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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

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

Location Baltimore, MD, United StatesEstablished 1840Interviews October–FebruaryDecisions Rolling admissions
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Full guide

How to get into University of Maryland 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 University of Maryland 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 University of Maryland School of Dentistry (DDS)

The University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD), founded in 1840, is the oldest dental school in the world and the birthplace of professional dental education. Located at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) health sciences campus, UMSOD is part of the University of Maryland Medical System — one of the most comprehensive academic health systems on the US East Coast. The school has a long tradition of innovation in dental education and a strong public health and community dentistry mission.

What makes it different

Applications via ADEA AADSAS. UMSOD's status as the oldest dental school in the world gives it unique historical prestige. The UMB health sciences campus is highly interprofessional. Baltimore's diverse patient population creates rich training in community and public health dentistry.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year DDS curriculum. UMSOD's Baltimore campus integrates clinical training with UMB's medical, pharmacy, and nursing schools. Clinical rotations at the dental school's large clinic, Baltimore community health centers, and Veterans Affairs dental services.

Research strengths

University of Maryland School of Dentistry (DDS) has notable research strength in Dental history, Oral biology, Community dental health, Biomedical materials, Oral-systemic connections.

Interview

University of Maryland School of Dentistry (DDS) interviews via Traditional one-on-one or panel interview.

Intake

Approximately 120–130 students per year.

At a glance

Founded in 1840, based in Baltimore, MD. Programmes offered: Community Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Dental History.

Entry requirements

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

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. CASPer is not required. Maryland residents benefit from strong in-state preference (public school). Dental experience, community service, and academic record expected.
GPA median
3.65 overall / 3.60 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
6.0%
Class size
125
In-state preference
Strong — primarily in-state
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
MD residency, dental experience, community health, academic record.
Notes
GPA medians hedged. DAT Academic Average median approximately 20–22 (hedged). World's oldest dental school (founded 1840).
Specialities offered
Community Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Dental History
Interview

How University of Maryland School of Dentistry (DDS) interviews applicants

Format
Traditional one-on-one or panel interview
Interview window
October–February
Decision date
Rolling admissions
Post-interview chances
Approximately 30–40% post-interview (estimated).
Tutor insight
Maryland residents have a strong advantage at UMSOD — this is an exceptional public school value for in-state applicants. The school's historical identity as the first dental school is a natural conversation topic in interviews; demonstrate your awareness of it. Out-of-state applicants should emphasize community health commitment and Maryland connections if applicable.
Practice

Practise for your University of Maryland School of Dentistry (DDS) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank485 dentistry questions inside

Interview questions matched to University of Maryland School of Dentistry (DDS)

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

HardMMI · PanelQ1

Handling a Clinical Mistake You Made

Imagine that during a procedure as a dental student or practicing dentist you realize you have made a clinical error -- for example, you began preparing the wrong tooth, or a restoration you placed is faulty. Walk us through what you would do in the moment, how you would handle the patient, and how you would process the mistake afterward. You may also draw on a real time you made and owned a mistake.

Likely follow-up · What is the role of honest disclosure and apology when a patient has been harmed by an error?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
MediumPanelQ2

Rural Dental Practice: Opportunity and Challenge

Rural areas of the United States face a persistent shortage of dental providers, with large portions of rural counties classified as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs). Dentists who practice in rural settings often serve as the only provider for a broad range of oral health needs — including care that urban specialists would normally manage — and they work with a patient population that often has higher rates of poverty, dental disease, and limited previous dental care. What draws you to or concerns you about rural dental practice, and how do you think about whether it might be part of your future?

Likely follow-up · In rural practice, you may regularly perform procedures — surgical extractions, space maintainers, basic endodontics — that urban general dentists commonly refer to specialists. How will you prepare for this broader scope of practice in dental school?

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

Plan your DAT prep and AADSAS application strategy for University of Maryland School of Dentistry (DDS).

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Interview preparation

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Personal statement help

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FAQ

University of Maryland School of Dentistry (DDS) — frequently asked questions

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