The keyword “easiest dental schools to get into” might sound like a shortcut, but the truth is: none of them are easy. That said, some dental schools are statistically more accessible—thanks to higher acceptance rates, holistic admissions, or mission-based selection. In this guide, I’ll walk you through what those schools are, what they’re looking for, and how to improve your chances. You might also want to check out our posts on dental school application help and how to improve a low GPA.
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What “Easiest” Really Means When Applying to Dental School
You’re probably not looking for an “easy” way out—you just want a fair shot. And that’s what this list is about: identifying schools where your stats match up, where the process isn’t wrapped in mystery, and where you won’t be competing against 3,000 other applicants for 60 seats.
Let’s be clear: “easy” does not mean “less serious.” These schools still expect excellence, commitment, and preparation. But compared to ultra-competitive programs like Harvard or UCSF, the ones listed here provide a more attainable pathway for many applicants.
High Acceptance Rate Doesn’t Always Mean Lower Quality
A high acceptance rate doesn’t mean the education is worse. It often means the school has more seats, a regional service mission, or prioritizes in-state applicants. Sometimes it just means fewer people apply because of location or tuition cost. You still need to bring a strong application—they’re just looking at more than just numbers.
What Makes a School “Easier” to Get Into?
- Higher overall acceptance rate (usually over 10%)
- Accepts students with GPAs under 3.5
- DAT averages around 18–20
- Transparent application process
- Less emphasis on secondary/supplemental materials
- Mission-driven admissions that aren’t purely stat-based
Here’s a quick myth-buster: Some of these schools have top-tier facilities and faculty—they just serve different populations or have less national name recognition.
10 Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into
These are schools where many students with average or slightly below-average stats have had success—especially with strong applications. The stats below are averages, not cutoffs.
1. University of Mississippi School of Dentistry
- Acceptance Rate: 20.73%
- Average Cumulative GPA: 3.74
- Average Science GPA: 3.67
- Average DAT: 20.1
Why Apply: High acceptance rate and strong clinical curriculum
Admissions Tip: Prioritizes Mississippi residents; interview is key. This school is highly mission-driven. If you’re from Mississippi and have a genuine passion for serving rural populations, you’ll find yourself a strong fit.
2. LSU School of Dentistry
- Acceptance Rate: 9.33%
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Average DAT: 21.5
What Stands Out: Early clinical exposure; preference for Louisiana residents. LSU emphasizes regional access and often prefers applicants with ties to the state. You’ll want strong letters from local professionals and demonstrated interest in healthcare disparities.
Bonus: Relatively low tuition for in-state students
3. Ohio State University College of Dentistry
- Acceptance Rate: 12.55%
- Average GPA: 3.65
- Average Science GPA: 3.56
- Average DAT: 21
What to Know: OSU has a large dental class (\~110 students) and strong specialty clinics. Their clinical training is extensive, and students work in a variety of community settings. Despite being a large public school, OSU gives serious consideration to extracurricular involvement.
Ideal For: Applicants with strong DAT scores and moderate GPAs.
4. University of Missouri – Kansas City
- Acceptance Rate: 12.8%
- Average GPA: 3.59
- Average DAT: 19.2
Why It’s Accessible: Strong in-state advantage and a 6-year BA/DDS track for Missouri high school students. UMKC’s dental school is one of the few that allows direct-from-high school entry via a combined program—huge for students trying to save time. It’s also well-suited for students looking for strong mentorship in their early years.
University of Detroit Mercy
- Acceptance Rate: 9.4%
- Average GPA: 3.61
- Average DAT: 20.2
Why It Works: Private school with emphasis on character and community service. This program favors applicants who can show compassion and dedication through service. If you’ve volunteered in underserved communities or participated in mission trips, highlight that.
Fun Fact: Offers rotations in urban Detroit and rural Michigan
6. Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry
- Acceptance Rate: 2.9%
- Average GPA: 3.28
- Average DAT: 17.5
Unique Strength: Focuses on serving underserved and minority populations. They prioritize applicants who want to work in community-based settings, especially in areas with limited access to dental care.
Ideal For: Non-traditional and mission-aligned applicants
7. Howard University College of Dentistry
- Acceptance Rate: 6.51%
- Average GPA: 3.2
- Average DAT: 18.5
Admissions Insight: Strong emphasis on social mission; many graduates serve in public clinics. Their holistic review focuses heavily on your purpose. Use your personal statement to show why dentistry is more than a job to you.
8. University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine
- Acceptance Rate: 10%
- Average GPA: 3.46
- Average DAT: 17.4
Language Note: Courses are bilingual—English and Spanish. It’s a great choice for bilingual applicants and those open to relocating. Their small class size means more one-on-one mentorship.
