UCLA School of Dentistry – Acceptance Rate (2026)

The UCLA School of Dentistry is a prestigious institution that offers a comprehensive dental education to its students. The school is renowned for its rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research, and commitment to community service. However, gaining admission into this esteemed institution is no easy feat, as it boasts a highly competitive acceptance rate.

Overview of UCLA School of Dentistry

The UCLA School of Dentistry, located in Los Angeles, California, is one of the leading dental schools in the United States. Established in 1964, the school has been at the forefront of dental education, research, patient care, and community service. It offers a variety of programs including DDS, dental hygiene, and advanced dental education programs.

The school's mission is to improve the oral and general health of the people of California, the nation, and the world through its teaching, research, patient care, and public service initiatives. It aims to create a unique learning environment that fosters critical thinking, promotes professional development, and encourages innovation in the field of dentistry.

Acceptance Rate for 2025

The UCLA School of Dentistry remains one of the most selective dental programs in the United States. For the 2024–2025 admissions cycle, the overall acceptance rate was approximately 5.9%, with 88 students admitted from a pool of 1,489 applicants. Notably, in-state applicants had a significantly higher acceptance rate of 10.1%, compared to just 1.1% for out-of-state candidates.

Admitted students demonstrated exceptional academic credentials, with an average cumulative GPA of 3.83, a science GPA of 3.81, and a DAT Academic Average of 23.1. These figures underscore the program's commitment to academic excellence and its competitive nature.

Acceptance rates can fluctuate annually based on the applicant pool's size and strength, as well as institutional priorities. Therefore, prospective students should focus on presenting a well-rounded application that highlights academic achievements, clinical experiences, and a genuine commitment to the field of dentistry.

Note: UCLA Dentistry has not yet published a finalized acceptance rate for the 2025–2026 admissions cycle.

Factors Influencing Acceptance

Academic Performance

One of the primary factors influencing acceptance into the UCLA School of Dentistry is academic performance. The school looks for students who have demonstrated a high level of academic achievement, particularly in science courses relevant to dentistry. This includes courses in biology, chemistry, and physics.

Applicants are required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution and must have completed certain prerequisite courses. The average GPA of accepted students is typically above 3.5, indicating a high level of academic excellence.

Dental Admission Test (DAT) Scores

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is another critical factor in the admissions process. This standardized test assesses the applicant's knowledge in areas such as natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning. A high score on the DAT can significantly increase an applicant's chances of acceptance.

The average DAT score for accepted students at the UCLA School of Dentistry is typically above 20, which is considered to be highly competitive. Applicants are encouraged to prepare thoroughly for the DAT to maximize their scores.

Experience and Extracurricular Activities

While academic performance and DAT scores are crucial, the UCLA School of Dentistry also values experience and extracurricular activities. This can include research experience, volunteer work, leadership roles, and other activities related to dentistry. These experiences can demonstrate an applicant's commitment to the field of dentistry, their ability to work in a team, and their potential to contribute to the school and the profession.

Applicants are encouraged to highlight these experiences in their application and during the interview process. This can help them stand out from other applicants and increase their chances of acceptance.

Application Process

The application process for the UCLA School of Dentistry involves several steps. Applicants must first complete the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) application, which includes sections on academic history, work experience, and a personal statement.

After the AADSAS application is submitted, selected applicants are invited for an interview. The interview is an opportunity for the admissions committee to get to know the applicant better and assess their suitability for the program. It is also an opportunity for the applicant to learn more about the school and the program.

The Bottom Line

UCLA School of Dentistry offers a strong and thorough dental education for students who are serious about dentistry. Getting in is very competitive, so good grades, high DAT scores, and a clear interest in the field are important. With preparation and dedication, students can earn a spot and gain skills that will help them grow both professionally and personally.

Ready to Strengthen your UCLA Dental School Application?

Connect with a top dental admissions coach to receive personalized guidance on your DAT strategy, personal statement, and interview preparation. Our expert coaches have helped applicants gain admission to top programs like UCLA. Book a free intro call today.

Read these next:

• UCLA Dental School Requirements–What You Need to Apply
• UCLA Dental School – Tuition & Fees Breakdown

FAQs

Is UCLA dental school hard to get into?

• Yes. UCLA School of Dentistry is highly competitive. It looks for strong academic records, high DAT scores, clinical experience, and a demonstrated commitment to dentistry.

What is the GPA for UCLA dental school?

• Successful applicants usually have a science GPA around 3.7–3.9 and an overall GPA in a similar range. Strong academic performance is a key factor because the program is rigorous.

What is the hardest school to get into at UCLA?

• Within UCLA, the School of Dentistry and the School of Medicine are among the most difficult to gain admission to, due to their low acceptance rates and high academic standards.

What is the hardest dental school to get into?

• Nationally, some of the hardest dental schools to get into include:
  • Harvard School of Dental Medicine
  • University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry
  • UCLA School of Dentistry
    These schools are extremely selective because of their strong reputations, research opportunities, and competitive applicant pools