Frequently Asked Questions
ACADEMIC PREPARATION
Do I need a Bachelor’s Degree before I apply?
• No.
• Most applicants apply after completing 3 years of their undergraduate
degree.
Do I need a Bachelor’s Degree prior to admission?
• No.
• However, obtaining a bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• Very few "early" applicants are considered.
How many credit hours do I need before I can apply?
• 90 quarter hours or 60 semester hours.
• Applicants are rarely admitted with less than 120 quarter hours
or 96 semester hours.
How many prerequisite courses do I need before I apply?
• Semester courses - 9 of 13 prerequisites must be completed.
• Quarter courses - 10 of 14 prerequisites must be completed.
• Preference is given to those with the most
prerequisites completed.
• Prerequisites in progress at the time of application submission
are not considered complete.
Does it matter what undergraduate school I attend?
• No, you may attend any undergraduate school of your choice.
Can I take Community College courses?
• Yes, however community college course are not preferred.
• All prerequisite courses should be completed at a four-year college
or university.
Is a science major necessary?
• No.
• Choose a major that interests you and prepares you for a people-oriented
profession.
Other than prerequisites, what other courses should I take?
• A well-rounded liberal arts education is recommended.
• Suggested courses include drawing, art, psychology and communications.
• Science courses in embryology and histology may be beneficial.
• Business courses such as accounting or marketing may also beneficial.
What happens if I receive a "C" in a prerequisite
course?
• To improve your chances of consideration,
take an upper level course in the same discipline and earn a grade
of a “B” or better.
What happens if I receive a "C-", "D" or "E"
in a prerequisite course?
• Repeat the course.
• Take an upper level course in the same discipline earning
a grade of a “B” or better.
• Follow the advice of your academic advisor when choosing courses.
APPLICATION PROCESS
AADSAS APPLICATION
How do I apply?
• Contact ADEA and the Associated
American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).
• Applications are completed online at
https://portal.aadsasweb.org/
Do I have to use AADSAS to apply?
• Yes.
• All applicants must apply using AADSAS.
When can I submit my AADSAS application?
• June 1, 2011 to September 15, 2011
• After you submit your AADSAS application, NO GRADES ARE UPDATED.
• After September 15th - no applications are accepted - no exceptions.
• Submit your application early, as soon as spring grades
are posted.
• If in doubt about the timing of application submission, contact
our office at 614-292-3361.
Can I submit my AADSAS application prior to taking the DAT?
• Yes.
• If you have not taken the DAT, do not wait to submit your application.
Do I need to complete all of the prerequisite courses before
I apply?
• No.
• You must have at least 2/3 of the prerequisites completed
prior to applying.
• Preference is given to applicants with the most prerequisites
completed.
• Prerequisites in progress at the time of application submission
are not considered complete.
• All prerequisites must be successfully completed with a
grade of "C" or better before entering
dental school.
How long does AADSAS take to process my application?
• 6-8 weeks are needed to process and distribute your application.
How can I check the status of my AADSAS application?
• Check the AADSAS website.
• Use your AADSAS username and password.
How do I know when OSU has received my AADSAS application?
• You are notified via email when your application has arrived.
• Please do not call to check on the receipt of your application.
What is the deadline for my AADSAS application?
• September 15, 2011.
• Apply as early as possible (June) AFTER spring grades post.
• Applications received late in the cycle may not be reviewed
prior to filling the class.
Is my application considered if I have applied to more than
one health professional program?
• Yes.
SUPPLEMENTAL APPLICATION (OSU)
Do I need to complete an OSU supplemental (secondary) application?
• Yes.
• You are notified via
email with instructions and a link concerning this
application.
What is my deadline to complete the supplemental application?
• This application must be completed ONLINE before your record can be reviewed.
• This application must be completed within one week
of receiving the email link.
• You create an
account that allows you to access your application as often as needed.
• As soon as all interview invitations are completed, the link
to the supplemental application is disabled.
What types of questions are on the supplemental application?
• Questions on residency.
• This application is standard for state-supported dental
schools to establish residency status.
• Questions on educational, family and community service backgrounds.
• Questions on the application do require detailed information
but can be completed easily.
• So that you know what the application looks like prior to
completing it, click here.
• If you print this, use as a guide only.
• This application MUST BE
SUBMITTED ONLINE through a link that you receive via email.
What is the supplemental application fee?
• $60.00 (U.S. or permanent citizens)
• $70.00 (international students)
• Paid online via credit or debit card at the time you submit the
application.
• The fee for the supplemental application is NON-REFUNDABLE.
DENTAL ADMISSIONS TEST
What is the DAT?
• The Dental Admission Test.
• It is required for admission into all U.S. dental schools.
• The MCAT, GRE, LSAT etc. are not substitutes for the DAT.
What topics are on the DAT?
• Survey of the Natural Sciences (Biology, General Chemistry and Organic
Chemistry)
• Perceptual Ability
• Reading Comprehension
• Quantitative Reasoning
Are there any courses I must complete prior to taking the
DAT?
• Yes.
• Biology, General and Organic Chemistry must be completed
prior to taking the DAT.
