University of Washington School of Dentistry — DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions 2026
The University of Washington School of Dentistry (UW Dentistry) is one of the most respected public dental schools in the United States. Located in Seattle, Washington, UW Dentistry is known for its exceptional clinical training, strong research programs, and commitment to improving oral health access across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
UW Dentistry serves a large regional population and is the only dental school in a five-state area (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho — the WWAMI region), making it a critical institution for oral health care in the Pacific Northwest.
DAT Expectations at the University of Washington School of Dentistry
UW Dentistry is competitive and evaluates DAT scores as part of a holistic application review. Strong scores across all sections are expected.
Based on recent entering class data, competitive applicants to UW Dentistry generally present:
- Academic Average (AA): 19–22 (old scale) / approximately 390–440 (new 200–600 scale)
- Total Science (TS): 19–22 (old scale) / approximately 390–440 (new 200–600 scale)
- Perceptual Ability Test (PAT): competitive scores across all sections
Students preparing for UW Dentistry 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 Washington School of Dentistry Stands Out
- Only dental school serving the WWAMI region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, Idaho)
- Located in Seattle with access to a large and diverse patient population
- Exceptional value for Washington State and WWAMI region residents
- Strong emphasis on community service and rural oral health access
- High-volume clinical training with broad exposure to dental specialties
- Robust research programs and interdisciplinary collaboration within UW Health Sciences
Dental Programs at the University of Washington School of Dentistry
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates
- Combined DDS/PhD program
Post-Graduate and Specialty Programs
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- Oral Medicine
- General Practice Residency
University of Washington Dental School Admissions
Application Timeline
- Applications open through AADSAS in May
- Early submission strongly recommended — rolling admissions
- WWAMI region residents given priority consideration
- Interviews conducted on a rolling basis through the fall
Required Materials
- AADSAS application with personal statement
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- DAT scores
Prerequisite Coursework Requirements
Applicants must have completed a minimum of 90 semester credits of undergraduate coursework. A bachelor's degree is strongly preferred.
Required Courses
- 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)
GPA Review Includes
- Overall GPA (competitive applicants typically 3.3 or higher)
- Science GPA
- Grade trends and academic rigor
- Institution level and course difficulty
Shadowing Requirement
Meaningful dental shadowing experience is required. A minimum of 100 hours is recommended, with exposure to multiple dental settings preferred.
Boosting Your Chances of Acceptance at UW Dentistry
Earn a Competitive DAT Score
Use concept-driven materials like the DAT Destroyer to build mastery across all sections of the DAT.
Demonstrate Community Service
UW values applicants with a strong commitment to serving diverse and underserved communities, particularly in rural and frontier areas of the WWAMI region.
Apply Early
UW uses rolling admissions — earlier applications have a significant advantage.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Clearly articulate your passion for dentistry and how UW's mission of expanding oral health access aligns with your goals.
Recommended Personal Statement Help: EduWritingServices
DAT Prep Support for UW Dentistry Applicants
DAT Destroyer
Advanced practice in Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Math:
DAT Destroyer
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 Washington School of Dentistry
Is UW a good dental school?
Yes — the University of Washington School of Dentistry is one of the top public dental schools in the United States, known for strong clinical training, community focus, and its unique role as the only dental school serving the five-state WWAMI region.
What DAT score do I need for UW Dentistry?
Competitive applicants typically present an AA of 19–22 on the old scale / approximately 390–440 on the new 200–600 scale. Strong performance across all sections is recommended.
What GPA does UW look for?
Both overall and science GPA are reviewed holistically. Competitive applicants typically present a GPA of 3.3 or higher.
Is shadowing required?
Yes — meaningful dental shadowing is required. At least 100 hours is recommended with exposure to multiple dental settings.
Does UW give preference to Washington residents?
Yes — UW gives priority to residents of the WWAMI region (Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho). As a public university, it also offers significantly reduced tuition for Washington State residents.
Does UW accept international students?
Yes, through the Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates.
Start Your DAT Preparation
If you're planning your DAT test date, the next step is choosing the right DAT study materials.
DAT Destroyer
Math Destroyer
General Chemistry Destroyer
Organic Chemistry Odyssey
Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book
If you're preparing for the DAT or OAT, the full Destroyer series is used in Dr. Jim Romano's DAT preparation courses.
Ready to start studying? Follow Dr. Romano's 3-Month DAT Study Schedule (2026)
DAT and OAT Classes (In-Person and Online)
Explore More Dental Schools
Browse our complete guide to dental schools in the United States and Canada, including DAT scores, admissions requirements, and preparation tips: