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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) Dental School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Loma Linda, CA, United StatesEstablished 1953Interviews (2027 entry) October 2026–February 2027Decisions (2027 entry) Rolling admissions
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Full guide

How to get into Loma Linda University School 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 Loma Linda University School 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 Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS)

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, founded in 1953, is a private Seventh-day Adventist dental school located in Loma Linda, California. Known for its whole-person health philosophy, global health mission, and strong specialty programs, Loma Linda Dentistry trains dentists with a dual emphasis on clinical excellence and humanitarian service.

The school has one of the most active international dental mission programs of any US dental school, sending student teams to underserved communities globally. Loma Linda's Inland Empire location provides access to a large, diverse patient population.

What makes Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) different

Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Loma Linda's global dental mission program is among the most active of any US dental school. The whole-person health philosophy — treating patients physically, mentally, and spiritually — permeates the curriculum. The school's Seventh-day Adventist heritage influences campus culture, including a vegetarian cafeteria and a Sabbath-observant campus schedule.

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year DDS curriculum integrating biomedical sciences and clinical training within a whole-person health philosophy. Patient care begins in Year 2 at Loma Linda's on-campus dental clinics. International dental mission rotations available in Years 3–4 for students who wish to complete short-term global health service. Interprofessional education with Loma Linda's Schools of Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, and Allied Health.

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) research strengths

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) is strong in these research areas:

  • Craniofacial biology
  • Dental biomaterials
  • Global oral health
  • Oral cancer prevention
  • Whole-person health

How the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) interview runs

Format: Traditional one-on-one or panel interview at Loma Linda, CA campus

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry conducts traditional faculty interviews at its Loma Linda, California campus, typically one or two sessions of 30–45 minutes. Interview day includes a campus tour and an opportunity to meet current dental students.

Loma Linda is a Seventh-day Adventist institution and interviewers place strong emphasis on whole-person health values, mission service orientation, and global oral health engagement.

The school's Christian faith tradition is central to its ethos — while applicants of all faiths are welcomed, demonstrating alignment with its values of service, compassionate care, and global health mission is important for a strong interview performance.

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) intake

Approximately 80–100 students per year.

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) at a glance

Founded in 1953. Based in Loma Linda, CA.

Programmes offered:

  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontics
  • General Practice Residency
Entry requirements

What you need to apply to Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. No California residency preference — private institution. Commitment to Loma Linda's whole-person health and service mission is important. Dental experience, manual dexterity documentation, and community service record expected.
GPA median
3.65 overall / 3.60 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
5.5%
Class size
100
In-state preference
None
CASPer
Not required
AAMC PREview
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Service mission alignment, global health interest, dental experience, manual dexterity, community service record.
Notes
Estimates from publicly available ADEA AADSAS data; verify for current cycle. DAT Academic Average median approximately 20–22 (hedged). Private Seventh-day Adventist institution — no in-state preference.
Specialities offered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, General Practice Residency

MCAT, GPA, acceptance-rate and class-size figures are taken from Loma Linda University School 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 Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) interviews applicants

Format
Traditional one-on-one or panel interview at Loma Linda, CA campus
Interview window (2027 entry)
October 2026–February 2027
Decision date (2027 entry)
Rolling admissions
Post-interview chances
Approximately 35–45% post-interview (estimated).
Tutor insight
Loma Linda interviews reward applicants who can authentically connect to the school's mission of service, compassionate care, and global oral health. You do not need to be Seventh-day Adventist, but you should understand and respect the school's ethos. Community service, international health experience, and mission-driven dental work are strong differentiators. Avoid treating Loma Linda as simply a California dental school — its culture is distinct and interviewers notice when applicants have not engaged with its values.
Practice

Practise for your Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank485 dentistry questions inside

Interview questions matched to Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS)

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

MediumMMI · PanelQ1

Conflict of Interest: Dental Product Endorsement and Industry Relationships

The dental industry — including dental materials companies, equipment manufacturers, and pharmaceutical firms — maintains active relationships with dental professionals through continuing education sponsorship, product samples, speaking honoraria, and research funding. The ADA Code requires dentists to make treatment recommendations based on patient benefit, not on personal financial relationships with industry.

As a future dental professional, how do you think about managing potential conflicts of interest with industry, and what transparency obligations do you have toward patients?

Likely follow-up · A company whose composite resin you frequently use offers to pay you $2,000 to present a 30-minute case report at a regional dental conference showcasing your success with their product. What do you do?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
HardMMI · PanelQ2

Role Play: Breaking Bad News -- A Suspicious Oral Lesion

Role-play station: During a routine exam you find a firm, non-healing ulcer on the lateral border of a 58-year-old patient's tongue that has been present for over three weeks. You are concerned it could be oral cancer and you need to refer for biopsy. An actor will play the patient, who has come in expecting a simple cleaning.

Demonstrate how you would share this finding and explain the next steps.

Likely follow-up · How would you use a structured framework such as SPIKES to deliver this news?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
Open Prometheus for Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS)Browse 1,106 free questions →
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DAT & Admissions

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Interview preparation

Practise the Traditional interview format with students who interviewed at Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS).

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Personal statement help

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Sources

Where Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS)'s figures come from

Compiled from Loma Linda University School of Dentistry's published admissions material and checked for internal consistency. Not independently re-checked against the official course page for 2027 entry — confirm the figures with the school before you rely on them.

Loma Linda University School 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

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) — frequently asked questions

Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. No California residency preference — private institution. Commitment to Loma Linda's whole-person health and service mission is important. Dental experience, manual dexterity documentation, and community service record expected.

Apply to Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) with confidence

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