Frequently asked questions


Eligibility

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

  • Achieve a minimum cumulative GPA (cGPA) of 3.0 across all undergraduate coursework.
  • Complete at least 90 credit hours/15.0 credits (3 years) of undergraduate university coursework at a recognized university, by April 30 of the year of entry:
    • Each year of study must include a minimum of 30 credit hours (5.0 credits) taken during the Fall and Winter (September to April) terms.
    • A maximum of 6 credit hours (1.0 credit) of pass/fail coursework is permitted in each of the 3 undergraduate coursework academic years.
    • All undergraduate coursework must be completed by April 30 of the year of entry into the program.
  • If currently enrolled in a graduate degree program, applicants must be in the final year of the program.
  • Meet the minimum Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) score. Minimum scores based on calibre of applicant pool, which is determined after the application closes.
  • Meet the minimum Casper score. Minimum score based on calibre of applicant pool, which is determined after the application closes.
  • Have completed, or be in the process of completing, all prerequisite courses by April 30 of the year of entry to our program. Successful completion requires a pass or credit designation.
  • Have completed the Western Autobiographical Sketch (ABS).

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

No. All applicants must meet the same admission requirements. As stated on our Admission Requirements webpage:

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

Yes. Please visit Western’s Office of the Registrar website for fee schedules.

No. We do not give preference to Western students. The institution where undergraduate coursework is taken does not impact the assessment of an application.  

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

No. The Admissions Office does not pre-assess any documentation or make any determination as to whether potential applicants meet our minimum admission requirements until after an application has been submitted through OUAC. 

Applicants interested in information about the most recently admitted DDS class can visit our Admission Statistics webpage.

International applicants

Yes. Up to four seats are available for international applicants, who must meet the same minimum requirements as domestic applicants.

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.

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 Advanced Standing Program (ASP) for international dental graduates. For information, please visit the ASP webpage.

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

No. However, 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.

Degree considerations

Applicants who have completed a professional degree, or are enrolled in a professional program at a recognized university, may be eligible to apply if they have achieved or will achieve the following prior to entering our DDS Program:

  • a minimum cumulative GPA (cGPA) of 3.0 across all undergraduate coursework, and
  • at least 90 credit hours/15.0 credits (3 years) of undergraduate coursework taken between September and April. Each year of study must include a minimum 30 credit hours (5.0 credits) taken during the fall and winter semesters (September to April).
  • A maximum of 6 pass/fail credit hours (1.0 credit) is permitted in each of the 3 years of undergraduate coursework.  

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 International Dental Graduates (ASPIDG). Please visit the ASPIDG webpage for information.

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 undergraduate coursework and academic grades awarded are significantly different from North American standards, assessment of transcripts will be made by the Western University Office of the Registrar based on known International Guidelines.

Refer to the How to Apply webpage for additional information.

GPA consideration

The GPA from a graduate degree is not eligible for consideration. Schulich Dentistry considers only undergraduate coursework for calculation of cumulative GPA (cGPA) for admission purposes. 

Bonus points

Applicants with official transcripts indicating a conferred graduate degree by the application deadline are awarded bonus points. Graduate degrees that are in progress at the time of application or conferred after the application deadline are not eligible for bonus points. Value of bonus points is confidential to the Admissions Office.

Graduate program in progress

Applicants enrolled in a graduate program 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 to enroll in Schulich Dentistry will NOT be acceptable.
  • Applicants who receive a conditional offer must complete all program requirements for the graduate degree as per the following deadlines:
Thesis-based graduate program: Applicants enrolled in a thesis-based graduate program at the time of application must complete all program requirements, including successful defence 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 program: Applicants enrolled in a course-based graduate 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.

Applicants who have completed or are enrolled in a collaborative college/university degree program at a recognized university may be eligible to apply.

Cumulative GPA (cGPA) consideration is based on academic years completed during the university portion of the collaborative degree. Applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Course considerations

Applicants must complete at least 90 credit hours/15.0 credits (3 years) of undergraduate coursework (30 credits/year taken between September and April) at a recognized university, by April 30 of the year of entry.

A maximum of 6 pass/fail credit hours (1.0 pass/fail course) is permissible in each of the 3 September to April undergraduate years.

