Gaining admission to a top-tier dental program is a significant achievement, and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC) College of Dentistry is a highly sought-after institution. Known for its rigorous clinical training and strong reputation, UTHSC attracts a large and competitive pool of applicants each year. If you’re aspiring to join the ranks of its future dentists, the first step is understanding the admissions landscape.
This guide provides a detailed breakdown of the University of Tennessee dental school acceptance rate, key academic benchmarks, and the complete profile of an admitted student. Use our interactive tool below to explore the latest statistics and see how you measure up.
The journey to dental school is all about the numbers: GPA, DAT scores, application volume, and, most importantly, the acceptance rate. We’ve compiled the most critical data points into one easy-to-use, modern tool. Explore the interactive cards to get a real-time feel for the UTHSC admissions profile.
Highly competitive admissions based on the most recent entering class data.
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As you can see from the tool, with an acceptance rate hovering around 5.2%, admission to the UTHSC College of Dentistry is exceptionally competitive. The school receives over 1,600 applications for just 90 seats in its first-year class. But the acceptance rate is only part of the story. Let’s break down what these numbers truly mean for your application.
While there are no official “cutoffs,” the data reveals clear benchmarks for successful applicants. The average incoming student boasts an impressive overall GPA of 3.78 and a DAT Academic Average (AA) score of 21. Excelling in science-heavy prerequisite courses is critical, as the admissions committee looks for demonstrated ability to handle a demanding scientific curriculum. A strong performance on the DAT, particularly in the Perceptual Ability (PAT) and science sections, can significantly strengthen your profile.
As a state-funded institution, the UTHSC College of Dentistry gives strong preference to residents of Tennessee. Typically, around 80% of the incoming class are in-state students. The remaining 20% of seats are filled by highly qualified out-of-state applicants, with a notable number coming from Arkansas due to a regional agreement. If you are a non-resident, your application must be exceptionally strong across all metrics to be considered.
Your academic scores are the foundation of your application, but the admissions committee seeks well-rounded individuals. Key holistic factors include:
Dental Shadowing: Significant hours shadowing general dentists and specialists.
Community Service & Volunteering: A demonstrated commitment to serving others.
Manual Dexterity: Hobbies or experiences that showcase fine motor skills (e.g., playing an instrument, sculpting, model building).
Letters of Recommendation: Strong, insightful letters from science professors and dentists who know you well.
The Interview: If invited, the interview is your chance to show your passion, communication skills, and understanding of the dental profession.
Pursuing a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree is a major financial commitment. Understanding the costs and the potential return on investment is a crucial part of your planning.
As shown in the tool, there is a significant difference in cost for residents and non-residents.
In-State Tuition & Fees: Approximately $42,500 per year.
Out-of-State Tuition & Fees: Approximately $81,300 per year.
These figures do not include living expenses, books, or instruments, which can add thousands more to the annual cost of attendance.