Getting into dental school is a competitive endeavor, and the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) School of Dentistry is a popular choice for many aspiring dentists. This guide provides a detailed look at the Detroit Mercy dental school acceptance rate, academic profile of admitted students, and what makes a competitive applicant.
Private University
445 Offers / 1,843 Applicants
3.68
Science GPA: 3.61
20.4
Academic Average
145
Enrolled Students (2023-24)
Acceptance Rate
24.15%
20.65%
Average DAT
20.4
21.4
Average GPA
3.68
3.56
Enrolled
145
190
Institution Type
Private
Private
Data based on 2023-2024 admissions statistics. [2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 11]
Total Applicants: 1,843
Offers of Admission: 445
Class Size (Enrolled): 144
Overall Acceptance Rate: 24.15%
In-State Students Enrolled: 67 (approximately 46.85% of the class)
While the acceptance rate provides a general idea of selectivity, understanding the academic achievements of the entering class is crucial for prospective students.
For the 2024 entering class, the students had the following average scores:
Average Overall GPA: 3.63–3.64
Average Science GPA: 3.60
Average DAT Academic Average (AA): 20.0–20.4
The university considers a GPA of 3.5 or higher to be strong and competitive. While there is a minimum GPA requirement of 3.0 for both science and overall GPA to be considered, the competitive nature of admissions means that successful applicants typically have higher scores. For the DAT, a score of 20 or better in each section is considered competitive.
It is important to note that Detroit Mercy Dental School employs a holistic review process. Beyond GPA and DAT scores, they consider a range of other factors, including:
The rigor of your undergraduate curriculum.
Shadowing experience (a minimum of 100 hours with a general dentist is required for the 2025-2026 cycle).[8]
Community service and leadership experience.
Letters of evaluation.
Personal statement.
The University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry, a private institution, has a long history, having been established in 1932. It offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree, and the program takes 44 months to complete. The school is located in Detroit, Michigan, and is one of two dental schools in the state.
The University of Detroit Mercy’s dental program is well-regarded, ranking among the top 50 dental schools in the United States and as the second-best in Michigan. It holds specific national rankings for various specializations, including:
#28 in Dental Hygiene
#29 in Prosthodontics & Periodontics
#30 in Oral Surgery
To be a successful applicant to Detroit Mercy Dental, it is essential to build a strong and well-rounded application.
Academic Excellence: Aim for a GPA and DAT score that are at or above the averages of the recent entering classes. Taking a full-time, science-heavy course load, especially in your junior and senior years, is encouraged.
Gain Relevant Experience: Fulfill the required shadowing hours to demonstrate your commitment to and understanding of the dental profession.[8]
Apply Early: The school encourages early submission of the AADSAS application, ideally before November 1st, even though the deadline is March 1st.[7]
Prepare for the Interview: If you are invited for an interview, be prepared for a one-on-one conversation with a member of the Admissions Committee. They encourage a two-way dialogue, so have your questions ready