Coursework in progress at the time of application is eligible for consideration toward the 90 credit hours/15.0 credits (3-year) undergraduate coursework requirement, as long as the academic year has 30 credit hours taken between September and April.

Admittance for applicants with an academic year in progress is conditional upon:

  • successfully completing the required credit hours/credits,
  • successfully completing the undergraduate coursework, and
  • the cumulative 3.0 GPA being maintained.

To meet this requirement, applicants must take additional undergraduate coursework where 30 credit hours/5.0 credits are taken between September and April. A maximum of 6 pass/fail credit hours are permitted.

Undergraduate coursework taken during the application cycle is eligible for consideration toward the 90 credit hours /15.0 credits. If admitted to the program, it would be conditional on completing the 30 credit hours in progress AND maintaining a 3.0 cumulative GPA (cGPA) across all undergraduate coursework.  

Applicants may withdraw from non-prerequisite courses.

Withdrawals must appear on the final official transcript.

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure withdrawal from any course will not affect the cumulative GPA (cGPA) or a condition of offer.  

Full course load: 30 credit hours/5.0 credits 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 fall and winter semesters. 

Full-year course: a course that runs from September to April.

Half-year course: a course that runs from September to December, or from January to April.

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

Yes. Schulich Dentistry will consider applicants completing undergraduate programs that require clinical placements. However, an academic year taken between September and April cannot include more than the pass/fail allowance to be eligible for consideration.  Please see Pass/Fail courses.

Online courses
Online courses from a recognized university are considered toward cumulative GPA (cGPA).

Online courses may be considered toward the 3-year (90 credit hours/15.0 credits) undergraduate coursework requirement if taken 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 between September and April.

Prerequisite courses may be taken online.

Pass/Fail courses
Yes. A maximum of 6 pass/fail credit hours (1.0 pass/fail credit) is permissible in each of the 3 undergraduate coursework years completed between September and April.

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

Pass/Fail courses are acceptable for prerequisite consideration. A pass must be obtained.

Repeat courses
Yes. Repeat courses are considered toward cumulative GPA (cGPA). If repeated during the September to April academic year, course weights are considered toward the course load for that academic year.

Repeat course grades are not substituted for original grades. Repeat course grades along with the original grades are included in cumulative GPA (cGPA).

Spring/Summer courses
Spring/Summer courses are included in the cumulative GPA (cGPA).

Spring/Summer course are not considered toward meeting the requirement of 3 years (90 credit hours/15.0 credits) of undergraduate coursework per year (30 credit hours/5.0 credits), which must be taken between September and April. 

IB and AP Credits
IB and AP credits are not eligible for consideration in our admissions process.

CEGEP courses
CEGEP courses are not considered for cumulative GPA (cGPA) or undergraduate coursework. However, CEGEP courses are acceptable toward meeting approved prerequisite course requirements.

Applicants who have completed or are enrolled in a co-op degree program may apply if they have:

  • a minimum cumulative GPA (cGPA) of 3.0, and
  • 3 co-op years that meet the undergraduate coursework requirements.

To be eligible for undergraduate coursework consideration, a 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.

For applicants who have attended other universities on an exchange, the cumulative GPA (cGPA) and undergraduate coursework calculations 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 evaluation by World Education Services (WES) is required for the exchange period.

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

Refer to the How to Apply webpage for additional information.

Course withdrawals on transcripts are acceptable. However, a course withdrawal could affect whether an academic year will be eligible to be considered toward our course load requirements. 

All applicants must have completed at least three academic years of undergraduate study, each consisting of a minimum of 30 credit hours (5.0 credits) completed during the Fall and Winter terms (September to April). The specific distribution of credits and course levels within this period is not relevant. A maximum of 6 credit hours (1.0 credit) of pass/fail courses are permitted in each of the 3 years of academic study. Courses must have a course weight noted on the transcript to be included toward meeting this requirement. 

Undergraduate coursework

No. There is no preference for undergraduate coursework or university, however a strong background in science is an asset. 

Yes. To have the grades from undergraduate courses completed outside of Canada or the U.S. considered for our cumulative GPA requirement, applicants must submit a course-by-course evaluation of their transcript by World Education Service (WES) with their application.

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

Yes. Online undergraduate coursework from a recognized university is considered toward cumulative GPA. If taken between September and April, the coursework may be considered toward the 90 credit hours/15.0 credits (3-year) undergraduate coursework requirement.