• Mathematics is required for the Quantitative Reasoning
section of the DAT.
• Physics is not required for the DAT.
• The Perceptual Ability section requires extensive practice prior
to taking the DAT.
When should I take the DAT?
• If you are applying for Autumn 2012, the DAT should be taken
in the Spring of 2011.
• Schedule to test earlier if the required courses have been completed.
• Taking the test early gives you the opportunity to retake the test
if necessary.
• You must wait 90 days to schedule and retake the DAT.
Where can I take the DAT?
• The DAT is a computerized test.
• You must schedule a date and time to take the test.
• Testing is available at a Prometric Testing Center.
How long do my DAT scores remain active?
• DAT scores are accepted for two years only.
• If DAT scores are older than 2 years at the time of application,
you must retake the exam.
Are Canadian DAT scores acceptable?
• Yes, however we prefer the U.S. DAT.
• If you plan to apply only to U.S dental schools, take the
U.S. DAT.
• If planning to apply to Canadian schools, take the Canadian
DAT.
• Canadian schools do not accept the U.S. DAT.
How many times may I take the DAT?
• Applicants will need to apply for
special permission to take the test more that
THREE times.
• We consider your most recent score only.
• We note any improvements that you have made from your previous DAT
score(s).
How should I prepare for the DAT?
• The ADA offers sample testing materials as part of the DAT
registration booklet.
• Visit the ADA website at www.ada.org.
• Consider preparatory books available through bookstores and
libraries.
• Consider preparatory courses offered by test preparatory services.
If I plan to retake the DAT, how should I notify Admissions?
• Indicate the date you plan to retake the DAT on your AADSAS
application.
• If you have submitted your AADSAS application without this
information, email Admissions at
dentadmit@osu.edu
If I indicate that I will be retaking the DAT, will my
application be reviewed without the new scores?
• No.
• Your application remains incomplete until your new scores
are received.
• Incomplete applications are not reviewed.
What if I indicate that I will retake the DAT and then
decide not to do so?
• Please email
dentadmit@osu.edu with your
updated intentions.
How do
our DAT scores compare to other schools?
What was last year's DAT average?
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION
How many recommendation letters are required?
• Two letters are required.
Who should write the two recommendation letters?
• A college science professor who is able to write about your academic
qualities.
• Someone who knows you very well and can write about your personal qualities.
• Letters from employers are acceptable.
Do “extra” recommendation letters help?
• No.
• Additional letters from congressmen, governors, mayors,
alumni and clergy are not helpful.
What if my classes are large and professors do not know me
very well?
• Arrange to meet with the professor to discuss the recommendation
letter.
• Use this time to present yourself and your desire to pursue
Dentistry as a career.
How are the recommendation letters submitted?
• All letters must be submitted to AADSAS
electronically.
• Please visit
https://portal.aadsasweb.org/ for details.
OBSERVATION HOURS
Why do I need observation hours?
• Direct exposure to the daily routine of the practicing dentist is
important.
• Observation hours may impact your decision about Dentistry as a
profession for you.
• Your observation experience may strengthen your desire to pursue
Dentistry.
• Observing gives you the opportunity to become familiar
with dental procedures.
What dentists may I observe?
• You must observe a general practice dentist in the United States
or Canada.
• The required observation hours cannot be with family members.
• The required observation hours cannot be in a teaching facility
such as a university.
How many observation hours do I need?
• A minimum of 20 observation hours at a general practice is required.
• There is no maximum number of observation hours.
• It is suggested that you spend more than 20 hours observing
multiple practices.
May I observe my orthodontist instead of a general practice
dentist?
• Observing a specialist cannot take the
place of observing a general practice dentist.
• Observing a specialist is encouraged after you have completed the
required 20 hours.
How do I arrange my observation hours?
• Contact your own general dentist to request a time to observe.
• If you do not have a dentist, consult your family or friends for
the names of dentists.
Should I observe at more than one office?
• It is beneficial to visit more than one office.
What should I observe?
• Psychomotor and perceptual skills needed to perform dental procedures.
• Application of biological and mechanical principles in solving treatment
problems.
• Interpersonal skills necessary to interact positively with patients
or office staff.
• Management skills required for the dentist.
Is there a form to document my observation hours?
• Yes.
• The instructions
Office
Observation Report Instructions
• The form
Office
Observation Report
What if I observe one office on more than one date, do I need to
fill out a separate form for each date?
• No.
• Fill out the total number of hours
in the column indicated.
• You only need to submit ONE FORM.
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Why do I need community service?
• We are looking for applicants who have a strong commitment to
community service.
• We believe that commitment to community service is essential in the
dental profession.
• Community service experiences may impact your decision about
Dentistry as a profession.
• Community service experiences may strengthen your desire to pursue
Dentistry.
How much community service do I need?
• There are no minimum or maximum number of community service hours
required.
•
Duration is important - we are looking for long term
commitments to community service projects.
•
Community service activities that include
directly working with those in need are preferred.
How is my community service record evaluated?
•
Based on the activity and duration of service.
•
Service activity is considered major or minor.
•
Major service includes working directly with those in need.
