University of the Pacific Dental School: A Comprehensive Overview

The University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, is a nationally renowned institution committed to advancing oral health and preparing healthcare providers for current and future practice models. This article provides a detailed overview of the University of the Pacific Dental School, including its Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program, admission requirements, curriculum, student life, and financial aspects.

Introduction

If you're considering a career in dentistry, the University of the Pacific Dental School, also known as the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, should be on your radar. This article navigates the essential details to help you make informed decisions and pave the way toward your dental aspirations! The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is an innovative and renowned leader in health and wellness. The Dugoni School integrates inter-professional education with patient care, keeping humanism at its core.

Pre-Dental Opportunities

University of the Pacific offers a Pre-Dental Advantage Program (3+3) for first-time freshmen, an accelerated program where you complete all pre-dental and general education requirements and the courses for the biological sciences or chemistry majors in three years and dental school in another three years. When you complete the program, you will earn a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of the Pacific (Stockton Campus) and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry. The University also has special affiliations with colleges and universities to facilitate pre-dental education.

Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Program Overview

The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program at the Dugoni School of Dentistry is one of the most prestigious and rigorous in the nation. Known for its student-centered, humanistic educational approach and its accelerated three-year, year-round program, the Dugoni School’s Pacific Dental Helix Curriculum is divided into 12 10-week-long quarters with a focus on active learning and critical thinking through small-group, case-based learning. The Dugoni School of Dentistry maintains an accelerated three-year DDS curriculum.

Curriculum Highlights

In their first quarter, students learn the use of dental instruments and materials, working position and posture, and basic dental laboratory procedures. Throughout their first two years, students take courses covering biomedical sciences and clinical topics, such as human anatomy, physiology, tissue aging, and infection control.

Clinical Experience

Preclinical instruction takes place in the first year, during which students learn to work in a preclinical simulation laboratory with a chair-side assistant in conjunction with a pediatric dental practice. Students begin working with patients in their second year. All clinics are operating according to their normal schedules. Emergency services are first come, first served based on availability.

Academic Offerings

The University of the Pacific provides various academic offerings to support dental students, including pre-dental opportunities such as the Advantage Dental Program for High School Students and special affiliations with colleges and universities through the UOP Accelerated Dental Program.

Admission Requirements

Gaining admission to the Dugoni School of Dentistry is no small feat. Between the accelerated timeline, high academic standards, and holistic review process, it’s one of the most competitive dental schools in the country.

Application Timeline

According to the University of the Pacific Dental School’s application timeline, the following are the important dates:

AADSAS Application Opens May 10, 2025
Application Submission Begins June 1, 2025
Academic Update Period 1 August 15 - September 30, 2025
Deadline for Pre-Dental Advantage Program Applicants September 1, 2025
Academic Update Period 2 December 1, 2025 - February 2, 2026
Final AADSAS Application Deadline February 2, 2026
Deadline to Submit Official Documents for Verification February 9, 2026

The Dugoni School recommends that you apply as early as June but no later than November. The official deadline is early February.

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Minimum Course Requirements

Applicants must complete at least 90 semester units or 135 quarter units. The minimum course requirements include:

Biological Sciences* (with laboratory) - 4 semesters/6 quarters
Inorganic Chemistry (with laboratory) - 2 semesters/3 quarters
Organic Chemistry (with laboratory) - 2 semesters/3 quarters
Physics (with laboratory) - 2 semesters/3 quarters
English, Speech, or Communication** - 2 semesters/3 quarters

*The Admissions Committee requires that applicants complete either two semesters of organic chemistry or one semester each of organic chemistry and biochemistry.

**One course in composition or technical writing is required. Other courses should develop written or verbal communication skills. English as a Second Language (ESL) coursework does not meet this requirement.

Courses taken at a community college will be acceptable if they are transferable as equivalent to predental courses at a four-year college.

In each term of full-time study (4 or more courses per term), at least 3 courses should be predental science courses approved for biology majors. Applicants should achieve a B or better in each course; no D, W, F, or I grades.

