Admissions

Admissions

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

Message Dean’s

I am pleased to introduce you to Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD), one of eight health science schools and several hospitals that comprise Loma Linda University Health.

Since 1953, LLU School of Dentistry has educated and inspired oral healthcare professionals to combine clinical excellence with Christian concern for each patient’s total wellbeing. The School of Dentistry family is empowered by a modern, professional expression of the Apostle Paul’s call to humble service (Romans 12:5): “So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” While we have different functions, gifts, and talents, we are empowered and charged to work collectively towards our calling of service, not only for the School but also for His kingdom.

Matriculation at this school means you have joined a team surrounded by distinguished faculty, talented students, caring staff, and supportive alumni and friends, all collaborating as a team to support and forward Loma Linda University Health’s purpose: to advance the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ. Believing that together we thrive, LLUSD succeeds as a family of mutually supportive individuals who flourish because we are united by our values around an eminently worthwhile mission. With our LLU sister schools, we value justice, compassion, humility, conscientiousness, integrity, and excellence—values that guide the Loma Linda University mission “to make man whole.”

Our growing emphasis on inter-professional education familiarizes our students with the various health professions they will consult with or refer to as practitioners. This school is without peer in the opportunities it provides students for service learning trips both domestic and international.

Please explore the various programs offered by our exceptional school on behalf of our faculty, students, and staff.

Message Assistant Dean’s

Over the past decade, I have observed that several factors contribute to dental school applicants’ academic and clinical success. One must have a clear vision for the future, a passion for providing oral health care, and the determination to succeed.

If you love serving people and have an aptitude for the sciences coupled with artistic ability, Dentistry or Dental Hygiene may be the ideal fit for your career.

I invite you to thoughtfully consider attending Loma Linda University School of Dentistry, one of only three faith-based oral healthcare programs in North America. Along with its focus on clinical excellence, LLUSD provides oral health education that emphasizes compassionate, ethical, whole-person care in a Christ-centered environment.

Students are treated with dignity and respect as we prepare them to serve their communities as extraordinary oral healthcare professionals.

Directors Assistant

Admissions & Student Affairs

Welcome

We applaud your choice to pursue a career in the dental profession. We will assist you throughout the admissions process.

Financial Aid

Financial aid advisors and financial aid programs are available. Please contact 909-558-4509 or email finaid@llu.edu.

For additional information please go to our website at home.llu.edu/campus-and-spiritual-life/student-services/financial-aid.

International Students

Students applying for (or holding) F-1 US Student Visas are required by US immigration regulation to secure sufficient funds for their first year’s tuition and fees and provide documentary evidence of sufficient funds for their second year.

Contact Information:

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Office of Admissions, PH Room 5503 11092 Anderson Street Loma Linda, CA 92350

Phone: 909-558-4621

Email: admissions.sd@llu.edu

Website: dentistry.llu.edu

Application Information:

Apply to Dental and Dental Hygiene Programs at adea.org.

Official transcripts & documents should be mailed to:

Loma Linda University Admissions Processing 11139 Anderson St. Loma Linda, CA 92350

Email: admission.app@llu.edu

School Code: 4062

Hygiene Dental BS Degree

Create life-long friendships

Dental Hygiene is an undergraduate program focused on preventive oral health services and continuing care. Program objectives include developing dental hygienists who are ready to practice professionally and who can adapt to changes in oral healthcare. Hygienists work in private practice offices, industrial organizations, schools, hospitals, as well as local, state, and federal public health services.

Admission Requirements

• Proficiency in verbal and written English

• 96 quarter or 64 semester units of accredited college course work

• A grade point average of 3.0 or higher is strongly recommended

• A minimum grade of C for all prerequisite courses

• Prerequisite science courses completed in person and within five years of matriculation

• Recommendations: Please provide two recommendations. One from a pre-professional committee or science professor and the second from an employer or professional through the DHCAS application. Provide an additional recommendation from a spiritual leader with your supplemental application.

• A minimum of 20 hours of dental hygienist shadowing

• A personal interview by invitation only

How to Apply

• Complete and submit the application between November 1 and May 1 to the American Dental Education Association at adea.org then select DHCASEN10 under application services.

• Allow 4 – 6 weeks for the DHCAS process.

• On receipt of the application, a link to the supplemental application will be emailed to you by LLU.

• Based on review of your completed application materials, you may be invited for an interview.

