Admissions FAQ’s
If you have additional questions or need additional information on any of the following questions, please submit your question in writing to the Office of Admissions and Recruitment at admissions@mmc.edu.
What is the class size? When is the best time to apply?
The class size is 75. Candidates can begin applying in June by completing their AADSAS application and should complete their application no later than December 13th of the year prior to the year the candidates plan to enter dental school.
Is a BA or BS degree required for admission?
The Admissions Committee considers candidates with a strong academic foundation. While a bachelor’s degree is preferred, it is not required. Ideally, students will have a strong record of success in upper division science courses and MUST complete 90 credit hours. In addition to prerequisite coursework, ideal candidates have a solid foundation in the natural sciences, humanities, and social sciences.
How do I apply to dental school? How early can I apply?
Candidates can begin applying online in June by completing the required AADSAS application.
Are there any set shadowing hour requirements I need to fulfill?
MMCSOD does not have a required number of shadowing hours – this is an individual decision, but it is very important that an applicant understands firsthand what they will do as a dentist and has the opportunity to interact with various dental professionals.
We recommend prioritizing shadowing a general dentist first as it provides a broader understanding of the full scope of dental practice, including routine procedures and patient care across different demographics, which is essential for a well-rounded dental education; however, if you have a specific area of interest, shadowing a relevant specialist can further demonstrate your focus and passion for that field.
What is the average number of applicants and grade point average (GPA) of students admitted?
Average number of applicants – 2600
Grade Point Average – 3.35
Basic Science Average – 3.25
Does Meharry require a Supplemental Application?
Yes, candidates should complete their Meharry Supplemental Application when they complete their AADSAS Application and pay the $65.00 Supplemental Application Fee before their applications will be considered complete.
How will I know that my application is complete and/or has been received by Meharry?
You will be able to check the status of your application online through AADSAS. Meharry will also send you regular email notifications updating your application status. Please be aware that it is each candidate’s responsibility to regularly check with AADSAS to ensure that his/her application is complete.
When does Meharry begin reviewing applications for admission?
The review of applications for admission begins August 1 annually and continues until the class is filled.
Does Meharry allow early admission to dental school?
No. We have a rolling admissions policy and students will be interviewed and accepted until the class is filled.
When is the best time to schedule a visit to Meharry?
Meharry offers tours of the college campus year-round for groups and individuals. Campus tours for individuals or groups of fewer than 5 people can schedule tours only on Fridays at 10:00 a.m. or 3:00 p.m. Candidates may call 615.327.6223 to schedule a tour. However, a specific visit to the School of Dentistry should be scheduled between May 1 and September 15 to avoid conflicts with campus interviews. Call 615.327.6076 to schedule a visit to the School of Dentistry.
Are community college courses acceptable?
Community college courses are accepted. The prerequisite science courses MUST be taken at an accredited college or university. ALL prerequisite courses must have a letter grade.
Are online courses permitted?
It is recommended that science prerequisites are taken in an in-person format. An exception considers institutions that only offer a particular course in a virtual or hybrid format. Coursework taken virtually during 2020-2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic will be accepted.
Would Advanced Placement (AP) credit from high school satisfy any prerequisites? Is there a limit in the number of hours for which I can receive credit?
Advanced Placement (AP) credit from high school may be accepted, as long as it is listed on the college transcript and the grade for the AP coursework is B level or better. While there is no defined limit to the number of hours accepted, we strongly advise that no more than 16 credit hours of basic science and prerequisite courses be taken for advanced placement.
Is there an expiration for pre-requisite courses?
Yes. Pre-requisites expire five years from the date the degree is conferred. However, the admissions committee for the School of Dentistry may consider candidates that have been engaged in academic pursuits. A master’s or postbaccalaureate science related academic degree may be considered if the new knowledge earned strongly supports the candidate’s application. It is recommended that all prerequisite courses are completed with a C grade or higher.
What is the average grade point average (GPA) of students admitted?
Average of Applicants – 2578
Grade Point Average – 3.25
Basic Science Average – 3.03
How many letters of recommendation are required? Where are they sent?
Three letters of recommendation are required, two must be from science professors.
The recommendations should be sent to AADSAS and not to Meharry. Note: A Pre-Health Committee recommendation from the candidate’s college or university will meet the recommendation requirement.
How important is the personal statement?
The personal statement is very important and is carefully reviewed. Candidates should spend time writing their personal statements—writing error-free essays without redundancy, run-on sentences, clichés, embellishments, fancy words, and spelling errors—and avoid inserting their own names in the text.
When should I take the Dental Admissions Test (DAT)? What scores on the DAT are considered competitive?
Prospective students should take the DAT after taking the subjects covered by the test and only after preparing for it—not “just for practice.”
Preparation and review should be ongoing, beginning after completing the first year of college Biology and General Chemistry.
Dental Admissions Test (DAT): All applicants must take the DAT. An official report of performance is required. Only test scores within the last three (3) years will be considered.
You can take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) up to four times in 12 months, with a minimum of 60 days between each attempt:
- First three attempts: You can take the DAT three times without special permission.