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Recommended Courses

Recommended courses include:

Anatomy
Physiology
Microbiology
Biochemistry
Histology/Cell Biology

Note: These courses can be used to count toward the Biological Sciences requirement.

Letters of Recommendation

Applicants must submit three letters of recommendation: Two of the letters must be from science professors, and one letter should be from someone of your choice (e.g., dentist, researcher, or work manager/supervisor). If your undergraduate institution has a pre-health advisory committee, a committee evaluation is recommended as an alternative.

Your letters should be physically signed by your recommenders and ideally be written on letterhead or contain the logo of the organization or school that they work for.

GPA

Your overall and science GPA, the schools attended, and the difficulty of your course load are all assessed on an individual basis.

Dental Admissions Test (DAT)

Preference is given to students who provide Dental Admissions Test scores no later than November of each cycle. The committee will only review the most recent DAT scores in the application. Mandatory DAT, Canadian DAT Accepted (for Canadian students only). Applicants Evaluated Before Official DAT Submission? No. DAT Score Considered? Yes. Only the most recent score.

Dental Shadowing Experience

A minimum of 40 hours is required (minimum hours must be completed with a general dentist). Dental assisting experience cannot be counted towards shadowing, although, it can be included in the “Dental Experiences” section of the AADSAS application.

Research Experience

Research experience is not a requirement, but it is highly recommended. Students can become involved in research projects under experienced faculty members. The Craniofacial Research Instrumentation Laboratory focuses on correcting dentofacial malocclusions and craniofacial malformations through orthodontic and/or surgical means. Read about all the scientific research happening at the Dugoni School and learn about recent achievements and grants! The latest issue of Contact Point is out now!

Application Fee

The application fee is $75 for all applicants (waivers are available for those approved for the ADEA fee waiver).

Interview

Interviews are required for any potential position in the DDS program, although an interview is not a guarantee of admission. Interviews are held between September and March in-person and virtually.

The Admissions Committee carefully considers each applicant's scholastic record, scores on the DAT, AADSAS essay, letters of evaluation, evidence of manual dexterity (including the perceptual ability portion of the DAT), and other personal attributes and qualities as well as a demonstration of his or her understanding about a career in the dental profession.

During the interview, the applicant's interest in dentistry, future plans, maturity, and other personal qualities needed for successful work with patients are assessed. In addition, applicants will participate in an orientation seminar, meet informally with current dental students, and tour the school. Applicants who are offered the opportunity to enroll must complete planned coursework at a specified performance level.

Supplemental Information

Mandatory Casper Participation in ADEA AADSAS Required Supplemental ApplicationSupplemental Application Fee Yes No Yes: $75 for all applicants (waivers are available for those approved for the ADEA fee waiver)

UOP Dental Class Profile (DDS Class of 2026)

Applicants: 2,142
Class Size: 146
Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
Average DAT (AA): 22.5
Average DAT (PAT): 22
Average DAT (Science): 22
Average GPA: 3.61
Average Science GPA: 3.55
Female Students: 47.9%

What are the selection factors for an interview at Pacific?

Applicants who appear to meet the requirements will be invited to the dental school in San Francisco for an interview with one or more members of the Admissions Committee. During the interview, the applicant's interest in dentistry, future plans, maturity, and other personal qualities needed for successful work with patients are assessed. In addition, applicants will participate in an orientation seminar, meet informally with current dental students, and tour the school. Applicants who are offered the opportunity to enroll must complete planned coursework at a specified performance level.

What DAT scores do I need to get into the Dugoni School of Dentistry?

A: Incoming class averages are:

Academic average: 22
Perceptual ability: 21
Quantitative Reasoning: 22
Reading comprehension: 22
Biology: 22
General chemistry: 21
Organic chemistry: 22
Total science: 21

Competitive scores this year were 22 and higher. If your scores are below 20, the Dugoni School recommends retaking the DAT. There is no deadline to take the DAT, but preference for admission is given to students who provide final DAT scores no later than November for any given admissions cycle. The committee reviews only the most recent DAT scores provided.