If it is not clear from your official transcript, additional documentation may be required confirming that the 90 credits hours/15.0 credits (3-year) of undergraduate coursework was completed during the September and April academic year.

Yes. Applicants must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 across all undergraduate coursework, which must include at least 3 years in which 30 credit hours/5.0 credits were completed between September and April.

Cumulative GPA is based on ALL university coursework taken regardless of whether courses are part of a first or subsequent degree, or not part of a degree program at all.

No. Cumulative GPA (cGPA) is based on undergraduate coursework only. Applicants who submit official transcripts showing conferral of a graduate degree by the application deadline will be awarded bonus points. Value of bonus points is confidential to the Admissions Office.

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 Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates (ASPIDG). For information about applying, please visit the ASPIDG webpage.

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

Cumulative GPA (cGPA)

Applicants must achieve a minimum cumulative GPA (cGPA) of 3.0 across ALL undergraduate coursework. 

Coursework in progress will be included in the cumulative GPA. Applicants with coursework in progress, if given an offer of admission must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA (cGPA) of at least 3.0 or the offer will be rescinded.

At least 3 years of undergraduate coursework (90 credit hours/15.0 credits) must be completed by April 30 of the potential year of entry. Each year must contain a minimum 30 credit hours (5.0 credits) taken between September and April.

An academic year in progress is eligible to be considered toward the 90 credit hours /15.0 credits (3 years) of undergraduate coursework.

Offers of admission will be conditional upon successful completion of the required credit hours/credits, undergraduate coursework and cumulative GPA (cGPA) being maintained.

OUAC (Ontario Universities’ Application Centre) conversion scale is used to convert grades.  Cumulative GPA (cGPA) is based on ALL undergraduate coursework as indicated on officially submitted transcripts.

  • Where percentage and alpha grades are presented, the percentage grade will be used.
  • Where only alpha grades are presented, the letter grade will be converted to the mid-point in Column 3 and then to the OUAC value using the Undergraduate Grade Conversion Table

Cumulative average is determined by adding all the course weights and all the converted grades, then dividing the total course weights into the total converted grades.

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.

The year may be eligible to be considered toward the 90 credit hours/15.0 credits (3 years) of undergraduate coursework if the year has a minimum 30 credit hours (5.0 credits) completed between September 2019 and April 2020.

  • Cumulative GPA (cGPA) will only consider grades from the fall 2019 semester.
  • A maximum of 6 pass/fail credit hours (1.0 course) will be permitted in the fall 2019 semester (September to December) and must be passed.
  • Discovery Credits will be considered within, not in addition to, the 6-credit hour pass/fail allowance.

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. 

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 cumulative GPA. 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 cumulative GPA. 

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.

Prerequisites

Yes. Applicants must successfully complete university-level coursework in each of the following prerequisite subject areas by April 30 of the year of entry: 

  • Biochemistry: 0.5 credit
  • General Mammalian Physiology: 1.0 credit
  • Biology: 2.0 credits
  • English: 0.5 credit

Successful completion of prerequisite courses requires a minimum grade of 50% or a pass/credit designation.

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 acceptable toward meeting prerequisite course requirements, but are not considered for cumulative GPA (cGPA) or undergraduate coursework.

Prerequisite courses may be taken online.

College courses, IB and AP credits are not eligible for consideration for prerequisite course requirements.

University continuing studies courses are eligible for consideration.

Prerequisite courses can be taken at any time, but must be completed by April 30 of the year of entry. Prerequisites can be completed during the spring/summer semesters prior to the mid-September application opening and during the September to April application cycle.  Prerequisite courses can be taken online.

Prerequisite courses must have been taken within 10 years of the application deadline.

Prerequisite course enrollment must be indicated on official transcripts at the time of application, including any courses to be taken in the winter semester.

Please visit the Admission Requirements webpage for more details.

