Admissions Requirements and Procedures
Applications for the 2022-2023 academic year are accepted on a rolling basis. We have two cohorts – one starting in January 2023 and one starting in August 2023. For the August 2023 cohort you are encouraged to apply by March 31, 2023 to receive the strongest consideration. Candidates that submit their completed application materials, all supporting documents, and an application fee will receive the strongest consideration to the program.
Applicants are required to have a dental degree (BDS, DDS, DMD or equivalent). Advanced dental training and/or clinical practice experience beyond a dental degree is preferred, but not required.
Applicants to the MADS Program at Penn Dental Medicine may be foreign nationals, United States citizens, or hold United States Lawful Permanent Resident status. Matriculation requires compliance with Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) regulations as determined by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. University of Pennsylvania International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) website has detailed information.
The requirements for application will follow those used for advanced dental education programs at Penn Dental Medicine.
Program Application – All applicants must submit an application through Slate application service. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis; you are encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximize your chance for admission.
Application Fee – The non-refundable application fee is $80. Payment can be made through Penn Dental Applicant Portal.
Letters of Recommendation –Two letters of recommendation from those who know your academic and professional qualifications are required. Recommenders should be chosen from people most familiar with your former studies, research interests, or work, preferably at least one faculty member in the institution you last attended. We prefer recommendations from instructors familiar with your work in the field in which you expect to study.
Official TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language) Score – An official TOEFL score is required for all applicants who completed their dental degree at a non U.S. or Canadian CODA accredited dental school. TOEFL scores are valid for two calendar years prior to the program’s application deadline. Penn Dental Medicine only accepts the Internet-Based iBT exam. In order for scores to be considered official, Penn Dental Medicine must receive your electronic TOEFL scores directly from ETS. Instructions for ordering official TOEFL scores are available on the ETS TOEFL website. Penn Dental Medicine’s institution code is 2944. Please use the institution code when requesting your official scores to ensure that we receive them as efficiently as possible. Photocopies or paper copies of scores will not meet this requirement. Applicants whose native language is English, or whose primary language of instruction was in English in high school through dental school and/or postdoctoral training, are waived from this requirement.
Official Transcripts from Dental Schools and Residency Programs Attended – Official transcripts must be submitted from all dental schools and advanced certificate or degree programs attended. Unofficial transcripts will not be accepted.
- US and Canadian dental school graduates must submit official transcripts directly from the accredited dental school and/or residency program. Schools participating in e-transcript services provided by Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse can forward official transcripts electronically via electronic file transfer or by secure email delivery.
- Parchment supports both delivery of official transcripts by electronic file transfer, our preferred method of delivery, or by secure email. If you chose the secure email option, request that transcripts be forwarded to pdm-transcripts@dental.upenn.edu.
- National Student Clearinghouse: At this time National Student Clearinghouse only supports electronic delivery of transcripts by email. Request that transcripts be forwarded to pdm-transcripts@dental.upenn.edu.
If your schools do not offer electronic transcript services, official transcripts can be mailed to the address below.
- Internationally trained dentists must have their institutions forward official transcripts via postal service to the mailing address below. Unfortunately, we are not accepting electronic transcripts from institutions outside of North America at this time.
NOTE: If your transcript is not in English, a certified English translation must be sent to the mailing address below.
Dental Diploma – An original notarized copy of your dental diploma and any residency diplomas or certificates earned must be mailed to the address below. In the case where diplomas or certificates are not in the English language, a certified English translation is required for each.
Applicants who do not have a U.S. DMD/DDS (e.g. individuals holding a BDS or other international dental degrees) must submit an Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) Course-by-Course evaluation in order to be considered for admission. This additional documentation requires evaluation of academic credentials by an approved agency. Your official ECE evaluation report must be sent electronically from ECE to Penn Dental Medicine directly.
Please DO NOT send CVs or Portfolios to Penn Dental Medicine.
Application Process
The MADS Admissions Selection Committee will review completed applications on a rolling basis. Admission decisions are made on a rolling basis; you are encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximize your chance for admission. Interviews will begin in April and final decisions will be communicated in early June. All admitted candidates will be notified by email.
Final decisions for acceptance are based upon the following:
- undergraduate/postgraduate coursework
- clinical experience
- letters of recommendation
- interviews
The applicants will be selected by an admissions committee.
For questions regarding the application process and procedures contact:
Office of Student Admissions
Penn Dental Medicine
University of Pennsylvania
240 South 40th Street, Room 122
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6030
Email: PDM-MADSAdmissions@dental.upenn.edu
