10 Dental Schools That Accept a Low GPA

Getting into dental school can feel competitive, especially if your GPA is lower than the averages reported by many programs. Still, several dental schools that accept a low GPA take a more holistic approach to admissions and may consider your DAT scores, clinical experience, volunteer work, recommendation letters, and improvement over time alongside your grades.

A lower GPA does not automatically prevent you from becoming a dentist. Below, we’ll go over dental schools that may be more accessible for students with lower GPAs, what GPA ranges are considered competitive, how financial aid works, and ways to strengthen your application before applying.

Can You Get Into Dental School With a Low GPA?

You can get into dental school with a low GPA, although admissions may be more competitive depending on the program. Many dental schools look beyond GPA alone and review the full picture of your academic and professional background. Strong Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores, science coursework, shadowing hours, leadership experience, and a clear commitment to dentistry can help offset a lower GPA.

Some schools also place more weight on upward grade trends. For example, students who struggled early in college but improved significantly in upper-level science courses may still be considered strong candidates. Post-baccalaureate programs, master’s degrees, and retaking prerequisite courses can also help demonstrate academic readiness for dental school.

It’s important to apply strategically. Schools with lower average admitted GPAs, holistic admissions policies, or larger entering classes may provide more realistic opportunities for students with GPAs below the national average. Applying to a balanced list of programs and submitting a polished application can improve your chances of acceptance.

Dental Schools That Accept a Low GPA

Dental schools can have very different admissions standards, especially when it comes to GPA expectations. While many highly selective programs report average admitted GPAs above 3.5, some schools take a more holistic approach and may give greater consideration to DAT scores, clinical experience, community service, leadership, and academic improvement over time. Every school on this list is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).

1. Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health

The Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health is located in Mesa, Arizona, part of the Phoenix metropolitan area. The school is part of A.T. Still University, which is institutionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).—

The Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program places a strong focus on public health, community dentistry, and serving underserved populations. Admissions are holistic, meaning the school reviews factors beyond GPA alone, including DAT scores, volunteer experience, leadership, and commitment to service. Applicants must complete prerequisite science coursework and submit DAT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement.

2. Howard University College of Dentistry

Howard University College of Dentistry is located in Washington, D.C., and is part of one of the most famous HBCUs in the United States. The school has a long history of training dentists from underrepresented backgrounds and serving diverse communities through clinical education and outreach opportunities.

Howard University is institutionally accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE). The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program uses a holistic admissions process that considers GPA, DAT scores, recommendation letters, shadowing experience, and community involvement. Howard is known for considering applicants with a wider range of academic backgrounds than some highly selective dental schools, although strong science preparation is still important for admission.

3. LECOM School of Dental Medicine

LECOM School of Dental Medicine offers a DMD program that combines traditional coursework with problem-based learning and early clinical experience. Students complete training in oral health sciences, patient care, and community-based clinical settings. Admissions requirements include prerequisite science courses, DAT scores, recommendation letters, and shadowing experience. The school uses a holistic review process and may consider applicants with lower GPAs alongside other strengths in their application.

The school operates locations in Bradenton, Florida, and Erie, Pennsylvania. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is institutionally accredited by the MSCHE. Students interested in either campus complete the same core admissions requirements, although clinical experiences and regional partnerships may vary slightly by location.

4. Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry

Meharry Medical College is institutionally accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), and offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery program with a strong emphasis on community health, underserved populations, and clinical training. Admissions teams consider GPA, DAT scores, leadership experience, service, and personal background as part of a holistic review process.

The School of Dentistry is located in Nashville and is one of the best-known dental schools in Tennessee for students interested in serving diverse communities. Applicants must complete prerequisite science coursework and submit DAT scores, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. The school is often viewed as a more accessible option for students with lower GPAs compared to some highly selective dental programs.

5. Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois

Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois is located in Downers Grove, Illinois, and is often recognized among the best dental schools in the Chicago area for hands-on clinical training. Midwestern University is institutionally accredited by the HLC and offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine program that emphasizes patient-centered care and extensive simulation and clinical experiences.

Admissions are competitive but holistic, with the university reviewing DAT scores, prerequisite coursework, recommendation letters, volunteer experience, and academic trends in addition to GPA. Students with lower GPAs may still be considered if they demonstrate strong science preparation, high DAT performance, or meaningful clinical and service experience.