National Board Exam

Upon successful completion of the Dental Hygiene program, students must complete a National Board exam, and a state or regional practical exam.

For more information about this program visit the LLUSD admissions website at dentistry.llu.edu/admissions

PREREQUISITES

• Chemistry - introduction to inorganic, organic, and biochemistry w/lab - 1 year

• Anatomy and Physiology I and II w/lab - 2 classes

• Microbiology w/lab - 1 class

• Introduction to Sociology - 1 class

• Introduction to Psychology - 1 class

• Freshman English - 1 year

• College Algebra - 1 class

• Speech - 1 class

• Cultural Anthropology - 1 class

• Personal Health or Nutrition - 1 class

• Physical Education - 2 activity courses

• Humanities - 16 Quarter or 11 Semester Units - three areas required from the list below:

- History/Civilization

- Art History/Appreciation

- Music/Appreciation

- Performing Arts (4 units max)

- Literature

- Foreign Language

- Philosophy/Ethics

- Religion

Grades must be C or higher to meet LLUSD requirements.

One year equals three quarters or two semesters.

Bridge Pathway DH to DDS

Enjoy real-life experience in clinical settings

The Bridge Pathway provides DDS applicants with a challenged academic profile a chance to prove themselves by completing the Dental Hygiene Program. While this pathway provides an alternate route to dental school, it does not guarantee acceptance into the DDS Program. Participants who successfully complete the Bridge Pathway receive priority consideration.

Advantages

• Not required to repeat previously completed sciences courses

• Not required to repeat the Dental Admission Test (DAT) if academic average is 17 or higher

• Become a licensed dental hygienist

• Advanced preparation for the DDS Program

Minimum Entry Requirements

• A grade point average of 3.0 or higher in both DDS and DH prerequisites is strongly recommended.

• DAT with an academic average of 18 or higher is highly recommended.

• Prerequisite science courses completed in person and within five years of matriculation

• Successful completion of the LLUSD DH program

• Reapply for the DDS program through AADSAS before the second year of the DH program

• Successful completion of DH Boards

• Recommendations: Please provide two recommendations, one from a pre-professional committee or science professor and the second from an employer or professional through the DHCAS application. Provide an additional recommendation from a spiritual leader with your supplemental application.

How to Apply

• Complete and submit the application between November 1 and May 1 to the American Dental Education Association at adea.org then select DHCAS-DH-DDSBRIDGE under application services.

• Allow 4 – 6 weeks for the DHCAS process.

• On receipt of your DHCAS application, a link to the supplemental application will be emailed to you by LLU.

• Based on review of your completed application materials, you may be invited for an interview.

National Board Exam

Upon successful completion of the Dental Hygiene program, students must complete a National Board exam, and a state or regional practical exam.

DENTISTRY PREREQUISITES

• General Biology w/lab - 1 year

• General Chemistry w/lab - 1 year

• Organic Chemistry w/lab - 1 year

• Biochemistry - 1 semester or 2 quarters

• General Physics w/lab - 1 year

• English Composition - 1 year

DENTAL HYGIENE PREREQUISITES

• Anatomy and Physiology I & II w/lab - 2 classes

• Microbiology w/lab - 1 class

• College Algebra - 1 class

• Cultural Anthropology/Diversity - 1 class

• Humanities - 16 quarter/11 semester units3 areas required

• General Psychology - 1 class

• Introduction to Sociology - 1 class

• Speech - 1 class

• Personal Health or Nutrition - 1 class

• Physical Education - 2 activity courses

Grades must be C or higher to meet LLUSD requirements.

One year equals three quarters or two semesters.

DDS Degree Dentistry

The latest technology will enhance your education

LLUSD’s general Dentistry Program aims to educate and train students to provide high-quality dental care that is preventive in nature, comprehensive in scope, scientifically sound, and service-oriented.

Admission Requirements

• A grade point average of 3.3 or higher in DDS prerequisites is strongly recommended

• Proficiency in verbal and written English

• Dental Admission Test completed within 3 years of admission

• A minimum of 50 hours of dental practice shadowing

• Recommendations: Please provide two recommendations, one from a pre-professional committee or science professor and the second from an employer or professional through the AADSAS application. Provide an additional recommendation from a spiritual leader with your supplemental application.

