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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is a US DDS program in Minneapolis, MN that takes 2027-entry applications through ADEA AADSAS. Its published class profile lists a median GPA of 3.65, a 6.0% acceptance rate and a class of 95. The school holds a panel interview: October 2026–February 2027.

Location
Minneapolis, MN, United States
Established
1888
Interviews (2027 entry)
October 2026–February 2027
Decisions (2027 entry)
Rolling admissions
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University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (DDS) — The iconic columned neoclassical facade of Cyrus Northrop Memorial…

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Full guide

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

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, founded in 1888, is consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the United States and is the leading dental school in the Upper Midwest. Located at the University of Minnesota's Minneapolis Academic Health Center, the school is part of a major public research university with deep ties to Minnesota's diverse healthcare ecosystem.

Minnesota Dentistry is known for its comprehensive clinical training, strong community partnerships, and innovative curricula.

What makes University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (DDS) different

Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Minnesota Dentistry's interprofessional Academic Health Center location enables genuine collaborative education across medicine, pharmacy, public health, and nursing. The school has a significant immigrant and refugee community dental health program — reflecting Minneapolis's diverse population.

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (DDS) course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year DDS curriculum. Minnesota Dentistry has a large on-campus clinic and community health clinic network across the Twin Cities. Early patient contact model with simulation lab in Year 1 and comprehensive patient care from Year 2. Strong interprofessional education with medical, pharmacy, and public health schools.

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (DDS) research strengths

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

  • Oral biology
  • Community oral health
  • Craniofacial genetics
  • Dental materials
  • Oral-systemic connections

How the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (DDS) interview runs

Format: Two rounds: a recorded Kira interview, then a 20-minute structured, closed-file interview with two faculty members (in person July–November, on Zoom in January–February)

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (DDS) intake

Approximately 90–100 students per year.

Where University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (DDS) is

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry was founded in 1888 and is based in Minneapolis, MN.

Programmes offered:

  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Oral Biology
  • Community Oral Health
Practise

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Entry requirements

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

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (DDS) at a glance

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Dentistry — 2027 entry at a glance
GPA (median)3.65
Acceptance rate6.0%
Class size95
In-state preferenceStrong in-state preference
Interview formatPanel interview
IntakeApproximately 90–100 students per year
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Dentistry admissions profile — 2027 entry
Admission overviewBachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. CASPer is not required. Minnesota residents benefit from strong in-state preference (public school). Dental experience, community service, and academic record expected.
GPA median3.65 overall / 3.61 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate6.0%
Class size95
In-state preferenceStrong — primarily in-state
CASPerNot required
Holistic review emphasisMN residency, community health, interprofessional care, dental experience.
NotesGPA medians hedged. DAT Academic Average median approximately 20–22 (hedged). Strong in-state preference as primary MN dental school. DAT figure sourced 2026-09-12 from https://dentistry.umn.edu/news-events/school-dentistry-welcomes-164-learners-across-programs (ADA 200-600 scale). Interview format checked 2026-10-07 against https://dentistry.umn.edu/doctor-dental-surgery/apply-and-interview (its linked 2025–26 DDS Interview Process document).
Specialities offeredOrthodontics, Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Biology, Community Oral Health

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

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Dentistry interview — 2027 entry
FormatTwo rounds: a recorded Kira interview, then a 20-minute structured, closed-file interview with two faculty members (in person July–November, on Zoom in January–February)
Interview window (2027 entry)October 2026–February 2027
Decision date (2027 entry)Rolling admissions
Post-interview chancesApproximately 30–40% post-interview (estimated).
Tutor insight
Minnesota residents should prioritize U of M Dentistry as an excellent public school option. The school's community health programs and diverse Minneapolis patient population are genuine strengths to highlight in applications. Interprofessional experience — working with nurses, pharmacists, or social workers in healthcare settings — is valued in Minnesota's collaborative curriculum culture.
Practice

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

PrometheusQuestion Bank485 dentistry questions inside

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

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

MediumPanelQ1

Evaluating Your Own Application Honestly

Admissions committees review applicants holistically, looking beyond GPA and DAT scores to lived experience, context and commitment. Which aspects of your profile are strongest under that lens, which are weaker or still developing, and why does your particular combination make you an applicant worth investing in?

Likely follow-up · If you could go back three years and make one different decision in how you prepared for dental school, what would it be and why?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
HardMMI · PanelQ2

Lived Experience in Post-SFFA Admissions

Following the 2023 Supreme Court decisions in SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. UNC, dental schools — like all professional schools — may no longer use race as a factor in admissions decisions.

However, admissions committees may still consider how an applicant's lived experiences, including experiences shaped by race or ethnicity, have influenced their path to dentistry, motivation to serve underserved communities, and capacity to contribute to a diverse learning environment. How do you understand this distinction, and how does it affect how you present your background in your dental school application?

Likely follow-up · How has your own background shaped your decision to pursue dentistry?

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

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Interview preparation

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Sources

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

Compiled from University of Minnesota 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.

University of Minnesota 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

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

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

Apply to University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (DDS) with confidence

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