Admissions Requirements
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required of all applicants who seek admission to the School of Dental Medicine. Information about this test may be obtained online from the American Dental Association (ADA). Applicants should plan to take this test in the spring, but no later than fall, of the year prior to their desired dental school matriculation date. Official DAT scores should be reported directly through the AADSAS application. DAT scores older than three years may not be accepted.
Recommended additional coursework
While not required, courses in biochemistry, general microbiology, comparative anatomy, physiology, embryology/histology, vertebrate physiology, anatomy, genetics and cell biology, statistics, humanities, and psychology are recommended.
Note: Academic transcripts should not be sent to the School of Dental Medicine unless specifically requested by the Office of Admissions.
Pre-dental Students Providing Patient Care Abroad
The ECU SoDM understands that many students are taking the opportunity to gain dental experience in other countries where regulations are not as strict as the United States or Canada. While these activities provide great opportunities for service to people in need, in some instances, serious ethical situations related to patient care can arise.
Recognizing the potential concerns that face students participating in international patient service activities, the American Dental Education Association has developed specific guidelines related to patient care. Click HERE to read ADEA Guidelines for Pre-dental Students Providing Patient Care During Clinical Experiences Abroad.
Detailed Application Instructions - AADSAS
Applicants must apply through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). AADSAS information is available from the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) at: www.adea.org.
The application deadline for the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine is December 1. However, given that the dental school admission processes operate on a rolling basis, applicants are advised to apply early in the application cycle. AADSAS applications are generally available on June 1 of the year prior to the year of desired matriculation.
Supplemental Application
Once the AADSAS application is processed by AADSAS and transmitted to the School of Dental Medicine, the Office of Admissions will contact the student via email. The email will include instructions for completing a supplemental application. There will be an $80 application fee.
Application Review
Once the AADSAS and supplemental application are received in the Office of Admissions, the application materials will be carefully reviewed. This holistic review includes consideration of each applicant whose credentials indicate that they may be successful candidates will be invited for an interview with the Admissions Committee.
Letters of Recommendation
For applicants who are attending or have attended an institution that has a pre-health professions committee, the Admissions Committee requires a committee letter rather than individual letters of recommendation. Alternatively, for applicants whose institution does not offer such an option, two recommendation letters - one from a Biology professor and one from a Chemistry professor, both of who have taught the applicant and know the applicant well - may be substituted.
Each applicant should also provide one letter of recommendation from a (non-relative) dentist, currently practicing or retired from practice in North Carolina, describing how well the dentist knows the applicant, and describing the dentist's assessment of the applicant's character, ethical bearing, maturity and commitment to serving the community. This letter MUST be on official letterhead.
All of these recommendation letters should be submitted through AADSAS, and should not be sent directly to the School of Dental Medicine unless specifically requested.
Interview
Candidates under consideration for admission will be invited for an interview with members of the Admissions Committee. In advance of the interview, candidates will receive correspondence that delineates the agenda for the day of the interview.
Review by the Admissions Committee
In keeping with its mission as a state-supported school established to train dentists who will meet the needs of all residents of North Carolina, the East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine considers the following selection factors:
· Academic background and performance in post-secondary coursework, with emphasis on performance in pre-requisite and science courses
· Performance on the DAT and other available standardized tests
· Activities demonstrating the applicant’s commitment to service and care for underserved communities or populations
· Faculty letters of recommendation
· Recommendation from a dentist, currently practicing or retired from practice in North Carolina, attesting to the applicant’s ethical bearing
· Knowledge of the dental profession, as evidenced by career-related activities as shadowing professionals, community service and other volunteer opportunities
· Interview conducted by members of the Admissions Committee
· Any other available, pertinent information
The Admissions Decision
The Admissions Committee meets periodically throughout the admissions cycle to review applications. Each applicant’s record is evaluated holistically, using all available information to best determine the applicant’s character and qualifications for the study of dentistry.
Offers of Admission
Offers of admission will be extended, beginning on December 1, continuing on a rolling basis until all class positions are filled and a pool of alternates has been established. Candidates who receive an offer of admission will be given a designated time frame in which to respond.
Candidates selected to receive an offer of admission will be required to successfully complete a criminal background check, administered by Certiphi Screening Incorporated, and coordinated through AADSAS. The cost of the background check will be the responsibility of the candidate.
All offers of admission will be contingent upon the candidate consenting to and passing a criminal background check, as administered by Certiphi. Candidates must initiate the process with Certiphi within one week of receiving an offer of admission. Failure to provide complete, accurate and truthful information in the AADSAS or ECU SoDM Supplemental Application, or to Certiphi, will be grounds to deny or withdraw an offer of admission, or dismiss a student after enrollment.
Acceptance of Offers
Candidates who wish to accept the offer of admission will be required to verify their ability to meet the established Technical Standards for Admission, Enrollment and Graduation, and to pay an initial, nonrefundable tuition deposit. Candidates are expected to maintain the same level of academic achievement and professional conduct that led to the offer of admission, including completion of all anticipated degree requirements. Failure to do so will result in a re-examination of the candidate’s credentials and the possible withdrawal of the offer to matriculate.
Residency Requirements
The East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine is a state-supported professional school, with a mission to provide dentists to serve the people of North Carolina. At this time, enrollment is limited to residents of North Carolina.
Criteria for NC residency at ECU can be found by CLICKING HERE
ECU SoDM Residency Application Form
(*ONLY FILL THIS OUT IF YOU HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO DO SO BY THE SoDM ADMISSIONS OFFICE)
- Please fill out this form electronically, then print and mail to the address listed on the application.
The ECU School of Dental Medicine actively seeks to admit students with established roots and connections to North Carolina, and who have a desire to serve the communities of need throughout the state.
Transfer Students
Given the structure of the Doctor of Dental Medicine curriculum, the School of Dental Medicine cannot accept applications from individuals seeking to transfer from another dental school.
A Special Note for Internationally Trained Dentists
The ECU School of Dental Medicine does not offer a special program for internationally trained dentists. Provided they are residents of the state of North Carolina, internationally trained dentists may apply for admission to the Doctor of Dental Medicine program as first year students, and must meet the same admissions requirements as all other applicants. There can be no exceptions to these requirements.
All prospective students are required to have a bachelor's degree from an accredited US or Canadian college or university. Internationally trained dentists seeking admission must submit, as part of their AADSAS application, course transcripts for all degrees earned, including a course by course translation, certified by an accredited credentials agency, such as World Educational Services (WES). As is required of all dental applicants, internationally trained dentists must take Dental Admission Test (DAT). National Board scores cannot be substituted for the DAT.
Given that the School of Dental Medicine does not offer admission with advanced standing, internationally trained dentists may find it helpful to consider institutions that do offer advanced standing programs. The American Dental Association provides resource information for internationally trained dentists, including information regarding accredited dental programs that offer admission with advanced standing. CLICK HERE to learn more.
