Dalhousie Academic Calendars

Academic Calendars

Doctor of Dental Surgery Program Admissions

Admission

The Faculty of Dentistry accepts up to 44 candidates into the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program each year. Preference is given to permanent residents of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island, but applications from well-qualified applicants from other provinces and countries are also considered. Applicants are selected on a competitive basis, with applicants required to meet academic (GPA, DAT) and non-academic requirements (interview process, resume, and others as required).

Academic Requirements

While enrolled in a regular bachelor’s degree program whose sole entrance requirement is Nova Scotia grade 12 or its equivalent, completion of the following by the end of the Spring Session of the year of expected entry to the Faculty of Dentistry is required.

A minimum of 10 full-year academic classes* (60 credit hours) including the following university classes.

Prerequisite		Dalhousie Courses
Introductory Biology (at least six credit hours with lab)		BIOL 1010 & BIOL 1011 or BIOL 1020 & BIOL 1021
Introductory Chemistry (at least six credit hours with lab)		CHEM 1011 & CHEM 1012 or CHEM 1021 & CHEM 1022 or CHMA 1000 & CHMA 1001
Introductory Physics (at least six credit hours with lab)		PHYC 1190 & PHYC 1290 or PHYC 1310 & PHYC 1320 or PHYS 1002 & PHYS 1003
Organic Chemistry (at least six credit hours with lab)		CHEM 2401 & CHEM 2402
Human Physiology (at least six credit hours)		PHYL 1011 & PHYL 1012, or PHYL 1001 & PHYL 1002 (online) or PHYL 2041 & PHYL 2044 or
Introductory Microbiology (at least three credit hours)		MICI 2100
Introductory Biochemistry (at least three credit hours)		BIOC 2300
Writing requirement (at least six credit hours)		Any English course(s) or any course requiring a significant amount of written work that is evaluated for composition, structure, spelling, grammar, etc. as indicated in the course outline (must be approved by Admissions Committee). Dal's first-year English courses that meet the partial writing requirement are: ENGL 1030, ENGL 1005, ENGL 1015, ENGL 1025, ENGL 1040, ENGL 1050, ENGL 1060, and ENGL 1100. Note courses ending in -1 (i.e., ENGL 1051) do not fulfill the writing requirement.
Humanities and/or Social Science (at least 12 credit hours)		Courses in the following disciplines can be counted toward the Humanities and/or Social Science requirement: Arabic; Black and African diaspora studies; Canadian studies; Chinese (Mandarin); cinema and media studies; classics; comparative religion; contemporary studies; creative writing; early modern studies; economics, English; European studies; French; gender and women’s studies; German; Greek; history; history of science and technology; human geography; indigenous studies; international development studies; Italian studies; Latin; law, justice and society; music; performance studies; philosophy; political science; psychology; religious studies; Russian; sociology and social anthropology; sustainability; Spanish; and theatre.
Electives (at least six credit hours)

*a combination of two one-term academic courses in the same discipline is considered equivalent to one full-year academic course.

Please use our Transfer Credit Equivalency Table to find the equivalent courses offered at other institutions.

A listing of some approved courses to fulfill admission requirements can be found on the Faculty of Dentistry website: www.dal.ca/dds-admissions. Courses must have been completed within a reasonable time period prior to admission. Credit will be given for correspondence or distance education courses that are offered by a university as credit courses. Such courses must have their content, sequence, format and testing well defined. Applicants who have demonstrated strong academic standing in a full course load of five courses each semester in a degree program, in an in-course university setting will generally be considered to be the most competitive applicants.

Minimum Academic Requirements: Applicants need to achieve a minimum A- average (3.7 on a 4.3 scale or 80%) in the last 60 credit hours of study AND in their higher sciences courses (biochemistry, microbiology, and human physiology). Applicants must complete all prerequisite classes before May 1 of the year of expected entry to the Faculty of Dentistry. Candidates who have not met these requirements will not be considered for admission.

The Faculty of Dentistry considers it desirable that all students intending to proceed to the study of dentistry acquire a broad academic background and attain facility in the use of written and spoken English. Therefore, while minimum entrance requirements are established, students are encouraged to proceed to a bachelor’s degree before seeking admission to the Faculty of Dentistry. This is of particular importance if there is any intention or likelihood of proceeding to graduate programs in dentistry or associated sciences. This statement is not to be interpreted to mean that any penalty will be imposed upon those who do not have more than the stated minimum requirements; truly outstanding candidates may be admitted after completion of the minimum entrance requirements.