A course may be considered an acceptable biochemistry prerequisite if it is a biochemistry-based course totalling at least 0.5 credit from an accredited institution.The course must demonstrate a strong foundation in biochemical principles, including courses that cover fundamental biochemistry topics such as:

  • the structure and function of biomolecules
  • enzyme kinetics
  • metabolic pathways
  • molecular biology processes

We cannot provide a complete list of all equivalent courses from all institutions. However, to assist with the planning of undergraduate coursework the following are examples of acceptable Western courses:

BIOCHEM 2280A, BIOCHEM 2288A, CBE2290A, CHEM 4493B

Courses may be considered acceptable mammalian physiology prerequisites if they are physiology-based courses  from an accredited institution totalling at least 1.0 credit. Courses must demonstrate a strong foundation in human or mammalian systems physiology, including concepts such as:

  • neurophysiology (autonomic, sensory, motor and integrative)
  • muscle
  • cardiovascular
  • respiratory
  • gastrointestinal
  • renal
  • endocrine
  • metabolism
  • reproduction
  • homeostasis

We cannot provide a complete list of all equivalent courses from all institutions. However, to assist with the planning of undergraduate coursework the following are examples of acceptable Western courses:

PHYSIO 1020, PHYSIO 1021, PHYSIO 2130, PHYSIO 3120, PHYSPHARM 2000

Courses may be considered acceptable biology prerequisites if they are biology-based courses from an accredited institution totalling at least 2.0 credits. Courses must demonstrate a strong foundation in biological sciences, such as:

  • general biology
  • molecular biology
  • genetics
  • microbiology
  • anatomy

We cannot provide a complete list of equivalent courses from all institutions. However, to assist with the planning of undergraduate coursework the following are examples of acceptable Western courses:

BIOLOGY 1001A, BIOLOGY 1002B, BIOLOGY 2382A/B, BIOLOGY 2581A/B

A course may be considered an acceptable English prerequisite if it is an English-based course from an accredited institution totalling at least 0.5 credit.

Acceptable courses include those offered through an accredited university’s Department of English and may focus on:

  • English language
  • literature
  • composition
  • rhetoric
  • communication studies

The course must place a strong emphasis on written work evaluated for the following, as outlined in the official course description or syllabus:

  • composition
  • structure
  • grammar
  • spelling

Courses not taught through a recognized English department do not fulfill this requirement.

ESL (English as a Second Language) courses are not acceptable.

We cannot provide a complete list of equivalent courses from all institutions. However, to assist with the planning of undergraduate coursework the following are examples of acceptable Western courses:

ENGLISH 1020 to 1999, ENGLISH 2033E, ENGLISH 2071F/G

We may accept an antirequisite course in place of a prerequisite, provided it covers the same or equivalent content.

Applicants are encouraged to review their course descriptions and ensure the antirequisite course aligns with the learning objectives of the prerequisite.

No. All applicants must meet the same minimum admission requirements. Prerequisites can be completed during the spring/summer semesters prior to the mid-September application opening. Prerequisites can be taken during the September to April application cycle. Prerequisites can be taken online. All prerequisites must be completed by April 30 of the year of entry.

Yes. Prerequisite courses can be retaken to achieve the required minimum grade of 50% or a pass/credit designation and will not adversely affect the application.

Yes. Repeat courses are considered toward cumulative GPA (cGPA). If repeated during the September to April academic year, course weights are considered toward the 3-year undergraduate coursework (90 credit hours/15.0 credits) requirement.

Repeated course grades are not substituted for original grades. Repeated course grades along with the original grades are included in the cumulative GPA (cGPA).

Dental Aptitude Test (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 the two years prior to the application deadline, and
  • applicants must have taken DAT that includes Reading Comprehension (the French DAT does not include Reading Comprehension and therefore is not acceptable to meet our DAT requirement), and
  • scores must be received by Western University directly from the CDA/ADA by the November 1 application deadline.

Please note: 

  • A request to the CDA/ADA to release scores to Western University is not an instantaneous process.  Please account for CDA/ADA processing times to ensure scores are received in the Admissions Office by 4:30 p.m. ET on November 1.  No exceptions will be made.
  • Schulich Dentistry does not confirm receipt of DAT scores. Applicants must contact CDA/ADA to confirm when their scores were sent.

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.

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.

All sections of the DAT may be used in the selection process, except for Manual Dexterity. Minimum thresholds are set after the application closes and are based on the calibre of the applicant pool.

No. Applicants must contact the CDA/ADA to confirm when their scores were released or will be released to Western.  Please note, a request to release a score does not mean the score is released and received by Western immediately.  Applicants are advised to plan accordingly as deadlines are strictly enforced.

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.

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

Casper scores are valid for one application cycle only.

