School of Dental Medicine Entrance Requirements
LECOM School of Dental Medicine seeks applicants who have not only shown success in their science
courses, but also have proven to be well-rounded individuals who have excelled overall in their
academic careers.
Applicants must complete a baccalaureate degree from an accredited college or university by the
time of enrollment. Exceptions may be made for students enrolled in special programs who have
completed a minimum of 90 credits from an accredited college* or university.
Applicants must have a minimum 2.7 science grade point average. Successful candidates typically
have both science and overall grade point averages of 3.2 or above. Each candidate must submit his
or her most recent Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores through the American Dental Education
Associate application service (ADEA AADSAS). DAT scores taken within the past three years are
acceptable. LECOM will consider DATs taken up to February 11, 2012. Successful dental students
typically have a DAT score of 16 or higher.
Applicants must meet the following specific course requirements:
- Biology: A minimum of eight (8) semester hours, including two semester hours of
laboratory work.
- Inorganic/general chemistry: A minimum of eight (8) semester hours, including two
semester hours of laboratory work.
- Organic chemistry: A minimum of eight (8) semester hours, including two semester hours
of laboratory work.
- Biochemistry: A minimum of three (3) semester hours.
- English: A minimum of six (6) semester hours of composition with emphasis on technical
language skills.
Additional consideration will be given to candidates who have taken courses in anatomy (3
hours), physiology (4 hours), microbiology (4 hours), and physics (4 hours). Students should
consider additional courses in cell biology, histology, immunology and molecular/genetic biology.
Understanding of these sciences will be beneficial for the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) sessions of
the curriculum.
The School of Dentistry recommends applicants to spend 100 hours job shadowing in a clinical
dental setting.
*LECOM will consider coursework from accredited community colleges to meet any of the 90 credit
course hour requirements for prerequisites and electives. The College will also accept Advanced
Placement (AP) credit for prerequisites and electives upon review by the admissions committee.
The LECOM School of Dental Medicine only accepts applicants who are U.S. citizens or permanent
residents.