USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry — DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions 2026
The USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry is one of the most prestigious and competitive dental schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, California, Ostrow is known for its cutting-edge research, diverse patient population, and strong clinical training program.
Students who thrive at USC Ostrow demonstrate exceptional academic preparation, strong DAT scores, and a commitment to advancing the field of dentistry through research and community service.
DAT Expectations at USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
USC Ostrow is highly competitive. Applicants are expected to present strong scores across all DAT sections.
Based on recent entering class data, competitive applicants to USC Ostrow generally present:
- Academic Average (AA): 21–23 (old scale) / approximately 420–460 (new 200–600 scale)
- Total Science (TS): 21–23 (old scale) / approximately 420–460 (new 200–600 scale)
- Perceptual Ability Test (PAT): competitive scores across all sections
Students preparing for USC often rely on the DAT Destroyer, created by Dr. Jim Romano, to build the deep conceptual understanding required for top scores.
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Why USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Stands Out
- One of the top-ranked dental schools in the United States
- Located in Los Angeles with access to one of the most diverse patient populations in the country
- Strong emphasis on research and innovation in dental science
- Extensive clinical training with high patient volume
- Robust network of alumni across the country and internationally
- Interdisciplinary collaboration with USC's broader health sciences programs
Dental Programs at USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates
- Combined DDS/MS and DDS/PhD programs
Post-Graduate and Specialty Programs
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- General Practice Residency
USC Ostrow Admissions
Application Timeline
- Applications open through AADSAS in May
- Early submission strongly recommended — rolling admissions
- Interviews conducted on a rolling basis through the fall
Required Materials
- AADSAS application
- Three letters of recommendation
- Official transcripts
- DAT scores
- Personal statement
Prerequisite Coursework Requirements
Applicants must have completed at least 90 semester hours 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
- 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 experience in multiple dental specialties preferred.
Boosting Your Chances of Acceptance at USC Ostrow
Earn a Highly Competitive DAT Score
USC is one of the most selective dental schools in the country. Use concept-driven materials like the DAT Destroyer to build mastery across all sections.
Demonstrate Research or Leadership Experience
USC values applicants who have gone beyond the classroom — research experience, leadership roles, and community involvement all strengthen your application.
Apply Early
USC uses rolling admissions — earlier applications have a significant advantage.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Clearly articulate your passion for dentistry and how USC's programs align with your career goals.
Recommended Personal Statement Help: EduWritingServices
DAT Prep Support for USC Ostrow Applicants
DAT Destroyer
Advanced practice in Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Math:
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Targeted quantitative reasoning practice:
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Deep concept mastery for General Chemistry:
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Dr. Jim Romano Biology Review Book
Comprehensive Biology review for the DAT:
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Download Dr. Romano's Dynamite Biology Review inside the DAT and OAT Destroyer Study Group
YouTube Lessons
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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 — USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Is USC a good dental school?
Yes — USC Ostrow is consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the United States, known for its research output, clinical training, and strong alumni network.
What DAT score do I need for USC?
Competitive applicants typically present an AA of 21–23 on the old scale / 420–460 on the new scale. Strong performance across all sections is expected.
What GPA does USC look for?
Both overall and science GPA are reviewed holistically. A science GPA of 3.4 or higher is generally competitive for USC.
Is shadowing required?
Yes — meaningful dental shadowing is required. At least 100 hours is recommended, with exposure to multiple specialties preferred.
Does USC 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.
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