The UIC College of Dentistry offers an innovative pre-doctoral degree program, the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). The program is designed to graduate oral health professionals with strong competencies in health promotion and disease prevention, diagnosis, evidence-based practice, communication, collaboration, and community engagement. This is a full time, year-round four-year program with a fall term start. The program spans four years and includes an extramural clinical experience in the fourth year. Admissions information can be found on the College of Dentistry website.

The College offers a two-and-a-half-year/seven-semester foreign trained dentist program for those who meet the criteria. Further information on the Doctor of Dental Medicine Advanced Degree Program can be found online.

Entering DMD students have the opportunity to pursue a summer (DMD) research program after acceptance and prior to the first year. A stipend is typically included where available. The school also boasts a Clinic and Research Day in the spring that provides the arena for the College of Dentistry community to share its research accomplishments. 

A PhD/DMD eight-year track that provides a PhD in Oral Sciences is also available for those who are highly interested in research. Further information on the PhD/DMD program can be found online.

For more information on the DMD program and the application process, please visit the UIC College of Dentistry website.

Admission Requirements

• Prior Degree Baccalaureate degree conferred no later than June of the matriculation year. Must be from an accredited United States college or university located in the U.S.; any additional degrees listed on the dental school application must be posted no later than June of the matriculation year.
• Prerequisite Courses Applicants should complete all required coursework with a grade of C or better from an accredited U.S. college or university by June of the matriculation year. There are no limitations on community college work, but it is recommended that most work be completed at a four-year institution.
  • Chemistry: 14 semester hours (21 quarter hours), with at least 4 semester hours in Organic Chemistry (6 quarter hours)
  • Biological Science: 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours)
  • Physics: 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours)
  • English: 6 semester hours (9 quarter hours)
  • Biochemistry: 1 course (no lab required)
  • All dental school prerequisite science courses must include labs. This does not apply to elective science courses. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are not accepted as course requirements. However, if basic level chemistry, biology, or physics courses requirements are met with AP credit, students may take the specific number of credit hours in each area from upper-level science courses (preferably at a four-year university).
  • English AP credit coursework can be satisfied by enrolling in 6 hours of upper-level literature, advanced composition, or intensive writing classes.
• Recommended Courses To be competitive, applicants are encouraged to take three to four upper-level courses from the list of advanced science classes (lab not required but encouraged where possible): 
  • Human Anatomy
  • Human Physiology
  • Histology
  • Microbiology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Immunology
  • Genetics
• Tests Required Dental Admission Test (DAT) required. It is strongly suggested that applicants complete this test prior to the year they wish to enter school. DAT scores can only be accepted if the test is taken within two years prior to application submission. The DAT can be taken up to three times, but candidates must wait 90 days between exams. There is no current minimum DAT score required to apply. Please note, however, this is a competitive application component.
• Grade Point Average The UIC College of Dentistry does not have a minimum GPA required to apply. Please note, however, this is a competitive application component.
• Letters of Recommendation Three letters required. The college strongly recommends submitting two academic references, preferably from two science professors. A third letter from a dental professional (non-relative) that an applicant shadows is highly preferred. Letters will only be accepted electronically via The Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Paper recommendations or emailed letters will not be accepted. It is expected that letters are on professional letterhead with a signature.
• Shadowing Applicants to the UIC College of Dentistry are expected to demonstrate passion for the field. This is often obtained through shadowing experiences and exposure to dentistry. Students often shadow a variety of dentists, including general practitioners. It is recommended that applicants obtain 100 or more United States dental practice shadowing hours at the time of application submission.
• Community Service/Volunteer Work The UIC College of Dentistry prides itself on serving the underserved. Applicants are expected to have obtained a variety of experiences, including community service and volunteer work. The experiences do not have to be specifically dentistry related, but these experiences may be helpful to one’s own understanding of selfless giving, compassion for others, and exposure to diverse populations.
• Research Students are encouraged to become exposed to research where possible.
• Illinois Residency Preference will be given to residents of Illinois (Illinois Residency Guidelines; State Regulations).
• Visa Status The College of Dentistry accepts applications from students who currently live in the U.S. and hold a valid visa status.
• Application Students apply using the AADSAS application. The application deadline is December 1. Applicants must also submit the UIC DMD supplemental application and pay the $85 application fee.
• Safety and Technical Standards The College of Dentistry Safety and Technical Standards form can be found here.

Degree Requirements

• Minimum Semester Hours Required 212.
• Coursework