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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

UTHSC College of Dentistry

2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry is a US DDS program in Memphis, TN that takes 2027-entry applications through ADEA AADSAS. Its published class profile lists a median GPA of 3.58, a 5.5% acceptance rate and a class of 120. The school holds a traditional interview: October 2026–February 2027. Decisions for 2027 entry: Rolling admissions, final decisions by March 2027.

Location
Memphis, TN, United States
Established
1878
Interviews (2027 entry)
October 2026–February 2027
Decisions (2027 entry)
Rolling admissions, final decisions by March 2027
UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) — Exterior of the Dunn Dental BuildingUTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) — Le Bonheur Children's Medical Center in Memphis

Photo: Dclemens1971 · CC BY 4.0 · cropped

Photo: Thomas R Machnitzki · CC BY 3.0 · Photo: Bjoertvedt · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo: Quintin Soloviev · CC BY 4.0

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Overview

About UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS)

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry, founded in 1878, is Tennessee's only public dental school. Located in Memphis, the college trains dentists for practice across Tennessee — particularly in rural and underserved communities — and operates one of the largest dental clinics in the Mid-South.

The college emphasizes comprehensive clinical training with high patient volume and a strong public health focus.

What makes UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) different

Applications via ADEA AADSAS. As Tennessee's sole public dental school, UTHSC carries a strong public service mission. Its Memphis location gives students exposure to a diverse urban patient population with significant oral health needs. Rural rotation opportunities prepare graduates for practice in Tennessee's underserved communities.

UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) course & teaching

Traditional curriculum. 4-year DDS curriculum with preclinical simulation training in Years 1–2 and comprehensive patient care in Years 3–4. UTHSC operates a large dental clinic in Memphis providing extensive clinical exposure. Rural clinical rotation opportunities available across Tennessee.

UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) research strengths

UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) is strong in these research areas:

  • Oral biology
  • Periodontal disease
  • Dental materials
  • Community oral health
  • Craniofacial research

How the UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) interview runs

Format: Traditional one-on-one or panel interview with faculty

UTHSC College of Dentistry grants interviews based on GPA, post-baccalaureate GPA and DAT score, starting in early July; its admissions pages do not describe the interview format, length or setting. Interviews evaluate motivation for dentistry, academic preparedness, dental experience, manual dexterity awareness, and alignment with the school's public service mission.

Interviewers ask about commitment to practicing in Tennessee and serving underserved communities.

UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) intake

Approximately 120 students per year (recently increased from 110, growing toward 130).

Where UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) is

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry was founded in 1878 and is based in Memphis, TN.

Programmes offered:

  • General Dentistry
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontics
Practise

Practise the UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) interview with an AI interviewer

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Entry requirements

What you need to apply to UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS)

UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) at a glance

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry Dentistry — 2027 entry at a glance
GPA (median)3.58
Acceptance rate5.5%
Class size120
In-state matriculants80%
Interview formatTraditional interview
IntakeApproximately 120 students per year (recently increased from 110, growing toward 130)
Decisions (2027 entry)Rolling admissions, final decisions by March 2027
University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry Dentistry admissions profile — 2027 entry
Admission overviewBachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Tennessee residents have a significant advantage as the state's only public dental school. Dental shadowing, manual dexterity experience, and community service expected.
GPA median3.58 overall / 3.52 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate5.5%
Class size120
In-state preferenceStrong — primarily in-state
In-state matriculants80%
CASPerNot required
Holistic review emphasisTennessee residency, dental experience, academic record, public service commitment.
NotesEstimates from ADEA AADSAS and school data; verify current cycle. DAT Academic Average median approximately 19–21 (hedged). Strong in-state preference as sole public TN dental school. Checked 2026-09-12: this school publishes no class DAT average, so none is quoted.
Specialities offeredGeneral Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics

MCAT, GPA, acceptance-rate and class-size figures are taken from University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry's published admissions data. Class profiles are republished each year — confirm which entering class these numbers describe before you rely on them.

Interview

How UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) interviews applicants

University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry Dentistry interview — 2027 entry
FormatTraditional one-on-one or panel interview with faculty
Interview window (2027 entry)October 2026–February 2027
Decision date (2027 entry)Rolling admissions, final decisions by March 2027
Post-interview chancesApproximately 35–50% post-interview (estimated; strong for Tennessee residents).
Tutor insight
Tennessee residents have a strong advantage at UTHSC — the school trains dentists for the state, so demonstrating intent to practice in Tennessee strengthens your application significantly. Out-of-state applicants need a very competitive profile. Research oral health disparities in Tennessee and Memphis community health needs before your interview. Dental experience and manual dexterity evidence are closely evaluated.
Practice

Practise for your UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank485 dentistry questions inside

Interview questions matched to UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS)

Two questions from our US bank that match UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS)’s panel format. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.

MediumMMI · PanelQ1

Your Long-Term Vision in U.S. Dentistry

Looking 10 to 15 years ahead, where do you realistically see yourself in U.S. dentistry — general private practice, a specialty, public health or community dentistry, academia, or another path — and what is it about that vision that motivates you now, at the start of your training?

Likely follow-up · Specializing means additional postdoctoral residency, often with more debt and a delayed income. How do you weigh that against the appeal of a specialty?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
HardMMI · PanelQ2

Integrating New Evidence When It Contradicts Established Practice

Imagine that, several years into practice, a high-quality systematic review concludes that a procedure you were trained to perform routinely offers little benefit and may carry small but real risks. Many of your respected colleagues continue to do it. Walk us through how you would evaluate this new evidence and decide whether, and how, to change your own practice.

Likely follow-up · What would you actually look at to judge whether this systematic review should change your behavior, rather than just trusting its conclusion?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
Get support

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Sources

Where UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS)'s figures come from

Compiled from University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry's published admissions material and checked for internal consistency. Not independently re-checked against the school's own website for 2027 entry — confirm the figures with the school before you rely on them.

FAQ

UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) — frequently asked questions

Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Tennessee residents have a significant advantage as the state's only public dental school. Dental shadowing, manual dexterity experience, and community service expected.

Apply to UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) with confidence

We've helped students turn their DAT, personal statement and interview prep into offers from UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) and other US dentistry schools.