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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

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

Location Minneapolis, MN, United StatesEstablished 1888Interviews October–FebruaryDecisions Rolling admissions
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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 it 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.

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.

Research strengths

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (DDS) has notable research strength in Oral biology, Community oral health, Craniofacial genetics, Dental materials, Oral-systemic connections.

Interview

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (DDS) interviews via MMI (multiple mini-interview) — virtual scenario stations.

Intake

Approximately 90–100 students per year.

At a glance

Founded in 1888, based in Minneapolis, MN. Programmes offered: Orthodontics, Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Biology, Community Oral Health.

Entry requirements

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

Admission overview
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.
GPA median
3.65 overall / 3.61 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
6.0%
Class size
95
In-state preference
Strong — primarily in-state
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
MN residency, community health, interprofessional care, dental experience.
Notes
GPA medians hedged. DAT Academic Average median approximately 20–22 (hedged). Strong in-state preference as primary MN dental school.
Specialities offered
Orthodontics, Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Biology, Community Oral Health
Interview

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

Format
MMI (multiple mini-interview) — virtual scenario stations
Interview window
October–February
Decision date
Rolling admissions
Post-interview chances
Approximately 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 our tutors flagged as a strong fit for University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (DDS)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

MediumPanelQ1

Holistic Review: Non-Traditional Pre-Dental Pathway

You completed a bachelor's degree in fine arts with a minor in biology, worked two years as a ceramics studio instructor, and then completed your dental science prerequisites through a post-baccalaureate program. Your DAT score is solid but your science GPA from the post-bac is the primary academic metric on your application. How do you make the case that your non-traditional background strengthens rather than weakens your candidacy, and what specific competencies has your path developed that a conventional biology pre-dental track might not?

Likely follow-up · An interviewer asks directly: 'Why didn't you pursue dentistry from the beginning? Did you lack focus or commitment?' How do you respond to this implicitly critical framing?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
MediumPanelQ2

Navigating the ADEA AADSAS Application Pathway

Almost all U.S. dental schools use the ADEA AADSAS centralized application. Describe what you understand about how the AADSAS pathway works, and talk us through how you approached building your own application through it. What did navigating that process teach you about your commitment to dentistry?

Likely follow-up · AADSAS opens in mid-May and dental schools admit on a rolling basis. How did the timing of the cycle shape your strategy, and what would you advise a future applicant about submitting early?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
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DAT & Admissions

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

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Interview preparation

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FAQ

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

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