ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS

Most students admitted to the dental school have a bachelor's degree or at least three years of full-time undergraduate study in an accredited college or university. When factors such as academic ability and motivation for the profession are equal, the relative strength of academic backgrounds will differentiate between applicants. A strong background in the natural sciences is essential, both as a criterion for admission and as a basis for successful performance in dental school. In addition, students are urged to include courses in government, economics, and social and behavioral sciences in their pre dental education, since the dental practitioner must combine technical competence with an awareness of and sensitivity to factors which bear on the patient and the community, such as education and socioeconomic status.

New Jersey Dental School applies no GPA or DAT cut-off levels in its selection process. It must be remembered, however, that competition is very keen, and applicants who are high in all determinable categories often receive the highest priority for acceptance. There are no restrictions as to race, creed, gender, national origin, age, or handicap. Applications from non-New Jersey residents are encouraged. NJDS may only consider applicants who are either citizens or permanent residents of the United States. Accepted students in the 2004 entering class had an average GPA of 3.48, the DAT Academic Average was 19, and the DAT PAT average was 17. Fifty-four percent was female. Historically, approximately 30 percent have been minorities.

UMDNJ policy provides that no program or activity administered by the University shall exclude from participation, admission, treatment or employment, or deny any benefits to, or subject to discrimination any qualified individual solely by reason of his or her disability. All applicants must certify that they are able to perform the "Essential Functions for Admission and Matriculation to New Jersey Dental School"