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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

University of Alabama School of Dentistry (DMD) Dental School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Birmingham, AL, United StatesEstablished 1948Interviews October–MarchDecisions Rolling admissions

Photo: Mx. Granger · CC0

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Overview

About University of Alabama School of Dentistry (DMD)

The University of Alabama School of Dentistry (UASD), founded in 1948, is the only dental school in the state of Alabama and is located on the UAB Health Sciences campus in Birmingham. As a public institution, UASD has a strong mission to serve Alabama communities, particularly in underserved rural areas. The school offers a four-year DMD program with comprehensive clinical training at its on-campus dental clinic and affiliated community health sites.

What makes it different

Applications via ADEA AADSAS. As the sole dental school in Alabama, UASD carries a public mission to train dentists for the state's underserved communities, particularly in the rural Black Belt region. In-state applicants make up a large majority of matriculants, giving Alabama residents a meaningful statistical advantage.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year DMD curriculum integrating biomedical sciences with clinical skills from Year 1. Simulation lab training in Years 1–2; patient care in the on-campus UAB Dental Clinic and community rotations in Years 2–4. Rural and underserved rotation opportunities across Alabama.

Research strengths

University of Alabama School of Dentistry (DMD) has notable research strength in Oral biology, Craniofacial genetics, Cariology, Oral cancer detection, Dental materials.

Interview

University of Alabama School of Dentistry (DMD) interviews via Traditional one-on-one or panel interview with faculty. UAB Dentistry conducts traditional faculty interviews at its Birmingham campus, typically lasting 30–45 minutes. Interviewers assess motivation for dentistry, manual dexterity experiences, understanding of the oral-systemic health connection, and commitment to serving Alabama communities. Interview day includes a tour of the simulation lab and clinic facilities. Rolling decisions are typically issued within 4–8 weeks of interview. As Alabama's only dental school, interviewers appreciate genuine ties to the state and an awareness of dental access challenges in rural Alabama.

Intake

Approximately 80–83 students per year.

At a glance

Founded in 1948, based in Birmingham, AL. Programmes offered: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Orthodontics.

Entry requirements

What you need to apply to University of Alabama School of Dentistry (DMD)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Alabama residents have a significant advantage as the only public dental school in the state. Manual dexterity documentation, dental shadowing experience, and strong academic record expected.
GPA median
3.78 overall / 3.72 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
9.5%
Class size
83
In-state preference
Strong — primarily in-state
In-state matriculants
75%
CASPer
Not required
AAMC PREview
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Alabama residency, dental experience, manual dexterity, community service, academic record.
Notes
Estimates from publicly available ADEA AADSAS data and class profiles; verify for current cycle. DAT Academic Average median approximately 19–21 (hedged). In-state preference significant as only public dental school in Alabama.
Specialities offered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Orthodontics
Interview

How University of Alabama School of Dentistry (DMD) interviews applicants

Format
Traditional one-on-one or panel interview with faculty
Interview window
October–March
Decision date
Rolling admissions
Post-interview chances
Approximately 35–50% post-interview (estimated, strong in-state preference).
Tutor insight
Alabama residents should lean into their ties to the state and any rural or community healthcare experiences. Out-of-state applicants need a compelling reason for choosing UAB over schools in their home state — a family connection to Alabama or a specific research or clinical interest can help. Demonstrate awareness of oral health disparities in rural Alabama and an understanding of the oral-systemic health link. Manual dexterity experiences (art, crafts, technical work) are valued highly at dental schools and should be highlighted.
Practice

Practise for your University of Alabama School of Dentistry (DMD) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank485 dentistry questions inside

Interview questions matched to University of Alabama School of Dentistry (DMD)

Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for University of Alabama School of Dentistry (DMD)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

MediumPanel · MMIQ1

Oral Cancer Screening: The Dentist's Role in Early Detection

Oral cancer has a 5-year relative survival rate of approximately 70% overall, but this rises to nearly 89% when detected at an early, localized stage (SEER, oral cavity and pharynx, 2016-2022). Despite dentists being uniquely positioned to perform routine visual oral cancer screenings at every recall appointment, many do not perform them systematically. As a future dentist, how do you think about your role in oral cancer screening, and what would you do in your practice to ensure this public health opportunity is not missed?

Likely follow-up · HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are rising rapidly, particularly among non-smoking adults. How does this epidemiological shift change who you consider high-risk and how you counsel patients?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
HardPanelQ2

The five ADA principles in tension

The ADA Code rests on five principles: patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and veracity. Tell me about a single dental scenario in which at least two of these principles pull against each other, and explain how you would reason through the conflict.

Likely follow-up · Is any one of the five principles inherently more important than the others, or is it always case-by-case?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
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FAQ

University of Alabama School of Dentistry (DMD) — frequently asked questions

Apply to University of Alabama School of Dentistry (DMD) with confidence

We've helped students turn their DAT, personal statement and interview prep into offers from University of Alabama School of Dentistry (DMD) and other US dentistry schools.