6. Roseman University College of Dental Medicine

Roseman University College of Dental Medicine is located in South Jordan, Utah, part of the Salt Lake City metropolitan area. The school offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program that uses a compressed academic model and emphasizes collaborative learning, early clinical exposure, and patient-centered care. Admissions requirements include prerequisite science coursework, DAT scores, letters of recommendation, and shadowing experience. The university takes a holistic approach to admissions and may consider applicants with lower GPAs who demonstrate strong academic improvement or competitive DAT performance.

Roseman University of Health Sciences is institutionally accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). The dental program is known for its block curriculum format, where students focus on one subject area at a time rather than taking multiple courses simultaneously. Applicants are also evaluated on communication skills, professionalism, leadership, and commitment to community service.

7. Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry

Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program with extensive clinical training and opportunities to work with diverse patient populations. The program is known for its large clinical network and strong emphasis on hands-on experience throughout dental education. Applicants must complete prerequisite coursework and submit DAT scores, recommendation letters, and application materials through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). The school considers academic performance alongside service, leadership, and clinical exposure during the admissions process.

Temple University is located in Philadelphia and is institutionally accredited by the MSCHE. As one of the oldest dental schools in the country, Kornberg School of Dentistry has a long-standing reputation for clinical education and community outreach programs throughout the Philadelphia area.

8. Touro College of Dental Medicine

Touro College of Dental Medicine offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery program focused on oral health care, interprofessional education, and community-based clinical training. Admissions are holistic and consider GPA, DAT scores, volunteer work, recommendation letters, and evidence of academic growth. The program may appeal to students with lower GPAs who can demonstrate strong science preparation and commitment to dentistry through other parts of their application.

Touro College is located in Valhalla, New York, on the campus of New York Medical College and is institutionally accredited by the MSCHE. Students in the program benefit from clinical partnerships and opportunities to train in a range of community health settings throughout the region.

9. University of New England College of Dental Medicine

The University of New England College of Dental Medicine is located in Portland, Maine. The University of New England is institutionally accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The school offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine program with a strong focus on oral primary care, rural health, and community-based clinical experiences. Students complete coursework in biomedical sciences alongside hands-on patient care training beginning early in the program.

Admissions requirements include prerequisite science courses, DAT scores, recommendation letters, shadowing experience, and a personal statement. The school uses a holistic admissions process that considers academic trends, leadership, service, and clinical exposure in addition to GPA. Applicants with lower GPAs may still be competitive if they demonstrate strong preparation in science coursework or other strengths in their application.

10. Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine

Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine is located in Pomona, California, in the greater Los Angeles area. The school offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program that emphasizes interprofessional education, patient-centered care, and clinical experience in diverse health care settings. Applicants must complete prerequisite coursework and submit DAT scores, recommendation letters, and evidence of dental shadowing or community involvement as part of the admissions process.

Western University of Health Sciences is institutionally accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC). The dental program takes a holistic approach to admissions and reviews academic performance alongside service, leadership, communication skills, and personal background. Students with lower GPAs may strengthen their applications through strong DAT scores, upward academic trends, or meaningful clinical and volunteer experience.

How We Rank Schools

To create this list, we review data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), along with program-level details published by each university. We also look at key factors like:

• Accreditation: We prioritize schools that are institutionally accredited by recognized regional accrediting agencies and maintain accreditation for their dental programs through the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
• Admissions requirements: We review average admitted GPAs, holistic admissions practices, DAT expectations, prerequisite coursework, and whether schools may consider applicants with lower GPAs alongside other strengths.
• Online availability: While dental programs require in-person clinical training, we consider whether schools offer flexible coursework, simulation labs, or hybrid learning components that may support nontraditional students.
• Student outcomes: We evaluate factors such as clinical training opportunities, community partnerships, professional preparation, and the overall reputation of the dental program.

Learn more about our ranking methodology.

What Average GPA Do You Need for Dental School?

The average GPA for dental school applicants who enroll in U.S. programs is often around 3.5 or higher, although requirements can vary significantly by school. Highly competitive dental schools may report incoming class averages closer to 3.6 or 3.7, while some programs with more holistic admissions processes may consider applicants with GPAs in the low 3s or even below 3.0 in certain situations.

Your science GPA can also play a major role in admissions decisions. Dental schools often look closely at biology, chemistry, and physics coursework to evaluate academic readiness for the rigorous science curriculum. Applicants with lower overall GPAs may still be competitive if they show strong performance in prerequisite science courses or an upward academic trend over time.

