College of Dentistry

Jeffrey P. Okeson, D.M.D., is Dean of the College of Dentistry.

The College of Dentistry offers a four-year curriculum leading to the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) and six post-doctoral programs. The College of Dentistry and all of its programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

Through leadership in education, patient care, discovery, and community engagement, we aim to advance oral and general health in Kentucky and beyond. We are committed to cultivating a humanistic environment that appreciates and respects the diversity of thought, culture, and experiences of all members of our community.

Of note, UKCD is one of five dental schools nationally to be piloting the digital dentistry curriculum of the American College of Prosthodontics.

Admission - Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.)

The College of Dentistry seeks to enroll individuals whose academic preparation, personal qualities, and other qualifications suggest they will experience success in the curriculum and afterwards in the dental profession. Currently, the entering class composition is typically 60 percent Kentucky residents and 40 percent non-residents.

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry will consider for admission any applicant who demonstrates the ability to perform or learn to perform the skills listed in the College’s Technical Standards policy. The College’s Academic Performance Committee will monitor each student’s demonstration of such knowledge and skills; specific standards are included in the College Bulletin and Student Handbook. The ability to meet these standards is a requirement for admission to the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry.

Predental Preparation

Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs early in their undergraduate careers for guidance on admission requirements. The College desires applicants who have the requisite academic preparation to meet the challenges of a rigorous curriculum. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree, these individuals should complete courses in both science and non-science subject areas to increase their likelihood of success in the dental program. Although many applicants each year major in the biological and natural sciences, students from all majors are welcome.

The criteria considered by the Admissions Committee includes the quality of the applicant’s pre-professional preparation, Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores, knowledge of and exposure to the dental profession, letters of recommendation, a commitment to service and other relevant factors. Timing is always an important element in the application process. The College will work with students to advise them on ways to become competitive applicants. For more information, call 859-323-6071.

Application Process

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry is a member of AADSAS (American Association of Dental Schools Application Service). Candidates for admission are encouraged to apply early to receive the strongest consideration. The AADSAS electronic application becomes available in early June and UKCD has a Priority Deadline of October

To apply and obtain further information about the AADSAS application, visit: www.adea.org.

The College uses a “rolling admissions system” whereby applicants are interviewed throughout the fall with initial offers of admission made on December 1. The Admissions Committee continues to interview applicants into January and extend offers of admission until the class is filled.

The membership of the entering first-year class is usually confirmed by early February. Candidates who apply early in the admissions cycle are at a distinct advantage over those who wait much later to submit their AADSAS application and other credentials. The Office of Admissions and Student Affairs can provide applicants’ information and sound advice to insure that they complete the process in a timely way.

Letters of Evaluation

Two letters should come from science faculty members; however, in lieu of science faculty any other faculty that can speak to the student’s academic performance will suffice. The third letter should come from a dental practitioner the candidate has shadowed. A pre-professional committee evaluation may be substituted for the three letters. Applicants must have the letters delivered to AADSAS; hardcopy letters sent to the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs will not be connected to the application.

Dental Admission Test

Every applicant must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). The DAT scores are considered along with a candidate’s academic record and other criteria in the admissions decision. The exam is offered nationwide by computer through Prometric Testing Centers. The DAT results should not be more than three years old and the highest set of scores will be used. Information on the DAT is available on the American Dental Association website at: www.adea.org.

Direct questions regarding admission or arranging a visit to the college to: 859-323-6071; email: UKCDadmissions@uky.edu.

College of Dentistry
Office of Admissions and Student Affairs
M-134 Chandler Medical Center
University of Kentucky
Lexington, KY 40536-0297
859-323-6071
dentistry.uky.edu
email: UKCDadmissions@uky.edu