UNLV School of Dental Medicine (2026 Guide)

UNLV School of Dental Medicine (UNLV SDM) is one of the leading public dental schools in the western United States, located in Las Vegas, Nevada. Established in 2002, UNLV SDM offers the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) 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 Nevada and the surrounding region.

Admissions Overview

UNLV SDM is competitive, with a strong preference for Nevada 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

UNLV School of Dental Medicine 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 UNLV SDM applicants.

How to Prepare for the DAT for UNLV

Scoring competitively for UNLV SDM 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

UNLV SDM 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 UNLV SDM historically fills the majority of its class with Nevada 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 UNLV SDM 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, UNLV SDM offers strong value for Nevada 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

UNLV School of Dental Medicine is located in Las Vegas, Nevada, on the Shadow Lane Campus adjacent to the University Medical Center of Southern Nevada. Las Vegas offers students a unique urban environment with a rapidly growing healthcare sector and a large, diverse patient population. The school is part of a major research university with deep ties to the surrounding healthcare community. Students benefit from exposure to one of the most diverse patient populations in the country through UNLV’s extensive clinical network.

Is UNLV a Good Dental School?

UNLV School of Dental Medicine 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 Nevada residents, UNLV SDM 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 UNLV or building your dental school list, strong DAT scores open doors. Follow our DAT 3-Month Study Schedule to build a structured plan from day one. The DAT Destroyer series has helped pre-dental students build the foundation needed for competitive DAT scores.

Join our Live DAT and OAT Classes with Dr. Romano

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