In conjunction with the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, Villanova University offers students considering a career in Dentistry the possibility of completing both the Bachelors degree and Doctor of Dental Medicine degree in a seven-year program.

Students spend their first three years on Villanova's campus where they will study along with other Villanova students, majoring in either Biology , Biochemistry or Comprehensive Science (BSC). The latter curriculum is more math and physics intensive than the biology curriculum. After having completed all the Liberal Arts/Humanities and most of the Science requirements, the students will move to University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine where the first-year courses will also be given credit at Villanova. 

Criteria to be Considered

• have an SAT I score of 1320 or better on the Critical Reading and Math components (a specific score on the Writing component will not be used at this time)
• or ACT score of 30 or better and include the writing portion
• rank in the top 10% of their high school class where class rank is reported
• and have a GPA of at least 3.7 (unweighted) on a 4.0 scale
• high school Physics is not required but encouraged

Students in the program must complete the Core requirements of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences and the majority of the requirements for the major as well as the prerequisites for the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. They will work closely with the Health Professions Advisor to ensure all requirements are met. They are expected to maintain a 3.5 cumulative GPA during their time at Villanova. They must also take the Dental Admission Test and achieve scores of 18 or higher on each section. Failure to meet these minimum requirements may result in release from the program.

Application and Admission Requirements

• the candidate’s Common Application with the Villanova Supplement (November 1)
• application fee
• official high school transcript
• all SAT or ACT scores sent directly from the College Board and/or ACT
• Common Application School Report and recommendation
• Villanova essay
• Common Application essay

Complete the Common Application with the Villanova Supplement and submit by November 1. In the Villanova Supplement Major Section you should choose the health affiliation to which you are applying. Next, choose an alternate major that you would pursue as an undergraduate in the event you are not selected as a final candidate for the Health Affiliation Program.

Applicants who meet the above criteria will be asked to submit a supplementary application to the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine; this will be requested after receipt of the Villanova application. The UPENN Admissions Committee will review all applications and make a decision around March 20. No interview is required. Strong preference will be given to those candidates who demonstrate proficiency in the following areas: community service, extracurricular activities, pre-dental experience and superior academic preparation.

Students who are not selected for the Dental program will be notified by Villanova approximately January 15 and will be evaluated for the major listed on their application through the regular admission process.

For details pertaining to University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, view their web site at http://www.dental.upenn.edu/.   For more information about this unique opportunity at Villanova, please contact the Health Professions Advisor, Dr. Louise Russo at (610) 519-4833 or hpa@villanova.edu