FAQs

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How many students do you admit? 

We accept 52 students each year. We typically receive 500+ applications. Learn more about the admissions process.

What are your student demographics? 

Among the first-year students in 2023:

  • 62% are Nebraska residents, 52% are from rural areas
  • 54% female, 46% male
  • Average GPA: 3.74
  • Average DAT: 20
What are the prerequisites? 

For consideration for admission, students must complete 90 semester hours, and are strongly encouraged to complete a four-year degree program, prior to matriculation into dental school. Predental work may be completed at any accredited university, college or community college in the US or Canada.

Required courses:
  • English Composition, two semesters (6 hours)
  • Inorganic Chemistry with laboratory, two semesters (8 hours)
  • Organic Chemistry with laboratory, two semesters (8 hours)
  • Biology with laboratory, two semesters (8 hours)
  • Physics with laboratory, two semesters (8-10 hours)

Suggested elective courses include: anatomy, biochemistry, cell biology, comparative anatomy, embryology, genetics, histology, immunology, microbiology, physiology, psychology, scientific Greek or Latin, statistics.

Where do graduates go? 

Among the graduating class of 2023:

  • 74% went into private practice
  • 22% were accepted into advanced education residencies
  • 4% went into public health

Learn more about dentistry career options.

What do you learn in dental school? 

At the UNMC College of Dentistry, our students undergo a comprehensive educational journey that equips them with the knowledge, skills and values they need to provide general dental care to patients in all stages of life. 

The dental curriculum is meticulously structured to ensure a systematic progression of knowledge and skills, as evidenced by the attainment of specific competencies. These competencies encompass a wide range of complex abilities that are essential for a general dentist to begin practicing independently and without supervision.

Students develop a solid foundation in biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences, cognitive and psychomotor skills, and a commitment to professional ethics and values. We foster a human-centered learning environment where each dental graduate develops a profound sense of responsibility toward themselves, their community and the dental profession.

Our curriculum is designed to accommodate the unique backgrounds, interests and career aspirations of each student, allowing them to realize their full potential in their dental education journey.

Learn more about the UNMC College of Dentistry learning experience.

How do students learn? What are your teaching approaches? 
  • Students have valuable hands-on learning experiences in our patient care clinics and through participating in numerous community outreach programs.
  • To prepare students for working with patients, they build their skills in our clinical and virtual simulation laboratory using the most advanced simulation technology.
  • In our collaborative, interactive classrooms, faculty use the latest learning technology to make dentistry come to life.
  • All students have the opportunity to participate in and lead cutting-edge research.

Learn more about the UNMC College of Dentistry learning experience.

How do students pay for dental school? 

Nearly 100 percent of the students at the college receive some form of financial assistance. A number of grants and scholarships are available to students through the College of Dentistry. Awards vary from $200 to full tuition. Federal loans and grants are available through the UNMC Office of Financial Aid.

Learn more about financial aid.