UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) Dental School - 2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format
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 emphasises comprehensive clinical training with high patient volume and a strong public health focus.
Entry Requirements
What you need to apply to UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS).
Admission overview
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.
GPA median
3.58 overall / 3.52 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
5.5%
Class size
120
In-state preference
Strong — primarily in-state
In-state matriculants
80%
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Tennessee residency, dental experience, academic record, public service commitment.
Notes
Estimates 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.
Specialities offered
General Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics
Interview Format
How UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) interviews applicants.
Format
Traditional one-on-one or panel interview with faculty
Interview window
October–February
Decision date
Rolling admissions, final decisions by March
Post-interview chances
Approximately 35–50% post-interview (estimated; strong for Tennessee residents).
What to expect at a UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) interview
UTHSC College of Dentistry conducts traditional faculty interviews on its Memphis campus, typically lasting 30–45 minutes. The session evaluates motivation for dentistry, academic preparedness, dental experience, manual dexterity awareness, and alignment with the school's public service mission. Interviewers ask about commitment to practising in Tennessee and serving underserved communities. The interview day includes campus and clinic tours.
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.
Tutor insight
Tennessee residents have a strong advantage at UTHSC — the school trains dentists for the state, so demonstrating intent to practise 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.
PrometheusQuestion Bank
405 dentistry questions inside
Interview questions matched to UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS)
Two questions our tutors flagged as a strong fit for UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS)’s interview style. Try answering them out loud, then open Prometheus for the model answers and follow-up tips.
Easy·PanelQ1
DDS vs. DMD Degree: Addressing Patient Confusion
The United States awards two dental degrees — the DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and the DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) — that are functionally equivalent but carry different names depending on the institution. Patients and even some employers occasionally believe one is superior to the other. How would you explain this distinction to a confused patient, and what does the existence of two equivalent degree titles tell you about how dental education has evolved in the United States?
Likely follow-up · If a patient explicitly states they prefer a DDS dentist over a DMD dentist, how do you handle the conversation professionally?
3 expert tips in Prometheus
Hard·Panel · MMIQ2
Geography of Dental Care: Shortage Areas and Medically Underserved Communities
HRSA designates many rural counties and tribal lands as Dental Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), meaning the ratio of dentists to population falls far below the recommended threshold. Meanwhile, urban high-income neighborhoods often have an oversupply of dental practices. This geographic maldistribution means that residents of HPSAs may travel hours for routine dental care or forgo it entirely. As a dental student and future practitioner, how should you think about where you practice and what obligations — if any — you have to address geographic dental deserts?
Likely follow-up · NHSC loan-repayment programs incentivize dental graduates to practice in HPSAs. What factors beyond financial incentives might motivate or deter a new dentist from serving in a rural or tribal community?
Apply to UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) with confidence
We've helped students get into UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) and other US dentistry schools. Get tailored support for each stage of the application.
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.
Traditional one-on-one or panel interview with faculty. UTHSC College of Dentistry conducts traditional faculty interviews on its Memphis campus, typically lasting 30–45 minutes. The session evaluates motivation for dentistry, academic preparedness, dental experience, manual dexterity awareness, and alignment with the school's public service mission. Interviewers ask about commitment to practising in Tennessee and serving underserved communities. The interview day includes campus and clinic tours.
UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) typically interviews in October–February.
Decisions are released Rolling admissions, final decisions by March.
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.