Admissions committees also weigh factors beyond GPA alone. Strong DAT scores, clinical shadowing, volunteer work, leadership experience, and recommendation letters can help strengthen an application. Some students also improve their competitiveness by completing post-baccalaureate coursework or a science-focused master’s degree before applying to dental school.

Can You Get Financial Aid With a Low GPA?

Many students can still qualify for financial aid even with a lower GPA. Federal financial aid eligibility is primarily based on factors like enrollment status, citizenship, financial need, and maintaining satisfactory academic progress once enrolled in school. Most accredited dental schools participate in federal financial aid programs and accept the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

That said, GPA requirements for financial aid can vary depending on the type of aid. Some merit-based scholarships require higher GPAs, while need-based grants and federal loans may have more flexible academic standards. Students searching for scholarships for students with a low GPA may find opportunities through community organizations, professional associations, minority-serving institutions, and service-based scholarship programs.

Dental students may also qualify for military scholarships, National Health Service Corps programs, or state-based workforce initiatives that help cover tuition in exchange for service commitments after graduation. Researching aid options early and applying for multiple scholarships can improve your chances of reducing out-of-pocket costs for dental school.

Tips for Getting Into Dental School With a Low GPA

If you want to get into dental school with a low GPA, applying strategically can make a major difference. Some schools place greater emphasis on holistic admissions and may be more open to students who demonstrate academic growth, strong DAT scores, or meaningful clinical experience. Researching dental schools with high acceptance rates or lower average admitted GPAs can help you build a more realistic school list.

Improving your DAT score is often one of the most effective ways to strengthen your application. A strong DAT performance can help show admissions teams that you are prepared for rigorous science coursework even if your undergraduate GPA is lower than average. Retaking prerequisite science courses or completing post-baccalaureate coursework may also help improve your academic profile.

Hands-on experience matters as well. Shadowing dentists, volunteering in community clinics, and gaining leadership experience can help demonstrate commitment to the profession. Strong recommendation letters and a thoughtful personal statement can also help explain your academic journey and show why you are prepared to succeed in dental school.

FAQs About Dental Schools That Accept a Low GPA

Applying to dental school with a lower GPA can raise a lot of questions about admissions, financial aid, and career preparation. Below, we’ll go over some of the most common questions students ask when researching dental schools that may be more accessible for applicants with lower academic averages.

Can You Get Into Dental School With a GPA Below 3.0?

Some students do get into dental school with GPAs below 3.0, although admissions can be more competitive. Schools that use holistic admissions may consider DAT scores, science coursework, shadowing hours, volunteer work, and academic improvement alongside GPA.

Applicants with lower GPAs often improve their chances by earning strong DAT scores or completing additional science coursework before applying. Building a balanced school list can also help improve admission opportunities.

What Are the Educational Requirements To Become a Dentist?

The educational requirements to become a dentist typically include completing a bachelor’s degree, prerequisite science coursework, and a Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine program from an accredited dental school. Most students major in subjects like biology or chemistry, although dental schools may accept a range of undergraduate majors.

After graduating from dental school, students must pass national and state licensing exams to practice dentistry. Some dentists also complete additional residency training in specialty areas such as orthodontics or oral surgery.

Do Dental Schools Care More About GPA or DAT Scores?

Most dental schools consider both GPA and DAT scores important parts of the admissions process. GPA helps schools evaluate long-term academic performance, while DAT scores measure readiness for science-heavy dental coursework.

Students with lower GPAs may sometimes offset weaker grades with strong DAT scores. Admissions teams also review recommendation letters, clinical experience, interviews, and volunteer work when making decisions.

Can Community College Credits Count for Dental School Prerequisites?

There are several dental schools that accept community college credits for at least some prerequisite classes, although policies vary by program. Some schools prefer science prerequisites completed at four-year universities, especially for upper-level coursework.

Students who complete prerequisites at community colleges may strengthen their applications by earning strong grades in advanced science courses later in their academic careers. Checking each school’s admissions policies before applying is important.

Are There Dental Schools With High Acceptance Rates?

Some dental schools report higher acceptance rates or more accessible admissions averages than highly selective programs. Schools with holistic admissions policies may also consider applicants with lower GPAs if other parts of the application are strong.

Acceptance rates can change from year to year, so students should look beyond statistics alone when choosing schools. Factors like clinical training opportunities, location, support services, and overall fit can also play a major role in long-term success.

Discover Low GPA Dental Schools

Find your perfect dental school, even with a lower GPA, by exploring the programs and pathways featured on Learn.org. Reach out to individual dental schools to learn more about admissions and application requirements.