Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry — DAT Scores, Requirements and Admissions 2026
Updated: October 15, 2026
The Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry is one of the oldest and most respected dental schools in the United States, located in Richmond, Virginia. As part of VCU Health, the school offers students access to a large and diverse patient population, strong clinical training, and a research-intensive environment.
VCU currently reports an incoming-student DAT Academic Average of 430–440, an average overall GPA of 3.7, and an average science GPA of 3.6. These are published averages, not admission minimums. VCU states that it has no minimum GPA or DAT score requirement.
Students who succeed at VCU Dentistry demonstrate solid academic preparation, competitive DAT scores, and a commitment to serving diverse communities.
DAT Expectations at VCU School of Dentistry
VCU is competitive among Virginia dental schools and draws applicants from across the country. Applicants are expected to present strong scores across all DAT sections.
VCU currently reports an incoming-student DAT Academic Average of 430–440. This is a published average, not a minimum score requirement. Applicants are evaluated through a holistic review.
Students preparing for VCU Dentistry rely on the DAT Destroyer, created by Dr. Jim Romano, to build the deep conceptual understanding required for top scores.
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VCU Dental School — Quick Stats
Published DAT Academic Average: 430–440
Published average overall GPA: 3.7
Published average science GPA: 3.6
Application: ADEA AADSAS
Admissions: Holistic application review and required interview
Location: Richmond, Virginia
What DAT Score Do You Need for VCU Dental School?
VCU currently reports an incoming-student DAT Academic Average of 430–440 and states that there are no DAT minimum score requirements. The school evaluates DAT results as part of its holistic admissions review.
Why VCU School of Dentistry Stands Out
- One of the oldest dental schools in the United States, founded in 1893
- Located in Richmond, Virginia with access to a large and diverse urban patient population
- Part of VCU Health — one of the largest academic medical centers in Virginia
- Strong emphasis on community health and underserved populations
- Integrated curriculum combining early clinical exposure with foundational science
- Active research programs across multiple dental specialties
- Strong alumni network across Virginia and nationally
Dental Programs at VCU School of Dentistry
Degree Programs
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Combined DDS/PhD program
- Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates
Post-Graduate and Specialty Programs
- Orthodontics
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Prosthodontics
- General Practice Residency
VCU Dentistry Admissions
Application Timeline
- 2026–2027 ADEA AADSAS applications opened May 12, 2026. Submission began June 2, 2026.
- VCU encourages early application and reports that most applicants invited to interview complete their applications before September 1.
- Interviews begin in mid-September and continue through February, with a holiday break.
- The 2026–2027 dental school acceptance notification date is December 15, 2026.
Required Materials
- AADSAS application with personal statement
- One committee letter or packet, or three recommendation letters: at least two from life-science professors and one from a dentist practicing in the United States or Canada who knows the applicant through direct observation during shadowing or volunteer work.
- Official transcripts from all institutions attended
- DAT scores
- Payment of VCU’s $85 application fee through the applicant status portal, following the admissions office’s instructions.
Prerequisite Coursework Requirements
Applicants must meet VCU dental school requirements including the following prerequisite courses:
Required Courses
- General Biology, including lecture and laboratory: 8 semester hours.
- General Chemistry, including lecture and laboratory: 8 semester hours.
- Organic Chemistry, including lecture and laboratory: 8 semester hours.
- College or university-level Physics, including lecture and laboratory: 8 semester hours.
- Biochemistry: 3 semester hours.
- Math/Stats: 3 semester hours.
- English: 3 semester hours.
Applicants must have completed at least 90 semester credit hours, or 145 quarter credit hours, at an accredited United States or Canadian institution by the date of application. Admission is contingent upon successful completion of a qualifying bachelor’s degree. Required courses must be completed with a grade of C or better, subject to VCU’s published spring/summer 2020 grading exception.
GPA Review Includes
- Overall GPA
- Science GPA
- Grade trends and academic rigor
Recommended Shadowing Experience
VCU strongly encourages 100–150 hours of general-practice dental shadowing, in addition to any specialty-practice shadowing, before submitting an application.
Boosting Your Chances of Acceptance at VCU Dentistry
Earn a Competitive DAT Score
Use concept-driven materials like the DAT Destroyer to strengthen Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Quantitative Reasoning. DAT Destroyer does not provide Perceptual Ability or Reading Comprehension preparation.
Demonstrate Community Service
VCU looks for a commitment to serving and helping others, demonstrated through service activities involving interaction with other people.
Apply Early
VCU encourages early application and reports that most applicants invited to interview complete their applications before September 1.
Understand the Residency Factor
As a state-supported public university, VCU gives admissions preference to Virginia residents.
Write a Strong Personal Statement
Clearly articulate your passion for dentistry and how VCU's community-focused mission aligns with your goals.
Recommended Personal Statement Help: EduWritingServices
DAT Prep Support for VCU Dentistry Applicants
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Advanced practice in Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Math:
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Targeted quantitative reasoning practice:
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Best DAT Study Materials (2026 Guide)
See how all the books work together: Best DAT Study Materials (2026 Guide)
Frequently Asked Questions — VCU School of Dentistry
Is VCU a good dental school?
Yes — VCU School of Dentistry is one of the oldest and most respected dental schools in the country, known for its strong clinical training, research programs, and community health focus.
What DAT score do I need for VCU Dental School?
VCU currently reports an incoming-student DAT Academic Average of 430–440. This is a published average, not a minimum admission requirement.
What GPA does VCU Dentistry look for?
VCU currently reports an average overall GPA of 3.7 and an average science GPA of 3.6 for incoming students. The school states that there is no minimum GPA requirement and evaluates applicants holistically.
Is shadowing required for VCU Dentistry?
VCU strongly encourages 100–150 hours of general-practice dental shadowing, in addition to any specialty-practice shadowing, before submitting an application.
Does VCU Dental School prefer Virginia residents?
As a state-supported public university, VCU gives admissions preference to Virginia residents.
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