Early Decision Program - Rural Dentistry Track

University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
The Rural Dentistry Track: An Early Decision Program

People living in rural Minnesota have a more difficult time finding a dentist to care for them compared to those who live in urban areas. There are severe shortages of dentists in parts of rural Minnesota; some counties do not have any dentist at all such that patients have to travel 50 miles or more to be seen by a dentist. Many of the dentists who practice in the rural areas are near retirement age and will need replacements.

To help build the dental workforce in rural Minnesota, the School of Dentistry is introducing the Rural Dentistry Track Program, an early decision program for students who are thinking of a career in dentistry and dental practice in a rural area. 

If you would like to be a dentist and plan to practice in a rural area, consider applying to the Rural Dentistry Track Program.  Acceptance into this program will allow you to

• Obtain an early provisional admission decision by the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry at the start of your second year in college
• Participate in the Summer Dental School Experience
• Enjoy mentoring and internships with students and faculty at the School of Dentistry who also have interest in rural dentistry
• Stay focused on a career path that will increase your likelihood of being successful in a rural community after graduation
• Complete a summer internship at a rural dental practice during dental school

Are you eligible?

• Have a strong commitment to practice in a rural area after graduation
• Be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident (preference for MN residents)
• Provide a letter of support from a community leader in your area who can attest to your interest in rural dentistry
• Complete prerequisite courses and obtain a cumulative GPA of 3.4 and science GPA of 3.2 at the end of your second year
• Complete and be certified to having spent at least 30 hours of shadowing in a rural health dental practice and certified by the dentist in the practice

 Applying to the Rural Dentistry Program:

1. A completed application form (download from the School of Dentistry website www.dentistry.umn.edu
2. An official copy of your college transcript
3. A personal statement that substantiates your commitment to rural dentistry
4. A letter of support from a community leader in your area who can attest to your interest in rural dentistry
5. A letter certifying your have spent at least 30 hours of shadowing in a rural dental practice

Completing the Rural Dentistry Program

• Continue to be enrolled in college and complete all course prerequisites and electives for DDS application
• Maintain an overall GPA of 3.4 and Science GPA of 3.2 or above.
• Take the DAT and obtain an average score of 18 or above in all subjects
• Continue shadowing a dental practitioner
• Complete a community project (maybe done in collaboration with students from School of Dentistry, School of Public Health Medical School, School of Veterinary Medicine)

For more information contact: