1.
Preparing for Dentistry
Note: This tipsheet focuses on entering the two Doctor of Dental Surgery programs in Ontario
1) The University of Toronto ‐ http://www.utoronto.ca/dentistry.
2) The University of Western Ontario ‐ http://www.schulich.uwo.ca/dentistry.
Detailed published information about admission requirements and application procedures should be obtained from i
individual Faculties of Dentistry. While every effort is made to avoid errors, requirements do change. This information
sheet is intended as a counselling document only. Students are personally responsible for acquiring up to date
information directly from the individual Faculties of Dentistry.
Becoming a Dentist at these two institutions involves
1. Completion of undergraduate studies: at least 3 years (15 full courses) for the University of Toronto or at least 2
years (10 full courses) for the University of Western.
2. Completion of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Degree (DDS), 4 additional years of study.
3. Successful completion of written and practical exams administered by the National Dental Examination Board
following completion of DDS.
1) The University of Toronto Academic Requirements
a) Three years of university education (i.e. at least 15 full courses or equivalent) in a program that demonstrates focus
and coherence in education.
• One full‐year course (or two half‐year courses) in general biochemistry.
• One full‐year course (or two half‐year courses) in general mammalian (human or animal) physiology.
• Two additional full year courses (or four half year courses) in Life Sciences.
• One full year course (or two half year courses) in a Humanities or Social Science.
Note ‐ See program website for acceptable courses and detailed descriptions of course requirements.
Courses must be completed within the academic year (i.e. by May 31st) in your year of application to be
considered for entry into the following Fall session.
b) A minimum current grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) i.e. B ‐ is required. However, a 3.7 GPA has been more
typical of those offered admission interviews. Please note: courses taken during your year of application are not
included in your cumulative GPA —BUT— acceptance is contingent on maintaining an annual GPA of at least 3.0 in the
year of application.
c) All applicants must be proficient in both written and spoken English.
Tip: It is a good idea to preview the application form at least one year prior to applying to the Faculty of Dentistry.
You can download the U of T Dentistry application form at http://www.utoronto.ca/dentistry.
2) The University of Western Ontario Academic Requirements
a) Academic years in which fewer than 4 full‐course equivalents were taken will not be considered. Courses taken
during Spring/Summer sessions are not counted toward course load.
b) A minimum of 2 full years of undergraduate study with a minimum average of 80%. Averages from the best two
years are used, but cumulative academic record is still assessed.
c) Minimum requirements after 2 years (i.e.: 10 full courses or equivalent, at least 4 courses at 200 level) or if applying
without a degree:
• One full lab course in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics
• One full course (or equivalent) in Human or Mammalian Physiology One half lab course in Organic Chemistry and
one half course in Biochemistry
OR

2. Preparing for Dentistry
d) Minimum Requirements after completion of degree program
• One half‐lab course in Organic Chemistry
• One half‐course in Biochemistry
• One full course (or equivalent) in Human or Mammalian Physiology
• One full lab course in each of Biology, Chemistry and Physics (advantageous, not required)
• A full course load with 4 or 5 courses equivalent to 200 level or higher during upper years of student’s program
• Completion of a Four‐Year Honours Degree (advantageous, not required)
Documents Required for Application
In addition to the completed application form, additional documents may include:
• Non‐refundable application service fee of $250 CDN (U of T and University of Western Ontario)
• Proof of citizenship, i.e. Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status (photocopy only)
• Official transcripts of all previous university and other post‐secondary education.
• DAT score report
• Proof of English facility, if applicable
Application Deadline
Completed application forms and all supporting documents must be received by the Admissions Offices of each
University by December 1, 2009 at 5:00 p.m. for September 2010 entry.
Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) (required by UofT and UWO)
The DAT is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, perceptual ability
and manual dexterity. The Canadian DAT is offered twice a year in February and November. If written more than once,
the most recent set of DAT scores will be used. The DAT must have been taken within two calendar years prior to the
application deadline.
DAT registration forms can be obtained from the Faculty of Dentistry’s Admissions Office or by contacting the
Canadian Dental Associations’ Dentistry Aptitude Test Program ‐ http://www.cda‐adc.ca/ at (613) 523‐1770 or
dat@cda‐adc.ca.
Interviews
By the end of February 2010 (U of T) or beginning of March 2010 (University of Western Ontario), approximately 200
applicants will be invited to attend an interview at the Faculty of Dentistry based on their potential as shown by their
academic achievement and DAT scores. Those not invited for interviews will be informed at this time as well.
The interviews typically take place over one weekend in March (U of T) or April (University of Western Ontario). If you
are invited to an interview, you can book an appointment with a Career Counselor for a mock interview.
Admission Decisions
Final offers for admission to the DDS program will be made to selected members of the group of interviewed
applicants and will be based upon academic achievement, DAT scores and the results of the interview process.
Admission decisions are made known to applicants by:
• University of Toronto: Mid‐April 2010
• University of Western Ontario: July 1, 2010
For a full list of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry, visit ‐ http://www.acfd.ca/en/links/index.html.
Final Tip
• Attend the Professional Schools Fair to speak with admission representatives of the Faculty of Dentistry.
Date: October 8, 2009, 11:30 ‐2:30 pm (International), October 14 & 15, 2009, 11:30 ‐2:30 pm (Canadian)
Location: Meeting Place.
• Review the “Official Guide to Dental Schools”. This book lists the admission requirements of all U.S. and Canadian
Dental Schools. Resource book is available in Room AC213.
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