Frequently Asked Questions

What GPA is considered competitive for OHS?
Competitive applicants typically have a science GPA ≥ 3.0 and demonstrate strong performance in upper-division coursework. Academic upward trends and rigorous course loads are considered positively.

Do I need to complete all prerequisites before applying?
Applicants do not need to complete all prerequisite courses before applying to OHS. However, many are required for entrance into dental school, and we strongly recommend completing them prior to enrolling in our program to be able to apply directly to dental school upon OHS program completion.

Can international students apply to the OHS program?
At this time, we only accept international applicants who have completed their bachelor’s degree at an English-speaking Canadian or United States institution. Other international applicants should consider taking the GRE and applying to the MS in Medical Sciences program.  Additional programs that also take international students include the Nutrition & Metabolism or Clinical Research programs.

What are the prerequisite courses?
Students must complete the pre-dental pre-requisite courses (college level General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Physics with labs). However, lacking a course or a lab section will not keep you from being reviewed for admission to OHS as we look at your overall science background. We encourage all students to take missing pre-requisite courses before starting OHS since it is impossible to make up these courses during the program, and dental schools will require them. We do like to see upper-level courses like systems or human physiology and biochemistry as well.

Do I need to interview?
No, we do not interview our applicants. We do encourage you to make arrangements to visit Boston and arrive at campus if possible and take a tour with a current student to learn more about the program. Please email ohs@bu.edu to set up a tour.

What is the deadline for the M.S. in Oral Health Sciences Program and when does the OHS program begin to review applications?
Completed applications should be received by May 17 for the fall semester. We make admissions decisions on a rolling basis starting in January. There is no spring enrollment offered. Please refer to the GMS admissions deadlines page for the most up to date deadlines.

When is the best time to apply to OHS?
The application portal opens September 1 with a deadline of May 17. We recommend applying by March for best consideration.

Do you use rolling admissions?
Yes. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, starting in January.

How long will it take to review my application?
Due the high number of applications and the attention we give to each one, most decisions are made within 4-6 weeks of when the application is deemed complete. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis starting in January upon receipt of all required credentials (letters, unofficial transcripts, DAT scores, resume/cv and personal statement) and the application fee.

How many students are accepted into the Oral Health Sciences program?
We accept ~45 new students each academic year.

Can I apply to both the Oral Health Sciences (OHS) program and the general MS in Medical Sciences (MAMS) program?
Applicants applying to the OHS program who wish to also apply to the general MAMS program will need to submit applications to both OHS and MAMS and answer the required program specific sections. Students should also submit their DAT scores to be considered for OHS. The MAMS program does not have standardized test requirements.

Do you accept pre-requisites taken at community college? 
Yes, we accept pre-requisite courses completed at community colleges. We understand that many students complete their AA degree prior to matriculating to a 4-year institution. OHS will consider these pre-requisites complete, but note that many dental schools, including BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine have strict requirements regarding whether community college courses are accepted for dental school admissions. Some schools require the majority of pre-requisites to be completed at 4-year colleges.
We recommend all students check the requirements of each dental school they have interest in, to make sure your pre-requisites fulfil their requirements. OHS will consider all applicants regardless of where pre-requisite courses were completed. Applicants are accepted based on their competitiveness to handle the rigor of our OHS curriculum and program.

What makes a file “complete”?
Submitted application, transcripts, letters of recommendation, CV/resume, personal statement, and DAT scores.

 I have applied to BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine. Can my AADSAS application with test scores, transcripts and letters of recommendation be used for OHS admission?

YES – If you have applied to BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine this cycle and would like to transfer a copy of your AADSAS application including your letters of recommendation please FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS in the application.

• Include your AADSAS number.
• Indicate you would like to transfer your AADSAS application from BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine to BU Oral Health Sciences program.

On the Recommendation Page

• Check that you waive your right to access
• Write your name as indicated

Your AADSAS will suffice for your letters of recommendation.  No additional letters are required.  If you would like to add additional letter writers, you may include additional names, but none are required.

