Frequently Asked Questions

Eligibility

What are the admission requirements to apply to the Schulich Dentistry DDS Program?

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet ALL of the following academic admission requirements*:

  • 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 academic year in which application is being made.
    • If currently enrolled in a graduate degree program, you must be in the final year of your program.
  • Meet the minimum academic average (80%) in each of your 2 best undergraduate years, where each year contains:
    • at least 30 credit hours (5 full or equivalent courses) completed during the September to April academic year**, including
    • at least 18 credit hours (3 full course equivalents) whose published academic level is at, or above, the year of study.
  • Meet the minimum Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) score.
  • Meet the minimum Casper score.
  • Have completed, or be in the process of completing, all prerequisite courses by April 30 of the academic year in which application is being made. Successful completion requires a pass or credit designation.
  • Have completed the Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement.

*Application to the DDS Program is very competitive. Meeting minimum academic admission requirements does not ensure acceptance.

**Courses taken during the September to April academic year in which application is being made are NOT eligible for consideration.

Is there a quota for 'in province' applicants, or a separate pool for ‘out of province’ applicants?

No. All applicants must meet the same admission requirements and will be considered equally regardless of their province of residence. 

Are applicants who have a degree from Western preferred?

No. We do not give preference to Western students. The institution granting the degree will not have an impact on your application.  

Does the Admissions Office provide academic counselling?

No. The Admissions Office can only provide information about our admission requirements. We suggest students reach out to academic counselling at their school.

International Applicants

I am an international student. Can I apply?

Yes. Up to four seats are available for international students who maintain international status throughout their dental education at Schulich Dentistry. For more information, please visit the International Applicants webpage.

For information about government regulations for international students studying at a Canadian university, please visit the Government of Canada website.

What standing will my international dental degree have?

Internationally trained dentists are NOT eligible to apply or enter the DDS Program.

Graduates of dental programs not recognized by the Canadian Dental Association may be eligible to apply to the Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates (ASPIDG). For information, please visit the ASPIDG webpage.

For information on credentialing internationally trained dentists, please visit the CICIC website.

Do I need to provide proof of English language proficiency?

English proficiency documentation may be required if you have not completed at least 2 years of full-time studies at an English-language Canadian university.

For information on English language proficiency, please visit the International Applicants webpage.

Transfer Applicants

I am enrolled in another dental school. Can I transfer?

Yes. However, transfer is only possible into Year 2 of the DDS Program and only if a vacancy is created by attrition. 

Eligibility is restricted to citizens or permanent residents of Canada who are enrolled in an accredited dental program in Australia, Ireland, New Zealand or the United States.

For complete details please visit the Transfer Students webpage.

Are there undergraduate degree requirements to be eligible for transfer consideration?

Yes. To be eligible for transfer consideration, applicants must meet the same academic average, course load and course level requirements as general admission applicants.

Please visit the Admission Requirements webpage for detailed information.

When will I know if a transfer seat is available?

Determination of whether a seat is available for transfer happens in late July, so applicants must apply without knowing if a seat is available. If a competition does NOT take place, the application fee will be returned.

Degree Considerations

Is there a pre-dental program or a preferred degree that will increase my chances of admission?

No. Applicants are chosen from undergraduate programs representing a wide range of disciplines. No preference is given to any specific degree program or university. However, a strong background in science is an asset. 

Can applicants take an additional undergraduate year after they have graduated to improve their academic standing?

Yes. Applicants who have earned a four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized university may continue in full-time undergraduate studies (a Special Year) to improve their academic standing.

Please visit the Admission Requirements webpage for complete details.

I completed my undergraduate degree outside of North America. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes. To have the marks from an undergraduate degree obtained outside of Canada or the U.S. considered for our academic average requirement, you will need to submit an evaluation of your transcript by World Education Service (WES) when you apply.

Please refer to our How to Apply webpage for more details.

