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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

University of Utah School of Dentistry (DMD) Dental School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Salt Lake City, UT, United StatesEstablished 2013Interviews October–FebruaryDecisions Rolling admissions, final decisions March–April

Photo: MrSchmidt · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Overview

About University of Utah School of Dentistry (DMD)

The University of Utah School of Dentistry, established in 2012–2013 within the University of Utah Health system, was created to address Utah's significant dental workforce shortage — particularly in rural communities. It welcomed its inaugural DDS class of 20 students in August 2013 and graduated its first class in 2017; the cohort has since grown to roughly 50 students per year. The school benefits from the University of Utah's strong health sciences infrastructure and research capabilities.

What makes it different

Applications via ADEA AADSAS. University of Utah School of Dentistry is one of the newest dental schools in the US, established to fill Utah's dental workforce gap. Being part of the University of Utah Health system gives students access to a major academic medical center. The Mountain West setting provides rural training opportunities and a strong regional placement network.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year DMD curriculum integrating biomedical sciences with clinical training. Early patient contact emphasis to address the school's workforce mission. Clinical training at University of Utah dental clinics and affiliated community health centers in Salt Lake City and rural Utah.

Research strengths

University of Utah School of Dentistry (DMD) has notable research strength in Oral health disparities, Dental workforce, Mountain West oral health, Oral-systemic links, Community oral health.

Interview

University of Utah School of Dentistry (DMD) interviews via Traditional and/or MMI-style interview. University of Utah School of Dentistry conducts structured interviews at its Salt Lake City campus, typically using a combination of traditional and MMI-style formats. The interview day includes one-on-one faculty sessions and structured scenario stations. Interviewers assess motivation for dentistry, commitment to Utah and Mountain West communities, manual dexterity, ethical reasoning, ADA professionalism, and oral-systemic health awareness. Interviewers are especially interested in candidates committed to addressing Utah's dental workforce shortage, particularly in rural Mountain West communities.

Intake

Approximately 50–70 students per year (newer program).

At a glance

Founded in 2013, based in Salt Lake City, UT. Programmes offered: General Dentistry, Community Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, Prosthodontics.

Entry requirements

What you need to apply to University of Utah School of Dentistry (DMD)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Utah residents have significant preference as a new public school with a workforce mission. Dental experience, community service, and commitment to Utah communities expected.
GPA median
3.55 overall / 3.49 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
8.0%
Class size
60
In-state preference
Strong — primarily in-state
In-state matriculants
75%
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Utah residency, dental workforce commitment, dental experience, academic record.
Notes
Estimates from school data and ADEA AADSAS; verify current cycle. DAT Academic Average median approximately 18–21 (hedged). New program — data is limited; verify directly.
Specialities offered
General Dentistry, Community Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, Prosthodontics
Interview

How University of Utah School of Dentistry (DMD) interviews applicants

Format
Traditional and/or MMI-style interview
Interview window
October–February
Decision date
Rolling admissions, final decisions March–April
Post-interview chances
Approximately 35–50% post-interview (estimated; new program).
Tutor insight
University of Utah interviews are mission-driven — demonstrate genuine commitment to addressing Utah's dental workforce shortage and interest in practicing in the Mountain West. Show leadership, adaptability, and genuine enthusiasm for the school's rural-Utah workforce mission. Utah residents have a meaningful advantage. Research Utah oral health data before your interview.
Practice

Practise for your University of Utah School of Dentistry (DMD) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank485 dentistry questions inside

Interview questions matched to University of Utah School of Dentistry (DMD)

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

HardMMI · CASPerQ1

Cosmetic Dentistry Ethics: Meeting Patient Demands vs. Clinical Appropriateness

Cosmetic dentistry — including dental veneers, whitening, smile makeovers, and purely aesthetic crown placement — occupies a complex ethical space. Some procedures, such as porcelain veneers requiring enamel reduction on otherwise healthy teeth, are irreversible and primarily elective. Patients may seek these procedures based on social media influencer images or unrealistic aesthetic expectations. The ADA Code's principles of veracity, autonomy, and beneficence all bear on these encounters. How do you navigate the ethics of cosmetic dental procedures, and where do you see the limits of patient autonomy in elective irreversible treatments?

Likely follow-up · A 22-year-old patient with healthy, naturally shaped teeth requests porcelain veneers on their 10 upper front teeth — the six upper anteriors plus the four upper premolars because they want to look like a celebrity whose smile they show you on their phone. What is your clinical and ethical response?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
MediumPanelQ2

Research Aligned to a Public-Health Mission

Our college has a strong public-health and access mission, and faculty conduct community-based research, including projects funded through agencies like NIDCR and HRSA on topics such as fluoridation, sealant programs, and care for underserved populations. If you joined us, what kind of oral-health access or policy question would you most want to investigate, and how would you go about studying it responsibly?

Likely follow-up · Why does that particular access or policy question matter to you, and what gap in current knowledge would your work address?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
Get support

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FAQ

University of Utah School of Dentistry (DMD) — frequently asked questions

Apply to University of Utah School of Dentistry (DMD) with confidence

We've helped students turn their DAT, personal statement and interview prep into offers from University of Utah School of Dentistry (DMD) and other US dentistry schools.