College of Dental Medicine - Arizona

The Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) program is based on concepts of a humanistic culture of mutual respect, a focus on general dentistry, and preparation for licensure and practice of general dentistry upon graduation. Its contemporary curriculum features integrated, systems-based basic sciences; integrated, simulation-based preclinical oral health sciences; and integrated, patient-based clinical dentistry sciences. Learning is case-based and grounded in scientific evidence. The core curriculum is supplemented with course sequences in ethics and professionalism, practice management, advanced clinical dentistry, and community service.

College of Dental Medicine - AZ Goals and Values

In pursuit of its mission, the CDMA is guided by this set of abiding and unchanging core values:

• Maintaining a student-friendly environment
• Encouraging broad and encompassing diversity
• Advocating collegiality and teamwork
• Integrating multidisciplinary coursework
• Focusing on a general dentistry curriculum
• Ensuring competence for general practice
• Basing decisions on scientific evidence
• Delivering ethical, patient-centered care
• Engaging the university community
• Serving the profession and the public
• Promoting ethics and professionalism
• Aspiring everyday to peak performance

• Basic, behavioral, and clinical didactic sciences
• Hands-on preclinical simulation studies
• Hands-on practical clinical dentistry
• Community clinical rotations

The Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Arizona is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.

Midwestern University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission/A Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (HLC/NCA), 230 South LaSalle Street, Suite 7-500, Chicago, IL 60604-1413

• General dental practice
• Graduate education in any of the dental specialties
• Armed services (military)
• Public Health Service or Indian Health Service
• Dental industry
• Dental education
• Dental administration

To be competitive, an applicant must have earned a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university and must possess both a science (biology, chemistry and physics - BCP) and a total GPA of 3.00 or more (although 3.20 will be generally competitively necessary) on a 4.00 scale. A minimum science and overall GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 scale is required to receive a supplemental application from the College.

1. Complete prerequisite courses.
2. Submit competitive scores on the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT). Scores in the area of 18 or higher will be expected for the Academic Average, Reading Comprehension, and Perceptual Ability sections. The DAT test must have been taken no more than 3 years prior to planned enrollment year. Note: The Canadian DAT can be substituted for the U.S. DAT. All sections of the Canadian DAT are required.
3. Submit two letters of recommendation. One must be from either a pre-dental advisory committee or a science professor. The other, preferentially, should be from either someone with a DO/MD, DDS/DMD degree and/or someone who can testify to the integrity and ethical standards of the applicant. Letters written by immediate family members will not be accepted. All letters of evaluation must be submitted directly from the evaluators. The Office of Admissions will not accept letters submitted by students.
4. Demonstrate a sincere understanding of, and interest in, the humanitarian ethos of health care and particularly dental medicine.
5. Reflect a people or service orientation through community service or extracurricular activities.
6. Reflect proper motivation for and commitment to health care as demonstrated by previous salaried work, volunteer work, or other life experience.
7. Possess the oral and written communication skills necessary to interact with patients and colleagues.
8. Agree to abide by Midwestern University Drug-Free Workplace and Substance Abuse Policy.
9. Pass the Midwestern University criminal background check. Applicants will be subject to a criminal background check. The results of the background check are reviewed by the Dean of Students to determine whether there is a record of misdemeanor or felony convictions. If there is a positive record, the Dean of Students will inform the appropriate Academic Dean and the University's Director of Risk Managment to determine whether the criminal history will negatively impact the student's admission status or ability to complete the practical training/rotation requirements of the degree program.

Application Deadline

Admissions decisions are made on a rolling basis. Applicants are required to submit their application to AADSAS by January 1st. Students may access the online application via the Midwestern University website or through the AADSAS website. Students are advised to complete their application files as early as possible to ensure timely consideration.

Additional Application Information