Dental Aptitude Test (DAT)

Canadian citizens must complete the Canadian Dental Aptitude Test unless they are not living in Canada. The DAT must be written within two years on October 1. (It is suggested that applicants complete the Dental Aptitude Test no later than August 15 to be considered for admission to the following August.) Information regarding the Canadian Dental Aptitude Testing Program can be obtained from Dental Aptitude Test Program, Canadian Dental Association, 1815 Alta Vista Drive, Ottawa, ON K1G 3Y6. You can also register online by accessing the Canadian Dental Association web page - www.cda-adc.ca/dat. Information about the American Dental Aptitude Test can be obtained from www.ada.org/

The Canadian Dental Association is currently not administering the Manual Dexterity Test portion of administers the dental aptitude test (DAT) at this time. It will therefore not a requirement for admission to the Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry for the 2026 intake.

Your best scores on the reading comprehension, science total, and perceptual ability components of repeated DATs are considered, using scores that are no more than two years old, and a minimum score of 15 or better must be achieved in each component. Most successful applicants have an average of all best scores of 20 or better on each component.

Non-Academic Requirements

Supplemental information for non-academic activities

A supplemental information form outlining your work and volunteer experience, group activities, and accomplishments must be submitted completed and included as part of your application package.

Interview Process

Due to the volume of applications, a completed application meeting admissions requirements does not guarantee an interview. Typically, applicants with the highest university grades are selected for interview, though other factors may be considered. Interviews are conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, by a team of trained interviewers.

References

Applicants who are invited for an interview are required to provide two letters of reference. You must include the referees’ contact information on your online application. At least one reference must be provided by a university instructor who has taught the applicant. Other references must be from non-relatives with whom the applicant has worked or volunteered. References may also be given by community members who know the applicant.

Prior to or after making application to the first year of the DDS program, applicants are strongly encouraged to spend time in the office of a dentist to learn about the dental profession.

Selection

Applicants with the best academic record have the greatest chance of admission. Nonetheless, the Admissions Committee can and does make significant use of other academic and non-academic factors in deciding which applicants are admitted (e.g. Dental Aptitude Test, interview process, references, and other admissions criteria considered by the Admissions committee).

For the information of potential applicants, the following is provided showing the characteristics of the applicants and entering class of 2024/2025.

• Number of applicants: approximately 500

• Number enrolled: 42 (17 males, 25 females)

• Age of Students: Range: 20~31, Mean: 23

• Residence: Nova Scotia: 20; Other Canadian provinces: 6; International:16

• Mean DAT-Reading Comprehension - 20; Mean DAT-PAT - 20; Mean DAT-Science total- 20; Mean DAT-Manual Dexterity Test - n/a

• Mean University last 60 credit hours- 4.0/4.3

• Mean University higher sciences average - 4.0/4.3

Equitable Admissions Policy

The Faculty of Dentistry is committed to increasing the number of qualified dentists who belong to African Nova Scotian and/or Indigenous peoples of the Atlantic region communities. Applicants from these groups who have completed the entrance requirements by May 1 of the year of expected entry, have achieved a B+ grade in the academic factors considered by the Admissions Committee, and a passing score on other admissions criteria considered by the Admissions Committee, will be admitted to the DDS program.

Place of Residence of Students

The number of students admitted in any one year is limited by the availability of physical facilities.

Preference is given to residents of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island but applications from well qualified applicants from other provinces and countries will be considered. To qualify as a permanent resident of any province, an applicant must meet the following criteria:

Their parent(s), guardian, or spouse must reside in that province on a permanent basis; or
if the applicant is independent of their parent(s) or guardian, they must have lived and worked on a full-time basis in that province (not attending school on a full-time basis) for a minimum of one full year at the time of the application deadline (October 1); or
an applicant whose parent(s), guardian, or spouse does not meet the residency requirements as a direct result of a recent employment transfer, either into or out of a particular province would be given the choice (either the province of immediate former or future residency) of their province of residence.

Application Procedure

The Faculty of Dentistry application form must be submitted to the Registrar's Office by October 1. Applications from all students, including those who have attended Dalhousie or King's must be accompanied by an application fee, which is not refundable and is not applicable to tuition fees. A new application form must be submitted each year in which application is made.

