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US Dentistry · 2027 Entry

VCU School of Dentistry

2027 Entry Requirements & Interview Format

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry is a US DDS program in Richmond, VA that takes 2027-entry applications through ADEA AADSAS. Its published class profile lists a median GPA of 3.60, a 5.5% acceptance rate and a class of 105. The school holds a traditional interview: October 2026–February 2027. Decisions for 2027 entry: Rolling admissions, final decisions March 2027.

Location
Richmond, VA, United States
Established
1893
Interviews (2027 entry)
October 2026–February 2027
Decisions (2027 entry)
Rolling admissions, final decisions March 2027
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VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) — Exterior of a red-brick classical building with white columns on the VCU Medical Center / MCV

Photo: Morgan Riley · CC BY 3.0 · cropped

Photo: Crazyale · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Photo: Ron Cogswell · CC BY 2.0 · Photo: Morgan Riley · CC BY 3.0

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Full guide

How to get into VCU 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 VCU 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 VCU School of Dentistry (DDS)

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry (VCU Dental), located in Richmond, is Virginia's only dental school and one of the largest dental programs on the US East Coast. Founded in 1893, VCU Dental is known for its high clinical volume — the school operates one of the busiest dental clinics in the region — and its strong research enterprise.

As Virginia's sole public dental school, VCU carries a significant mission to train dentists for communities across the Commonwealth.

What makes VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) different

Applications via ADEA AADSAS. VCU Dental is Virginia's only dental school — it bears the responsibility of training dentists for the entire Commonwealth, including rural Appalachian communities and urban Richmond. The school's large clinical volume provides exceptional patient exposure across a diverse socioeconomic and ethnic spectrum.

VCU School 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. VCU Dental operates a large dental clinic in Richmond with high patient volume. Extramural rotations at community health centers and rural Virginia sites available.

VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) research strengths

VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) is strong in these research areas:

  • Craniofacial biology
  • Oral implantology
  • Periodontal disease
  • Oral cancer
  • Dental biomaterials

How the VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) interview runs

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

VCU School of Dentistry's admission-requirements page does not describe the interview format, length or setting. The interview evaluates motivation for dentistry, dental experience, manual dexterity awareness, academic record, and commitment to Virginia communities. Interviewers probe ADA ethical principles, patient communication approach, and oral-systemic health awareness. VCU's urban Richmond location and diverse patient base are discussed.

VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) intake

Approximately 100–110 students per year.

Where VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) is

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry was founded in 1893 and is based in Richmond, VA.

Programmes offered:

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

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Entry requirements

What you need to apply to VCU School of Dentistry (DDS)

VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) at a glance

Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry Dentistry — 2027 entry at a glance
GPA (median)3.60
Acceptance rate5.5%
Class size105
In-state matriculants68%
Interview formatTraditional interview
IntakeApproximately 100–110 students per year
Decisions (2027 entry)Rolling admissions, final decisions March 2027
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry Dentistry admissions profile — 2027 entry
Admission overviewBachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Virginia residents have significant preference as the state's only public dental school. Dental experience, manual dexterity evidence, and community involvement expected.
GPA median3.60 overall / 3.54 science (BCPM)
Acceptance rate5.5%
Class size105
In-state preferenceStrong — primarily in-state
In-state matriculants68%
CASPerNot required
Holistic review emphasisVirginia residency, dental experience, academic record, community service.
NotesEstimates from ADEA AADSAS and school data; verify current cycle. DAT Academic Average median approximately 19–22 (hedged). Strong in-state preference as sole public VA dental school. DAT figure sourced 2026-09-12 from https://dentistry.vcu.edu/programs/doctor-of-dental-surgery/admission-requirements/ (ADA 200-600 scale).
Specialities offeredOral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry

MCAT, GPA, acceptance-rate and class-size figures are taken from Virginia Commonwealth University School 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 VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) interviews applicants

Virginia Commonwealth University School 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 March 2027
Post-interview chancesApproximately 30–45% post-interview (estimated; strong for Virginia residents).
Tutor insight
Virginia residents have a strong advantage at VCU — demonstrate intent to practice in Virginia, especially in underserved areas. Research oral health disparities in rural Virginia and Richmond's underserved communities. VCU's high clinical volume is a selling point — emphasize your commitment to building strong clinical skills through patient contact. Apply early via ADEA AADSAS.
Practice

Practise for your VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) interview

PrometheusQuestion Bank485 dentistry questions inside

Interview questions matched to VCU School of Dentistry (DDS)

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

MediumMMI · PanelQ1

Communicating With the Dental Laboratory Technician

A dentist relies heavily on dental laboratory technicians to fabricate crowns, bridges, dentures, and other restorations, yet the two professionals often never meet face to face. Why is clear communication and mutual respect between the dentist and the lab technician important, and how would you build an effective working relationship with a lab you depend on?

Likely follow-up · A crown returns from the lab with a poor margin fit. How do you decide whether the fault lies with your impression or the lab's work?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
EasyMMI · PanelQ2

Demonstrating Manual Dexterity Through a Specific Activity

Clinical dentistry demands precision in a small, moist, dynamic field while a patient is present. Describe a specific activity outside dentistry in which you have developed manual dexterity. How did you know you were improving, and how do you expect those skills to translate to clinical dental training?

Likely follow-up · How will you manage frustration or a plateau in the simulation lab when your hands are not yet doing what your mind intends?

3 expert tips in Prometheus
Open Prometheus for VCU School of Dentistry (DDS)Free dentistry interview question bank for VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) applicants →
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DAT & Admissions

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Interview preparation

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Personal statement help

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Sources

Where VCU School of Dentistry (DDS)'s figures come from

Compiled from Virginia Commonwealth University School 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.

VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) — official course page →Entry requirements, interview format and deadlines published by the school itself. The primary source for everything on this page.
FAQ

VCU School of Dentistry (DDS) — frequently asked questions

Bachelor's degree and DAT required. Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Virginia residents have significant preference as the state's only public dental school. Dental experience, manual dexterity evidence, and community involvement expected.

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