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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (DDS) Dental School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location San Antonio, TX, United StatesEstablished 1969Interviews October–FebruaryDecisions Rolling; TMDSAS uniform notification dates apply
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Full guide

How to get into UT Health San Antonio School 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 UT Health San Antonio School 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 UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (DDS)

The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry (UT Health San Antonio), founded in 1969, is one of Texas's two major public dental schools and trains dentists primarily for San Antonio, South Texas, and the US-Mexico border region. Located within the UT Health San Antonio academic health science center, the school benefits from close ties with the Long School of Medicine. San Antonio's large Hispanic and military population provides diverse and rich clinical training opportunities.

What makes it different

Applications via TMDSAS. UT Health San Antonio's location provides a distinctive training environment — San Antonio's large Hispanic community and significant active-duty military population mean dental students gain clinical experience with patient demographics rarely encountered at other schools. The proximity to the US-Mexico border reinforces border health awareness.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year DDS curriculum with preclinical training in Years 1–2 and patient-centered comprehensive care in Years 3–4. Clinical training at UT Health San Antonio dental clinics serves a large and diverse San Antonio community. Military and VA dental rotation opportunities available.

Research strengths

UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (DDS) has notable research strength in Oral biology, Periodontal immunology, Dental biomaterials, Hispanic oral health, Military oral health.

Interview

UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (DDS) interviews via Traditional one-on-one or panel interview with faculty. UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry conducts traditional faculty interviews on its San Antonio campus, typically 30–45 minutes. The interview assesses motivation for dentistry, dental experience, manual dexterity, academic preparedness, and alignment with the school's mission. San Antonio's large Hispanic and military population is reflected in interview themes — interviewers probe awareness of oral health disparities in these communities and commitment to serving South Texas. The interview day includes clinic tours.

Intake

Approximately 90–100 students per year.

At a glance

Founded in 1969, based in San Antonio, TX. Programmes offered: General Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Community Dentistry.

Entry requirements

What you need to apply to UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (DDS)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via TMDSAS. Texas residents have very strong preference — approximately 90% of seats for Texas residents. Dental experience, academic record, and service commitment expected.
GPA median
3.60 overall / 3.54 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
6.0%
Class size
95
In-state preference
Strong — primarily in-state
In-state matriculants
90%
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Texas residency, dental experience, South Texas and Hispanic community commitment, academic record.
Notes
Estimates from TMDSAS and school data; verify current cycle. DAT Academic Average median approximately 19–22 (hedged). TMDSAS application — ~90% Texas resident seats.
Specialities offered
General Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Community Dentistry
Interview

How UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (DDS) interviews applicants

Format
Traditional one-on-one or panel interview with faculty
Interview window
October–February
Decision date
Rolling; TMDSAS uniform notification dates apply
Post-interview chances
Approximately 35–50% post-interview (estimated; strong for Texas residents).
Tutor insight
TMDSAS application is mandatory — Texas residency is critical. San Antonio's Hispanic and military demographics are central to the school's identity; demonstrate awareness of oral health disparities in these communities. Research UT Health San Antonio specifically before your interview. Apply early in the TMDSAS cycle.
Practice

Practise for your UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (DDS) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank485 dentistry questions inside

Interview questions matched to UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (DDS)

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

MediumPanel · MMIQ1

The Aging U.S. Population and the Future of Geriatric Dental Care

The number of Americans aged 65 and older is growing rapidly, and more of them are keeping their natural teeth into old age than ever before. Traditional Medicare does not include routine dental coverage. What challenges does this demographic shift create for dentistry, and how should the profession and future dentists respond?

Likely follow-up · How do conditions like polypharmacy, dry mouth, and dementia complicate dental care for older adults?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
EasyPanelQ2

Service Orientation: Organizing a University Pre-Dental Oral Health Event

As president of your university's pre-dental society, you organized a free oral health screening and education day for the surrounding community — including a population of recent immigrants who were unfamiliar with the US dental care system and a significant number of elderly residents who had not seen a dentist in years. You recruited 12 student volunteers, coordinated with a local dental clinic for referrals, and provided take-home oral hygiene kits for 150 participants. Describe what you learned from leading this effort about both oral health disparities and the logistics of organizing effective community health events.

Likely follow-up · One of your volunteer dental students was rude to an elderly participant, speaking to her dismissively about her dental hygiene. How did you handle this as the organizer, and what did it reveal about your leadership philosophy?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
Open Prometheus for UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (DDS)Browse 1,106 free questions →
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DAT & Admissions

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Interview preparation

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FAQ

UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry (DDS) — frequently asked questions

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