•
Minor activity includes not working directly with those in need.
Is there a form that I should use to
document my community service?
• Yes.
• Click here for the
Non-Academic Experiences Form INSTRUCTIONS
• Click here for the
FORM
•
All applicants must complete and submit this
form.
•
If you do not submit this form, your application is considered
incomplete.
•
If you do not submit this form, you cannot be invited for an
interview.
Are there guidelines for dental community service experiences
that take place in foreign countries?
• Yes.
• Click
here for ADEA Guidelines for Predental Students Providing
Patient Care
During Clinical Experiences Abroad
INTERVIEW*
Is an interview required?
• Yes.
• Interviews are by invitation only.
• The applicants with the strongest credentials are invited
for an interview.
When are the interview dates for the 2011-2012 application cycle?
• Autumn Quarter 10/8/11, 10/15/11, 12/3/11 (all Saturdays)
If I receive an interview invitation, may I change the date?
• No.
• Due to the large number of applicants, allowing an applicant
to switch or choose a date to
interview is not possible.
Does an interview mean that I am accepted?
• No.
• An interview does not imply or guarantee that an applicant is offered a seat
in the class.
How many applicants are interviewed?
• Approximately 180 applicants are interviewed for 109 or more seats.
Who interviews me?
• You are interviewed by five Admissions committee members
• Three faculty members and two dental students (third &
fourth year) interview each
applicant.
How long does my interview last?
• Approximately one hour (subject to change).
How should I dress for the interview?
• Professional business attire is appropriate.
What are some example interview questions?
• Click here for examples.
SELECTION DETAILS*
How many students are selected for each dental class?
• 109 or more (subject to change)
Is there a limit to how many non-resident students are in
each dental class?
• Yes.
• Approximately 25% or less non-residents are accepted.
What are the selection criteria?
• A whole file review is used to review all applications.
• Both the academic record and non-academic experiences are
considered.
• 60% Academic
- based on overall GPA & DAT Academic Average
- no minimum GPA requirement
- applicants must have a strong academic record
- DAT scores are very important indicators of academic performance
• 10% Technical
- based on DAT Perceptual Ability score
- must be > 13
• 10% Non-academic Experiences
- based on
volunteer, employment, leadership, research, sports and other
experiences
• 20% Interview
OFFERS OF ACCEPTANCE
When am I notified of acceptance?
• Per agreement among dental schools, acceptances are not issued
before December 1st.
• Offers of acceptance continue on a rolling basis following the interview events.
How am I notified of acceptance?
• Offers of acceptance are sent via email and then followed with a
letter sent in U.S. mail.
• A phone call to you is also attempted.
If I am not accepted, is there an ALTERNATE LIST?
• Once the class is filled, an alternate list is compiled.
• Alternates are officially informed of their status via email
and U.S. mail.
• Alternates are also informed of their ranking on
the alternate list (via phone).
• As each opening becomes available, an individual from the
top of the alternate list is offered a
seat in the class.
Does the ALTERNATE LIST change?
• This list changes frequently based on
applicants withdrawing, or, changes to the final scores.
• Scores may change based on receipt of FINAL GPA (official final transcripts).
• Scores may change based on receipt of updated DAT SCORES.
• On September 1st, the alternate list will be prepared and ordered
according to final scores.
• Final scores include the
FINAL GPA and MOST RECENT DAT SCORES.
Can I improve my ranking on the ALTERNATE LIST?
• The DAT may be retaken in order to improve your rank on the
alternate list.
• The most recent DAT scores are always used in
calculating the rank.
• Being on the alternate list never guarantees a seat in any class.
• Alternates may fill available openings up until the first
day of classes, autumn quarter.
• Each alternate list is only in effect until the first day of
classes.
What happens after the first day of class and I am still on the
ALTERNATE LIST?
• There is no carryover to any future class.
• Notification is sent via mail.
• You are encouraged to meet with a
team member in the Admissions to review
your application.
REAPPLICANTS
If I choose to reapply to The Ohio State University College
of Dentistry, can I submit the same application?
• No, identical applications are not considered.
• Applications submitted without any attempt to improve competitiveness
are not considered.
As a reapplicant, what should I do first?
• Please make a phone appointment with a
counselor in the Office of Admissions.
• This phone advising session should take place between February and April.
As a reapplicant, why is it necessary for me to speak with
the Admissions staff?
• To determine how to improve your competitiveness.
• A record
of this meeting is added to your current application file.
As a reapplicant, what do I do after I speaking with the Admissions
staff?
• Take action to improve your competitiveness based on meeting.
• Develop a plan and timeline to improve your competitiveness.
• Document exactly what you do to improve your competitiveness.
As a reapplicant, is there anything special that I must
do?
• Yes. Complete and submit the Reapplicant Checklist Form.
• Please review the
Reapplicant page.
• Click here for the
Reapplicant Checklist INSTRUCTIONS
• Click here for the
Reapplicant Checklist FORM
• Please complete this form after we receive your
AADSAS application.
• PLEASE note - update your recommendation letters.
• PLEASE note - 20 additional observation hours are
required and must be documented with the current
Office
Observation Report.
*subject to change
