PreDent Compass · Guide
Easiest Dental Schools To Get Into (2026)
Updated for the current AADSAS cycle. Rankings below use publicly reported acceptance rates, average GPA, and average DAT scores from each school's most recent matriculating class. "Easiest" is relative — every accredited US dental school is competitive, but the schools on this list give applicants with slightly lower stats a more realistic shot.
We combined three numbers that matter most to applicants: acceptance rate (higher = easier), average GPA (lower = more forgiving), and average DAT (lower = more forgiving). Each is weighted so no single metric dominates.
All figures are approximate, compiled from ADEA and school-published data. Always verify with the program before you apply.
Top 10 easiest US dental schools to get into
- Visit#1 · PRUniversidad Ana G. Mendez School of Dental MedicineAcceptance 9% · Avg GPA 3.40 · Avg DAT 18
- Visit#2 · KYUniversity of Pikeville Tanner College of Dental MedicineAcceptance 8% · Avg GPA 3.40 · Avg DAT 19
- Visit#3 · ARLyon College School of Dental MedicineAcceptance 8% · Avg GPA 3.45 · Avg DAT 19
- Visit#4 · PRUniversity of Puerto Rico School of Dental MedicineAcceptance 10% · Avg GPA 3.60 · Avg DAT 19
- Visit#5 · PRPonce Health Sciences University School of Dental MedicineAcceptance 8% · Avg GPA 3.50 · Avg DAT 19
- Visit#6 · NMBurrell College of Dental MedicineAcceptance 7% · Avg GPA 3.45 · Avg DAT 19
- Visit#7 · TNLincoln Memorial University College of Dental MedicineAcceptance 7% · Avg GPA 3.45 · Avg DAT 19
- Visit#8 · UTRoseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, UtahAcceptance 7% · Avg GPA 3.45 · Avg DAT 19
- Visit#9 · DCHoward University College of DentistryAcceptance 6% · Avg GPA 3.40 · Avg DAT 19
- Visit#10 · TNMeharry Medical College School of DentistryAcceptance 6% · Avg GPA 3.40 · Avg DAT 19
What "easiest" actually means
Even the most accessible dental schools accept fewer than one in five applicants. A higher acceptance rate usually means: the school accepts a wider GPA/DAT range, it favors in-state or mission-aligned applicants, or it has a newer program still growing its applicant pool. None of that lowers the bar for being a strong applicant — it just gives you more room to be human.
If your GPA or DAT is below the national average (~3.55 GPA, ~20 DAT), apply broadly, prioritize schools on this list, and submit your AADSAS application as early in the cycle as possible — admissions are rolling.
FAQ
The national average is around 3.55. Most schools on this list accept students with a GPA in the 3.3–3.5 range, especially when paired with a competitive DAT score and strong experiences.
The national average is roughly 20 (academic average). Schools on this list commonly accept students in the 18–20 range.
Yes — AADSAS is rolling. Submitting in June or July dramatically increases your chance of an interview compared to late-cycle applicants with the same stats.
Pick the schools that fit your stats and run a side-by-side comparison of acceptance rate, GPA, DAT, class size, and tuition.
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