• A formal interview (by invitation only)

• Prerequisite science courses completed in person and within five years of matriculation

• Although not required, it is strongly recommended that students take a minimum of three upper division biological sciences.

How to Apply

• Complete and submit the application between June 1 and November 1 to the American Dental Education Association at adea.org then select AADSAS under application services.

• Allow 4 – 6 weeks for the AADSAS process.

• On receipt of your AADSAS application, a link to the supplemental application will be emailed to you by LLU.

• Based on review of your completed application materials, you may be invited for an interview.

• The first acceptance offers are communicated December and then subsequently until the class is filled.

For more information about this program visit the LLUSD admissions website at: dentistry.llu.edu/admissions.

Required Courses

• General Biology w/lab - 1 year

• General Chemistry w/lab - 1 year

• Organic Chemistry w/lab - 1 year

• Biochemistry - 1 semester or 2 quarters

• General Physics w/lab - 1 year

• English Composition - 1 year

Grades must be C or higher to meet LLUSD requirements.

One year equals three quarters or two semesters.

Recommended Science Courses

• Histology

• Human Gross Anatomy

• Systems Physiology

• Microbiology

• Cellular & Molecular Biology

• Neuroscience

• Immunology

• Genetics

• Biochemistry II or III

Other Recommended Courses

• Small Business Management

• Human Resource Management

• Ceramics

• Business Law

• Accounting

• Human Development

• Marketing

• Sculpture

• Interpersonal Communication

International DentistProgram DDS Degree

Enrich lives through discovering, learning, and healing

The International Dentist Program is designed to help qualified dentists who have been educated in countries outside the United States earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in the United States. A DDS degree from a US dental college is an educational requirement for eligibility to take the dental license examination in many states. The program has a minimum length of twenty-seven months. Students take classes in the disciplines of dentistry and receive extensive clinical experience. As part of their clinical experience, students will serve the dental health needs of the local community.

Admission Requirements

• Be a graduate of a recognized dental school outside the US.

• Pass the Integrated National Dental Board Examination (INDBE) administered by the American Dental Association (ADA).

• Provide a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination score. To be competitive, a score of 100 or higher is strongly recommended on the internet based exam. A minimum score of 20 is required in each area. All applicants must demonstrate an acceptable speaking and reading knowledge of English.

• Submit official transcripts (with English translations) to LLU from the university you attended. See a complete guide at llu.edu/apply/intltrans.

• Recommendations: Please provide two recommendations, one from a pre-professional committee or science professor and the second from an employer or professional through the CAAPID application. Provide an additional recommendation from a spiritual leader with your supplemental application.

How to Apply

• Complete and submit the application between March 1 and June 1 to the American Dental Education Association at adea.org then select CAAPID under application services.

• Allow 4 – 6 weeks for the CAAPID process.

• On receipt of your CAAPID application, a link to the supplemental application will be emailed to you by LLU.

• Based on a review of your completed supplemental application and required admissions information, you may be invited to LLUSD for admissions testing (fee required).

• Based on review of your admissions test, you may be invited for an interview.

For more information about this program visit the LLUSD admissions website at dentistry.llu.edu/admissions.

Advanced DentalEducation Programs

Orthodontics

Orthodontics – 27 months (Certificate plus MS)

Six applicants accepted each year. Externships/internships are also available.

The Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics Program prepares dentists to diagnose and treat dental malocclusions and oral cavity anomalies, to design and fabricate appliances, to realign teeth and jaws, to produce and maintain normal function, and to improve appearance.

Advanced Dental Education Programs

Endodontics

27 months (Certificate)

MS and MSD tracks available. Three applicants accepted each year. Externships/internships are also available.

The Endodontic Program prepares dentists to diagnose and treat patients for various pulpal and periapical conditions and place implants.

Implant Dentistry

36 months (Certificate)

MS and MSD tracks available. Three applicants accepted each year. Fellowship, Externships/internships are also available.

The Implant Dentistry Program prepares dentists to diagnose and treat patients who would benefit from the surgical placement of implants and to fabricate implant-supported restorations.

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

60 months (Certificate plus MD) 48 months (Certificate only) Four applicants accepted each year.

The Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Program prepares dentists to become specialist surgeons who treat the entire craniomaxillofacial anatomical complex: mouth, jaws, face, skull, and associated structures.

Pediatric Dentistry

24 months (Certificate)

MS and MSD tracks available. Four applicants accepted each year.

