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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

University of Iowa College of Dentistry

2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

University of Iowa College of Dentistry is a US DDS program in Iowa City, IA that takes 2027-entry applications through ADEA AADSAS. Its published class profile lists a median GPA of 3.80, a 6.0% acceptance rate and a class of 85. The school holds a traditional interview: October 2026–February 2027.

Location
Iowa City, IA, United States
Established
1882
Interviews (2027 entry)
October 2026–February 2027
Decisions (2027 entry)
Rolling admissions
Book a mock interviewCompare side-by-sideOfficial course page ↗
University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) — The gold-domed Old Capitol Building on the PentacrestUniversity of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) — Built in 1901-1902University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) — University of Iowa Danforth Chapel

Photo: Tony Webster · CC BY 2.0 · cropped

Photo: w_lemay · CC BY-SA 2.0 · Photo: Андрей Романенко · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Tony Webster from Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States · CC BY-SA 2.0

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Full guide

How to get into University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) dentistry

Step-by-step: entry requirements, DAT prep, personal statement, interview format and the key deadlines.

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Interview guide

Prepare for the University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) interview

Format breakdown, school-specific sample questions, FAQs and prep tips from tutors who interviewed here.

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Overview

About University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS)

The University of Iowa College of Dentistry, founded in 1882, is the dental school of the University of Iowa — a major public AAU research university. Consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the United States, Iowa Dentistry is known for its outstanding clinical training volume, strong research program, and deep commitment to serving Iowa and the rural Midwest.

The school operates the largest university dental clinic in the United States by patient volume.

What makes University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) different

Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Iowa Dentistry operates the highest-volume university dental clinic in the United States — a genuinely distinctive clinical training asset. The school's rural health mission is authentically embedded; graduates serve communities across Iowa and the broader Midwest.

University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year DDS curriculum. Iowa Dentistry's clinic is the highest-volume university dental clinic in the US — students receive extraordinary clinical breadth. Rotations include rural Iowa community sites, giving students real exposure to Midwest rural dental needs. Research electives available through the College of Dentistry's basic science departments.

University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) research strengths

University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) is strong in these research areas:

  • Fluoride and enamel biology
  • Community oral health
  • Periodontal biology
  • Craniofacial genetics
  • Oral microbiology

How the University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) interview runs

Format: One-on-two timed interviews (situational and behavioral questions) with pairs of interviewers; in person, plus one virtual interview day

University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) intake

Approximately 80–90 students per year.

Where University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) is

University of Iowa College of Dentistry was founded in 1882 and is based in Iowa City, IA.

Programmes offered:

  • Community Dentistry
  • Oral Biology
  • Orthodontics
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Practise

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Entry requirements

What you need to apply to University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS)

University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) at a glance

University of Iowa College of Dentistry Dentistry — 2027 entry at a glance
GPA (median)3.80
Acceptance rate6.0%
Class size85
In-state preferenceStrong in-state preference
Interview formatTraditional interview
IntakeApproximately 80–90 students per year
University of Iowa College of Dentistry Dentistry admissions profile — 2027 entry
Admission overviewBachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. CASPer is not required. Iowa residents benefit from strong in-state preference (public school). Dental experience, community service, and academic achievement expected.
GPA median3.80 overall / 3.73 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate6.0%
Class size85
In-state preferenceStrong — primarily in-state
CASPerNot required
Holistic review emphasisIowa residency, rural health commitment, clinical volume interest, dental experience.
NotesGPA per official class profile (cumulative 3.80 / science 3.73). DAT Academic Average approximately 454 on the 200–600 scale (≈ 23 old scale). Largest-volume university dental clinic in the US. Interview format checked 2026-10-07 against https://dentistry.uiowa.edu/education/dds-program/admissions/application-process.
Specialities offeredCommunity Dentistry, Oral Biology, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

MCAT, GPA, acceptance-rate and class-size figures are taken from University of Iowa College of Dentistry's published admissions data. Class profiles are republished each year — confirm which entering class these numbers describe before you rely on them.

Interview

How University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) interviews applicants

University of Iowa College of Dentistry Dentistry interview — 2027 entry
FormatOne-on-two timed interviews (situational and behavioral questions) with pairs of interviewers; in person, plus one virtual interview day
Interview window (2027 entry)October 2026–February 2027
Decision date (2027 entry)Rolling admissions
Post-interview chancesApproximately 30–40% post-interview (estimated).
Tutor insight
Iowa residents should strongly consider the University of Iowa as a top public school value. The extraordinary clinical volume and rural health focus make this an excellent program for applicants interested in serving Midwest communities. Out-of-state applicants should have authentic Midwest or rural connections and a strong overall application.
Practice

Practise for your University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank485 dentistry questions inside

Interview questions matched to University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS)

Two questions from our US bank that match University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS)’s panel format. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

MediumMMI · PanelQ1

Justice for a Patient Who Cannot Pay

The ADA principle of justice requires dentists to treat patients fairly and without discrimination, including delivering care without prejudice based on a patient's ability to pay. A new patient — a 35-year-old uninsured construction worker — presents with significant decay across multiple teeth. You outline a comprehensive treatment plan estimated at $4,800 out-of-pocket.

The patient says he can afford perhaps $600 over the next year. How do you apply the principle of justice in structuring care for this patient, and what are the limits of what an individual dentist can reasonably be expected to provide?

Likely follow-up · How would you prioritize and sequence treatment for this patient given his financial constraint, balancing pain relief, preventing further deterioration, and long-term oral health?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
MediumMMI · PanelQ2

Nonmaleficence and Avoiding Unnecessary Treatment

The ADA principle of nonmaleficence means avoiding not only procedural injury but also unnecessary treatment that exposes patients to risk, cost, and time without benefit. As a new graduate building a practice, how would you honor that obligation when findings are borderline and financial incentives favor treating?

Likely follow-up · A new patient's radiographs show early interproximal caries confined to enamel, and textbooks differ on when to restore. How do you decide between restoring and remineralization?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
Open Prometheus for University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS)Free dentistry interview question bank for University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) applicants →
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DAT & Admissions

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Interview preparation

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Sources

Where University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS)'s figures come from

Checked against University of Iowa College of Dentistry's own website on 15 August 2026: our record for the school was reconciled with what it publishes there. For most US schools that is class size and interview format only, so MCAT, GPA and acceptance-rate figures remain unconfirmed.

University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) — official course page →Entry requirements, interview format and deadlines published by the school itself. The primary source for everything on this page.
FAQ

University of Iowa College of Dentistry (DDS) — frequently asked questions

Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. CASPer is not required. Iowa residents benefit from strong in-state preference (public school). Dental experience, community service, and academic achievement expected.

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