University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS)
Lincoln, NE, US
Lincoln, NE, US•Est. 1899
University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) Dental School - 2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format
The University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry in Lincoln is Nebraska's public dental school, founded in 1899. As UNMC's dental programme, 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.
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 Format
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).
What to expect at a University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) interview
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 practise in the state after graduation.
What makes University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) 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.
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.
PrometheusQuestion Bank
405 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.
Medium·MMI · PanelQ1
Communicating Treatment Cost and Financial Barriers with Dignity
A patient in your dental school clinic learns that the comprehensive treatment plan recommended for her requires $2,200 in patient co-payments after the school's reduced-fee schedule. She becomes visibly upset and says: "I just can't afford that. I'm already choosing between food and rent." How do you respond in the moment, and how do you navigate this conversation in a way that preserves her dignity, provides her with accurate information about alternatives, and maintains the therapeutic relationship?
Likely follow-up · The patient mentions that she has a dental emergency — an infected molar — that needs immediate attention. Does the financial barrier change how you prioritize her care today, and does it create any ethical obligations on the school clinic?
3 expert tips in Prometheus
Medium·PanelQ2
Holistic Review: Reapplicant With a Strengthened Application
You are applying to dental school for the second time. Last year, you applied with a 3.2 GPA and a DAT total science score of 18, and were not admitted. Since then, you have completed a post-baccalaureate program and raised your relevant science GPA to 3.6, retaken the DAT and improved to a 21, obtained 200 additional dental shadowing hours, and taken on a significant community health volunteer role. You are sitting in front of an admissions committee that knows all of this from your application. What do you want them to understand about your trajectory between application cycles, and how do you demonstrate that the growth in your application numbers reflects genuine growth in your readiness?
Likely follow-up · One interviewer asks directly: 'What specifically went wrong in your original preparation, and how do you know you've fixed it?' How do you answer this question honestly without sounding defensive or over-explaining?
Apply to University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) with confidence
We've helped students get into University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) and other US dentistry schools. Get tailored support for each stage of the application.
University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) - Frequently asked questions
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.
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 practise in the state after graduation.
University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (DDS) typically interviews in September–February.
Decisions are released Rolling admissions.
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.