Important Dates

July 15	Dalhousie DDS Application Open
October 1	DDS Application deadline
October 1	Deadline for submission of DAT scores and supporting documents
October 15	Deadline for official transcripts. Applicants are required to submit an official transcript from each post-secondary institution they have attended.
January 15	If the applicant is still engaged in university studies at the time of application, they must submit an interim transcript indicating their Fall term grades and the courses they are taking by Jan 15.
April-May	Applicants invited for an admission interview must submit a final transcript by the deadline outlined in their interview invite.
May ~ June	Final decisions
June 30	Deadline for accepted students to submit Immunization Record form and CPR-HCP certificate.

Late applications will not be accepted.

Non-refundable Application fee:

Dalhousie Students	$100
Other Canadian Students	$125
International Students	$150

Applications must be submitted through the Dalhousie on-line application portal at www.dal.ca/apply.

Applicants may apply through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Services (AADSAS) and such applications must be submitted by October 1.

Applications must be complete before they will be considered by the Admissions Committee. Applications submitted by the deadline may be completed at any time up to May 1. However, applicants are encouraged to submit supporting documents by October 1 when possible. Applications completed after January 15 are considered when completed if unfilled places remain in the entering class. The following documentation must be submitted in support of the application:

Submit a Faculty of Dentistry application form and application fee at www.dal.ca/apply or through AADSAS.

Applicants must submit results from an approved Dental Aptitude Testing Program by October 1.

Official transcripts in support of the applicant's academic record must be forwarded to the Registrar’s Office by the institution or institutions at which the applicant completed their pre-professional studies. If the applicant is still engaged in university studies, applicants must submit an interim transcript, and a final transcript must be forwarded on completion of these credits. Dalhousie University regards an applicant's failure to disclose all their previous academic experiences to be an academic offence which could lead to subsequent dismissal from the University. Applicants must ensure that all successful or unsuccessful university attendance is indicated on the application form.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from the issuing institution. Applicants can have their schools submit official transcripts to admissions.documents@dal.ca or via hardcopy in a sealed envelope addressed to:

Registrar's Office, Dalhousie University
Henry Hicks Academic Admin Building, Room 130
6299 South Street
PO Box 15000, Halifax, N.S., B3H 4R2

If you are an applicant with a MyCreds/MesCertif, My eQuals or Digitary CORE account you can share your digital documents with us by selecting the 2nd Share option “Send my documents to a Registered Organization” and then select "Dalhousie University-Undergraduate and Professional programs or University of King’s College" in the Recipient field. Helpful videos are available for first-time users on the MyCreds Site.

Post-Secondary Transcript Deadlines

October 15: Official transcripts showing completed coursework to date, and Fall/Winter registration if an applicant is still engaged in post-secondary studies.

January 15: Official transcripts showing Fall term grades and Winter term registration

May 1: Interviewees must submit a final official transcript with Fall/Winter grades.

Transfer Students

We do not accept any advanced standing or transfer students from other Doctor of Dental Surgery Programs. All applicants admitted to the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program must complete all years of the program at Dalhousie University.

An application will not be considered if the applicant has been required to withdraw from studies at any other university dental or medical program at the request of the Faculty of that institution, unless the application is supported by a recommendation from the Dean of that program.

Interview Process

Competitive applicants will be required to participate in an admission interview process.

Acceptance

On notice of acceptance to the Faculty of Dentistry, applicants must submit a tuition deposit before the specified date outlined in the letter of acceptance. This amount is credited toward tuition fees if the student registers, but is not refundable if the student withdraws. All accepted applicants must comply with Faculty of Dentistry immunization and CPR regulations as a condition of acceptance. Applicants are required to complete the Dalhousie University Immunization Record form and CPR-HCP (Health Care Provider) certificate.

Health Requirements

General Regulations

The programs in the Faculty of Dentistry involves students interacting with patients in a health care environment, and places students in a position of special trust with patients. Therefore, certain Faculty regulations must be adhered to by all students, including but not limited to requirements for TB testing, immunization and CPR, criminal records and child abuse registry checks, clinic attire and clinical asepsis protocols. All requirements are outlined in the student Clinical Policy and Academic Policy manuals, provided to students at the beginning of each academic year.