I plan to complete my undergraduate degree online. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes. An online degree may be acceptable if it is equivalent to a 4-year undergraduate degree.

The online degree must include 2 years with a minimum of 30 credit hours (5 full or equivalent courses) completed during the September and April academic year, with at least 18 credit hours (3 full or equivalent courses) at, or above, the published year of study, to use for the academic average requirement.

If it is not clear from your official transcript, additional documentation may be required confirming that all courses used for the academic average requirement were completed during the September and April academic year.

I am enrolled in a second undergraduate degree. Can I apply to Dentistry?

It depends. Applicants must be in the final year of the second undergraduate degree to be eligible for admission consideration.

I am currently taking my final year of my second undergraduate degree, which I am completing in 2 years.  Can I apply?

No. Applicants who take a second undergraduate degree in two years must wait until after they have graduated to apply, as we require two best years on record at the time of application. Grades being earned during the application cycle are not eligible for consideration.

What are the levelling requirements for a second undergraduate degree that is completed in less than 4 years?

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 four-year undergraduate degree, even though it may not take four years to complete.
  • Academic average consideration will be based only on the two 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 two years, then both of those years would be used for academic average calculation and considered as Years 3 and 4.

I have a graduate degree. Are these grades eligible for academic average consideration?

No. Only the most recent 4-year undergraduate degree is considered for the academic average requirement. However, applicants who submit official transcripts showing conferral of a graduate degree by the application deadline will be awarded bonus points.

I obtained a dental degree outside of North America. Am I eligible to apply?

No. Internationally trained dentists are NOT eligible to apply or enter the DDS Program. Graduates of dental programs not recognized by the Canadian Dental Association may be eligible to apply to the Internationally Trained Dentists (ITD) Program. 

For information about applying to the Internationally Trained Dentists Program, please visit the ITD Program webpage.

For information on credentialing for internationally trained dentists, please visit the CICIC website.

Course Considerations

What are the course level requirements?

Each of the 2 years used for academic average consideration, applicants meet the following course level requirements, completed during the September to April academic year:

  • Year 1: at least 18 of 30 credit hours (3 of 5 full course equivalents) at, or above, the 1st-year level
  • Year 2: at least 18 of 30 credit hours (3 of 5 full course equivalents) at, or above, the 2nd-year level
  • Year 3, 4 and additional undergraduate years: at least 18 of 30 credit hours (3 of 5 full course equivalents) or above the 3rd-year level.

Course level requirements apply only to the 2 years considered for academic average.

The 2 years used for academic average consideration can be any of the four undergraduate years. 

In addition, a maximum of 6 pass/fail credit hours (1 full or equivalent pass/fail course) is permissible in each year considered for academic average.

Does each semester have to have 5 courses, with 3 at or above the published academic level, to be eligible for academic average consideration?

No. Distribution of courses between the 2 semesters does not matter. Academic average and course levels are based on earned credit hours for courses completed during the entire September to April academic year.

What is a full course load, full-year course, half-year course?

A full course load is 30 credit hours completed during the September to April academic year. This is typically 5 full-year or 10 half-year courses. It does not matter how the courses are distributed between the two semesters.

A full-year course is a course that runs from September to April.

A half-year course is a course that runs from September to December, or from January to April.

Do I have to take 30 credit hours between September and April during the entire undergraduate degree to be eligible for admission consideration?

No. The 30 credit hour course load is only required in the best 2 academic years completed between September and April.

What does academic course levelling mean?

For an academic year to meet the course level requirement, at least 18 of the 30 credit hours completed between September and April must be at or above the level of the year of study.

What are the course level requirements for academic years after Year 3?

For any academic year after Year 3, at least 18 of 30 credit hours completed between September and April must be at or above the third year level of study.

If an academic year is one credit short of the course load or level requirement, can that year still be considered?

No. All applicants must meet the same minimum admissions requirements. Exceptions will not be granted.

