We recognize that the cost of attending dental school can be a barrier. If your goal is to make a difference in the health of Indigenous communities through dentistry, financial concerns should not stand in the way.

There are several options available to help defray the cost of your professional education.

To help increase the number of Indigenous dentists, two seats are designated in each incoming class for students applying through this pathway.

To be considered for one of these seats, applicants must complete the following steps and submit their documents by the application deadline.

Indigenous Citizenship or Membership

In accordance with Western University's Policy for Affirming Declarations of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership, applicants must:

• Upload any two documents demonstrating proof of citizenship or membership to the Indigenous Nation claiming you.
• Submit a statement of relational positionality that outlines your lived experience, lineal descent, and community connection (per guidance provided in the List of Approved Modes of Affirmation).

To submit a declaration of Indigenous citizenship or membership and upload the requisite documentation, please complete the Declaration of Indigenous Citizenship or Membership Form.

Applicants are assessed wholistically based on undergraduate coursework, cumulative GPA (cGPA), DAT and Casper scores, Western Autobiographical Sketch (ABS), and personal statement and letters of support from Indigenous communities or organizations as described above.

Admission Requirements

Indigenous applicants selected for an interview will be welcomed by Indigenous Elders and have the opportunity to share a meal, receive cultural and social support, and connect with Indigenous  students, staff and faculty at Western University.

Schulich Dentistry admissins interviews are structured, standardized and conducted virtually by 3-person panels that may include an Indigenous dentist, an Indigenous community member, and a current dental student.

This process is designed to uphold principles of cultural safety and Indigenous representation.

Indigenous Student Centre

The Western Indigenous Student Centre (ISC) offers cultural supports and services to Indigenous students across Western campus including orientation, academic advising, cultural events and nutrition support, visiting elders and knowledge keepers, circles of support and counselling.

The ISC also provides financial support through a dedicated Indigenous Financial Aid Coordinator who can help Indigenous students navigate tuition and fee requirements, and access scholarships, awards and bursaries offered through Western's Office of the Registrar and/or external providers.

Wampum Learning Lodge

The Wampum Learning Lodge acts as a home for Indigenous learning initiatives at Western and a touchstone for Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples to gather and learn together, building relationships in the spirit of reconciliation, decolonization and Indigenization.

Schulich Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization

The Schulich Office of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Decolonization (EDI-D) serves to support, engage and empower the School community with guidance and resources to create an equitable and inclusive space for all, and seeks to embed principles of equity, inclusion, anti-racism, anti-oppression and decolonization in everything we do to meet the needs of the communities we belong to and serve.

The Office of EDI-D hopes to earn allyship by listening, learning and supporting collaborative responses to the pressing health needs of our region and beyond.

Learner Experience

Learner Experience strives to provide a supportive learning environment for students enrolled in the MD, DDS and Postgraduate Medical and Dental Education programs. Support comes in many forms, depending on the needs of the learner.

A broad network of faculty, campus and community colleagues assist in providing additional resources to help learners at all points in their journey, such as: 

• personal counselling and/or referral to campus and community professionals,
• academic support and accommodations,
• career guidance and support services to encourage and enhance success,
• support related to equity and mistreatment concerns within educational, work, and research activities, and
• workshops.