D.M.D. Admissions

The UNE College of Dental Medicine seeks high-quality, self-motivated, ethical applicants to become dentists through our program that incorporates the latest in dental practices, equipment, and technology, as well as principles in public health, health policy, and business. During our program, you are providing care to a wide variety of patients in our clinic on the Portland Campus and in clinics throughout Northern New England.

Our primary goal is to attract students who share our educational objectives and can be successful in the curriculum. We are looking for a diverse and balanced student population, and will consider both academic and non-academic criteria in assessing candidates for admission. A “whole file review” process is in place to assess applicants in the areas of academic record/ability, leadership potential, community service experience, career goals, personal qualities, interpersonal skills, and maturity.

Important Application Dates

Doctor of Dental Medicine, 4-Year Degree Program

Application Process

Doctor of Dental Medicine 4-Year Degree Program

  • All verified applications received on or before the November 1, 2023 application deadline will receive full admission consideration. Applications received after the deadline will be reviewed on a space-available basis.
  • Verified applications undergo an initial preliminary review for minimum requirements, after which select applicants will be invited to submit the UNE supplemental application fee.
  • Verified applicants who have successfully submitted all supporting documents, including the required supplemental application fee, undergo a secondary review by the College of Dental Medicine faculty.
  • Highly-qualified applicants will then be invited to complete a virtual interview assessment via Kira Talent. All interviews are conducted by invitation only.
  • UNE communicates all status updates, notifications, and admission decisions via email.

Advanced Standing Doctor of Dental Medicine for International Dentists

  • To be eligible for admission, applicants must have a dental degree from a non-U.S./Canadian dental school.
  • Verified applications undergo an initial preliminary review for minimum requirements, after which select applicants will be invited to submit payment towards the supplemental application fee.
  • Verified applicants who have successfully submitted all supporting documents, including the required supplemental application fee, undergo a secondary review by the Dental Medicine faculty.
  • Select applicants will then be invited to interview. All interviews are by invitation only.
  • UNE communicates all status updates, notifications, and admission decisions via email.

For specific academic dates, please view the UNE Academic Calendar.

Admissions Events

Requirements

Admissions Requirements

Update for the 2023–2024 Application Cycle

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the following is applicable to courses completed during the Spring 2020, Summer 2020, Fall 2020, Spring 2021, Summer 2021, and Fall 2021 semesters only:

  • Applicants who had the option of taking a prerequisite course for a letter grade or Pass/Fail must have chosen the letter grade option for the course to count toward the prerequisite requirements. If the applicant did not have the option to choose a letter grade for a prerequisite course due to COVID-19, we will consider Pass/Fail grades on a case-by-case basis pending verification from the institution’s Registrar’s Office that a graded option was not available for the prerequisite course.
  • While letter grades are preferred for non-prerequisite courses, Pass/Fail grades will also be acceptable.

Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) 4-year Degree Program

Application

The University of New England College of Dental Medicine (UNE CDM) participates in the American Dental Education Association Centralized Application Service (ADEA AADSAS). All applicants are required to apply online through this service.

Degree Requirement

Completed a minimum of 90 semester (135 quarter) credits at a U.S. regionally accredited institution or international equivalent, at the time of enrollment. However, a baccalaureate degree is preferred.

  • All applicants are required to submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended. Official transcripts should be sent directly to ADEA AADSAS. Please see the ADEA AADSAS application for additional information and instructions.
Prerequisite Coursework Requirements
Course Subject Course Credits Course Details
General Biology 4 semester or 6 quarter credits
  • Lab Required
  • Zoology is acceptable to fulfill this requirement.
Anatomy or Anatomy and Physiology I and Anatomy and Physiology II 4-8 semester or 6-12 quarter credits
  • Lab(s) Required
  • This requirement can be satisfied by taking Anatomy w/lab or Anatomy and Physiology I with lab (4 semester, 6 quarter credits) and Anatomy and Physiology II with lab (4 semester, 6 quarter credits)
Microbiology 4 semester or 6 quarter credits
  • Lab Required
General Chemistry 4 semester or 6 quarter credits
  • Lab Required
Organic Chemistry 4 semester or 6 quarter credits
  • Lab Required
Biochemistry 3 semester or 4.5 quarter credits
  • Lab not required
Additional coursework in Biology, Chemistry, Calculus, or Physics 12 semester or 18 quarter credits
  • College-level courses required
English Composition/Technical Writing 3 semester or 4.5 quarter credits
  • College-level course required
Additional Recommended Courses
  • Human Physiology (strongly recommended)
  • Immunology (strongly recommended)
  • Pharmacology
  • Histology
  • Public Health
  • Ethics
  • 3-Dimensional Art (e.g., sculpture)
  • Genetics
  • Business
  • Communications
Other Important Prerequisite Coursework Considerations
  • All prerequisite courses must be successfully completed with a grade of "C" or better ("C minus" grades are not acceptable).
  • AP credits cannot be applied toward any prerequisite course.
  • Upper-level courses in any of the necessary prerequisite subject areas completed with a grade of "C" or better are acceptable.
  • Prerequisite courses may be in-progress or planned at the time of application. All courses must be successfully completed with an official transcript submitted to the UNE Office of Graduate Admissions prior to the start of the program.
  • Official transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed in the summer/fall term should be submitted and verified by ADEA AADSAS during the Academic Update period.
  • Official transcripts for coursework and/or degrees completed after the ADEA AADSAS Academic Update periods should be submitted directly from the University's Registrar to UNE’s Office of Graduate Admissions prior to the start of the program.