Are online, pass/fail, repeat and spring/summer courses eligible for consideration?

Online courses
Yes. Online courses may be considered as part of a full course load used for the academic average requirement, if they are completed during the September to April academic year. If it is not clear from the official transcript, additional documentation may be required confirming that the online courses were completed during the September to April academic year.

Pass/Fail courses
Yes. A maximum of 6 pass/fail credit hours (1 full or equivalent pass/fail course) will be permissible in each of the 2 undergraduate years considered for academic average.

Discovery Credits (Western students) will be considered within, not in addition to, the 6 credit hour pass/fail allowance.

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

Spring/Summer courses
No. Courses taken during spring/summer sessions are not considered as part of a full course load and are not included in the calculation of an academic average. 

I have a clinical placement that is graded pass/fail. It is part of my degree requirement. Am I eligible to apply?

Yes. Schulich Dentistry will consider individuals completing undergraduate programs that require clinical placements. However, for academic average consideration a program year cannot include more than 6 pass/fail credit hours (1 full or equivalent pass/fail course).

Accelerated and compressed Nursing programs often have mandatory pass/fail courses and clinical placements which can make it difficult for applicants with a nursing degree to meet our academic average requirement. In such cases, we may be able to use 1 year from the first undergraduate degree if that year satisfies our admission requirements. Applicants will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Academic Average Considerations

What is the minimum academic average needed?

Applicants must have achieved at least 80% or higher in each of two undergraduate academic years, where each year contains at least 30 credit hours (5 full or equivalent courses) completed between September to April which includes at least 18 credit hours (3 full or equivalent courses) published academic level is at, or above, the year of study.

Only averages of completed years on file as of the application deadline will be considered. Schulich Dentistry does not average the 2 years to achieve 80%.

In recent cycles, the academic average of successful applicants is approximately 88% (with a range of 80-95%). Please visit the Admission Requirements webpage for complete details.

How is academic average calculated?

Academic average is based on percentage grades as indicated on officially submitted transcripts.  For institutions that indicate both a percentage and alpha grade the percentage grade is used. Institutions that use alpha grades will have the letter grade converted to the mid-point of the percentage range using the OMSAS Conversion Scale

Minimum academic average must be met by applicants in each of the 2 best undergraduate years during which they have a minimum of 30 credit hours (5 full or equivalent courses) completed during the September to April academic year, with at least 18 credit hours (3 full or equivalent courses) whose published academic level is at, or above, the year of study.

Regardless of your degree program requirements, any academic year with less than an 80% academic average or courses that do not meet our load and level requirements cannot be considered for academic average.

Does Schulich Dentistry use a cumulative or weighted GPA?

No. We do not use a cumulative or weighted GPA. We use academic average.

Applicants must meet the minimum academic average in EACH of the two best years which also meet our course load and course level requirements.

Will my academic average be rounded up?

No. We do not round up academic average. For example, an academic average of 79.99% would not be rounded up to 80.00%.

I'd like to use my Year 4 academic average. Do I need to have 18 credit hours (3 full course equivalents) at the fourth-year level?

No. To use your Year 4 for academic average consideration, 18 credit hours (3 full course equivalents) must be at, or above, the third-year level.

How does Schulich Dentistry consider the academic average of co-op students?

Schulich Dentistry will consider the best two academic years consisting of the two terms which combine to complete one of the mandatory program years, e.g. Terms 1/2, 3/4, 5/6, 7/8. We will not consider two terms belonging to different program years, e.g. 2/3, 4/5, 6/7.

Each academic year must contain at least 30 credit hours (5 full-course equivalents) at, or above, the published academic level of the year of study.

Can applicants take an additional undergraduate year AFTER they have graduated, to improve their academic average?

Yes. Applicants who have earned a four-year undergraduate degree from a recognized university may continue in full-time undergraduate studies (a Special Year) to improve their academic standing. Please visit the Admission Requirements webpage for complete details.