What level of performance is the Admissions Committee looking for in my academic history?

Are there elective courses that would help prepare me to be a good dentist?

To develop your doctor/patient relationship skills, the Dugoni School recommends a course in journalism, public speaking, debate, interpersonal relationships, or drama. To prepare you for managing your own business, accounting for small business, marketing for small business, consumer behavior, or economics courses are recommended. To enhance your hand skills, the Dugoni School recommends coursework in mechanical drafting/drawing, jewelry making, sculpting, or ceramics.

Does Pacific require a secondary application?

No. You need only to file an Associated American Dental School Application Service (AADSAS) application.

Expert Tips for Getting In

Align Yourself With the Dugoni School Core Values: The Dugoni School of Dentistry cites “courage, empowerment, excellence, innovation, integrity, and leadership” as its core values supporting its defining characteristic, humanism.
Excel Academically: Focus on maintaining a strong academic record throughout your undergraduate studies. Aim for a high GPA, especially in prerequisite science courses.
Adequately Prepare for the DAT: Dedicate ample time to preparing for the DAT in order to get a competitive score.
Gain Clinical/Shadowing Experience: Seek opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the field of dentistry.
Secure Strong Letters of Recommendation: Choose individuals who can provide detailed and positive letters of recommendation.

Student Life

The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is located at the University of the Pacific’s San Francisco campus in the SoMa (South of Market) neighborhood. Due to its enviable location, students have access to a broad range of research opportunities in collaboration with San Francisco-based companies and foundations, as well as community involvement through health fairs and outreach events across the San Francisco Bay Area.

Notable student events include the First-Year Retreat, a one-day orientation event; the White Coat Ceremony marking students’ transition into the clinical portion of the DDS program; and Excellence Day, which celebrates the research, community service, and clinical achievements of the Dugoni School students and faculty.

Finances and Application Logistics

Cost of Attendance

Tuition is $124,185 per year for all three years of the DDS program. Students will also be required to pay for dental kits, rental kits, and various fees, bringing direct costs up to $134,782 to $146,654 per year. San Francisco also has a high cost of living, so students should prepare to spend about $37,000 a year on living expenses.

All admitted students are automatically considered for the Dean’s scholarship; however, most students’ scholarships come from external foundations and organizations.

Financial Estimations for the 2025 School Year:

Year	In-State Tuition	Out-State Tuition	Additional Fees	Estimated Living Expenses
D1	$131,748	$131,748	$23,097	$38,688
D2	$131,748	$131,748	$13,883	$38,688
D3	$131,748	$131,748	$12,221	$38,688

Loans and Debt

In the most recent year (2021), 83% of dental school students graduated with educational debt. Educational debt takes into account both undergraduate debt and dental school debt. The average educational debt for all indebted graduates was $302K. The average for Private schools ($355K) was significantly higher than Public schools ($261K). The primary source of loans in Dental School are Federal Loans. Dental School students are able to take out Federal Loans that cover the entire Cost of Attendance (C.O.A.).

The 2 main types of Federal Loans are Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans (more favorable) and Federal Direct Graduate Plus Loans (less favorable). Unsubsidized Loans have more favorable terms and are always maximized prior to taking out Graduate Plus Loans. The annual limit on Unsubsidized Loans is about $45K a year. The remainder can be borrowed each year from the less favorable Graduate Plus Loans.

The 2 main differences between these 2 loans are origination fee and interest rate. Unsubsidized Loans have an origination fee of 1.057%, while Graduate Plus Loans have an origination fee 4X higher (4.228%). Secondly, the interest rates on Graduate Plus Loans are set to be 1% higher than Unsubsidized Loans. The current interest rate for Unsubsidized Loans is 6.54% (up from 5.28% the previous year). The interest rate for Graduate Plus is 7.54%, up from 6.28% the previous year. For both loans, interest accumulates on all outstanding principal. The interest is capitalized (added to your principal) when your loans become due and repayment starts, about 6 months after graduation from dental school.

