Temple University School of Dentistry Requirements

The Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry is the second oldest dental school in the USA and one of 66 dental programs in the country. The Temple University Dental School Requirements are categorized here in the priority of what an applicant must submit to be considered:

Academic

1. Pre-requisite courses
2. Minimum number of years of undergraduate study required
3. GPA

Non-Academic 

1. Dentistry Admission Test (DAT)
2. Dental Shadowing
3. Letter of References
4. Personal Essay
5. Interview

Temple University Dental School Requirements: Prerequisite Courses

All students applying to the Temple University dental school must have completed at least a minimum of 3 years of study (90 semester hours / 120 quarter hours). They must include the following courses: 

Prerequisite Course	Required	Lab Required	Credits (Semester/Quarter)
Biology	✓	✓	8/12
General Chemistry	✓	✓	8/12
Organic Chemistry	✓	✓	8/12
Physics	✓	✓	8/12
English	✓	X	6/10

AP credits and community college credits will be accepted for elective courses.

2020 courses taken with Pass/Fail may be considered; however, courses with a number grade are preferred.

Temple University School of Dentistry Requirements: GPA Calculation and Requirements

Minimum Overall GPA to Apply	Average Overall GPA of accepted applicants	Lowest Overall GPA Admitted	Average Science GPA of accepted applicants	Lowest Science GPA Admitted
NR	3.55	3.06	3.49	3.01

Temple University Dental School Requirements: Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) and Shadowing

DAT and Shadowing Overview:

Dental Shadowing Hours	DAT Required	CAD DAT Accepted	DAT Scores Considered
None	✓	✓	Highest AA

Dental shadowing is strongly recommended, however, no specific hour recommendations are given. The applicant should be able to demonstrate substantial exposure to the dental
profession.

Temple University Dental School Requirements DAT Admission Score Statistics:

Mean Academic Average Score	Minimum AA Score Given Admission	Mean Perceptual Ability Test	Minimum PAT Score Given Admission	Mean Total Science	Minimum Total Science Score Given Admission
21.3	19	20.6	17	20.8	19

Applicants are required to take the DAT. If an applicant has completed the DAT more than once the highest academic average score will be considered when calculations are made.

Kornberg recommends that you take your test no later than Aug. 31 of the application year. Applications will not be reviewed without reported DAT scores. Scores more than two years old at the time of application will not be accepted.

Students looking to test their knowledge in preparation for the DAT can click on this link to access our free practice tests for both the Canadian DAT and American DAT. Additionally, check out our 10 tips to Ace the DAT from a 25+ AA test taker!

Temple University School of Dentistry Requirements: Letter of References

Letters of Evaluation are required by this University. Students are required to submit two letters of recommendation from science professors or pre-health committee members.

AADSAS Personal Essays

This University may take into account the AADSAS personal essay you submit to the ADEA. Your personal statement is a one-page essay (not to exceed 4,500 characters, including spaces, carriages, numbers, letters, etc.) that gives dental schools a clear picture of who you are and, most importantly, why you want to pursue a career in dentistry. For more information on the personal essay click on the link above.

Temple University Dental School Requirements: Secondary Application

Temple University Dental School requires the submission of a secondary application in addition to the primary application.  The supplementary application will be emailed directly to the student once the preliminary AADSAS application is verified. The application includes the opportunity to share information about life experiences, such as civil or military service, post-baccalaureate or master’s experiences, and previous clinical and humanistic experiences.

Temple University Dental School Requirements Interview:

Mandatory	By Invitation	Number of Applicants Invited	Entering Class Size
✓	✓	N/A	141

Shortlisted candidates will be required to partake in an interview with the admissions team. Chosen applicants will meet with current students, tour the facility and review financial aid and housing procedures. Interviews give potential students the opportunity to learn more about Temple and they allow the Admissions Committee to learn more about applicants and gauge their motivation, approach to problems, and communication skills.

If you are looking for interview practice check out our posts on both MMI Practice Questions and Standard Interview Practice Questions.

Requirements for other Dental Schools in America:

If you would like an in-depth analysis of the dental school requirements for other dental schools in the United States of America click on this link.