Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (2026): DAT Requirements, Admissions, and Tuition | DAT Destroyer | OAT Destroyer | Dr. Jim Romano
Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine is a private dental school located in Pomona, California. It is one of the newer dental schools in the United States, known for its integrated curriculum, interprofessional education model, and strong clinical training emphasis.
Western University College of Dental Medicine — At a Glance
| Location | Pomona, California |
| School Type | Private |
| Degree Awarded | Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) |
| Program Length | 4 years |
| Application Service | AADSAS |
| Students Enrolled (Fall 2025) | 69 |
| Average Overall GPA | 3.65 |
| Average Science GPA | 3.36 |
| Average AA DAT | 430 |
| Average TS DAT | 430 |
| Average PAT DAT | 430 |
| Official Website | westernu.edu/dental |
Admissions Competitiveness — Fall 2025 Class Profile
Western University’s entering Fall 2025 class reflects a highly competitive applicant pool:
| Applications Received | 2,627 |
| Interviews Conducted | 320 |
| Students Enrolled | 69 |
| California Residents Enrolled | 46 |
DAT Requirements for Western University College of Dental Medicine
The entering Fall 2025 class averaged a 430 on the Academic Average, Total Science, and Perceptual Ability sections of the DAT. These scores reflect the current 200–600 scale, where 400 represents the national average.
A score of 430 is above the national average DAT score. See our DAT Percentiles Guide to understand where your score stands.
For a full explanation of how DAT scores are calculated on the new scale, see our DAT Score Conversion Guide (2026).
GPA Requirements
Minimum requirements: Overall GPA 3.35 | Science GPA 3.22
Average admitted student (Fall 2025): Overall GPA 3.65 | Science GPA 3.36
Competitive applicants typically present GPAs closer to the averages reported for the entering class than to the minimum requirements.
Prerequisites
The following coursework must be completed before enrolling at Western University College of Dental Medicine:
| Course | Requirement |
|---|---|
| General Biology with lab | 8 semester units / 12 quarter units (full-year sequence) |
| General or Inorganic Chemistry with lab | 8 semester units / 12 quarter units (full-year sequence) |
| Organic Chemistry with lab | 8 semester units / 12 quarter units (full-year sequence) |
| General Physics with lab | 8 semester units / 12 quarter units (full-year sequence) |
| College English / English Composition | 6 semester units / 9 quarter units |
Important notes:
- All prerequisites must be completed with a grade of C or better
- Online labs are not accepted, except for COVID-era exceptions as noted by Western University
- Courses should be completed at an accredited college or university
Recommended but not required: Biochemistry, Genetics, Cell Biology, Human Anatomy & Physiology, Microbiology, Calculus I, Biometrics, Psychology, and Conversational Spanish.
Application Process
Western University uses the AADSAS centralized application system. The application cycle typically opens in June for enrollment the following fall.
Step 1 — AADSAS Application: Submit your academic history, DAT scores, personal statement, and letters of recommendation through AADSAS.
Step 2 — Secondary Application: Qualified applicants receive an invitation to complete Western University’s supplemental application, including school-specific essays.
Step 3 — Interview: Selected applicants are invited for an interview. Western University uses a structured interview format. Research the school’s mission and interprofessional education model before attending.
Step 4 — Admissions Decision: Decisions are issued on a rolling basis. Applying early in the cycle is strongly recommended.
Tuition and Cost of Attendance (2026–2027)
The following figures reflect the official first-year cost of attendance at Western University College of Dental Medicine for the 2026–2027 academic year:
| Tuition | $98,950 |
| Student Body Fees | $40 |
| Student Service Fee | $978 |
| Program Support Fee | $12,500 |
| Health Insurance Fee | $5,374 |
| Estimated First-Year Total | $117,842 |
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Always verify current costs on the official Western University website before applying.
Visit the Western University College of Dental Medicine official website
How to Prepare for the DAT for Western University
The entering class averaged a 430 AA on the DAT. Reaching that level requires thorough, structured preparation across all DAT sections — Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Quantitative Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Perceptual Ability.
The DAT Destroyer and Math Destroyer are the core books used in Dr. Jim Romano’s DAT preparation courses, both online and in person. For more than 35 years, students have used the DAT Destroyer series to build the deep content knowledge required to score competitively.
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For the full book series: Best DAT Prep Books (2026 Guide)
Frequently Asked Questions — Western University College of Dental Medicine
Is Western University a good dental school?
Western University College of Dental Medicine is an accredited dental school with a strong focus on interprofessional education and clinical training. It is a competitive program that attracts applicants from across the country.
What DAT score do I need for Western University?
The entering Fall 2025 class averaged a 430 AA, 430 TS, and 430 PAT. Western University does not publish a minimum DAT score requirement.
What GPA do I need for Western University dental school?
The minimum requirements are 3.35 overall and 3.22 science. The entering Fall 2025 class averaged a 3.65 overall GPA and a 3.36 science GPA. Competitive applicants typically present GPAs closer to the entering class averages than to the minimums.
How much does Western University dental school cost?
First-year estimated total cost of attendance for 2026–2027 is $117,842, including tuition of $98,950 and associated fees. Costs are subject to change — verify current figures at westernu.edu/dental.
Does Western University interview all applicants?
No. Of 2,627 applicants in the Fall 2025 cycle, 320 were invited to interview and 69 were enrolled.
When should I apply to Western University?
Western University uses rolling admissions. Applying early in the AADSAS cycle — ideally within the first few weeks of opening — gives you the best chance of securing an interview and admission offer.