Admission Requirements

For admission to the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Program, applicants must meet all of the following Academic and Non-Academic admission requirements:

1. Undergraduate Degree
2. Prerequisite Subject Areas
3. DAT
4. Casper
5. Western Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement (ABS)
6. Interview

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure all documentation is submitted to the appropriate office by the deadlines indicated.

Falsification or misrepresentation
of information from any portion of the application process, including interviews, will result in removal of the application from consideration and may be considered in any future applications to the University.

References are NOT required in the admissions process.

Shadowing and volunteer hours
are NOT admission requirements.

Admission policies
are reviewed annually and admission requirements from previous years may not apply. We encourage applicants to visit our website regularly, as the University reserves the right to review and change admissions policies and requirements at any time, without notice.

Individuals who completed a dental program or equivalent elsewhere are NOT eligible to apply to the DDS Program, but may be eligible to apply to the Advanced Standing Program For International Dental Graduates (ASPIDG). Please visit the ASPIDG webpage for admission information.

Please review the Frequently Asked Questions webpage to assist in the understanding of our admission requirements.


ACADEMIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Undergraduate Degree

Applicants must have completed, or be in the final year of, a program leading to a 4-year undergraduate degree at a recognized university.

All undergraduate degree requirements must be completed and the degree conferred by June 30 of the application cycle.

Prerequisite courses must be completed in Organic Chemistry, Biochemistry and Human or Mammalian Physiology. Applicants are advised to engage in a broad background of education in keeping with their own interests. In past, students who have studied psychology, economics, engineering, nursing, physiotherapy, etc. have entered the program.

Academic Average

Admission consideration is based on the most recent 4-year undergraduate degree.

Courses taken during the application cycle are NOT eligible for academic average consideration

Applicants must have achieved at least 80% or higher in each of the 2 best undergraduate years*.

Each of the 2 best years used for academic average consideration must contain ALL of the following:

  • At least 30 credit hours (5.0 full or equivalent courses) completed during the September to April academic year. This constitutes a full course load**. Distribution of the 30 credit hours during the September to April academic year (i.e. between the semesters in one academic year) is not relevant. Summer courses are not eligible for academic average consideration.
  • At least 18 credit hours (3.0 full or equivalent courses) whose published academic level is at or above the year of study.
    • Distribution of the 18 credit hours completed during the September to April academic year (i.e. between the two semesters in one academic year) is not relevant.
    • Course level restrictions apply only to the 2 years used for academic average consideration:
      • Year 1: 18 of 30 credit hours (3.0 of 5.0 full course equivalents) at or above the 1st-year level.
      • Year 2: 18 of 30 credit hours (3.0 of 5.0 full course equivalents) at or above the 2nd-year level.
      • Year 3, 4 or additional undergraduate years: 18 of 30 credit hours (3.0 of 5.0 full course equivalents) at or above the 3rd-year level.
  • A maximum of 6 pass/fail credit hours (1.0 full or equivalent course) is permitted per year.

*The best 2 years used for academic average consideration can be ANY of the academic years within the 4-year undergraduate degree, as long as each year meets the minimum academic average, course load and course level requirements outlined above.

**Part-time years cannot be considered for academic average, regardless of the requirements of degree programs.  A year with less than 30 credit hours cannot be considered for academic average.

Academic transcripts must clearly show that applicants have met both the course load and course level requirements, as outlined above. Please visit the Frequently Asked Questions webpage for more information.

Applicants presenting the 2019-2020 academic year for academic average consideration* must meet all of the following:

  • The year must have a minimum 30 credit hours (5.0 full or equivalent courses) completed between September 2019 and April 2020, of which 18 credit hours (3.0 full or equivalent courses) have a published academic level at, or above, the year of study.
  • Academic average will be calculated on grades from the fall 2019 semester only*. 
  • A maximum of 6 pass/fail credit hours (1.0 full or equivalent course) will be permitted in the fall 2019 term (September to December). Discovery Credits (Western students) will be considered within, not in addition to, the 6 credit hour pass/fail allowance.

*The academic average calculated from grades reported for the fall 2019 semester will represent the academic average for the entire 2019-2020 academic year.

Grade Conversion

Schulich Dentistry uses percentages for determination of academic average. For transcripts that indicate alpha-numeric grades, the percentage grades will be used.