I'd like to apply during my final undergraduate year or during my Special Year. Can that year be eligible for academic average consideration?

No. Only academic years that are on record at the time of application are eligible for academic average consideration.

I have only 1 year in my conferred undergraduate degree that meets the minimum academic average requirement. Can I apply?

Applicants who have only 1 undergraduate year that meets the minimum 80% academic average, course load and course level requirements may take a Special Year for consideration as their second best year.

Please refer to 'Special Years, after graduating' on the Admission Requirements webpage.

Academic Year affected by COVID-19 (2019-2020)

Can 2019-2020 be used for academic average consideration?

If the 2019-2020 academic year is 1 of the 2 best years for academic average consideration, it must have:
  • At least 30 credit hours (5 full or equivalent courses) completed during the September to April academic year.
  • At least 18 credit hours (3 full or equivalent courses) at or above the published year of study, completed during the September to April academic year.
  • A maximum of 6 pass/fail credit hours (1 full or equivalent pass/fail course) completed within the Fall 2019 semester.

Academic average will be calculated on grades from the Fall 2019 semester only. If no grades were reported in the Fall 2019 semester, then the year is NOT eligible for academic average consideration.

Assessment of the 2019-2020 Academic Year

In determining our policies regarding assessment of the 2019-2020 academic year, we consulted with professional school and university colleagues across Canada, examining how undergraduate students may have been impacted by the disruption of their studies and learning due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  We learned that some students did not have an option to receive alpha or numeric grades (i.e. received credit/no credit only), some students were not able to participate fully in online learning due to limited resources, and some students had in-class lab, practicum or work term requirements for their degree adversely affected, resulting in a significant impact on grade calculations for the Winter 2020 semester.  We also learned that some students did well academically with the transition and had the opportunity to receive alpha or numeric grades. 

Each dental school establishes criteria for academic average calculation differently.  Schulich Dentistry uses the academic average of only the 2 best undergraduate years with full-time studies and at an appropriate course level. We do not use a cumulative or weighted calculation across years for consideration. Our thresholds are reset annually based on the competitiveness of the applicant pool.  

With over 70 universities in Canada alone, determining a solution for how to assess grades was not considered lightly, particularly since applicants come from a variety of institutions and countries, and the impact of COVID-19 affects applicants both within and outside of Canada.  Allowing variable academic standards suited to an individual applicant’s situation within their university and country would be difficult. Consequently, our Dentistry Admissions Committee deliberated to ensure that an equitable academic standard could be set for everyone.

The Committee decided that with the variability in grade reporting, the inequities to those students who are marginalized, and the impact of COVID-19 being variable across universities and countries, in fairness to all applicants the Winter 2020 term would not be used for academic average calculation.  Instead of discounting the entire 2019-2020 academic year completely from eligibility or using varying criteria for individual applicants, the Committee decided that the most reasonable academic standard would be to allow the grades from the Fall 2019 semester to be eligible for academic average calculation. 

We recognize that this decision may be disappointing to applicants who received alpha or numeric grades in Winter 2020, but we encourage applicants to consider their individual academic situation within the context of Schulich Dentistry’s method of calculation, which is based on achieving an academic average threshold within each of your two best undergraduate years.

Prerequisites

Are there prerequisite courses?

Yes. Applicants must successfully complete each of the following prerequisite subject areas: 

  • One half-year course in Organic Chemistry
  • One half-year approved course in Biochemistry
  • One full-year approved course in Human or Mammalian Physiology

Successful completion of prerequisite courses requires a pass or credit designation.

Please visit the Admission Requirements webpage for more details, including links to lists of approved courses.

When can prerequisite courses be taken?

Prerequisite courses:

  • can be taken at any time, but must be completed by April 30 of the year of entry;
  • do not have to be part of the course load of an academic year whose average is used in the application process;
  • must have been taken within 10 years of application.

Please visit the Admission Requirements webpage for more details.

