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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

University of Washington School of Dentistry (DDS) Dental School2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Location Seattle, WA, United StatesEstablished 1945Interviews October–FebruaryDecisions Rolling admissions, final decisions March
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Full guide

How to get into University of Washington 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 University of Washington 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 University of Washington School of Dentistry (DDS)

The University of Washington School of Dentistry, founded in 1945, is consistently ranked among the top ten dental schools in the United States. Located on the UW Health Sciences campus in Seattle, UW Dental trains dentists predominantly for Washington (about 84% of each class are Washington residents) and the rural Pacific Northwest via its RIDE (Regional Initiatives in Dental Education) track. The school is renowned for its research enterprise — ranked among the top dental schools for NIH funding — and its strong specialty programs and residency placement record.

What makes it different

Applications via ADEA AADSAS. UW Dental admits primarily Washington residents (about 84% of the class) and operates the RIDE (Regional Initiatives in Dental Education) rural track with Eastern Washington University. Its top-ten research ranking and strong specialty residency placement make it a premier destination for research-minded dental students. Seattle's diversity and the Pacific Northwest's rural oral health disparities create distinctive training opportunities.

Course & teaching

Integrated curriculum. 4-year DDS curriculum with integrated biomedical and clinical sciences. Early patient contact via simulation and clinical modules. UW Dental operates several clinics in Seattle and community health rotations throughout the Pacific Northwest, including Alaska. Research opportunities through UW's strong dental research departments.

Research strengths

University of Washington School of Dentistry (DDS) has notable research strength in Oral microbiology, Craniofacial genetics, Periodontal biology, Oral cancer, Dental implants and biomaterials.

Interview

University of Washington School of Dentistry (DDS) interviews via Traditional one-on-one and/or panel interview with faculty. University of Washington School of Dentistry conducts traditional faculty interviews at its Seattle Health Sciences campus, typically 30–45 minutes. The session evaluates motivation for dentistry, dental experience, manual dexterity, academic preparedness, commitment to the Pacific Northwest, and awareness of oral health disparities in the region. Because UW Dentistry draws overwhelmingly from Washington (about 84% of the class are Washington residents) and runs the RIDE (Regional Initiatives in Dental Education) rural track with Eastern Washington University, interviewers assess commitment to practicing in Washington and rural Pacific Northwest communities. The interview day includes clinic tours.

Intake

Approximately 63 students per year (about 84% Washington residents, with a small out-of-state remainder).

At a glance

Founded in 1945, based in Seattle, WA. Programmes offered: Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics, Oral Medicine.

Entry requirements

What you need to apply to University of Washington School of Dentistry (DDS)

Admission overview
Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Washington state residents have strong preference and fill about 84% of the class; out-of-state applicants fill a small remainder and need very competitive profiles. There are no reserved WY/AK/MT/ID compact seats. Dental experience and research or community involvement expected.
GPA median
3.68 overall / 3.64 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate
5.0%
Class size
66
In-state preference
Strong — primarily in-state
In-state matriculants
84%
CASPer
Not required
Holistic review emphasis
Washington/WICHE residency, dental experience, research record, academic achievement.
Notes
Estimates from ADEA AADSAS and school data; verify current cycle. DAT Academic Average median approximately 20–23 (hedged). Strong Washington-resident preference (~84% of the class); no WY/AK/MT/ID compact seats. Regional rural pipeline is the RIDE track.
Specialities offered
Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontics, Endodontics, Oral Medicine
Interview

How University of Washington School of Dentistry (DDS) interviews applicants

Format
Traditional one-on-one and/or panel interview with faculty
Interview window
October–February
Decision date
Rolling admissions, final decisions March
Post-interview chances
Approximately 30–45% post-interview (estimated).
Tutor insight
Washington residents and WICHE compact state residents have significant advantages. Out-of-state applicants need a very strong profile. Research UW Dental's specific research programs and faculty before your interview. If you have research experience in oral biology or related fields, highlight it. Demonstrate Pacific Northwest commitment — interviewers want to train dentists who will practice in the region.
Practice

Practise for your University of Washington School of Dentistry (DDS) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank485 dentistry questions inside

Interview questions matched to University of Washington School of Dentistry (DDS)

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

HardMMI · PanelQ1

Role Play: Breaking Bad News -- A Suspicious Oral Lesion

Role-play station: During a routine exam you find a firm, non-healing ulcer on the lateral border of a 58-year-old patient's tongue that has been present for over three weeks. You are concerned it could be oral cancer and you need to refer for biopsy. An actor will play the patient, who has come in expecting a simple cleaning. Demonstrate how you would share this finding and explain the next steps.

Likely follow-up · How would you use a structured framework such as SPIKES to deliver this news?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
HardPanel · 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?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
Open Prometheus for University of Washington 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

University of Washington School of Dentistry (DDS) — frequently asked questions

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