CPR Requirements:

Students accepted to the program must have a current CPR – HCP (Health Care Provider) or equivalent course that includes BLS and use of a bag-valve-mask for all ages, team dynamics and use of an AED by June 30 of the year of entry.

Immunization Requirements:

Acceptance into the Faculty of Dentistry clinical programs is conditional upon receipt of evidence of complete immunization as follows:

Tetanus
Diphtheria
Pertussis (Td/Tdap)
Polio
Measles (Rubeola)
Mumps
Rubella
Hepatitis B (including post-immunization antibody titres)
Varicella (2 doses are required)
COVID-19
2-step Mantoux (TB) tests
Annual Influenza immunization for each year of study

If Post-HB vaccination antibody test results have not been completed at the time of acceptance, the applicant must provide blood test results for the Hepatitis B Surface Antigen by June 30 of the year of entry.

Applicants whose immunization results indicate that they are HBsAg positive or who have a viral load >10³ IU/mL (5 x 10³ GE/mL) will not be accepted into any of the clinical programs. Dalhousie University will reassess eligibility for admission should the applicant’s status change.

Students who do not acquire immunity from the HB vaccination series or who refuse the HB vaccine are susceptible to acquiring hepatitis B. Applicants in this category will not be denied admission based on these criteria. However, after admission, any student becoming HBsAg positive or whose viral load exceeds 10³ IU/mL (5 x 10³ GE/mL) during the course of their studies will be removed from patient care activities. Such modification of the clinical program may prevent a student from meeting progress and promotion requirements.

Students whose viral load is greater than 10³ IU/mL (5 x 10³ GE/mL), have an ethical obligation to report their status to the Associate Dean, Clinics, Associate Dean, Students and/or Associate Dean, Academics of the Faculty of Dentistry. The student will then be referred to the ad-hoc Committee on Bloodborne Pathogens.

The cost of all immunizations and blood tests are the responsibility of the student/applicant.

Annual influenza immunization is recommended for all students during each year of study.

A full explanation of the Faculty of Dentistry policy related to immunizations may be found on the Faculty of Dentistry website: www.dal.ca/dentistry

The admissions procedures may be amended without notice by the Faculty of Dentistry.

Criminal Records Check and Other Screening Documentation

The Faculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University does not require a Criminal Records Check or other screening procedure (e.g. Child Abuse Registry Check, Vulnerable Sector Screen) as a condition of admission into its programs. However, students should be aware that such record checks or other screening procedures may be required by facilities (schools, community clinics, armed forces, etc.) outside the University used for clinical placements, or experiences related to an academic class assignment. It is the student’s responsibility to have such procedures completed. The cost of the documentation completion is the responsibility of the student.

Such facilities may refuse to accept students on the basis of information contained in the record check or other screening procedure. If the student is unable to complete a clinical requirement due to a failure to meet the record check or screening requirements of the facility or if the student is refused access to the facility on the basis of the information provided, such a student may fail the class, and as a result may not be eligible for progress and promotion.

Note that facility requirements may change from time to time and are beyond the control of the University.

Details on the requirements for such documentation and the deadlines for submission of documentation in a timely manner are provided to students by the Faculty of Dentistry after registration in the program.

Students should also be aware that some professional regulatory bodies may require a satisfactory records check/screening procedure as a condition of professional licensure.

Assessment of Applicants with an International Educational Background

The Faculty of Dentistry will consider applications to the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree program from individuals who have received their former education outside the Canadian educational system. Such applicants will be assessed on an individual basis and may be required to fulfill specific criteria, such as, but not confined to those outlined below.

If the applicant's first language is not English, they must complete an English language proficiency test such as:

IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 (no lower than 6.0 in each band); or
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with an overall score of 90 (no lower than 20 in each band); or
Duolingo English Test with an overall score of 120 (subscores: 95); or
Michigan English Test (formerly MELAB) score of 55; or
CAEL/CAEL online score of 70; or
Pearson Test of English - Academic with an overall score of 61 (communicative skills scores: 50); or
Cambridge English Assessment C1: Advanced / C2: Proficiency with overall score of 180.

Complete an approved Dental Aptitude Test.
Meet all admission requirements and must provide a course-by course World Education Services (WES) evaluation report (document-by-document evaluation will not be considered).

Changes to Admissions Requirements

Admissions requirements are reviewed annually and the admissions requirements from previous years may not apply. Please monitor our website for up-to-date information.