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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) Dental School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Memphis, TN, United StatesEstablished 1878Interviews October–FebruaryDecisions Rolling admissions, final decisions by March
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Full guide

How to get into UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) dentistry

Step-by-step: entry requirements, DAT prep, personal statement, interview format and the key deadlines.

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Interview guide

Prepare for the UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) interview

Format breakdown, school-specific sample questions, FAQs and prep tips from tutors who interviewed here.

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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 it 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.

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.

Research strengths

UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) has notable research strength in Oral biology, Periodontal disease, Dental materials, Community oral health, Craniofacial research.

Interview

UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) interviews via 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 practicing in Tennessee and serving underserved communities. The interview day includes campus and clinic tours.

Intake

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

At a glance

Founded in 1878, based in Memphis, TN. Programmes offered: General Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, Prosthodontics.

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

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).
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 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.

MediumPanel · MMIQ1

Oral Cancer Screening: The Dentist's Role in Early Detection

Oral cancer has a 5-year relative survival rate of approximately 70% overall, but this rises to nearly 89% when detected at an early, localized stage (SEER, oral cavity and pharynx, 2016-2022). Despite dentists being uniquely positioned to perform routine visual oral cancer screenings at every recall appointment, many do not perform them systematically. As a future dentist, how do you think about your role in oral cancer screening, and what would you do in your practice to ensure this public health opportunity is not missed?

Likely follow-up · HPV-related oropharyngeal cancers are rising rapidly, particularly among non-smoking adults. How does this epidemiological shift change who you consider high-risk and how you counsel patients?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
HardPanelQ2

The five ADA principles in tension

The ADA Code rests on five principles: patient autonomy, nonmaleficence, beneficence, justice, and veracity. Tell me about a single dental scenario in which at least two of these principles pull against each other, and explain how you would reason through the conflict.

Likely follow-up · Is any one of the five principles inherently more important than the others, or is it always case-by-case?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
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DAT & Admissions

Plan your DAT prep and AADSAS application strategy for UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS).

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Interview preparation

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Personal statement help

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FAQ

UTHSC College of Dentistry (DDS) — frequently asked questions

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