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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry is a US DDS program in Loma Linda, CA that takes 2027-entry applications through ADEA AADSAS. Its published class profile lists a median GPA of 3.65, a 5.5% acceptance rate and a class of 100. The school holds a traditional interview: October 2026–February 2027.

Location
Loma Linda, CA, United States
Established
1953
Interviews (2027 entry)
October 2026–February 2027
Decisions (2027 entry)
Rolling admissions
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Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) — Daytime landscape panorama of the Loma Linda University Health campus in…Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) — Nichol Hall on the campus of Loma Linda University in Loma Linda

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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 invites selected applicants to LLUSD for a personal interview; the school does not describe the interview format or length. 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.

Where Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS) is

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry was founded in 1953 and is based in Loma Linda, CA.

Programmes offered:

  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontics
  • General Practice Residency
Practise

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Entry requirements

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

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

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Dentistry — 2027 entry at a glance
GPA (median)3.65
Acceptance rate5.5%
Class size100
In-state preferenceNo stated in-state preference
Interview formatTraditional interview
IntakeApproximately 80–100 students per year
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Dentistry admissions profile — 2027 entry
Admission overviewBachelor'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 median3.65 overall / 3.60 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate5.5%
Class size100
In-state preferenceNone
CASPerNot required
AAMC PREviewNot required
Holistic review emphasisService mission alignment, global health interest, dental experience, manual dexterity, community service record.
NotesEstimates 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. Checked 2026-09-12: this school publishes no class DAT average, so none is quoted.
Specialities offeredOral 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

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Dentistry interview — 2027 entry
FormatTraditional 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 chancesApproximately 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 from our US bank that match Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (DDS)’s panel format. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

HardMMI · PanelQ1

Evaluating an Applicant With a Criminal Record

You sit on a dental school admissions committee. Licensure requires a finding of good moral character, and applicants must disclose criminal history. A 29-year-old applicant was convicted at 21 of a DUI that caused minor injuries to another person; he served a 30-day sentence, completed three years' probation, paid restitution, and has had no legal issues in eight years.

He disclosed this candidly and writes with evident reflection about the harm he caused. He has four years' experience as a dental assistant, strong letters, a 3.7 GPA and a strong DAT score. How should the committee evaluate his candidacy?

Likely follow-up · A colleague argues that anyone who has harmed another person should never enter a profession built on trust. How do you respond?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
MediumMMI · PanelQ2

Why Dentistry and Not Medicine

Many applicants seriously consider medicine before committing to dentistry. What specifically drew you to dentistry over medicine, and how do you know this is a choice you will be content with over a 30-plus-year career rather than a default you settled into?

Likely follow-up · Both physicians and dentists diagnose and treat disease. What is genuinely distinctive about the dentist's day-to-day work that appealed to you?

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

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Interview preparation

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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 school's own website 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.

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