Last Updated on June 1, 2024 by II Editor
Dreaming of a career in dentistry? The first step towards making that dream a reality is gaining admission into a top-notch dental school. But with fierce competition for limited spots, understanding the dental school acceptance rates in California becomes essential for aspiring dentists like you.
Discover the factors that influence acceptance rates, the job market, and salary expectations of dentists in California’s renowned dental schools, and gain valuable insights into boosting your chances of acceptance.
For prospective dental students in California, we have carefully compiled a list of dental school acceptance rates in California, their average DATs, average GPAs, prerequisite courses, and every other information you may likely need to navigate the admissions process successfully. Let’s begin this exciting journey together!
Why Should You Study Dentistry in California?
California is one of the best cities for high-quality education and well-equipped learning environments. Furthermore, California is a dream destination for many students considering a degree in dentistry, and the state is home to some of the highest-paid dental professionals in the country.
Studying dentistry in California will provide you with the opportunity to meet new students who share your passion, to be educated in a well-supervised environment, and to work with professionals who will help you achieve the best knowledge that will help you become a better dentist in the future.
Without further ado, let’s look at the best and most well-accredited dental school acceptance rates in California.
If you live in California or elsewhere in the world and want to pursue a career in dentistry, we have carefully compiled a list of some of the best dental school acceptance rates in California to help you make the best decision in your career pursuit.
Career Outlook for Dentists in California
The career outlook for dentists is promising, with several opportunities for growth and development.
Job Market for Dentists in California
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the employment of dentists in California is expected to grow by 6% from 2020 to 2030, which is higher than the national average growth rate of 3%. This growth is driven by an aging population that requires dental services, increasing awareness of oral health, and the expansion of dental insurance coverage.
California is the state with the highest employment level for dentists in the country, with approximately 17,280 dentists working in the state as of 2021. The highest concentration of dentists in California is in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metropolitan area, followed by the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area.
Salary Expectations for Dentists in California
Dentists in California earn higher salaries than the national average. The BLS reports that the median annual wage for dentists in California was $192,570 in May 2021, which is significantly higher than the national median annual wage of $165,950.
However, salaries can vary depending on several factors, such as location, years of experience, and specialization. For instance, dentists working in the San Francisco-Oakland-Hayward metropolitan area earn an annual mean wage of $246,580, while those in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim metropolitan area earn an annual mean wage of $193,980.
Specialization Opportunities for Dentists in California
Dentists can specialize in several areas of dentistry, such as orthodontics, periodontics, endodontics, and oral surgery. California offers ample opportunities for dentists to specialize and advance their careers.
Orthodontists in California earn an average annual salary of $219,130, while periodontists earn an average annual salary of $230,430. Endodontists in California earn an average annual salary of $227,870, and oral and maxillofacial surgeons earn an average annual salary of $284,720.
Dental School Acceptance Rates in California
The following is a list of some of the dental school acceptance rates in California, as well as their average GPAs, and DAT scores.
1. Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
- Acceptance Rate: 4.9%
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Average DAT: 20.0
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry is a prestigious institution for dental education located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1897, it is one of the oldest dental schools in the Western United States. The school offers a range of degree programs, including a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Science in Dentistry. It’s state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty provide students with a comprehensive education in dental science and clinical practice. The school’s commitment to excellence in teaching and research has earned it a reputation as a leader in the field of dentistry.
2. Loma Linda University School of DentistryÂ
- Acceptance Rate: 6.4%
- Average GPA: 2.7
- Average DAT: 19.9
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry is a highly regarded institution for dental education located in Loma Linda, California. Established in 1905, the school offers a range of degree programs, including a Doctor of Dental Surgery(DDS) and a Master of Science in Dentistry, a Bachelor of Science in dental hygiene, certification in Orthodontics or pediatric dentistry, and many other degrees. It’s modern facilities and experienced faculty provide students with a comprehensive education in dental science and clinical practice. The school’s commitment to providing quality care and advancing the field of dentistry has earned it a reputation as a leading institution in the field.