Can I retake a prerequisite course to meet the minimum grade required?

Approved prerequisite courses can be retaken to achieve the required pass or credit designation, and will not adversely affect the application.

Will a retaken prerequisite course be eligible for consideration in one of my best two years?

If the retaken prerequisite course is taken in an academic year that is part of the undergraduate degree and if that year meets the minimum academic average, course load and course levelling parameters, then it is eligible.

What Organic Chemistry courses are acceptable?

Any half year university, or approved CEGEP equivalent, Organic Chemistry course is acceptable.

Chemistry courses that include sections on Organic Chemistry will NOT be considered for the requirement. It must be an Organic Chemistry course. A lab component is not required.

Successful completion requires a pass or credit designation.

What Biochemistry courses are acceptable?

Not all Biochemistry courses cover the content our program requires, therefore only approved courses or course combinations are eligible for admission consideration. A lab component is not required. 

Applicants must have taken courses that provide a thorough knowledge of basic biochemical principles and concept which must include:
  • protein structure
  • protein function including enzymology
  • interconnectedness and regulation of the central pathways of energy metabolism
  • DNA replication and repair
  • transcription
  • translation
  • basic molecular biology techniques

Although the minimum requirement is a half-year course, applicants may need to take more than one half-year Biochemistry course.

See Approved Biochemistry Course Equivalents.

What Physiology courses are acceptable?

Not all Physiology courses cover the content our program requires, therefore only approved courses or course combination are eligible for admission consideration. A lab component is not required.

Applicants must have taken courses that provide a thorough knowledge of human or mammalian systems physiology which must include:
  • neurophysiology (autonomic, sensory, motor and integrative)
  • muscle
  • cardiovascular
  • respiratory
  • gastrointestinal
  • renal
  • endocrine
  • metabolism
  • reproduction
  • homeostasis

Although the requirement is a full year course, applicants may need to take more than a full year of Physiology courses. See Approved Physiology Course Equivalents.

What if a Biochemistry or Physiology course is not on the Approved Course Equivalents list?

If a course is not on the approved list, it does not necessarily imply that it is deficient or inadequate. If your university offers a course or course combination that covers ALL of the above-listed subject areas in detail, please email the Admissions Office to request a review by Western University.

In your email, you must:
  • explain which course or course combinations you wish to have considered, and
  • attach a detailed course syllabus for each course mentioned that includes:
    • course content
    • textbook
    • grading information

If your request includes a course not on the approved list with a course on the approved list, you MUST submit the syllabus of the approved course, as well.

If your home university does not offer a listed course, please review the list as there are other universities that have approved distance education courses.

What is the Physiology Challenge Exam?

The Physiology Challenge Exam is offered to applicants who are invited for an interview, who will not be able to fulfill the physiology course requirement by the end of the application cycle (April 30). Applicants have the opportunity to indicate their willingness to write the challenge exam as part of their application to Schulich Dentistry.

Please review the information in Physiology 2130 , the course outline on which the Physiology Challenge Exam is based.

There are courses on the Approved Course Equivalents list that are no longer offered. Why?

There may be courses listed that are not offered, as they were approved courses and will remain eligible if they are not more than 10 years old. If a course on this list is more than 10 years old, please email the Admissions Office with the relevant information so we can update the list.

I would like to submit a course for review. When will the review be completed?

Course reviews will be completed for:

  • current applicants - between September and March
  • future applicants - between April and August

DAT

What is the DAT?

The DAT is a test conducted by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA) and the American Dental Association (ADA) to help students assess their aptitude for a career in dentistry, and to assist dental schools in selecting first-year students.

For DAT scores to be eligible for admission consideration: 

  • applicants must have completed the DAT within two years of the application deadline, and
  • scores must be received by Western University directly from the CDA/ADA by the November 1 application deadline.

Only the most recent eligible DAT score will be used. Schulich Dentistry keeps DAT results for the duration of their eligibility (two years) in its application process.

