20+ AA (approximately 400+ on the new DAT scale) and a strong GPA are often important for remaining competitive, though admission as an out-of-state student is limited.

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

Start Your DAT Preparation

Whether you are applying to UT Tennessee 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.

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