Schulich Dentistry uses the OMSAS (Ontario Medical School Application Service) scale to convert alpha grades achieved at other Canadian universities to Western University standards. The most current version of the scale can be found on the  OMSAS website.

Course Considerations

Online Courses

Online courses may be considered as part of a full course load used for the academic average, course load and course level requirements, as long as they are completed during the September to April academic year.

If it is not clear from the official transcript, applicants may need to provide additional documentation confirming online courses were completed during the September to April academic year.

Repeat Courses

Repeat courses are acceptable in the 2 best years used for academic average consideration, course load and course level requirements. Repeat courses are calculated in the academic year in which they are taken and are not substituted.

Pass/Fail Courses

A maximum of 6 pass/fail credit hours (1.0 full or equivalent course) is permissible in each of the 2 undergraduate years considered for academic average.

Pass/Fail courses count toward course load and course level requirements, regardless of whether they are passed or failed.

Discovery Credits (Western students) will be considered within, not in addition to, this one full course pass/fail allowance.

Spring/Summer Courses

Courses taken during Spring/Summer sessions will not be counted as part of the full course load. Therefore, courses taken outside of the regular academic year (September to April) are not included in the calculation of an academic average used for admission.

Prerequisite courses that are successfully completed during Spring/Summer sessions will be recognized as having fulfilled the course requirement. Refer to Prerequisite Subject Areas for detailed information.

Overload Courses

If more than 30 credit hours is completed during the September to April academic year, the best 5 full or equivalent courses will be used, provided the remaining courses satisfy course level requirements.

If a year has more than 6 pass-fail credit hours and the year has more than 30 credit hours, academic average assessment will be 6 pass/fail credit hours and 24 credit hours with grades that meet the levels requirement.

Exchange Courses

Applicants who have attended other universities on an exchange, the competitive academic average calculation may be based on the marks achieved at the exchange institution. Official transcripts from the exchange institution must be provided at the time of application. If the exchange is taken outside of Canada or the United States, a course-by-course WES evaluation is required for the exchange period.

In cases where the course load and academic grades awarded are significantly different from North American standards, assessment of transcripts will be made by Western University Registrar based on known International Guidelines.

Refer to the How to Apply webpage for additional information.

Degree Considerations

Part-time Undergraduate Degree

It is acceptable to attend university on a part-time basis and still be considered for admission to the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Program. However, given the rigorous nature of dental education, we require that two years be spent in full-time study.

Each of the 2 best academic years completed from September to April must contain a minimum of 30 credit hours (5.0 full or equivalent courses) with at least 18 credit hours (3.0 full or equivalent courses) whose published academic level is at, or above, the year of study:

  • Year 1: 18 of 30 credit hours (3.0 of 5.0 full course equivalents) at or above the 1st-year level
  • Year 2: 18 of 30 credit hours (3.0 of 5.0 full course equivalents) at or above the 2nd-year level
  • Year 3, 4 and additional undergraduate years: 18 of 30 credit hours (3.0 of 5.0 full course equivalents) at or above the 3rd-year level.

In each of the 2 best years, an 80% academic average must be achieved.

Applicants who take undergraduate part-time years after obtaining an undergraduate degree will not be penalized in the admissions process.

Online Undergraduate Degree

Applicants who have completed an undergraduate degree online may apply if the degree is equivalent to a 4-year undergraduate degree from an accredited university.  

Each of the 2 best academic years completed from September to April must contain a minimum of 30 credit hours (5.0 full or equivalent courses) with at least 18 credit hours (3.0 full or equivalent courses) whose published academic level is at or above the year of study:

  • Year 1: 18 of 30 credit hours (3.0 of 5.0 full course equivalents) at or above the 1st-year level
  • Year 2: 18 of 30 credit hours (3.0 of 5.0 full course equivalents) at or above the 2nd-year level
  • Year 3, 4 and additional undergraduate years: 18 of 30 credit hours (3.0 of 5.0 full course equivalents) at or above the 3rd-year level.

In each of the 2 best years, an 80% academic average must be achieved.

If it is not clear from the official transcript, an applicant may need to provide additional documentation confirming that all courses were completed during the September to April academic year.

Co-Op Degree

Applicants who have completed a co-op degree program may apply, if they have 2 full time co-op years that meet the academic average, course load and course level requirements.

