Frequently Asked Questions

 

Please review this information in its entirety to get the answers to your admissions questions.  These questions will be modified as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions
Postgrad FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I able to set up a meeting with an advisor to discuss my Dental School application?

The University of Maryland does not have advisors or counselors and we ask that you do not send us any unofficial documents. All materials should be submitted via ADEA AADSAS as a part of your formal application.

(back to top)

Does your institution accept AP/ IB Credits?

AP and IB credits will be accepted on a case-by-case basis and must appear on your official college transcript as credit for a specific course to be accepted.

(back to top)

I have missed the application deadline. Can I still apply to the program?

The December 15 application deadline is final and all application materials must be received by this date. If your application is not complete and verified by this date, you are welcome to re-apply.

(back to top)

Does your institution conduct background checks?

Currently, we do not conduct background checks of incoming students.

(back to top)

What courses am I able to substitute for the English composition prerequisite?

Any writing-intensive course may be substituted for this prerequisite. If you are unsure, please provide a copy of your course syllabus with your application.

(back to top)

Does your institution accept prerequisite courses older than 10 years?

All courses must be completed 10 years from matriculation into the program, with the exception of English Composition.

(back to top)

Does your institution offer an application fee waiver?

No we do not offer any application fee waivers.

(back to top)

May I request the email addresses of the faculty member/student with whom I interviewed to send thank-you notes?

Please send all thank-you notes to the Office of Admissions DDSAdmissions@umaryland.edu and we will forward them to their recipients.

(back to top)

What scholarships are available to current applicants?

The Admissions Office awards recruitment scholarships but students can also apply for scholarships with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations once you matriculate.

(back to top)

What are your recommendations on taking a gap year before applying to the program?

We generally recommend taking upper level science courses to help with boosting your GPA, continuing your shadow hours, and improving your DAT scores. We do not see a gap year in any negative way.

(back to top)

How can I improve my application to be a more competitive applicant?

Applicants are initially evaluated based on GPA, DAT scores, membership in a pre-dental association and hours of shadowing. Please keep in mind that our average GPA last year was 3.7 and our average DAT score was about 21. Thus, improving your application may mean enrolling in a Masters program or post bacc to raise your GPA. If that is what you decide, we will expect a 3.5 GPA in post-grad courses because you typically take only three per semester. These are suggestions but they are not a prescription for successful admittance to our program.

(back to top)

How are repeated courses favored in my application?

We will see all previous courses listed on your transcripts. The Admissions Office is not responsible for calculating GPA. However, this is done by ADEA AADSAS at the time of application.

(back to top)

Do I have to resubmit my official transcripts to the school again if I did when I applied?

Please do not send us any transcripts unless requested. Official transcripts are not needed until you are accepted into our program then we will need your official transcripts again that confer your Degree.

(back to top)

What is the status of my application?

Please check WebAdmit to find your most recent application status. We will communicate with applicants directly via email if we require the submission of additional information.

(back to top)

May I submit additional application materials?

Please do not send any additional documents outside of our application requirements.

(back to top)

Do you accept the most recent or highest course grade and DAT score?

We consider applicants’ highest grade for courses retaken and the most recent DAT score.

(back to top)

Do you accept international students into the DDS program?

Yes, however international students are not eligible for financial aid or scholarships.

(back to top)

Will I receive a confirmation email once my application is received?

It may take up to four weeks for the Admissions Office to receive your AADSAS application. Once we do, the status will be updated on the WebAdmit website. We will only reach out to applicants via email if we require additional information.

(back to top)

Where will I find the supplemental application?

We send out supplemental application invitations and instructions via email to candidates who meet preliminary screening criteria.

(back to top)

Do I have to major in a science field to apply to the DDS program?

While most students applying do major in biology or one of the sciences, students majoring in non-science disciplines, who meet our prerequisites, are encouraged to apply.

(back to top)

I am retaking the DAT after submitting my application. What will happen to my application in the Admissions Office?

If you have indicated on your AADSAS application that you intend to retake the DAT, your file will remain on hold and will not be reviewed until our office receives your new scores. If you indicated on your application that you are retaking the DAT and decide not to retake the DAT, please notify our office so that we will know to review your file with current scores and your application will no longer be “on hold.”

(back to top)

Where do I send letters of recommendation? May I send more than the required number of letters?

All letters of recommendation should only be uploaded directly to your AADSAS online application; you may upload up to four letters. Please remember, all letters of recommendation must be on official letterhead and signed by the person writing the letter. This means you will probably have to scan in these letters.

(back to top)

What should be included in my letter of recommendation?

All letters of recommendation should include the dentist's signature on official office letterhead. Please choose the dentist who knows you best (besides a parent or family member or a shadow dentist) so they may speak to your personality and work ethic.

(back to top)

I have documented over 100 shadowing hours between several dentists, would a letter from one of them with whom I have shadowed at least 20 hours be acceptable?

Yes, it would. Our requirement of a minimum of 100 shadowing hours should be with multiple dentists. We recommend that your Dentist Letter of Recommendation come from the dentist where you have done most of your shadowing hours.

(back to top)

Postgrad FAQ

What is the minimum TOEFL score accepted?

We require a minimum TOEFL score of 80. Our Oral Maxillofacial Pathology Program requires a minimum TOEFL score of 100. You may substitute the TOEFL for the IELTS which requires a band score of at least 7.0, for all programs.

(back to top)

I am a permanent U.S. resident, currently working here. Do I still need TOEFL/IELTS?

If you have attended a school in the US or Canada and can provide an Official transcript, you do not need to provide TOEFL/ IELTS scores.

(back to top)

Are international applicants required to submit NBDE scores?

Yes, international applicants must adhere to all program requirements listed on our website.

(back to top)

If accepted to the program, does the school assist internationally trained dentists with applying for a visa?

The Office of International Services will assist applicants with VISA paperwork. Please watch your email for notification from this office.

(back to top)

I requested information for the Advanced Standing program. When will I hear back about if I qualify?

The Advanced Standing program can only admit new students as space becomes available. We will retain your information until the end of the current admissions cycle and then you would need to complete the information card again next year if you are still interested.

(back to top)

Do internationally trained dentists qualify for a stipend?

International applicants do not qualify for stipends or financial aid.

(back to top)

What’s the max number of programs I can apply to? Do I have to submit my documents more than once?

Each applicant can apply to the AEGD program as well as one other program. Application materials should be submitted with your ADEA PASS applications. Please refrain from sending application materials via email, other than an application photo.

(back to top)

What are the tuition and fees for post-grad programs?

Tuition information can be found on University of Maryland Baltimore's Student Financial Services webpage here:

https://www.umaryland.edu/student-financial-services/tuition-and-fees/dentistry/post-graduate-dental/

(back to top)

Will I be licensed to practice in the U.S. after this program?

Information on acquiring licensure in the U.S. can be found here: https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/licensure/state-dental-licensure-for-us-dentists.

(back to top)