Admission Requirements

Below are listed the SDM’s admissions requirements. Download our Admissions Planning Worksheet.

GPA –

• Overall GPA – 2.85
• Science GPA – 2.85

Credit hours –

Minimum of three years (90 semester or 135 quarter credit hours) at a regionally accredited college or university; however, preference is for applicants who will be completing or have completed a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited college or university. 

Courses – must be lecture courses; lab courses do not count

• 2 Courses
  • General Chemistry
  • Organic Chemistry 
  • General Biology or Zoology  
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (combined course or two individual courses)
• 1 Course
  • General Biochemistry
  • General Microbiology
  • General Physics
  • English (1 course 3 credits)
  • Social/Behavioral Science Course

We do not select or give preference to a particular undergraduate major or field of study. Our admissions committee encourages diversity in the majors of our applicants. 

Transcripts must not be older than 10 years.

Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is not required. 

Demonstrated interest and commitment to providing care to those in rural and/or medically underserved communities.

Shadowing Hours – at least 50 hours
SDM encourages applicants to diversify the procedures the candidate observes.  Virtual shadowing will not qualify.  For individuals that have worked as a dental assistant or dental hygienist within the last three years, shadowing hours will be waived.

Volunteer/Community Service Hours – at least 50 hours within the last 5 years
Activities need to have “diversified” events, not just medical and dental. Exceptional candidates will have demonstrated consistent and recent experience.

Letters of Recommendation – 3 required

• 1 science faculty who has graded your work
• 1 dentist
• 1 optional (open letter)

There are specific minimum core performance standards, or technical standards, needed to be a dental clinician. The SDM has created a policy regarding these standards. Please see the policy linked below.

Technical Standards Policy

The School of Dental Medicine is pleased to waive any missing science prerequisite courses for applicants who meet the following requirements.

Requirements: 

• Completion of an accredited dental hygiene program in Washington state within 3-8 year prior to application
• Meet all admission requirements for general admission*, not including prerequisite courses
• Must have been awarded a bachelor’s degree in either dental hygiene or a science, such as biology or chemistry
• Complete and pass PNWU biomedical sciences refresher course prior to starting the DMD program

*If you have worked as a dental hygienist within the last 3 years, shadowing hours will also be waived.