All planned or in-progress coursework should be listed on the ADEA AADSAS application at the time of application submission; not doing so may result in the applicant not meeting all admissions requirements.

Online courses offered through UNE’s Online Science Prerequisites are acceptable to fulfill prerequisites.

Standardized Tests

The U.S. Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required to be taken for the first time no later than October 1 of the application year. First attempt exam scores from after the October 1 DAT deadline will not be considered.

  • Applicants may choose to take the DAT a second time after October 1 and have those scores considered.
  • All official scores must be submitted directly to ADEA AADSAS.
  • The DAT must have been taken within 5 years of the application deadline.
Letters of Evaluation

Two (2) letters of evaluation are required, and must be submitted via ADEA AADSAS*

  • One letter must be from a science professor.
  • It is recommended that the second letter come from a dentist.
  • Committee letters are accepted in place of the two (2) required letters.
  • All letters must be submitted electronically via the ADEA AADSAS application. Letters of recommendation dated within the last 3 years are strongly preferred.

*Letters from friends or family members are not acceptable.

Volunteer/Experience Hours

Community Service: Applicants are strongly encouraged to demonstrate community service through volunteerism or service-oriented employment.

Clinical Dental Experience: Required minimum of thirty (30) hours of dental shadowing/experience.

  • All experiences should be documented in the ADEA AADSAS application.
Personal Statement
  • Please refer to the ADEA AADSAS application for all specific writing prompts and additional information.
Interviews

Interviews are a required part of the application process and are by invitation only.

  • Applicants are selected for interviews on a rolling basis.
  • Interviews are done by invitation only.
  • Interviews are typically conducted between August and December; spring interview sessions may be held as needed.
  • Alternate interviewing protocols may be instituted as necessary to address ongoing public health and safety concerns with COVID-19. The Office of Graduate Admissions will inform applicants of any updates, as necessary.

Given the normally heavy volume of applications, it is strongly encouraged that candidates submit and complete their applications as early as possible in the cycle to ensure full consideration for an interview.

Supplemental Fee
  • All verified applications will undergo a preliminary admission review, after which select applicants will be invited to submit the UNE Dental Medicine supplemental processing fee of $55 in order to be reviewed by the Admissions Committee.
  • Upon receipt of an invitation to complete the UNE Dental Medicine supplemental processing fee, please be sure to make payment promptly and by the deadline listed in the invitation.
International Applicants

International applicants and those with foreign degrees and coursework are required to satisfy the following additional requirements:

  • Official course-by-course evaluation by World Education Service (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). The completed credential evaluation should be submitted directly to ADEA AADSAS. Please refer to the International Admissions section of the UNE website for more information on the type of credential evaluation required for admission review.
  • Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate written and spoken fluency through the successful completion of a UNE-approved English language proficiency test.
  • Applicants should refer to the Graduate Admissions criteria outlined on the English Language Proficiency webpage for specific information and minimum score requirements.
  • Please refer to the ADEA AADSAS application for test score submission instructions.
Other Requirements/Information

Prior to matriculation, accepted and deposited students will be required to complete the following additional compliance requirements:

  • Completion of physical examination with proof of up-to-date immunization status. Please refer to UNE’s Student Health Center for detailed information.
  • Satisfactory completion of a criminal background check and/or drug screen prior to matriculation, as well as periodically throughout the program (as required by clinical affiliations).
  • All students must have the ability to meet all Academic and Technical Standards of the Dental Medicine profession.
  • UNE follows the ADEA AADSAS “traffic” rules. Those offered admission are notified via email beginning on the designated notification date and continuing until the class is full.
  • Only those applicants who meet the minimum requirements will be considered for admission. However, meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.

All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

Policy Exceptions
  • Policies are established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants to the university and its programs
  • All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum and/or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements
  • Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, not individual candidates
Transfer Credit
  • No transfer credit granted
Experiential Learning
  • No credit awarded for experiential learning

Advanced Standing Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D. AST) for International Dentists

The D.M.D. AST is offered on a space-available basis only. Please visit the UNE CAAPID profile page for current information.

