DentPath Program

The DentPath Program at Ohio State is a one year post-baccalaureate program that helps students become more competitive and successful in the dental school environment.

Our goal is to increase the number of students who are from underserved backgrounds who have a desire to serve their community. 

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

This program is designed to 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 that support one another through the DentPath year and beyond. Students who successfully complete the DentPath program are automatically accepted to the DDS program at Ohio State.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the DentPath program, applicants must:

  • Submit a completed AADSAS application
  • Indicate your interest in being considered for the DentPath Program on your completed AADSAS application.
  • Have a minimum 2.75 GPA
  • Have minimum DAT Scores of AA: 17/PAT:17/Total Science: 17
  • Obtain a bachelor's degree by the start of the DentPath program
  • Complete at least 9 of the 13 prerequisite courses prior to submitting your application. We do not accept prerequisite courses more than 10 years old at the time of application. All prerequisite courses must be completed with a "C" or better before matriculating into the DentPath program
  • Demonstrate strong non-cognitive, communication, critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as a strong commitment to service  
  • Be invited to interview for the DentPath Program

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

Dental Emergency Care Clinic

Monday-Thursday
7:30 a.m.-12 p.m.

Friday
7:30 a.m.-10:30 a.m.

Student Dental Clinics

Monday-Friday
8:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

Ohio State Dental Faculty Practice

Monday-Friday
7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Upper Arlington Dental Clinic

Monday
7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

Tuesday-Thursday
7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Friday
7:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.