Selection Factors

The UNC-Chapel Hill School of Dentistry is committed to providing for a diverse student body. Individuals from a myriad of backgrounds who have had different experiences and have the potential to contribute to some aspect of dentistry or dental practice may be strongly considered by the Admissions Committee. The dental school wishes to admit individuals who will benefit from and contribute to the educational environment and the dental profession and be prepared at graduation to enter a wide range of careers. The School of Dentistry expects applicants to demonstrate the following skills, experiences, or potentials:

• First, an applicant must possess satisfactory academic abilities as evidenced by having successfully completed the required predental courses and the Dental Admission Test at an acceptable level of performance.

• Second, an applicant should possess psychomotor skills sufficient to perform the necessary technical tasks in dentistry. These skills are evidenced by an acceptable performance on the perceptual ability exam of the Dental Admission Test and by participation in hobbies and other experiences that require psychomotor activity outside the normal college curriculum. In addition, courses in drawing and sculpture are suggested.

• Third, an applicant must demonstrate a service commitment and a desire to help others. This is evidenced by participation in extracurricular and volunteer activities that require interaction with others. A caring attitude is considered central to the practice of dentistry and the school expects an applicant to demonstrate such an attitude. A predental curriculum designed to expand social awareness and extracurricular experiences demonstrating social sensitivity will be important factors in any application for admission.

• Fourth, an applicant should possess the potential to be a self-directed, life-long learner. By definition, the dental profession requires a practitioner to learn continually in order to provide the highest level of patient care. This attitude is evidenced by appropriate self-learning activities and other experiences that indicate a high level of independent, intellectual curiosity.

• Fifth, an applicant must demonstrate a knowledge of the dental profession. Such knowledge can be obtained from talking with and observing dentists and reading appropriate dental literature. The dental school expects applicants to have a firm grasp of what the dental profession is and what the important issues facing the profession are.

Interested students who have obtained a degree in dental hygiene are encouraged to apply. Depending on the curriculum undertaken, certain requirements may be waived by the Admissions Committee. Meeting with the Assistant Dean for predoctoral education is recommended.

On a limited basis, entering students who have previously completed courses listed in the D.D.S. curriculum may be exempted. Requests for exemption are handled on an individual basis through the Office of Academic Affairs and the appropriate course director.

Selected applicants are invited to the school for a series of personal interviews with faculty and student members of the Admissions Committee. An evaluation from the interview combined with the applicant's academic record and performance on the Dental Admission Test is the basis for the applicant's consideration for acceptance. Applicants are encouraged to submit any material relating to activities or experiences beneficial to their consideration.

Last modified: 07/07/2008 at 09:30:49