Looking for Canadian-friendly US dental schools? In this blog, I’ll walk you through the top US dental schools that accept Canadian students, many of which allow the Canadian DAT and treat Canadians as out-of-state applicants. I’ll also share practical tips for applying as a Canadian and compare these options with Canadian dental schools. If you're looking for guidance on how to get into dental school with a low GPA or need help with your dental school personal statement, check out our related guides on dental school acceptance rates.
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What Makes a US Dental School "Canadian-Friendly"?
"Canadian-friendly" US dental schools are institutions that:
- Accept the Canadian DAT (CDAT)
- Consider Canadians as out-of-state applicants instead of international
- Recognize Canadian university coursework and prerequisites
- Allow easier financial planning and fewer visa complications
These policies make it much more feasible for Canadian pre-dental students to apply without jumping through unnecessary hoops. Learn more in our detailed breakdown of Canadian-friendly US dental schools.
Top Canadian-Friendly US Dental Schools
While not every US dental school is welcoming to international students, many have demonstrated a consistent track record of accepting Canadian applicants. Here’s a curated list of the most Canadian-friendly US dental schools:
- Midwestern University (AZ & IL)
- University of the Pacific
- Loma Linda University
- Nova Southeastern University
- University of Detroit Mercy
- University of Pittsburgh
- University of Connecticut
- Boston University
- Temple University
- Case Western Reserve University
- University of Minnesota
- NYU College of Dentistry
- SUNY Buffalo – Learn more about this school in our blog on dental schools in New York.
- Columbia University
- University of Michigan
- University of Southern California
These schools are known for their inclusive admissions policies and history of admitting students from Canada.
Canadian DAT vs. American DAT: What You Need to Know
Many US dental schools accept the Canadian Dental Aptitude Test (CDAT), which means you might not need to write the American DAT. However, not all schools are on board, so check their official admissions pages.
- CDAT accepted: Midwestern, Temple, University of Detroit Mercy, Case Western, Boston University, and others
- American DAT required: Some schools may still require this; always verify directly with the program
Application Tips for Canadian Students
1. Choose Schools Wisely
Prioritize those known to accept Canadian students and who accept the CDAT.
2. Evaluate Your Credits
Ensure your Canadian coursework matches US dental school prerequisites. For a full checklist, review our guide to dental school requirements.
3. Gain Shadowing Experience
Most US schools require 50-100 hours of shadowing. Canadian schools often don’t, but for US schools it’s a must.
4. Apply Early via AADSAS
Most schools open applications mid-May through AADSAS. Rolling admissions make early submission crucial.
5. Plan Your Finances
Explore Canadian government loans, RESPs, and U.S.-based scholarships for international students.
6. Prepare for the Interview
Some schools require interviews—either virtual or in-person. Be ready for MMI or traditional formats.
Make sure to stay organized using our Dental School Application Checklist.
5. Why Apply to US Dental Schools as a Canadian?
Canada has only 11 dental schools, with limited spots and fierce competition. Acceptance rates range from 10%–15%. On the other hand, there are over 60 dental schools in the US. While the average acceptance rate is low (5–9%), there are more available seats, a wider selection of programs, and a greater chance of finding a good fit. Review our data on dental school acceptance rates to build a balanced list.
You can also explore options using our Dental Schools Ranked resource to find the best fit for your goals.
6. How Many Schools Should I Apply To?
Most Canadian applicants apply to 8–10 US dental schools, with a mix of competitive and more accessible programs. This provides the best balance between application effort, costs, and chances of acceptance.
7. Sample Application Timeline for Canadian Applicants
Final Thoughts: Make Your Application Count
Choosing Canadian-friendly US dental schools expands your chances of becoming a dentist. Focus on schools that recognize the CDAT, plan ahead with your prerequisites and documents, and don’t forget to apply early.
Canadian Applicant FAQs
1. What makes a dental school Canadian-friendly?
A Canadian-friendly dental school accepts the CDAT, treats Canadians as out-of-state, and recognizes Canadian university coursework.
2. Do all Canadian-friendly schools accept the CDAT?
Most do, but always check each school’s admissions page to confirm.
3. How can I finance US dental school as a Canadian?
You can apply for Canadian government loans, provincial aid, or look into international scholarships and bursaries.
4. Do I need a student visa?
Yes. F-1 student visas are required for studying in the US. Your school will guide you through the process after admission.
5. Can I work in the US after graduation?
Graduates may be eligible for Optional Practical Training (OPT) or may pursue work sponsorship depending on their situation.
6. What GPA do I need to be competitive?
A GPA of 3.3+ is often considered competitive. However, this can vary by school.
7. Should I take the American DAT just in case?
Only if you’re applying to schools that require it. It’s not needed for all Canadian-friendly schools.
8. How important is the personal statement?
Extremely. A well-written personal statement can differentiate you and boost your overall application. Get help from our expert-written dental school personal statement examples.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
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