 Admission RequirementsCandidates for admission to the College of Dental Medicine must demonstrate that they are prepared to function as highly competent, caring students and future health care professionals. The College of Dental Medicine seeks a diverse and balanced student population and considers factors such as grade point average (GPA), a well-rounded background, dentistry related work experiences, community service, interpersonal skills, letters of recommendation, Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores and a commitment to compassionate health care.
Requirements for Admission
- A minimum of 90 semester hours or 135 quarter hours at an accredited college or university. Candidates who have received or will receive a baccalaureate degree or who have completed units in excess of the minimum required will be given preference. Exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis.
- Computer literacy in the operation and management of a laptop computer.
- All applicants are required to complete the DAT.
- Applicants must complete the following prerequisite courses:
- General Biology with lab - 2 semesters or 3 quarters
- General Chemistry with lab - 2 semesters or 3 quarters
- Organic Chemistry with lab - 2 semesters or 3 quarters
- General Physics with lab - 2 semesters or 3 quarters
- College English Composition - 2 semesters or 3 quarters
Courses that are Highly Recommended
- Biochemistry
- Human Anatomy
- Human Physiology
- Genetics
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
- Calculus 1
- Biometrics
- Psychology
- Conversational Spanish
Notes Regarding Prerequisites
- Prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of "C" or better at an accredited college or university. A grade of "C-" in any prerequisite course is not acceptable.
- Prerequisite courses must be transferable. Transferable courses are those designated for baccalaureate credit by the college or university offering the courses.
- Introductory level courses in the sciences are not accepted.
- All prerequisite coursework in progress at the time of application must be completed no later than the spring semester or quarter prior to registration date in August. Summer session courses taken immediately prior to matriculation at Western University are not accepted.
- WesternU does not accept substitutions or waive any of the prerequisite courses.
- English courses must be taken out of the English department. English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are not accepted for the English requirement.
- Advanced Placement, Transfer of Credit, CLEP or Credit for Experimental Learning is not recognized by the program.
Standardized Examinations
Dental Admissions Test (DAT): All applicants are required to take the DAT. Please visit the American Dental Association website for more testing information.
- DAT scores are valid for 3 years
- DAT must be taken by October 15, 2008
- Canadian DAT's are not accepted
- DAT scores must be received before the application will be considered
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): The TOEFL, including essay, is required for all applicants submitting coursework from foreign schools, and all permanent and temporary residents of the United States. Exception: The TOEFL exam will be waived for students who have graduated with a confirmed baccalaureate or higher degree from a United States institution at the time of application. A minimum score of 213 for the Computer Based test, 550 for the Paper Based test or 79 for the new Internet Based TOEFL test must be submitted at the time of application. TOEFL scores are valid for two (2) years. TOEFL scores will not be waived for pending baccalaureate degrees or pending naturalization appointments. For more information regarding the TOEFL test, please visit their website at www.toefl.org.
Applicants with Foreign Coursework
Applicants who wish to use coursework completed outside the United States must submit their transcripts for evaluation to a Western University Approved Service at the candidate's expense. A course-by-course evaluation is required and all coursework must be designated as undergraduate, graduate or professional. Western University only honor evaluations from one of the above services. The official evaluation must be included with the supplemental application packet.
International Students
International students and any other applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S. should be prepared to provide proof of legal U.S. residency at the time of interview. Proof of legal U.S. residency is required prior to any offer of acceptance. For more detailed information, please visit our web page for International Students.
Experience
All applicants must have documented a minimum of 30 hours of dental experience, either paid or volunteer. Demonstrated community service through volunteerism or service-oriented employment is encouraged.
The information herein is subject to change without notice at the discretion of the Board of Trustees of the University. Please visit our website periodically for updates and/or changes. | 
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