- Fourth attempt: You need to apply for permission to take the DAT for the fourth attempt. You will need to provide proof that you have recently applied to dental school
The American Dental Association (ADA) at Prometric Test Centers offers the DAT year-round.
Once you have received your eligibility letter confirming that your test application has been accepted, you must contact Prometric to secure an appointment. We recommend doing this at least 60 to 90 days before your desired test date since schedules fill up. Please check the ADA website for examination fees.
Is an interview required of all applicants? Who will interview me?
Yes, an interview is required. All candidates invited for an interview will receive two interviews from: Meharry Medical College basic science faculty, Meharry School of Dentistry faculty (active and retired), Meharry School of Dentistry alumni or dentists from the Nashville community.
How should I dress for the interview?
Candidates should dress in professional business attire:
- Men—suit or sports jacket with a tie
- Women—a solid blouse and suit (pants suit, or a jacket with knee-length skirt, heels or pumps no higher than three inches)
When will I be notified of acceptance?
By agreement, all dental schools affiliated with ADEA AADSAS have agreed to initially notify candidates of acceptance on December 13th. After December 13th, acceptances are ongoing with the goal of making final decisions by April 1st prior to matriculation.
How are candidates selected to fill the class?
Candidates are selected based upon academic performance in undergraduate and, DAT scores, personal characteristics, awareness of the dental profession, leadership experience, community service, and potential for success in dental school as expressed in the letters of recommendation and a personal statement.
If I am not admitted and decide to re-apply, how can I become a more competitive applicant?
Candidates re-applying to dental school after having been denied admission should have demonstrated significant improvements in their applications since their previous applications were submitted. These improvements may include:
Additional coursework in the basic sciences (especially graduate level basic science coursework)
- Improved DAT score
- Shadowing
- Community service
- At least one (1) new letter of recommendation
What should I do if I have not been in school for several years but now wish to pursue dental school?
Candidates who have been out of school for more than two (2) years and/or who have not had science courses for three years or more should take review courses before taking upper-level science courses and before taking the DAT. (Note: many dental schools have a five-year window; candidates must have completed prerequisite coursework within five (5) years of matriculation to dental school).
Can I transfer from another dental school to the Meharry School of Dentistry?
The Meharry School of Dentistry will consider transfer requests from an enrolled dental school student only after the second year of dental school.
The transfer process will take a significant amount of time, and the applicant should submit the request to transfer in writing to the Office of Admissions & Recruitment, along with an $800.00 application fee.
- $500.00 of the application fee will be applied to the transfer student’s tuition and fees if the transfer is approved.
- $300.00 of the application fee is non-refundable.
- Transfer requests must be made no later than December 1 of the year prior to matriculation to the Meharry School of Dentistry.
The following policies apply to dental student requests for transfer:
- Transfer students must be reviewed and accepted by the Admissions Committee. There must be a space available in the class to which the transfer student is requesting admission. The recommendation for transfer must then be approved by the Dean.
- A transfer student can be accepted only at the end of his/her second year in dental school and must be in good academic standing. He/she must also have taken and received a score on the Integrated National Dental Board Examination of 75 or higher.
- The Associate Dean for Academic and Student Affairs will assess the comparability of curricula between the Meharry School of Dentistry and the transferring institution and shall seek approval of all coursework from course directors regarding the acceptability of coursework from the transferring institution. No courses will be accepted with a grade of D, F, N, or I.
- The transfer student must submit copies of official transcripts to the Meharry Medical College Director of Admissions & Recruitment before matriculation to the Meharry School of Dentistry.
- The transfer student must be evaluated by the preclinical course directors before entering into comprehensive patient care.
Does Meharry have a Ph.D./D.D.S. Degree Program?
Yes. The Ph.D./D.D.S. Program is designed to prepare outstanding clinical and research professionals who are capable of identifying and addressing significant problems in oral health. The Ph.D. adds three to four years to the D.D.S. education so that a student will graduate with both degrees in seven to eight years.
Candidates must first be admitted to the Meharry School of Dentistry and then express his/her interest in writing to the Dean of the Meharry School of Dentistry. After an interview with the Dean, the Dean will recommend a candidate to the Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. Students must also apply to the Graduate School for Admission and must take the GRE in addition to the DAT. Click here to review the Graduate School’s admission requirements.
Can I enroll in courses at another institution if I am pursuing the DDS/PhD?
Candidates in pursuit of the DDS/PhD must enroll in course work at Meharry
What do Meharry dental graduates pursue after graduation?
Dental school graduates have a variety of career choices. Many dental graduates go to graduate school for additional or specialized training; many graduates work in the military or in community health centers to work off student scholarships or accrued student loans; and many go to work in private practice.
The post-graduate programs for the DDS class of 2021 are distributed as follows:
| GPR & AEDG | OMS | Pediatrics | Orthodontics | Periodontics | Private Practice or Military |
| 26% | 2% | 5% | 6% | 2% | 54% |
Does Meharry have a specific program designed for candidates seeking admission, particularly foreign-trained doctors, to the D.D.S. program with advanced standing?
Yes. Meharry has a two (2) year advanced standing program for foreign trained doctors. Candidates must apply online through ADEA CAAPID. Additional information regarding the program may be found on our website under the School of Dentistry International Track Program.