As an example, let’s breakdown a student that takes out $300K in loans (about $75K each year). Each year, this student will borrow about $45K in Unsubsidized Loans and $30K in Graduate Plus Loans. By the time repayment begins (6 months after graduation), the $75K that was borrowed 1st year has accumulated over $22K in interest. The $75K that was borrowed 2ndyear will accumulate almost $17K in interest. When repayment begins 6 months after graduation, that $300K loan will have accumulated $57K+ of interest. This interest is capitalized upon repayment, leaving you with a principal of $357K.

In March 2020, as a response to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Congress paused all Federal student loan payments. As part of this pause, interest rates for all federal loans were set to 0%. President Biden recently extended this pause through December 2022. In announcing this extension, they affirmed that student loan payments will resume in January 2023. At this time, interest rates will also return to normal. It has been reported that the Dept of Education is considering ending interest rate capitalization. At this time, it is just a proposal.

Repayment

Many students will enter a repayment plan of between 5 and 20 years. Interest will continue to accumulate on those Federal Loans (6.54% for Unsubsidized Loans, 7.54% for Graduate Plus Loans). Many students will choose to refinance their Federal Loans with a private lender. Private lenders offer lower interest rates that can significantly lower monthly payments. When applying to refinance with a private lender, they often look at your debt-to-income ratio. For many new graduates with significant debt, it may take a few years for their income to reach a level where they are able to refinance with a private lender.

What do monthly repayments look like? Let’s go back to the student that borrowed $300K in Federal Loans. By the time repayment begins, that loan accumulated $57K+ of interest, which is capitalized, leaving a principal of $357K. Monthly repayments on that $357K principal over 5 years would be $7000+/month. For 10 years, $4100+/month. 15 years is $3200/month, and 20 years is $2700+/month.

International Dental Studies (IDS) Program

The International Dental Studies (IDS) program at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry offers qualified internationally educated dentists the opportunity to gain skills and knowledge of the dental profession as practiced in the United States. Graduates of this program receive a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree and are eligible to sit for any state or regional dental board in the country. This two-year accelerated program enrolls 57 students in early July of each year. 27 Students are selected for our San Francisco campus at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, and 30 students are selected for our Pacific Health Care Collaborative program, which hosts an additional IDS class at our new facility in Sacramento, CA. The full-time, five-day-a-week program consists of eight quarters of study. The curriculum, consisting of academic and clinical training, uses the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, our brand-new Pacific Health Care Collaborative, as well as facilities and other clinical sites in Northern California. IDS students begin clinical patient care in the second quarter and spend the greater portion of their second year in clinical practice. Degree Awarded D.D.S. grade average (2.00 - 4.00) to complete your ADEA CAAPID application status.

Application Requirements for IDS Program

World Education Services (WES) transcripts are not accepted for this program. If ECE provides two grade averages (best result or comprehensive), the Dugoni School will only consider the comprehensive grade average. Applicants with an ECE GPA of 1.99 or lower will not be considered for admission.
Submit three letters with the CAAPID Application. All should be in English and written within the last 2-3 years; at least 2 letters must be from a dental professional (i.e., dentists, faculty, etc.). A dean's letter is not required for our program. New: Starting in the 2026-2027 CAAPID application cycle, we will allow one additional optional letter of recommendation to be submitted. This additional letter should be from a dental professional (academic or professional reference). Additionally, this letter needs to be physically (not digitally) signed and printed on company letterhead. This letter can be submitted through ADEA CAAPID through the program materials' documents section.
Applicants are required to take the TOEFL under the new TOEFL scoring format effective January 21. A minimum overall score of 4.5 or higher is required to be considered for admission. Applicants must request ETS to submit TOEFL scores directly to ADEA (School code - B451). Scores prior to January 21st, 2026 will not be accepted.
Payment of $100 Supplemental Application Fee: To be paid after successfully submitting your CAAPID application using this link.
Dental Curriculum Vitae (CV): A document summarizing your educational credentials and dental experience that you've gained after earning your initial dental degree.
All applicants to the International Dental Studies (IDS) program are required to complete the Casper assessment as part of the application process.

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