Please visit the Admission Requirements webpage for more details.

Is the American DAT acceptable for admission consideration?

Yes.  For results of the ADA DAT to be eligible for admission consideration, applicants must have completed the DAT within two years of the application deadline. Only the most recent eligible DAT score will be used. 

Schulich Dentistry keeps DAT results for the duration of their eligibility (two years) in its application process.

Please visit the Admissions Requirements webpage for more details.

Casper

What is Casper?

Casper is an online, open-response situational judgement test administered by Acuity Insights. Casper 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.

Do applicants have to complete Acuity's Snapshot and Duet assessments, as well?

No. Only the Casper assessment is used in our admissions process.

For how long are Casper scores valid?

Casper test results are valid for one application cycle only.

What are the eligible Casper test dates that will ensure my results are received by the application deadline?

Visit the Acuity Insights website to review test dates and to sign up for Casper test CSP-10201 Professional Health Sciences. To register, you will need to upload government-issued photo ID.

You will be provided with a limited number of testing dates and times which have been pre-arranged/approved by our program in accordance with our admissions timelines. These are the only testing dates that will meet our application deadline. There will be no additional tests scheduled.

Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement

What is the Western Autobiograhical Sketch & Personal Statement (ABS)?

Schulich Dentistry takes a holistic approach toward assessment of applications to our DDS Program. Emphasis is not only on academic but also on non-academic traits, ensuring our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

This aspect of the application is captured in the Western Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement (ABS) and provides a standardized means of reviewing non-academic applicant data.

Is the Western Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement (ABS) two separate documents?

No. The Western Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement (ABS) is one document with two components: the Autobiographical Sketch, and the Personal Statement.

Where can I find the Western Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement?

The link to the ABS can only be accessed through our How To Apply webpage.

Do you require verifier phone numbers or are email addresses sufficient?

Verifier email addresses, street addresses and phone numbers must be included. Please ensure that all verifier information is current, correct and viable for the duration of the application cycle.

Interviews and Offers

How does Schulich Dentistry decide who to invite for an interview?

Applicants are invited for an interview based on a compiled score representing academic achievement, DAT and Casper scores, and the Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement.

What does the interview process involve?

Interview notifications are emailed in late January, with interviews held approximately two weeks later on a Saturday or Sunday in February. 

Interviews are 30 minutes in duration, standardized with structured questions, and conducted by a three-person panel consisting of a dentist, a current dental student, and a community member.

Schulich Dentistry interviews approximately 200 applicants for up to 56 seats. Please visit the Interviews webpage for more details.

How are applicants ranked to receive an offer of admission?

Applicants are ranked based on a compiled score representing academic achievement, DAT and Casper scores, Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement, and an interview.

How does the wait list work?

Applicants not offered direct admission may be placed on a wait list. Schulich Dentistry does not provide specific candidate ranking. General information regarding relative position on the wait list may be obtained by contacting the Schulich Dentistry Admissions Office.

How long does the wait list remain open?

The wait list will remain active until the first day of the DDS Program when the entire class of up to 56 students has been determined.

What if I will be unreachable for a period of time while the wait list is active?

Applicants who, for any reason, may not be reachable during the active wait list period may designate an Authorized Contact to receive information and/or to speak on their behalf.

Applicants on the wait list will be provided with detailed information about how to designate an Authorized Contact. For information about Release of Information, click here.

How and When to Apply

How do I apply?

Apply online for entry to:

Before I apply, can I submit transcripts to Schulich Dentistry to find out if I meet the admission requirement?

No. The Admissions Office does not pre-assess transcripts or review documents before receiving an application through OUAC. We are more than happy to answer questions about our admission requirements so applicants can better determine if they meet the minimum requirements.

Does Schulich Dentistry have more than one application per year for entry into the DDS Program?

For entry into Year 1, the application is available through our How To Apply webpage. The online application opens mid-September and closes November 1.