To be eligible for academic average consideration, a full time co-op year must consist of the 2 academic terms which combine to complete 1 of the mandatory program years (e.g. academic terms 1&2, 3&4, 5&6, 7&8). Academic terms belonging to different program years (e.g. 2&3, 4&5, 6&7) will not be considered .

Each of the 2 best co-op years, as defined above, must contain 30 credit hours (5.0 full or equivalent courses) with at least 18 credit hours (3.0 full course equivalents) whose published academic level is at, or above, the year of study:

  • Year 1: 18 of 30 credit hours (3.0 of 5.0 full course equivalents) at or above the 1st-year level
  • Year 2: 18 of 30 credit hours (3.0 of 5.0 full course equivalents) at or above the 2nd-year level
  • Year 3, 4 and additional undergraduate years: 18 of 30 credit hours (3.0 of 5.0 full course equivalents) at or above the 3rd-year level.

Additional Undergraduate Year (before graduating)

Applicants who take more than 4 years to complete a 4-year undergraduate degree may apply. Any additional full time academic year may be eligible for academic average consideration if all of the following conditions are met:

  • Any additional year must contain 30 credit hours (5.0 full or equivalent courses) completed from September to April, with at least 18 credit hours (3.0 full or equivalent courses) whose published academic level is at, or above, 3rd-year.
  • Only 6 pass/fail credit hours (1.0 full or equivalent course) will be permitted. Discovery Credits (Western students) will be considered within, not in addition to, the 6 credit hour pass/fail allowance.

Special Year (after graduating)

After graduating with a 4-year undergraduate degree from a recognized university, applicants may elect to take an additional academic year in undergraduate studies - a so-called Special Year.

For a Special Year to be considered for the academic average, all of the following conditions must be met:
  • Within the most recent undergraduate degree completed prior to the Special Year, applicants must already have at least 1 academic year that meets our academic average minimum requirements (see Undergraduate Degree/Academic Average).
  • The Special Year must be taken post-completion of the most recent 4-year undergraduate degree.
  • The Special Year must contain:
    • 30 credit hours (5.0 full or equivalent courses) completed during the September to April academic year, and
    • at least 24 credit hours (4.0 full or equivalent courses) at, or above, the published academic level of 2nd-year.
  • A maximum of 6 pass/fail credit hours (1.0 full or equivalent course) will be permitted. Discovery Credits (Western students) will be considered within, not in addition to, the 6 credit hour allowance.
  • A minimum 80% academic average must be achieved in the Special Year.

Two Special Years will be allowed on a candidate's transcript, if the applicant did not achieve 80% in the first Special Year attempt.

The Special Year must be completed prior to application. Special Years taken during the year of application will NOT be considered.

Repeat courses are permitted in a Special Year. 

Additional Undergraduate Degree

Applicants enrolled in the final year of, or who have recently completed, an additional undergraduate degree are eligible to apply if ALL of the following requirements are met:
  • The most recent degree must be equivalent to a 4-year undergraduate degree, even though it may not take 4 years to complete.
  • Academic average consideration will be based only on the 2 best years of the most recent undergraduate degree.
  • Course load and course level requirements for the most recent undergraduate degree are analogous to the requirements of the first undergraduate degree. For example, if the most recent degree is completed in 2 years, then both of those years would be used for academic average calculation and considered as Years 3 and 4.

Applicants given a conditional offer of admission must complete all program requirements, including conferral of the degree, by June 30 of the year in which application is being made.

Academic transcripts must clearly show applicants have met both course load and course level requirements. Courses taken during the application cycle are not considered for academic average.

Professional Degree

Applicants who have completed a professional degree, or who are enrolled in the final year of a professional program that is equivalent to a 4-year undergraduate degree, may be eligible to apply. Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Schulich Dentistry will NOT consider applications from individuals who:
  • are currently enrolled in a dental program or equivalent elsewhere.
  • have completed a dental program or equivalent elsewhere. Internationally trained dentists may be eligible to apply to the Advanced Standing Program for Interational Dental Graduates (ASPIDG). Please visit the ASPIDG webpage for information.

International Undergraduate Degree

Applicants who have completed their undergraduate university education outside of Canada and the United States may apply to our DDS Program. Transcripts from universities outside of Canada or the United States must be submitted to  World Education Services (WES) to be assessed on a course-by-course basis.

