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?
No. How ever, some are required for entrance into Dental School, and we recommend completing them prior to enrolling in our program to be able to apply directly to dental school.

Can international students apply to the OHS program?
At this time, we are accepting international applicants who complete their bachelor degree at a Canadian or United States institution.  Other international applicants should take the GRE and apply to the MS in Medical Sciences program.  Other programs that do take international students include 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 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 still require them. We do like to see upper level courses like systems physiology and biochemistry as well.

Do I need to interview?
No we do not interview our applicants.

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 in 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, transcripts, DAT, 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 programs and the general MS in Medical Sciences program?
Applicants applying to the Oral Health Sciences program who wish to also apply to the general MAMS program will need to check both OHS and MAMS and answer the required program specific sections. Students should submit the DAT’s to be considered for OHS.  The MAMS program does not have a test requirement.

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

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 ON THE RECOMMENDATION PAGE.

Complete the Recommendation section as follows:

• Add BU (First Name) and Dental (Last Name) as the evaluator
• Include the email address sdmadmis@bu.edu
• Your AADSAS will then be uploaded by BU dental. By listing BU Dental as an evaluator you are authorizing the release of your AADSAS application materials to Graduate Medical Sciences and waiving your right to access.
• In the note for evaluator section please state that you request your AADSAS application ( ID #: U######## ) be uploaded.

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 fields included on the admissions application may require text for submission.  You should complete those blocks by indicating “see AADSAS application”. NOTE:  If you applied to another school through AADSAS and not BU Dental you cannot transfer your application as we only have the relationship with BU Dental to transfer AADSAS and not other dental schools.  If you did not apply to BU dental you can still choose to save your AADSAS as a PDF and upload it in the additional document section.  It will not however 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 a trip planned to the campus, then yes, we offer tours.   Take a look at our campus location and explore the area through Student Life. You are welcome to contact the GMS Office or our Program Manager to set up an informal meeting and/or tour with a current student. We 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, or service-oriented work that aligns with their career goals.

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 Dental upload your AADSAS application under the Recommendation Section (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.

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 submit a copy of your AADSAS application including your letters of recommendation please complete the Recommendation section as follows:

• Add BU (First Name) and Dental (Last Name) as the evaluator
• Include the email address sdmadmis@bu.edu
• Your AADSAS will then be uploaded by BU dental. By listing BU Dental as an evaluator you are authorizing the release of your AADSAS application materials to Graduate Medical Sciences and waiving your right to access.
• In the note for evaluator section please state that you request your AADSAS application ( ID #: U######## ) be uploaded.

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 so to confirm letters are received and processed.

Is the DAT required for OHS applicants?
Yes. A valid DAT score is required for admission to OHS.

The DAT score report format changed. How should I report my scores?
Applicants with the new-format DAT should upload a copy of the official or unofficial ADA DAT score report (PDF) as a supporting document. Manual entry of section scores is not needed for new-format reports.

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 the ADA PDF report in the supporting documents section.

Do you accept unofficial DAT score reports?
Yes. Please upload a copy of your official score report downloaded from the ADA website to your application.

I retook the DAT. Which report should I submit?
Submit your most recent DAT report.  We review your complete testing history as presented on the ADA 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 but we are flexible for admissions to OHS.

How should I send my DAT scores to OHS?
An unofficial copy of your DAT scores can be uploaded in the additional document upload section of the application or emailed as a pdf or image to ohs@bu.edu

What is the average GPA and DAT score required for admission?
We accept students with a range of scores. A DAT score of 17 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 19.9 (420 new scale) 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 application does have a defined spot to include a future test date.  You can submit your application prior to your 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  deadline?
Yes, If you are taking the DATs after the May deadline, that is acceptable but be sure your submit your application prior to May.  Please indicate your future test date on your application. We will prescreen your application and then 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 Dental school students?
Yes. Some courses, like Biochemistry,  Physiology, and Microbiology and Pathology, are taken with current first-year BU Dental students. Other courses, such as Prevention and Oral Health Promotion in Dentistry are taught by dental school faculty.

Are students assigned an advisor?
Yes. Once an applicant has matriculated into the school, they will be assigned a 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 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 should consult with Dr. Davies early in the fall semester so that our office can best support their dental school applications. Students who are uncertain about WHEN to apply should speak to OHS leadership over the summer before OHS or as soon as they matriculate to the program.

Are matriculated Oral Health Sciences students guaranteed an interview at BU Dental School?
The majority of our students do interview at Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine; however, this is not guaranteed and is based on 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 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 new letters of recommendation from OHS faculty while in the program.  OHS will assist you as needed when sending graduate letters to AADSAS and will also provide a letter packet as needed.

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 the  second year. Students completing the program in 2 years do not need to register for either summer session. Thus tuition is the same however the overall cost of the attending the program will vary due to increased living expense costs. Some students do complete their thesis/capstone off campus, near there home,  during year 2 to save cost.