DentPath Program

DentPath will help you:

• Strengthen your competency in the core sciences
• Strengthen your hand skills and perceptual ability
• Develop personally and professionally
• Become familiar with the College of Dentistry and our faculty
• Acclimate to Ohio State and Columbus before you begin dental school

The program is open to all applicants and is designed to increase the representation of individuals from educationally and/or socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds within dental education, particularly those who demonstrate a strong commitment to serving underserved communities.  It will equip students with the skills and tools to be successful dental students and future practitioners. This unique educational opportunity provides students with additional exposure to dentistry, an introduction to The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, and a cohort of fellow students who support one another through the DentPath year and beyond. Students who complete the DentPath program are automatically accepted to the DDS program at Ohio State.

• Applicants must present clear and compelling evidence of a sustained commitment to providing care in underserved settings. Such commitment may be demonstrated through extensive volunteer or service activities in environments including, but not limited to, community-based dental clinics, free or reduced-cost oral health programs, mobile dental units, public health initiatives, or other outreach efforts serving economically disadvantaged populations.
• Additionally, the submission of at least one personal or professional letter of recommendation (via AADSAS) that attests to the applicant’s dedication to serving underserved communities as a future dental professional is strongly encouraged.

Applying to DentPath

If you are interested in applying to the DentPath program, you can do so through the ADEA AADSAS application (the same application for dental school). There is no separate application for DentPath meaning the deadlines for applicants follow the ADEA AADSAS application. You can indicate your interest for DentPath on the application.

*We strongly encourage applicants to submit the application weeks before the application deadline. The application will take a few weeks to process and it will benefit you to have it in early!

DentPath Orientation and Curriculum

The program consists of a one week orientation which includes learning strategies, team development, community service projects and seminars. The academic year includes a minimum of 30 hours of science-intensive coursework over two semesters, to help prepare you for the rigors of dental school. Additional courses covering topics including, but not limited to, business, public health, hand-skills, dental anatomy, ethics and professionalism and bio-ethics may also be included in the required coursework.

DentPath students will also participate in community service, dental practice observation, and outreach. Exposure to the practice of dentistry is accomplished through office visits, mentoring, and a speaker series. 

Successful Completion of Program

Successful completion of the DentPath Program is defined as:

• Full participation in all program components
• Achieving a cumulative 3.0 GPA or higher in the DentPath program.
• Obtaining a "C" or better in all DentPath courses

Cost of the DentPath Program

Tuition and fees
*Does not include living expenses or books

You must secure funding for this one year program. Financial aid is available, but only through student loans. Students must complete the FAFSA.

Contact Us

If you are interested in the DentPath program, please contact:

College of Dentistry Office of Admissions
614-292-3361
dentistryadmissions@osu.edu