Dental Admissions Preparatory Pathway
DAPP at the School of Dentistry is an intensive four-week program for Utah residents that prepares undergraduate students to develop strong applications for dental school. DAPP offers unparalleled preparation for the dental school application process.
Utahns of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, but the program is specifically meant for those interested who have at least two years or equivalent of academic credits completed by the start of the program.
Program Overview
DAPP offers a four-week intensive curriculum which aims to help students develop a stronger application to dental school. Through DAPP, students will be able to demonstrate a stronger interest in the profession of dentistry and will gain useful academic and interpersonal skills. This opportunity will be hosted on campus, in-person at the University of Utah School of Dentistry. Students who are selected to participate are provided with living arrangements (if needed) and a cost-of-living stipend so they can focus on learning while in the program.
- Undergraduate students with at least two years or equivalent of academic credit completed by the start of DAPP (graduate students are also accepted in certain circumstances)
- Commitment to apply to dental school within two years of participation in DAPP
- Priority consideration for DAPP is given to applicants who have experienced certain social or economic disadvantages, such as historical or present utilization of certain federal and state programs, first-generation student status, or a rural upbringing.
- Students from socioeconomic groups which are underrepresented in dentistry are encouraged to apply, as well as anyone who is interested in the program.
- Four-week program offered each summer
- Utilizes a cohort-building model to create peer support from individuals with a similar background, including from partner programs
- Based on a 30-hour weekly programmed schedule including:
Weekly cohort meetings and guest lectures
Personal statement writing workshop
Interview skills lecture and practice
Clinical shadowing opportunities
Operative Dentistry simulation experience
DAT preparatory materials provided (if needed) - Students who have yet to take the DAT or who wish to retake the DAT will be enrolled in a Kaplan review course with access to a tutor
- The Kaplan course will take more than 4 weeks to complete so the DAT should be scheduled after August 30 at least
Needs-based fee waiver is available after submission of a financial aid application.
- The Kaplan course will take more than 4 weeks to complete so the DAT should be scheduled after August 30 at least
- On-campus housing is available upon request, including a meal plan.
- Cost without housing is $1,600.
- Cost with housing is $4,432.
- Submission of a completed application by March 1 yearly
- Notification of program acceptance and financial aid availability by April 1 yearly
- Program start date varies by year, currently planned to start July 7 and concluding on August 1
- The University of Utah has both historical and contemporary relationships with indigenous peoples.
- We acknowledge that land in the Salt Lake Valley, which is named for the Ute Tribe, is the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Shoshone, Paiute, Goshute, and Ute tribes and is a crossroad for indigenous peoples.
- The University of Utah recognizes the enduring relationship between itself, indigenous peoples, and their traditional homelands.
- We are grateful for the territory upon which we gather; we respect Utah's indigenous people, who are the original stewards of this land, and we value the sovereign relationship that exist between tribal governments, state and federal governments.
- Today, approximately 60,000 American Indian and Alaska Native peoples live in Utah. As a state institution, the University of Utah is committed to serving and partnering with indigenous communities throughout Utah through research, education, and community research.