We would still like you to upload the following:

• Any unofficial transcripts from courses you have taken since submission of AADSAS
• A copy of your resume or cv.

PLEASE NOTE: YOU STILL MUST COMPLETE AN OHS APPLICATION AND SUBMIT THE $95 APPLICATION FEE.  Some of the fields included on the OHS admissions application may require text for submission.  You should complete those blocks by indicating “see AADSAS application.”

NOTE: If you applied to other schools through AADSAS, but not BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine you cannot transfer your AADSAS application. If you did not apply to BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine, you can still choose to save your AADSAS as a PDF and upload it in the additional document section of your OHS application. Please note that this PDF will not contain your Letters of Recommendation, so you will need to upload those separately.

Does your program offer tours to applicants that would like to come and visit the school?
If you have planned a trip to Boston and would like to visit the campus, we would be more than happy to offer a tour. Take a look at our campus location and explore the area through Student Life. Contact the GMS Office or our Senior Program Manager to set up an informal meeting and/or tour with a current student. We also encourage you to attend an upcoming Webinar to learn more about the program.

Do I need clinical and extracurricular experiences?
Yes. The program values applicants with exposure to healthcare, research, and/or service-oriented work that aligns with their career goals. Please include not only the name and description of these experiences, but also the dates and number of hours spent at each experience.

How many letters of recommendation are required for the OHS program and can I submit more recommendations than are required?
We require three letters of recommendation for admission to Graduate Medical Sciences. One committee letter or a letter packet sent from your undergraduate or post-baccalaureate institution may be substituted for the three letters. A minimum of one (preferably two) of the submitted letters must be written by a science professor. You may send more than three individual letters if appropriate.

Letters can be submitted by having BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine transfer your AADSAS application (see above)

Will you accept letters of recommendation mailed from my university’s career center or letter service?
No, all letters must be submitted electronically through our admissions portal.

I have applied to BUGSDM.  Can my AADSAS application with test scores, transcripts, and letters of recommendation be used for OHS admission?

YES – If you have applied to BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine and would like to transfer a copy of your AADSAS application including your letters of recommendation please FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS in the application.

• Include your AADSAS number.
• Indicate you would like to transfer your AADSAS application from BU School of Dental Medicine to BU Oral Health Sciences program.

On the Recommendation Page

• Check that you waive your right to access
• Write you name as indicated

Your AADSAS will suffice for you letters of recommendation.  No additional letters are required.  If you would like to add additional letter writers, you may include additional names, but none are required.

We would still like you to upload the following:

• Any unofficial transcripts from courses you have taken since submission of AADSAS
• A copy of your resume or cv.

PLEASE NOTE:  Some of fields included on the admissions application may require text for submission.  You should complete those blocks by indicating “see AADSAS application”

I have already applied to dental school; can I send the same letters to the Oral Health Sciences program?
Yes.  You can have your recommendations written for dental schools uploaded to the GMS admissions application by individual recommenders or your pre-health office. A committee letter (or packet) is acceptable, or you may submit three individual letters.  Letters sent by Interfolio should be emailed directly to ohs@bu.edu .  If using Interfolio, please email us at ohs@bu.edu to confirm letters are received and processed.

Is the DAT required for OHS applicants?
Yes. A valid DAT score (US or Canadian) is required for admission to OHS.

The DAT score report format changed. How should I report my scores?
Applicants should include their scores on the application and upload a copy of the unofficial ADA or CDA DAT score report (PDF) as a supporting document.

What if I have the older format DAT report?
If you have the older format, enter your scores on the application as instructed and upload a copy of the unofficial ADA or CDA DAT score report (PDF) as a supporting document.

I retook the DAT. Which report should I submit?
Submit your most recent DAT score report. We review your complete testing history as presented on the ADA or CDA report.

Do you accept Canadian DATs?
Yes.

Do I need to take the DAT exam?
Yes. All applicants must take the DAT.

How long are DAT scores valid?
DAT scores are generally considered valid for three years by dental schools, although some dental schools have shorter timeframes. We are flexible for admissions to OHS.

