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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) Dental School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Lincoln, NE, United StatesEstablished 1899Interviews September–FebruaryDecisions Rolling admissions
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Full guide

How to get into University of Nebraska Medical Center College 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 Nebraska Medical Center College 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 Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS)

The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln is Nebraska's public dental school, founded in 1899. As UNMC's dental program, it sits within one of the Midwest's major health sciences universities alongside medicine, pharmacy, and nursing. The school trains the majority of Nebraska's dental workforce and has a strong community dental health mission, operating clinics that serve patients across the socioeconomic spectrum in Lincoln and the surrounding region.

What makes it different

Applications via ADEA AADSAS. UNMC College of Dentistry is Nebraska's only public dental school, founded in 1899 and serving the state's dental workforce needs. Located on UNMC's Lincoln campus — part of a broader health sciences university that includes medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health — the dental school benefits from strong interprofessional education opportunities. Nebraska residents benefit substantially from in-state tuition and admissions preference.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year DDS curriculum. UNMC COD integrates basic and clinical sciences across all four years. Clinical training at the Lincoln dental clinic serves a diverse patient base including underinsured patients. Interprofessional education with UNMC College of Medicine, Pharmacy, and Nursing provides collaborative health sciences training.

Research strengths

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) has notable research strength in Oral biology, Periodontal disease, Community oral health, Dental biomaterials, Craniofacial development.

Interview

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) interviews via Traditional one-on-one or small panel interview with faculty. Applicants invited for an on-campus interview at the UNMC College of Dentistry in Lincoln are assessed through a traditional faculty interview (one-on-one or small panel), a clinic and facilities tour, and informal sessions with current dental students. Interviewers evaluate motivation for dentistry, communication skills, academic preparation, and alignment with the school's mission to serve Nebraska communities. Nebraska residents have a significant admissions advantage, and interviewers may probe plans to practice in the state after graduation.

Intake

Approximately 50–60 students per year.

At a glance

Founded in 1899, based in Lincoln, NE. Programmes offered: General Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Community Oral Health.

Entry requirements

What you need to apply to University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Nebraska residents have a significant advantage as the state's public dental school. Academic record, dental experience, and community involvement expected.
GPA median
3.82 overall / 3.76 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
10.0%
Class size
55
In-state preference
Strong — primarily in-state
In-state matriculants
70%
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Nebraska residency, DAT, GPA, dental experience, community service.
Notes
GPA medians hedged. DAT Academic Average median approximately 20–22 (hedged). Strong in-state preference as Nebraska's public dental school. Estimates from public AAMC FACTS / AACOMAS / ADEA AADSAS / class-profile; verify current cycle.
Specialities offered
General Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Community Oral Health
Interview

How University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) interviews applicants

Format
Traditional one-on-one or small panel interview with faculty
Interview window
September–February
Decision date
Rolling admissions
Post-interview chances
Approximately 35–50% post-interview (estimated; smaller public school class).
Tutor insight
Nebraska residents have a strong advantage at UNMC COD — the school's primary mission is to train dentists for Nebraska. Out-of-state applicants should have a clear connection to Nebraska or a compelling case for wanting to train there. The interprofessional UNMC campus is a genuine asset — articulating interest in collaborative healthcare practice will strengthen your application.
Practice

Practise for your University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank485 dentistry questions inside

Interview questions matched to University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS)

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

MediumPanelQ1

Dental Specialty Choice: Considering a Pediatric Dentistry Residency

Require two years of post-graduate residency training, with board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry remaining voluntary involves treating patients from infancy through adolescence, including those with special healthcare needs. Pediatric dental specialists often serve as primary dental homes for children across the income spectrum, including Medicaid-enrolled patients. You are considering whether to apply for a pediatric dentistry residency after dental school. How do you think about the specialty choice decision, what has drawn you toward pediatric dentistry specifically, and what concerns do you have?

Likely follow-up · Pediatric dentistry residency positions are highly competitive and require two years of post-graduate residency training, with board certification through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry remaining voluntary. How does this pathway compare to entering general practice directly from dental school?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
EasyPanel · MMIQ2

Manual Dexterity: Evidence of Fine Motor Skill

Dentistry demands a high level of manual dexterity working in a confined, mirrored field for hours at a time. Tell us about an activity outside of academics that has developed your fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, and explain how you know you would be suited to the technical, hands-on side of clinical dentistry.

Likely follow-up · How would you respond if a faculty member told you your preclinical wax-up or crown prep was below standard?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
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DAT & Admissions

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Interview preparation

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FAQ

University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) — frequently asked questions

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