The Pediatric Dentistry Program prepares dentists for a dental practice with children and adolescents, including those with special medical needs.

Periodontics

36 months (Certificate)

MS and MSD tracks available. Three applicants accepted each year. Externships/internships are also available.

The Periodontics Program prepares dentists to diagnose and treat diseases of the gum and structures surrounding the teeth and to place and maintain dental implants.

Prosthodontics

36 months (Certificate)

MS and MSD tracks available. Four applicants accepted each year. Externship/internship/fellowships are also available.

The Prosthodontics Program prepares dentists to diagnose, treat, rehabilitate, and maintain the oral function, comfort, appearance, and health of patients due to clinical conditions associated with missing or deficient teeth and/or maxillofacial tissues.

Nurture a commitment to service

Service is Our Calling

Serving others has been a hallmark of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry since its founding. Sanford Whitman’s maxim, “The Lord gives to us that we may give to others,” reflects the educational philosophy of LLUSD. Locally and abroad, there are many opportunities for service.

Ten to fifteen international mission trips are organized with students and faculty teams annually. LLUSD provides funds to cover part of the costs for international service trips. Students come to LLUSD to obtain an exceptional dental education and graduate prepared to serve in a manner that reflects God’s love and grace.

International Mission Trips

During academic breaks students participate in international mission trips. The goal is for every student to participate in at least one international mission trip.

Countries we have served include:

• Albania

• Angola

• Argentina

• Armenia

• Bangladesh

• Belize

• Bolivia

• Botswana

• Brazil

• Burma

• Cameroon

• China

• Costa Rica

• Cuba

• Dominican Republic

• Ecuador

• El Salvador

• Eswatini

• Ethiopia

• Fiji

• Galapagos

• Grenada

• Guam

• Guayana

• Haiti

• Honduras

• Kenya

• Kiribati

• Malawi

• Marshall Islands

• Mozambique

• Mexico

• Myanmar

• Nepal

• Nicaragua

• Palau

• Papua New Guinea

• Peru

• Philippines

• Pohnpei

• Romania

• Russia

• Sri Lanka

• St. Vincent

• South Korea

• Thailand

• Ukraine

• U.S.Virgin Islands

• Zimbabwe

Careers in Dentistry

This workshop is for high school graduates, college students, or those looking for a career change. Dentistry and dental hygiene are unique professions that combine the sciences with the art of healing and cutting-edge technology. Attendees are provided an in-depth look at various dental and dental hygiene careers. Participants will attend several lectures from faculty and experience multiple hands-on activities.

How to Apply

• Registration is available on April 1 – May 15 on the website dentistry.llu.edu. Workshop capacity is limited and is usually filled before the deadline.

• Applicants must be 18 years of age and a high school graduate to attend.

• Complete the online registration and pay the registration fee(s). Please note there will be no refunds after the May 15 deadline. The workshop is $400 per person plus $105 for housing. Priority for dorm housing will be given to those under 21 years of age.

• A current TB test (within 12 months) and HIPPA documentation is required when requested.

Minorities in Dentistry

This workshop is for three ethnic groups that are underrepresented in the dental industry —specifically Black, Hispanic, and Native American individuals. It is designed for high school students, college students, or those looking for a career change. Topics will focus on the reasons dentistry is an excellent career choice, how to prepare for a dental or dental hygiene program, and ways to finance your education. Attendees will hear from faculty and current students and will participate in a hands-on activity.

How to Apply

• Registration is available on April 1 – June 1 on our website, dentistry.llu.edu. Workshop capacity is limited and usually filled before the deadline

• Complete the online registration and pay the registration fee of $25 for the participant and one family member. Please note there will be no refunds after the June 1 deadline

Careers in Dental Hygiene

Dental hygiene is a unique profession that combines the art of teaching and healing with leading edge technology. In this workshop, you get an in-depth look at dental hygiene careers and participate in hands-on activities. Topics will focus on the reasons Dental Hygiene is an excellent career choice, how to prepare for a dental hygiene program, and ways to finance your education. Attendees will hear from faculty and current students and will participate in a hands-on activity.

How to Apply

• Registration is available on April 1 – June 1 on our website, dentistry.llu.edu. Workshop capacity is limited and usually filled before the deadline

• Complete the online registration and pay the registration fee of $100. Please note there will be no refunds after the June 1 deadline.