The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Penn Dental Medicine) is one of the most prestigious and selective dental schools in the United States.[1] Its reputation for academic excellence, research, and clinical training makes it a top choice for aspiring dentists. This guide provides a detailed overview of the UPenn Dental School acceptance rate and the key statistics you need to know for a successful application.
~6.8%
Based on Class of 2026 data. Penn Dental remains one of the most selective dental schools in the nation. [2]
The admissions process is highly competitive, with only a fraction of applicants receiving an interview. [8, 12, 16]
3.84
Successful applicants demonstrate exceptional academic performance. [12]
23.7
Academic Average (AA). Competitive scores are crucial for admission. [8]
168
A diverse and accomplished group of students begins their dental education each year. [12]
The class represents a wide range of states and countries, fostering a diverse learning environment. [12, 16]
29
Different languages spoken by the incoming class, highlighting the global nature of the student body. [12]
$120,768+
Represents an estimate for first-year students, including tuition, fees, and living expenses. [8, 11]
Financing a dental education is a significant investment. Penn offers various federal loan options. [15]
Graduates from Penn Dental Medicine have strong career prospects. The school's reputation and alumni network can lead to excellent post-graduate positions. [24] Specializing can significantly increase earning potential. [24]
Penn Dental Medicine is known for its highly competitive admissions process. While the exact acceptance rate can fluctuate annually, recent data provides a clear picture of the school’s selectivity.
For the Class of 2028, the acceptance rate was approximately 5.9%, with 167 students enrolling from a pool of 2,852 applicants. Other sources report similar figures, with an acceptance rate of around 6.8% for the Class of 2026, where 2,211 individuals applied for 150 spots. This low acceptance rate highlights the exceptional qualifications of the students who are ultimately admitted.
To better understand what it takes to be a competitive applicant, here is a summary of the admissions statistics for the incoming Class of 2028:
Applicants: 2,852
Interviews: Approximately 430 (about 14% of applicants)
Enrolled: 167 students
Overall Acceptance Rate: Roughly 5.9%
In-State Acceptance Rate: 10.4%
Out-of-State Acceptance Rate: 5.4%
A strong academic record is a critical component of a successful application to Penn Dental Medicine. The admissions committee gives special consideration to candidates with a GPA of 3.2 or higher.
The average GPA of the enrolled Class of 2028 was an impressive 3.84. The science GPA for this class was 3.80. This indicates that successful applicants consistently perform at a high level in their science coursework.
Competitive scores on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) are another essential requirement. For the Class of 2028, the average DAT Academic Average (AA) was 23.7. Other key DAT score averages for this class include:
Total Science (TS): 23.4
Perceptual Ability (PAT): 21.6
H2: Class Profile and Demographics
Penn Dental Medicine prides itself on fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment. The Class of 2028 is a testament to this commitment.
The incoming class of 168 students is composed of:
Women: 124
Men: 43
The student body represents a wide geographic area, with students from 27 different states, U.S. territories, and Canadian provinces.[5] The class also includes international students, further enriching the cultural and academic landscape of the school. In fact, members of the Class of 2028 speak 29 different languages.[5]
Attending a top-tier dental school like UPenn is a significant financial investment. For the 2025-2026 academic year, the estimated first-year cost of attendance is over $120,000. This includes:
Tuition: Approximately $94,176
Additional Fees: Roughly $26,592 for first-year students
Living Expenses: Estimated at $33,622
Prospective students should explore various financial aid options, including scholarships and loans, to help manage the cost of their dental education.
Applying to Penn Dental Medicine requires careful planning and attention to detail. The application is submitted through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).
A complete application includes:
AADSAS Application: The primary application for most U.S. dental schools.
DAT Scores: Official scores must be submitted. Penn Dental Medicine requires DAT scores from tests taken January 2023 or later for the 2025-2026 cycle.
Letters of Evaluation: A minimum of two letters from professors or a committee letter is required.
Supplemental Application: All applicants must submit a supplemental application, which includes a $60 fee.