Admission to the Dental Curriculum

The authority to select applicants for admission to the School of Dentistry is vested in the Admissions Committee and the Dean of the School of Dentistry. This committee is appointed by the Dean of the School of Dentistry, and includes both clinical and basic science faculty of the School of Dentistry, as well as representatives of the dental private practice. All correspondence and records regarding admissions process are filed in the Registrar's Office, become the property of the University of Mississippi Medical Center, and cannot be returned or forwarded to the applicant or another school.

Selection Factors

Selection of applicants is very competitive and is made without regard to gender, race, color, creed, religion, or national origin. Decisions are based on objective and subjective components. Major consideration is given to objective components such as college academic records and DAT scores. Subjective components include knowledge of the profession, communication skills, integrity, motivation, leadership, maturity, and social awareness. Also included are recommendations of pre-professional advisors and faculty, and a personal interview with members of the Admissions Committee. Applicants must be legal residents of Mississippi, and US citizens. All questions pertaining to resident status should be addressed to Student Records and Registrar, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505.

Dental Admission Test (DAT)

Applicants for admission to the School of Dentistry must take the American Dental Association Dental Admission Test (DAT). The test may be scheduled to be taken by computer at individually arranged times at Sylvan Testing Centers. Information regarding the American Dental Association Dental Admission Test may be obtained from the predental adviser in most colleges. Information and application forms also may be secured from the Division of Educational Measurements, American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, or from the Office of Student Affairs at the School of Dentistry, or by going to: www.ada.org/prof/ed/testing. By following a well planned schedule, the pre-dental student should be ready to take the test at the end of the second full year of college work. It is strongly recommended that this test be taken in the spring, but no later than in the fall of the year preceding the desired date of admission. DAT scores more than three years old are not acceptable. Candidates seeking to re-take the DAT must wait 90 days before a re-test is allowed.

Interviews

Applicants whose credentials indicate potential for success in the dental school program are invited for interviews. Applicants must not present themselves for interviews until requested to do so by the Admission Committee. Interviews are scheduled during specific periods and applicants are notified well in advance of such periods.

Estimated Expenses

The table below presents minimum estimates of the school expenses an entering student can anticipate. All estimates are based on charges expected for the academic year. Tuition and fees, as well as the types of fees, are subject to change without notice, and all costs are subject to inflation.

Financial Aid

The Student Loan and Scholarship Committee reviews accepted applicants' files and may grant a very limited number of scholarships as they become available. These scholarships are based on academic qualifications, financial need, and the potential to serve in an underserved area. Please visit the Financial Aid Office website, www.financialaid.umc.edu, for more information. Other student financial aid and eligibility policies and disbursement policies are described in the UMMC Bulletin www.umc.edu/bulletin/.