In cases where the course load and academic grades awarded are significantly different from North American standards, assessment of transcripts will be made by Western University Registrar based on known International Guidelines.

Refer to the How to Apply webpage for additional information.

Graduate Degree

Only undergraduate coursework is considered for calculation of academic average for admission purposes. The academic average from a graduate degree is not eligible for consideration.

Applicants with a conferred graduate degree by the application deadline are awarded bonus points.

Applicants who are enrolled in a graduate degree at the time of application should note the following:

  • Applicants must be in the final year of the graduate program to be eligible to apply.
  • Deferrals and deadline extensions are NOT granted for completion of a graduate program.
  • Withdrawal from a graduate program during the application year in order to enroll in Schulich Dentistry will NOT be acceptable.
  • Applicants who are given a conditional offer must complete all program requirements for the graduate degree as per the following deadlines:

Thesis-based Graduate Degree
Applicants enrolled in a thesis-based graduate degree program at the time of application must complete all program requirements, including successful defense and final assessment of the thesis, by June 30.

  • A final transcript showing conferral of the graduate degree must be received by Western University, Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions, Attn: Professional Admissions - Dentistry by June 30, OR
  • A Confirmation of Graduate Degree Requirements Form* attesting that all requirements for the degree will be completed by June 30 must be received by the Admissions Office by June 30. An official letter from the Dean's or Registrar's Office must then be received by the Admissions Office by July 8 that confirms all graduate degree requirements were met AND an official final transcript indicating graduate degree conferral must be received by Western University, Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions, Attn: Professional Admissions - Dentistry by November 30.

Course-based Graduate Degree
Applicants enrolled in a course-based graduate degree program at the time of application must complete all program requirements by August 15.

  • A Confirmation of Graduate Degree Requirements Form* indicating there are no concerns with meeting all requirements of the course-based graduate degree by August 15 must be received by the Admissions Office by June 30.  An official letter from the Dean's or Registrar's Office must then be received by the Admissions Office by August 22 that confirms all graduate degree requirements were met AND an official final transcript indicating graduate degree conferral must be received by Western University, Undergraduate Recruitment & Admissions, Attn: Professional Admissions - Dentistry by November 30.

*Form will be provided by the Admissions Office to successful applicants after an offer of admission has been accepted.

College Degree

Applicants who have completed or are enrolled in a collaborative college/university degree program that is equivalent to a 4-year undergraduate degree, may be eligible to apply.  Academic average consideration is based on the academic years completed during the university years of the collaborative degree.  Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

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Prerequisite Subject Areas

The following university-level prerequisite are required.

Successful completion requires a pass or credit designation. If more than one course must be completed to cover the Biochemistry or Physiology content required, a pass or credit must be obtained in each of the courses.

  1. Organic Chemistry: any half year (3 credit hour) course
    It must be an 'Organic Chemistry' course. A 'Chemistry' course that includes a section on organic chemistry will NOT be considered for the requirement.

  2. Biochemistry: a half year (3 credit hour) approved course/course combination
    Approved Biochemistry Course Equivalents (PDF 201KB) posted August 29, 2024

  3. Human or Mammalian Physiology: a full year (6 credit hour) approved course/course combination  
    Approved Physiology Course Equivalents (PDF 220KB) posted August 29, 2024

Please also note:
  • Lab components are NOT required to meet prerequisite requirements.
  • Prerequisite courses completed more than 10 years prior to the application deadline will not be considered.
  • CEGEP courses are not used in the admissions process, except for consideration toward meeting approved prerequisite course requirements.
  • Prerequisite courses can be taken at any time but must be completed by April 30 of the potential year of entry.
  • Prerequisite courses do NOT need to be:
    • part of the course load of an academic year whose average is used in the application process, or
    • taken within the four-year undergraduate degree, or
    • taken at the same institution as the four-year undergraduate degree
  • Prerequisite courses may be retaken if a pass or credit designation was not achieved on the first attempt. Retaking an approved prerequisite course will not adversely affect the application.
  • Applicants may be asked to submit official detailed course syllabi to determine whether courses meet the prerequisite requirements.
  • Applicants presenting prerequisite courses that are not approved are encouraged to apply as early as possible to avoid delays in the application assessment.