For transfer into Year 2, the application is available through our Transfer Students webpage. The online application opens in early May and closes July 1.

Combined and Graduate Degree Programs

Can I combine my DDS degree with a Masters or PhD?

Schulich Dentistry does not offer a combined/concurrent Master's degree program.

Applicants wishing to complete a PhD in relation to the DDS Program may apply to the Dental Clinician Scientist (DCS) Program. Applicants accepted into the DCS Program will be offered deferred admission to Schulich Dentistry upon successful completion of their PhD in a dentally-oriented project at Western.

Applicants will be assessed by the Schulich Dental Research Committee and the Dentistry Admissions Committee.

What graduate programs does Schulich Dentistry offer?

Schulich Dentistry offers several opportunities for continued study following the completion of the DDS Program:

Additional graduate degree program offerings at Western University can be found on the School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies website.

Completing the OUAC Application

Where can I access the application?

The application can only be accessed via a link on our How to Apply webpage.

Can I apply through ADEA AADSAS?

No. The only place to access our application is through a link on our How to Apply webpage.

Does OUAC provide a confirmation email once I submit my application?

Yes. Applicants are advised to print the 'Introduction' page of the OUAC application as a reference to assist them in completing the rest of the application.

The 'Introduction' page indicates that once an application is submitted, OUAC will send an email from undergradapps@ouac.on.ca that will include your OUAC application number. Please add this email address to your email settings as a trusted address and save this email for future reference.

I applied but did not receive a confirmation email from OUAC.  Why?

Check your Junk Mail or Spam folder.

If the email is not there, there could be an issue with the processing of your application payment. OUAC will only send a confirmation once they have received the application payment. Please contact OUAC to inquire if there were any payment issues.

My CDA DAT ID number is only 6 digits and the application requires an ID number of 11 digits. What do I do?

Enter 5 zero’s ahead of your 6-digit ID number.

How do I add Academic Information?

For describing degrees:
  • Highest Year Level Achieved: Please indicate the highest year that has been completed. For instance, if you are in 4th Year, the highest year level that has been achieved is 3rd Year.
  • Field of Study: Choose the category that best describes your degree field of study.
  • Diploma/Degree Type: Choose the category that best describes your degree type.
  • Diploma/Degree Length: Indicate how many years it took/or is anticipated to take to complete the degree.
  • Diploma/Degree Status: Please indicate the current status of your degree.
For describing enrollment in courses:
  • Highest Year Level Achieved: Please 'Less than 1 year'.
  • Field of Study: Choose the category that best describes the course.
  • Diploma/Degree Type: Choose 'no'.
  • Diploma/Degree Length: Choose 'Less than 1 year'.
  • Diploma/Degree Status: Please indicate 'not expected'.

I attended the same institution as an undergraduate student and returned as a continuing/special/part-time student. Do I need to enter these separately in the academic background section?

Yes. However, you do not need to request another transcript from the same institution. The continuing, special or part-time studies information will appear on the transcript with the undergraduate course information.

I am or have been a student at Western. Do I need to request a transcript to be sent in the OUAC application?

No. The Admissions Office will be able to access your Western transcript and therefore, you do not need to fill out a transcript request. You will still need to indicate attending Western in the Academic Background section of the OUAC application.

My current transcript does not indicate my winter term courses. What do I do?

Applicants must provide current transcripts with their application. If your transcript does not indicate current course enrollment, you must upload an updated transcript to your Student Center by 4:30 p.m. ET on November 11, 2024.

Do I need to submit transcripts from exchange institutions I attended?

Yes. Applicants must provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.

Do I need to submit transcripts from colleges I attended?

Yes. Applicants must provide transcripts from all post-secondary institutions.

Do I need to have my international education assessed by WES?

Yes. All applicants must provide a WES report for all international education, including exchanges and Letters of Permissions.