How should I send my DAT scores to OHS?
An unofficial copy of your DAT scores should be uploaded in the additional document upload section of the application.

What is the average GPA and DAT score required for admission?
We accept students with a range of scores. A DAT score of 370-380 (17 old scoring) or a GPA of 2.9 or lower is usually not seen as competitive for this program. The average DAT score and GPA for the current class is 420 (19.9 old scoring) and 3.35, respectively. Scores lower than those listed above are reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

Where should I indicate a future DAT date?
The OHS application has a specific, defined spot to include a future test date. You can submit your application prior to your future DAT test date. We will prescreen your application and then wait for your DAT scores before making a final decision.

Can I take the DAT after the May application deadline?
Yes, if you are taking the DATs after the May application deadline, that is acceptable but be sure you submit your complete OHS application prior to May. Please indicate your future test date on your application. We will prescreen your application and wait for your DAT scores before making a final decision. Students taking the DAT after our May deadline are most likely to be considered for a waitlist seat as the class is usually filled by mid-May.

Do Oral Health Science students take courses with the BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine students?
Yes. Some courses, like Biochemistry, Physiology, Microbiology, and Pathology, are taken at BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine with current first-year BU dental students. Other courses, such as Prevention and Oral Health Promotion in Dentistry are taught by dental school faculty, but are Graduate school courses.

Are students assigned an advisor?
Yes. Once an applicant has matriculated into the program, they will be assigned a OHS Faculty Advisor who will mentor them throughout the program.

Can I complete the MS in Oral Health Sciences Program in 12 months?
Yes, the program requires enrollment in four semesters and can be completed in 12 months by utilizing the two summer semesters. Students planning to matriculate to dental school immediately following program completion should submit their AADSAS application PRIOR to beginning the OHS program. Some students do choose to complete a research-based thesis and complete the program in 2 years. The total cost of tuition is the same for both the 12 month and two-year completion path.

Should I apply to dental school prior to applying to the OHS program?
Applicants should consult with their pre-professional office regarding the decision to apply to dental school in the summer prior to entering the OHS program. Students who have applied to dental school prior to matriculation to OHS should consult with OHS Program Leadership early in the fall semester so that our office can best support their dental school application. Students who are uncertain about WHEN to apply should speak to OHS leadership over the summer before OHS begins, or as soon as they matriculate to the program for guidance.

Are matriculated Oral Health Sciences students guaranteed an interview at BU Dental School?
Many of our students do receive an interview at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine; however, this is not guaranteed and is based on individual credentials and performance in the Oral Health Sciences program. The Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine reserves the right to interview who they deem competitive.

How many students from the Oral Health Sciences Program matriculate into dental school?
Of the graduates who apply to a dental school, approximately 90% are admitted into dental schools; many of our students are accepted into Boston University Hnery M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine each year.

Are matriculated Oral Health Science students’ letters of recommendation sent to Dental Schools? If so, who is the appropriate person to handle this and what is the procedure?
No. When applying to dental schools, an applicant will need to request new letters of recommendation. Students usually obtain letter(s) from their undergraduate institution, as well as new letters of recommendation from OHS faculty while in the program. OHS will assist you when sending graduate letters of recommendation to AADSAS and will also provide a letter packet, if requested.

What is the cost of education for the M.S. in Oral Health Sciences Program?
The combined annual tuition and fees for the OHS program (4 semesters) can be found here.

If I choose to complete the program in 2 years, will I pay more tuition?

1. To complete the program in 12 months: Students pay full-time tuition for the Fall/Spring semesters but only need to pay the continuing student fee (which is equivalent to 2 credits) for the 2 summer sessions.
2.  If students opt to complete the program in 2 years: students still only pay the continuing student fee (equivalent to 2 credits), or per credit hour for additional coursework, during the Fall/Spring of year two. Students completing the program in 2 years do not need to register for either summer session. Tuition is the same, however the overall cost of the attending the program will vary due to increased living expenses. Some students do complete their thesis/capstone off campus and/or near their home, during year 2 to save costs.