Physiology Challenge Exam

Applicants who apply without an approved Physiology course, or who are not expected to complete an approved Physiology course by April 30, will need to be prepared to write the Physiology Challenge Exam on short notice, if invited to interview. 

The Physiology Challenge Exam is administered online during the interview weekend.  Applicants must obtain a pass on this exam to continue to be eligible for admission consideration. A Physiology prerequisite course taken after the challenge exam will not be considered.

Physiology 2130: course outline on which the Physiology Challenge Exam is based

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DAT

All applicants must take the DAT administered by either the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) or the American Dental Association (ADA). 

Eligibility Period

DAT scores must be received by Western University by the November 1 application deadline.

CDA/ADA scores could take up to 8 weeks to be released, so applicants are advised to plan accordingly. Please contact CDA/ADA directly for information regarding their timeline for release of electronic results to ensure they are received by our application deadline.

DAT must be written within the two years prior to the application deadline and the scores must be received by the November 1 application deadline.

Eligible Scores

  • DAT scores must be sent directly to Western University by the CDA/ADA.
  • DAT scores must be received by Western University by the November 1 application deadline.
  • When registering for DAT, check the appropriate box to release your results to Western:
    • CDA - select "Western University"
    • ADA - select "Schulich School of Dentistry of Western University"
  • Only the most recent DAT, written within the eligible time period, will be used. DAT results are kept on file for the duration of their eligibility period (2 years).
  • Only DAT incorporating the Reading Comprehension section fulfills Schulich Dentistry admission requirements.
  • All sections of DAT may be considered in the selection process. We do not require the Manual Dexterity section.

Specific information and registration materials concerning DAT are available at the Canadian Dental Association website  or the American Dental Association website.

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Casper

All applicants must complete Casper within the application cycle in which they apply.

Casper by Acuity Insights is an online, open-response situational judgement test that measures competencies and attributes that we believe are important for successful students and graduates of our program. Casper will also further enhance fairness and objectivity in our selection process.

Please visit Acuity Insights website for Casper test dates and to book your Casper test. Please note, Schulich Dentistry does not require applicants to complete Snapshot or Duet.

Test Dates and Fees

When registering for a Casper test date, ensure that you select the following options:
  • country: Canada
  • language: English
  • program: Dentistry
  • school: Western University

Eligible Scores

  • must be sent by Acuity Insights directly to the Admissions Office,
  • must be received by the Admissions Office by the November 1 application deadline,
  • are valid for one application cycle only.

Accommodations

If you require accommodation to complete the Casper online test, you must submit an Acuity Insights Accommodation Request Form to Acuity Insights, signed by both you and your qualified professional, at least 3 weeks prior to your desired test date.

More information regarding accommodations for Casper testing can be found on Acuity's FAQ webpage.

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NON-ACADEMIC ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS

Western Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement

Schulich Dentistry takes a holistic approach to applications to our DDS Program, with emphasis not only on academics but also on non-academic traits and life experiences, ensuring our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We are committed to enrolling self-directed, motivated, resilient students who reflect the diversity of the patients they serve, and who demonstrate compassion and advocacy for others.

The Western Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement (ABS) invites applicants to tell their story and share what makes them unique by linking activities/experiences. Schulich Dentistry is interested in how their activities/experiences connect with the following topics:

  • Teamwork and Leadership
  • Respect for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion
  • Social Accountability and Social Responsibility
  • Self-directed Learning, Problem-solving and Critical Inquiry

You may re-use content from a previous Western ABS that you submitted. Western ABS content must be authored entirely by you. Any other submissions can result in your application being disqualified.

Completing the Western ABS
The Western ABS is due by the OUAC application deadline as indicated on our How To Apply webpage.

Schulich Dentistry understands and recognizes that not all individuals have had equal opportunities for volunteering, research or extracurricular activities due to life circumstances. Applicants who have had unusual life circumstances will have the opportunity to explain those circumstances so that we better understand who they are.

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Interview

Selected applicants will be invited to attend a personal interview in order to be considered for admission. For more details, please visit the Interviews webpage.

Invitation to interview is highly competitive.  Interviews are based on a holistic assessment of the applicant’s academic and non-academic achievements.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities through the interview process.

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