The Loma Linda University Student Clinics provide care to university students by students, with close supervision from highly qualified and experienced faculty members. This allows students to apply their knowledge in a real-world setting while receiving professional assistance.
4. The Pacific University Arthur A. Dugoni Dental SchoolÂ
Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
Pacific University’s Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is a renowned institution for dental education located in the heart of San Francisco, one of the most desirable urban locations in the United States. Established in 1896, the school offers a range of degree programs, including a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Science in Dentistry. Its cutting-edge facilities and experienced faculty provide students with a comprehensive education in dental science and clinical practice. The school’s dedication to excellence in teaching and research has earned it a reputation as a top dental school in the United States.
It is the only school in the country that offers an accelerated DDS program, which condenses a four-year study course into three years. Students also have the unique opportunity to begin clinical instruction on day one of their programs, which is one of the main reasons that Arthur A. Dugoni graduates are in high demand when it comes time to begin their professional careers.
To be admitted to the Doctor of Dental Science (DDS) program at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, applicants must have a GPA of 3.6 and a DAT score of 22.0.
5. College of Dental Medicine at Western University of Health SciencesÂ
- Acceptance Rate: 2.1%
- Average GPA: 3.3
- Average DAT: 20.0
Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine is the most selective dental school in California. It has one of the most innovative Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) programs in the country, delivering a curriculum based on what dentists will need to know tomorrow and incorporating various educational methodologies within its state-of-the-art facilities. Founded in 1997, the school prepares students for a successful career in dentistry. It’s state-of-the-art facilities and experienced faculty provide students with a comprehensive education in dental science and clinical practice.
Students benefit from extensive clinical experience serving real patients in the community, as well as interprofessional learning opportunities emphasizing the critical role of every healthcare professional in reducing negative patient outcomes through stronger teamwork and communication. Â Dental students receive training in both the scientific and clinical methodologies as well as the business management aspects of dentistry. Graduates leave this program with the strongest foundation possible for starting their careers in practice and rising to the top of their profession.
6. UCLA School of Dentistry
- Acceptance Rate: 4.5%
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Average DAT: 22.0
UCLA School of Dentistry is a prestigious institution for dental education located in Los Angeles, California. Founded in 1964, the school offers a range of degree programs, including a Doctor of Dental Surgery(DDS) and a Master of Science in Dentistry. It’s state-of-the-art facilities and expert faculty provide students with an all-around education in dental science and clinical practice. The school’s dedication to advancing the field of dentistry through research and innovation has earned it a reputation as a top institution for dental education.
Applicants to UCLA’s four-year DDS program must have completed at least three years of coursework, with the majority having completed four. Similarly, applicants must have a minimum of 90 semester units or 135 quarter units.
7. UCSF School of DentistryÂ
- Acceptance Rate: 4.7%
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Average DAT: 21.0
 The great and outstanding UCSF School of Dentistry has been ranked among the best dental schools in California for over a century, providing dental education and impacting public health through scientific research.
The school prepares its students with the best knowledge of dental science, critical thinking skills, and clinical skills required to thrive as a dental care professional or in academic research. UCSF provides its students with the best research opportunities in California and the country as a whole.
FAQs
According to the American Dental Education Association, dental school acceptance rates in California have remained relatively stable over the last 20 years. Approximately 55% of applicants are accepted.
For more than 50 years, the University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry has been consistently ranked as one of the best dental schools in the country. The DDS curriculum provides students with innovative educational programs as well as numerous professional development opportunities.
A 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher is required for admission to dental school. Many schools have combined GPAs in Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (BCP). The average applicant should aim for a 3.4 GPA or higher in these science courses. What are the average dental school acceptance rates in California?
Which School is ideal for dentistry in California?
Is 3.4 considered a good GPA for dental school?
Conclusion
In this article, we have compiled all the dental school acceptance rates in California to keep you informed and help you make the right decision about your dental career. To increase your chances of being accepted, we advise that you should focus on achieving high grades and gaining relevant experience through internships and research opportunities.
Please keep in mind, however, that the dental school acceptance rates in California are dynamic and subject to change at any time by these institutions. As a result, we always recommend that you confirm the details with the official school admissions office.