Note: U.S. citizens can apply using ADEA AADSAS
9. East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine
- Acceptance Rate: 14.7%
- Average GPA: 3.47
- Average DAT: 20
Strengths: Heavy focus on rural NC outreach; accepts reapplicants. ECU is one of the few schools with dedicated satellite clinics throughout rural North Carolina. If you want to work in underserved regions, it’s a strong match.
Note: Must be a North Carolina resident
10. Midwestern University – Arizona
- Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- Average GPA: 3.41
- Average DAT: 20
Why Apply: Private school with rolling admissions and modern facilities. Their simulation clinics and rolling interview process make them ideal for applicants who are prepared early in the cycle.
Caution: Tuition is high—know what you’re signing up for
How to Use This List in Your Application Strategy
Step 1: Compare Your Stats Honestly
Start by writing down your GPA (science and overall) and your most recent DAT scores. Compare those to the average ranges listed above. If you're close or above for multiple schools, those could be realistic targets. If you're slightly below, don't panic—schools with holistic admissions might still consider you.
Step 2: Check Residency Preferences
A school like ECU may look perfect until you realize they don’t even review out-of-state applicants. Always check if your residency status helps or hurts your chances.
Step 3: Know What the School Cares About
Howard and Meharry, for instance, care deeply about service, equity, and social justice. If your application doesn't show alignment with those values, you're less likely to be a strong candidate—even with solid numbers.
Sample Application Strategy
Let’s say you have a 3.4 GPA and a 19 DAT. You could apply to:
- 3 schools from this list as likely fits (e.g., Detroit Mercy, Midwestern, Meharry)
- 2 mid-tier schools (e.g., Temple, Tufts)
- 1 reach school (e.g., Boston University)
It’s a balanced plan. Just make sure you have a clear narrative across your personal statement, letters, and interview.
5 Tips to Improve Your Chances—No Matter the School
1. Address Weaknesses Head-On If your GPA is shaky, show an upward trend or recent post-bacc success. If your DAT is average, aim to raise it even by 1–2 points. Schools notice that.
2. Apply Early Every one of the schools on this list has rolling admissions. Submitting in June or early July gives you a much better shot than waiting until September.
3. Craft a Targeted Personal Statement Generic doesn’t work. Your essay should answer: Why dentistry? Why now? And why you? Use a real story—even a small one—to make it memorable.
4. Nail the Interview Practice your answers to questions like "Why our program?" or "Tell us about a time you handled failure." Schools like ECU and Detroit Mercy give significant weight to the interview.
5. Don’t Do This Alone Get help. Whether it's a mentor, advisor, or consultant—get a second set of eyes on your personal statement, school list, and prep plan. The most successful students rarely go it alone.
Final Thoughts: What to Do Next
Finding an "easier" dental school isn't about settling. It's about applying smart. You deserve to find a program that values what you bring to the table—and that includes more than just numbers. Whether you’re a traditional applicant or coming from a non-science background, there are schools out there looking for someone just like you.
If you're serious about getting into dental school this cycle, this list gives you a strong starting point. What you do next will make all the difference.
FAQs
1. What’s the easiest dental school to get into in the U.S.?
Statistically, the University of Mississippi has the highest acceptance rate. But your individual fit and background matter more than any one number.
2. Are easier dental schools less competitive or lower quality?
No. Many of these schools have excellent facilities and experienced faculty. Their missions may just be more regionally focused or service-oriented.
3. Do any dental schools accept students with a GPA below 3.3?
Yes. Schools like Meharry, Howard, and Detroit Mercy have admitted students in that range—especially with strong DATs or relevant experience.
4. Is the DAT more important if my GPA is low?
Yes. A high DAT can offset a lower GPA, particularly in science-heavy sections. But make sure to also address academic improvement elsewhere.
5. Are private dental schools easier to get into than public?
Sometimes. Private schools often have more flexibility but can be more expensive. Evaluate both cost and acceptance likelihood.
6. What are my chances with a 3.2 GPA and 18 DAT score?
You have a shot at a few schools on this list, especially if other aspects of your application stand out. Strong letters, meaningful service, and a polished interview can make the difference.
7. Do these schools accept out-of-state students?
Some do. Some don’t. Always check each school’s residency policy. For example, ECU accepts only North Carolina residents.
8. Can I reapply to these schools if I get rejected?
Absolutely. Some schools even encourage it. Just be sure your second application shows growth—in academics, experience, or clarity of purpose.
To your success,
Your friends at BeMo
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