Students must successfully complete at minimum of 90 hours semester hours, or the equivalent of three years, at a U.S. or Canadian accredited institution. While not a requirement, VCU strongly encourages those applying to the dentistry school to complete the equivalent of a B.A or B.S. with an emphasis in science.
The VCU School of Dentistry requires a minimum "C" average to fulfill the undergraduate requirements for admission. The school of dentistry also requires minimum hours in the following disciplines: eight hours of biology, 16 hours of chemistry, eight hours of inorganic chemistry and eight hours of organic chemistry, as well as eight hours of both physics and biochemistry. While not requirements for admission, VCU recommends taking courses in microbiology, physiology, anatomy, genetics and cell biology. Completion of immunology and embryology courses, along with developmental biology and histology, is looked upon favorably on admissions applications. Finally, science courses that involve psychomotor skills are considered positively as well.
VCU's admissions acceptance policy is on a rolling basis. This means that the earlier you submit the application, the greater the chance it will be reviewed and an interview conducted. In fact, VCU does not require students to take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) prior to applying. The school requires a minimum of three letters of recommendation (LOR), two from undergrad science professors and one from a dental practitioner. The LOR from the dental professional should come from a person able to speak to the professional capabilities and character of the applicant, ideally through shadowing or intern work. If additional letters are available, those should be sent directly from the writer to the school.
Under American Dental Association (ADA) requirements, you must take the DAT to be accepted to an accredited dental school in the United States and Canada. You should take the DAT at least one year prior to your anticipated start date of school. You can take the DAT as many as three times, as long as there is a minimum of 90 days between exams. The test measures general, science and perceptual abilities. The school reviews DAT scores, but they are not the sole basis for admissions, nor do they frown upon taking the exam multiple times. Those who wish to apply to dental school must also complete the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) online application.