Application

The University of New England College of Dental Medicine (UNE CDM) participates in the American Dental Education Association Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (ADEA CAAPID). All applicants are required to apply online through this service.

Degree Requirement

To be eligible for admission, applicants must have a dentist's degree from a non-U.S./Canadian dental school.

All applicants must provide a notarized, school-issued document confirming the conferred foreign dental degree (B.D.S., D.D.S., D.M.D., Odontology, etc.).

Standardized Tests

English-Language Proficiency Tests:

  • Applicants whose first language is not English must demonstrate written and spoken fluency through the successful completion of an English language proficiency test, such as the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).
  • Official score reports are required and must be submitted as a part of the completed application.
  • Applicants should refer to the Graduate Admissions criteria on the English Language Proficiency webpage for specific information and minimum score requirements.

Additional Tests:

  • Passage of both NBDE Part I and Part II exams (or INBDE) is mandatory, preferably within the last five (5) years. Official scores must be submitted through ADEA CAAPID.
  • Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) results will be accepted if submitted via ADEA CAAPID, but this is not required.
Letters of Evaluation

Three (3) letters of evaluation are required and must be submitted via ADEA CAAPID*

Letters of evaluation should be submitted from the following individuals:

  • Dean or chief/senior administrator of the applicant’s dental school (Dean level preferred).
  • Dental school clinical instructor who is able to evaluate the applicant’s potential.
  • One professional reference who can attest to the applicant’s character, conduct, and professional ability.
  • Three (3) letters of evaluation are required, and no more than four (4) will be accepted. Only letters submitted through ADEA CAAPID will be accepted.

All letters must be written in English, or translated by a certified US translator at the applicant’s expense. The letters must also include the evaluator’s current contact details. Letters of recommendation dated within 2 years of application are strongly preferred.

Interview and Bench Test

Interviews are conducted by invitation only. Only candidates with completed ADEA CAAPID and supplemental applications will be considered for an interview.

  • Interviews for full consideration to the DMD AST program include an evaluative interview with CDM faculty and staff, a bench test, and a written exam and/or writing sample.
  • The fee to complete the interview and bench test will be $500 and must be received by UNE CDM prior to the interview date.
  • Applicants are invited to interview on a rolling basis at the discretion of the UNE CDM Admissions Committee.
Residency Requirement

All applicants must provide proof of US citizenship (US passport, US birth certificate, or Certificate of Naturalization) or proof of permanent resident status (Green Card), or other appropriate immigration documentation.

  • It is the candidate’s responsibility to maintain legal immigration status for the duration of enrollment in the D.M.D. AST program.
Supplemental Fee

All complete applications will undergo preliminary admission review, after which select applicants will be invited to submit the required, non-refundable UNE Dental Medicine supplemental processing fee of $100 in order to continue moving forward in the application review process.

All materials submitted as part of the application become the property of UNE and will not be returned or released to anyone, including the applicant. This policy includes letters of reference, primary and secondary applications, personal statements, transcripts, and other supporting materials.

Policy Exceptions
  • Policies are established to ensure fair and consistent admissions practice for all applicants to the university and its programs.
  • All criteria presented in this summary are subject to change per professional accreditation requirements, changes in curriculum and/or other institutional standards, and clinical affiliation requirements.
  • Exceptions to existing admission policies are rare and made only when it is deemed necessary and appropriate to maintain fair and consistent practice for all candidates, not individual candidates.
Transfer Credit
  • No transfer credit granted
Advanced Standing

(please see application and admissions details in the admissions section of this page above)

Experiential Learning
  • No credit awarded for experiential learning

D.M.D. Admissions FAQ

How can I find out about the status of my application to UNE’s Doctor of Denal Medicine program?

You will receive an email confirming receipt of your verified application from the Office of Graduate Admissions. All communication from Graduate Admissions will be sent to the email address listed on your AADSAS application. If you wish to check the status of your application please email the Office of Graduate Admissions.

Does state residency play a role in UNE’s Doctor of Dental Medicine admissions?

There are no quotas for Maine or New England students. Prospective students from all geographic regions are encouraged to apply for admission.

Can I update or make changes to my UNE D.M.D. application post-submission?

Yes, updates can be made post-submission. Experiences can be added, but edits of previously submitted information is not allowed. Coursework can be updated during the Academic Update Period(s) for GPA recalculation. Coursework added outside of Academic Update Periods will not affect GPA calculations. Applicants are encouraged to submit updated or new DAT scores to ADA via AADSAS. See more information on updating your AADSAS application

I am reapplying to UNE’s D.M.D. What do I need to do?

Applicants reapplying to the UNE Doctor of Dental Medicine program need to resubmit all application materials for any new cycle in which they apply, including: primary CAS application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, written statements and responses, fees and payments, and any additional required documentation. Applicants should also actively update their experiences, extracurricular activities, clinical involvement, and volunteering each cycle as well, to reflect the most up-to-date engagement.