No. We will only consider canadian Casper test scores, and only from the test dates listed on Acuity Insights' website for Western University.

All dates listed for Western University on the Acuity Insights website are acceptable to meet our 4:30PM ET November 1 application deadline.

The determination of a minimum score is made after the application closes and is based on the calibre of the applicant pool.

Visit the Acuity Insights website to review eligible canadian test dates, and to sign up for Casper test CSP-10211 Professional Health Sciences. To register, you will need to upload government-issued photo ID.

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

Test dates and times

Western autobiographical sketch (ABS)

Schulich Dentistry takes a holistic approach to admissions that values not only academic excellence but also the lived experiences, personal attributes, and potential of each applicant.

As part of this process, applicants complete the Western autobiographical sketch (ABS) to help us understand how they align with the School’s mission to serve diverse communities with integrity and care.

The Western ABS will be made available to current applicants through the Kira Talent platform. After the OUAC application closes, applicants will be provided with detailed instructions about where to access the Western ABS.

Interviews and offers

Applicants are invited for an interview based on a compiled score representing academic achievement, DAT and Casper scores, and Western ABS.

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 Admission Requirements webpage for more details.

Applicants who are not offered direct admission may be placed on a wait list. Schulich Dentistry does not provide specific candidate ranking, nor any information on wait list movement. General information regarding relative position on the wait list (whether past applicants in a similar ranked position have or have not received an offer) may be obtained by contacting the Schulich Dentistry Admissions Office.

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 admitted.

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

Apply online for entry to:

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.

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 programs and graduate degrees

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 dentistry-oriented project at Western.

Applicants will be assessed by the Schulich Dental Research Committee for consideration for the PhD Program, and by the Dentistry Admissions Committee for consideration for the DDS Program.

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

Second year 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, Saudi Arabia, Turkey or the United States.

Learn more

To be eligible for transfer consideration, applicants must meet the same undergraduate coursework and cumulative GPA (cGPA) requirements as general admission applicants.

Learn more

Determination of whether a seat is available for transfer happens in late July, so applicants must apply before knowing whether a seat is available.

Advanced standing program (ASP)

Current and historic fee schedules can be found on the Office of the Registrar website.

The Western Student Financial Services can help students meet their educational goals.

The Office of the Registrar also provide a Letter of Enrollment to obtain a professional student loan. 

Student Financial Services    Office of the Registrar

The Bench Test is a clinical assessment that normally takes place at the beginning of December.

Learn more

Interviews normally take place in February.

No. Due to the high volume of applications received each year, we cannot hold a seat or allow a deferral.

If you cannot enter the program for the cycle offered, you will need to apply again next cycle and submit a new application along with all of the supporting documents and application fee.

The ASP is a very competitive program with limited enrollment. A maximum of 20 students will be admitted through the ASP each year.
Yes. Applicants must be permanent residents or citizens of Canada at the time of application to be eligible for consideration through the ASP.

All supporting documentation must be received by our office by the deadline indicated.

Applications with missing or out of date documentation will not be eligible for consideration.

All applicants* through the ASP must submit the results of an English proficiency test, such as TOEFL or IELTS. Results are valid for 2 years from the date of the test.

*Applicants who successfully completed three (3) full years of full-time Canadian high school education in English may be exempt. Official high school transcripts showing this must be submitted by the application deadline.

No. The decision of the Admissions Committee is final. There is no appeal process and no feedback can be given.

There is no limit to the number of times you can apply to the ASP.

If re-applying, a new application, application fee, and valid supporting documentation must be re-submitted by the application deadline.

Yes. Applicants who have taken the ACS (NDECC) and/or NDEB ACJ can apply to the program.

However, applicants who have received NDEB certification by successfully completing the NDEB Written or Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) will not be considered for admission through the ASP.

You may continue to register for and attend the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ) or the NDECC. However, applicants who receive NDEB certification will not be considered for admission through the ASP.
It is not necessary to have post-graduate clinical experience to be eligible for consideration.

General inquiries

Schulich Dentistry receives approximately 800 applications each year. Approximately 200 applicants are invited to attend an interview and up to 56 applicants are accepted into the DDS Program.

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

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

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

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

Contact information

To submit a question, email admissions.dentistry@schulich.uwo.ca

To book a virtual appointment, click here.