Program Requirements

The University of Pikeville Tanner College of Dental Medicine seeks to focus its recruitment efforts in smaller, rural colleges and universities to recruit promising, high-performing undergraduate students who have demonstrated desire to make a significant impact among those who most need care. Qualified students interested in pursuing a career in dentistry are encouraged to apply to become a part of UPIKE’s unique dental educational experience.

At UPIKE, D.M.D. students will enter rotations in a variety of clinical settings during their final year of experience including community health centers, special needs clinics, pediatric facilities, addiction recovery centers and Federally Qualified Health Centers.

To learn about the College of Dental Medicine’s Functional Standards please click the button below:

Functional Standards

Admission Requirements

Biology	12 credit hours minimum *See additional recommended courses below that count toward the biology prerequisite.
Anatomy/Physiology with Laboratory	8 credit hours minimum in addition to the biology requirement.
General Chemistry with Laboratory	8 credit hours
Organic Chemistry with Laboratory	8 credit hours

Recommended Courses

*Microbiology	3 credit hours
*Histology	3 credit hours
*Biochemistry	3 credit hours

*Microbiology, Histology and Biochemistry count toward the fulfillment of the biology requirement. Additional advanced science courses are recommended and will be viewed favorably by the Admissions Committee. A grade of “C” or better is required for each prerequisite course.

SERVICE HOURS – Candidates are required to complete at least 200 hours of service within the five years prior to application.

SHADOWING – Applicants must complete at least 100 hours of shadowing experience. Shadowing of general dentists, dentists in specialty practice, and dentists serving in Federally Qualified Health Centers, Rural Health Clinics, or Mission/Faith-Based Clinics is recommended. Students should shadow a minimum of three dentists. Working with dentists who are family members is acceptable; however, it is expected that candidates will work with/shadow a minimum of two other dentists.

LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION – Three letters of recommendation are required. Two letters must be from faculty and one from a dentist.

DENTAL ADMISSIONS TEST (DAT) – TCDM is a test-optional program. Completion of the DAT is not a requirement for admission. Applicants without a DAT score will be evaluated equally with candidates submitting test scores.