UIC College of Dentistry (DMD) Dental School - 2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format
The University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry (UIC COD), founded in 1913, is the dental school of the University of Illinois Chicago — a major public research university with a large health sciences campus in Chicago. UIC COD is one of the most applied-to dental schools in the Midwest and serves one of the most diverse urban patient populations of any US dental school. The school has a deep community health mission, serving Chicago's underserved neighbourhoods through its large dental clinic and community outreach programmes.
Entry Requirements
What you need to apply to UIC College of Dentistry (DMD).
Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. CASPer required. Illinois residents benefit from strong in-state preference (public university mission). Community health commitment, dental experience, and academic record expected.
GPA median
3.77 overall / 3.71 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
6.5%
Class size
72
In-state preference
Strong — primarily in-state
CASPer
Required
Holistic review emphasis
IL residency, community health commitment, dental experience, urban diversity.
Notes
GPA medians hedged. DAT Academic Average median approximately 20–22 (hedged). Strong in-state preference.
Specialities offered
Community Dentistry, Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics
Interview Format
How UIC College of Dentistry (DMD) interviews applicants.
Format
Traditional one-on-one interview with faculty
Interview window
October–February
Decision date
Rolling admissions
Post-interview chances
Approximately 30–40% post-interview (estimated).
What makes UIC College of Dentistry (DMD) different
Applications via ADEA AADSAS. UIC COD's Chicago location provides exposure to one of the most diverse urban patient populations in the US. The school's interprofessional health sciences campus includes medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and public health — enabling rich collaborative educational experiences.
Tutor insight
Illinois residents should consider UIC COD as a strong public school option with Chicago clinical training. The school's focus on health equity and underserved communities in Chicago means articulating a genuine commitment to urban community health will strengthen your application. Interprofessional and community health volunteer experience is particularly valued.
PrometheusQuestion Bank
405 dentistry questions inside
Interview questions matched to UIC College of Dentistry (DMD)
Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for UIC College of Dentistry (DMD)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.
Easy·PanelQ1
Precision and Patience: Building Sculptural Skill Through Non-Dental Activities
Dental school simulation labs require students to carve teeth in wax, prepare precise cavity outlines in typodont models, and perform restorations in a confined, moisture-rich field that demands exceptional spatial reasoning and hand control. Many dental educators note that the students who adapt most readily to clinical simulation are those who have engaged deeply in precision hand crafts, instrument performance, or other fine-motor disciplines. Describe in detail the fine-motor activity you have pursued most seriously, explain the specific techniques you have developed, and articulate how you believe these skills will transfer to dental simulation and clinical practice.
Likely follow-up · In simulation lab, you are asked to carve a Class II wax pattern and the faculty evaluator's feedback is that your marginal ridges are too steep and inconsistent. Walk me through how you would use this feedback to improve your technique before the next session.
3 expert tips in Prometheus
Hard·MMI · PanelQ2
Tribal Dental Health: Serving Native American Communities
American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations experience some of the highest rates of dental caries and tooth loss in the United States, driven by historical trauma, geographic isolation, poverty, underfunding of Indian Health Service dental programs, and cultural factors. The Indian Health Service (IHS) employs dentists and dental hygienists to serve federally recognized tribes, but persistent vacancies limit access. What do you know about oral health in AI/AN communities, and how do you think about whether IHS or tribal health service could be part of your career?
Likely follow-up · Cultural humility is especially important in tribal health settings where historical medical mistrust is deep. What specific practices would you adopt to build trust with patients in a tribal dental clinic?
UIC College of Dentistry (DMD) - Frequently asked questions
Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. CASPer required. Illinois residents benefit from strong in-state preference (public university mission). Community health commitment, dental experience, and academic record expected.
Traditional one-on-one interview with faculty
UIC College of Dentistry (DMD) typically interviews in October–February.
Decisions are released Rolling admissions.
Applications via ADEA AADSAS. UIC COD's Chicago location provides exposure to one of the most diverse urban patient populations in the US. The school's interprofessional health sciences campus includes medicine, pharmacy, nursing, and public health — enabling rich collaborative educational experiences.