How do I request a WES assessment?

WES reports are made available to Western's Undergraduate Admissions Office for electronic retrieval through our WES portal.

If I request a transcript through the OUAC application, do I need to need to request one directly from my institution?

No.

If a transcript from an Ontario institution I attended cannot be requested through the OUAC application, what do I do?

For any transcript that cannot be ordered through the OUAC application, applicants must request the transcript from the institution to be sent to themselves whereupon, you will be able to upload your transcript to your Student Center.

Please note: You will not be able to access your Student Center until you have officially submitted the OUAC application and Western has received the application information from OUAC (approximately 5-7 business days).

Do I need to request a transcript even if there will be no grades reported?

Yes. We require current transcripts at the time of application for all post-secondary education as proof of enrollment in the current academic year.

What documentation is tracked in my Student Center?

Transcripts, proof of English proficiency (if applicable), citizenship documentation (if applicable), prerequisite course descriptions (if applicable).

What documentation is NOT tracked in my Student Center?

The following documents are tracked by the Schulich Medicine & Dentistry Admissions Office:

Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement (ABS)
Confirmation of ABS submissions are emailed upon receipt of the ABS. Please note: If you saved your work, ensure when you are officially submitting that you click the appropriate save and submit buttons.

DAT Scores
Applicants wishing confirmation of DAT score receipt must email admissions.dentistry@schulich.uwo.ca with all of the following:
  • OUAC application number
  • CDA Student ID Number or ADA DENTPIN number
  • When the test was taken
Casper Scores
Applicants wishing confirmation of Casper score receipt must email admissions.dentistry@schulich.uwo.ca:
  • your OUAC Application Number,
  • your Altus Identification Number, and
  • when the test was taken.

What is the access code to activate my Western Identity/student account?

In order to retrieve your Access Code to activate your Western Identity, you will need:
  • your 10-digit OUAC reference number,
  • your 9-digit Western Student Number, and
  • your date of birth, as entered on your online OUAC application.

Instructions on how to activate your Western Identity will be provided in the email you receive from Western, which will include the Student Number assigned to you.

Check your Junk/Spam folder regularly in the days following your application submission to the OUAC to ensure you receive this email.

I am not currently enrolled in a full-time academic program. Do I need to fill out the Activities/Employment section?

Yes. Applicants who are not enrolled in a full-time program at the time of application should indicate all their activities and employment since graduation.

I am completing the prerequisite declaration and don’t know if I meet the requirements for approved biochemistry and physiology courses. May I request a course review?

Course reviews are done between October and March for applicants of the current application cycle.

Current applicants who are unsure if the courses they have taken meet our Biochemistry and Physiology prerequisite requirements should indicate all courses they believe cover the necessary content in the Prerequisite Declaration section. Details about prerequisite course content can be found in the preamble of the course equivalents documents on our Admission Requirements webpage.

Current applicants should collect all detailed course syllabi that includes course content, grading and textbook information and, when prompted, upload this information to your Student Center.

Course reviews for future applicants are conducted between April and August.

How should I complete my Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement?

We are unable to provide guidance on how to complete the Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement. Applicants are advised to read the information provided in each section of the biosketch and use their own best judgment.

Do I need reference letters or letters of recommendation?

No. Reference letters and letters of recommendation are not an admission requirement. If submitted, they will not be assessed as part of the application.

General Inquiries

How many applications are normally received by Schulich Dentistry?

Schulich Dentistry receives approximately 600 applications each year. Up to 200 applicants are invited to attend an interview, and up to 56 are accepted into the DDS Program.

What are tuition costs?

Current and historic fee schedules for both domestic and international students can be found on the Office of the Registrar website.

What financial aid is available?

The Western Financial Aid Office is there to help students meet their educational goals. 

For detailed information, please visit the Office of Registrar website.

Can I tour the campus?

Please visit the Welcome to Western webpage for ways to explore the campus.

Contact Information