Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)

Admission Policies for 2008-2009

Applicants who wish to apply for admission to Howard University College of Dentistry (HUCD) must have access to the internet and submit an application on-line through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) at www.adea.org

AADSAS Application Dates for HUCD and other Dates of Importance

Filing Period June 1, 2008 through January 15, 2009

All credentials must be postmarked by January 27

DAT scores cannot be older than two (2) years

Application files will be acknowledged via email

Following review of files, interviews are scheduled for Saturdays between October 1 and February 15

If you are not contacted regarding an interview, you will not receive further correspondence other than the last decision notice.

First decision notices mailed to applicants by December 1^st

Last decision notices mailed to applicants beginning April

Applicant must respond to acceptance within six (6) weeks of receiving the December 1st offer.

Request for future consideration after acceptance must be in writing. The request is good for one (1) year only and may require a second interview.

Application files received after January 15 will not be acknowledged. (These files will be reviewed and a decision made based on credentials in the file.)

HUCD’s supplemental application is found on the website and is completed by accepted students “only”.

Admission to HUCD is highly competitive. The applicant’s previous academic record(s), scores on the Dental Admission Test (DAT) and letters of recommendation are significant credentials in the selection process.

Credentials Required for Admission

Bachelor of Science or Arts degree

GPA: 2.7

Total Science GPA: 2.7

DAT: 17 (in each of the eight categories)

The following subjects are the minimum required core courses that must be obtained from an accredited four (4) year college/university in the United States or Canada:

Recommended coursework:

Other admission factors considered include the quality of courses taken and the performance of the student; academic honors; leadership skills; volunteerism or work experience in dental setting; research experience; communication skills, oral and written; individual character and alumni background.

Students who have been dismissed from another dental or medical school for poor scholarship, disciplinary reasons or outstanding failing grades are ineligible to apply.

Advance standing for transfer students occur infrequently because of curriculum differences between dental schools. However, if you decide to apply you must submit 1) a letter indicating why you desire to attend HUCD; 2) a letter from the Dean of the dental school you currently attend stating that you are in good academic and professional standing; and 3) a copy of the curriculum and official transcript of the school you currently or previously attended. All documents should be received by January 1 in order to be considered for Fall admission.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Do you have to complete all required coursework or have taken the DAT before applying to HUCD?

No, you do not have to complete all required coursework or take the DAT before applying to HUCD. However, if you receive an offer of acceptance, you must complete all requirements as specified in your acceptance letter. Otherwise, your offer will be rescinded. 

I have a dental degree from my country and I would like to practice dentistry in the US. Will I be able to take coursework and complete a degree within one or two years at HUCD? 

HUCD does not have a special program for dentists who received a degree outside the US and Canada. You may apply as a new applicant and follow the same admission requirements as indicated or you may apply to one of our postdoctoral programs by completing a PASS application online. Please visit www.adea.org to complete a PASS application. Postdoctoral programs are offered in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Advanced Education Program in General Dentistry and General Practice Residency. Applicants possessing foreign degrees must pass Parts I and II of the National Boards to be eligible to apply to the postdoctoral programs.  

Can a non-science major apply to HUCD?

You do not have to be a science major to apply to HUCD.  However, you must have a baccalaureate degree from an accredited four-year college or university in US or Canada and meet the admissions requirements to apply to HUCD.

Do you offer tours of the dental building? If so, what office must I contact regarding a tour?

Tours are scheduled on Wednesdays at 12:00 noon during the Fall and Spring Semesters. You may contact the Office of Admission, Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM EST. at 202-806-0400.

Whom should I ask to give me a letter of recommendation?

Letters of recommendation must come from an advisor, counselor or instructor who is familiar with your academic background. Exceptions may be made for applicants who have graduated and are now working. In this situation, we will accept a letter from the applicant’s employer(s).

If I submit credentials after the deadline, will you review my file?

Yes, we will review your file.

Is housing available for dental students?

Yes. Depending upon your individual needs, dental students may choose to live on or off campus in housing available in the city or the surrounding area. (Website address:  www.howard.edu/residencelife)

What is the tuition at HUCD?

First Year: $37,796/Second Year: $33,406/Third Year: $28,411/Fourth Year: $28,311

(tuition subject to change without notice)

What is the average freshmen class size?

The average class size is 85 students.

What is the total number of applications received for the incoming freshmen class?

The Office of Admission received approximately 2,600 applications in the 2007-2008 cycle.

STATISTICS ON FALL 2007 CLASS

          - The average age is 24 years old.

- 36 females & 50 males

- 63% are underrepresented minorities

- Class size: 86

- Average GPA: 3.17

- Average DAT Total Science: 17

- National Board Results - Average passing score:

Part I 83% and Part II 80%

(Additional questions regarding statistics are unavailable at this time.)

Certificate of Dental Hygiene

Call the Dental Hygiene Division at (202) 806-0079 for additional information.

Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Dental Surgery Combined Education Program (BS/DDS)

The B.S./D.D.S. Combined Education Program is a special curriculum at Howard University spanning the predental and dental curricula. The program allows students to complete the requirements for both B.S. and D.D.S. degrees in six years instead of the traditional eight years. Only students of Howard University are eligible to participate in this program.

A limited number of students who have completed specific requirements in the College of Arts and Sciences at Howard University will be admitted to the College of Dentistry at the end of the Arts and Sciences sophomore or junior year only. The B.S. degree will be awarded after the successful completion of the first two years of the D.D.S. program, and D.D.S. degree will be awarded after the D.D.S. curriculum has been successfully completed.

The final selection of students to be admitted to any given year will be mutually approved by the Preprofessional Advisory Committee of the College of Arts and Sciences and the Committee on Admissions of the College of Dentistry at Howard University.

For further information on the program, refer to website www.founders.howard.edu/preprof/default.htm.

Academic Reinforcement Program (ARP)

An integral part of the academic program of the College of Dentistry, ARP is designed to assist in the successful training of disadvantaged but competent students. Selection for this program is dependent on the recommendation of the Admission Committee.

The program has two phases: the prematriculation phase (summer program) and the matriculation phase. The Academic Reinforcement Program is a six week program subsidized by the Federal Health Careers Opportunity Program (HCOP) and is conducted at the Howard University College of Dentistry and the College of Medicine. The objectives of this program are to introduce the student to the basic sciences, to strengthen learning skills and provide a measure of the student’s ability to handle our dental curriculum. Subjects included in ARP are Gross Anatomy, Biochemistry, Microbiology, Learning Skills, Critical Thinking and Problem Solving Skills. Time and Task Management Strategies and Test-Taking Skills will also be presented. Satisfactory completion of the Program will be determined on the basis of examinations and attendance. While it is anticipated that all students will be successful, admission to the freshmen class will not be granted to any student who fails to complete the program and to pass all courses offered.

The matriculation phase affords continuing assistance over and beyond the classroom in all courses, laboratory and clinic areas and counseling on a more individualized basis than in the regular classrooms.

Those participating in the prematriculation phase are responsible for their room and board. Students should especially note that admission to this phase of the program does not guarantee admission to the College of Dentistry. Admission is based on the adequacy of performance during this phase.