University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (DDS)
Buffalo, NY, US
Buffalo, NY, US•Est. 1892
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (DDS) Dental School - 2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format
The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine, founded in 1892, is one of the oldest dental schools in the United States and a flagship SUNY public institution in Western New York. The school trains dentists for Buffalo's diverse, working-class, and historically underserved population, as well as for the broader New York State and national dental workforce. Strong research infrastructure, a large community dental clinic, and co-location with UB's medical school and biomedical research enterprise distinguish UB Dental as a comprehensive public dental training institution.
Entry Requirements
What you need to apply to University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (DDS).
Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. New York State residents have a strong advantage (SUNY flagship). Academic record, dental experience, research interest, and community service expected.
GPA median
3.63 overall / 3.58 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
8.5%
Class size
85
In-state preference
Strong — primarily in-state
In-state matriculants
70%
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
NY residency, DAT, GPA, research experience, dental shadowing, community health.
Notes
GPA medians hedged. DAT Academic Average median approximately 20–22 (hedged). Strong in-state preference as SUNY flagship. Estimates from public AAMC FACTS / AACOMAS / ADEA AADSAS / class-profile; verify current cycle.
Specialities offered
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Biology
Interview Format
How University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (DDS) interviews applicants.
Format
Traditional one-on-one faculty interview
Interview window
September–February
Decision date
Rolling admissions
Post-interview chances
Approximately 30–45% post-interview (estimated).
What to expect at a University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (DDS) interview
Invited applicants attend an interview day at the University at Buffalo's South Campus (Health Sciences). The day includes a one-on-one faculty interview (approximately 30–45 minutes), a tour of the dental clinic and simulation facilities, and informal student interactions. UB is a flagship SUNY research university and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is co-located — interviewers may probe research interest and interprofessional awareness. Buffalo's Rust Belt urban context shapes interview questions about community health, dental access, and workforce service to underserved populations.
What makes University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (DDS) different
Applications via ADEA AADSAS. The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is one of the oldest dental schools in the US (founded 1892) and a flagship SUNY institution. Located in Buffalo, a mid-size Rust Belt city with significant health disparities and oral health needs, the school provides extensive community dental training. Co-location with UB's Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences enables strong interprofessional and research education.
Tutor insight
UB Dental is one of the most academically respected public dental schools in the US — its age, research infrastructure, and SUNY status make it a strong value for New York State residents. Research experience is more valued here than at many public dental schools. The Buffalo clinical environment provides excellent exposure to complex dental disease in an underserved urban population.
PrometheusQuestion Bank
405 dentistry questions inside
Interview questions matched to University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (DDS)
Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (DDS)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.
Medium·PanelQ1
Holistic Review: Evaluating Your Own Application Honestly
Holistic review in dental admissions asks applicants to present the full picture of who they are — not just GPA and DAT scores but their lived experiences, the contexts in which they achieved, their demonstrated commitment to the profession, and their unique contributions to a future dental school class and profession. Standing here today as an applicant, describe the aspects of your profile that are strongest under a holistic review lens, acknowledge honestly the aspects that are weaker or still developing, and explain how your particular combination of background, experience, and motivation makes 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
Medium·Panel · MMIQ2
Dental School Debt Crisis: $300,000+ and Career Decision-Making
The average dental school graduate in the United States carries approximately $293,000 in educational debt, according to ADEA data, with many graduates exceeding $400,000. This debt load shapes career decisions in ways that may not align with public health needs: graduates disproportionately choose urban private practice over rural or underserved community settings, and the financial pressure may accelerate burnout. How do you think about this debt reality as you enter dental school, and what is your strategy for managing it in a way that preserves your professional values?
Likely follow-up · Income-driven repayment plans and Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) are available options for dentists in qualifying settings. What do you know about how PSLF applies to dental professionals, and how does it factor into your planning?
Apply to University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (DDS) with confidence
We've helped students get into University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (DDS) and other US dentistry schools. Get tailored support for each stage of the application.
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (DDS) - Frequently asked questions
Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. New York State residents have a strong advantage (SUNY flagship). Academic record, dental experience, research interest, and community service expected.
Traditional one-on-one faculty interview. Invited applicants attend an interview day at the University at Buffalo's South Campus (Health Sciences). The day includes a one-on-one faculty interview (approximately 30–45 minutes), a tour of the dental clinic and simulation facilities, and informal student interactions. UB is a flagship SUNY research university and the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences is co-located — interviewers may probe research interest and interprofessional awareness. Buffalo's Rust Belt urban context shapes interview questions about community health, dental access, and workforce service to underserved populations.
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (DDS) typically interviews in September–February.
Decisions are released Rolling admissions.
Applications via ADEA AADSAS. The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is one of the oldest dental schools in the US (founded 1892) and a flagship SUNY institution. Located in Buffalo, a mid-size Rust Belt city with significant health disparities and oral health needs, the school provides extensive community dental training. Co-location with UB's Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences enables strong interprofessional and research education.
