Frequently Asked Questions
In light of the changes being made on college campuses due to COVID-19, the School of Dental Medicine will be flexible in the graded requirement for pre-requisite coursework if an applicant attends a school that made system-wide grading changes. For example, we will consider pass/fail grades and online courses for Spring 2020 — Summer 2021.
What are the admissions statistics for Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine?
The statistics may be viewed on the SDM Admissions Fact Book.
What were the average GPA and DAT scores for the current first-year class?
In 2024, the average pre-dental total science and overall GPA on a 4.00 scale were 3.79 and 3.74 respectively. The DAT Academic Average was 22, Perceptual Ability 21, and the Total Science was 22.
Do you accept applications from international students?
Yes. All international university and/or college transcripts must be evaluated by either World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). WES or ECE evaluations must be submitted along with your ADEA AADSAS online application.
English is not my native or primary language. Do I need to take the TOEFL Examination?
Yes. An applicant who is not a native or primary speaker of English must present a minimum score for either the TOEFL or IELTS exams. For score requirements and additional information, please visit the SDM admissions webpage.
Do you require a pre-health committee letter?
Yes. A pre-professional advisory letter is required. However, if your college or university does not provide a pre-professional advisory or pre-health committee letter, three recommendation letters from science faculty members will be accepted.
Can I substitute three science faculty letters instead of a pre-health committee letter?
No. If your college or university offers a pre-health committee or pre-professional advisory letter, three science faculty letters cannot be substituted.
Should I submit my DAT with my application?
Yes. Your DAT should be submitted at the same time you submit your application. However, if this is not possible, you may send, within a reasonable amount of time, a copy of the unofficial test results you received at the Prometric Test Center on the day of your test.
Will Stony Brook “Hold” my application for me to retake my DAT?
No. Stony Brook does not “Hold” applications. Ideally, all required documents should be submitted at the time of application or as close as possible to the time of your application.
Should I complete my prerequisite courses before submitting my application?
Yes. The School of Dental Medicine requires the completion of prerequisite courses prior to application. During the 2024-2025 application cycle, Stony Brook plans to adhere to its policy regarding the completion of prerequisite courses prior to application. However, candidates who apply by December 1, 2024, complete required prerequisite courses and submit a letter grade by January 2025 may be considered for an interview during January and February 2025.
Can I substitute Pre-Calculus for the pre-requisite Calculus I course?
No. Calculus I is required. To satisfy the Math prerequisite, applicants must take either Calculus I and Calculus II or Calculus I and Statistics.
Do I need to take a lab with Biochemistry?
No. A lab is not required.
Do I need to take calculus-based Physics I and Physics II with labs?
No. You do not need to take calculus-based Physics I and Physics II with labs. Non-calculus-based Physics I and II with labs will be accepted.
Can I take pre-requisite courses Pass/Fail?
While it’s preferable to have a letter grade in a course to provide a thorough assessment of performance, SDM will consider pass / fail for the Spring 2020 – Summer 2021 semesters.
Do you accept Advanced Placement Scores (AP scores) prerequisite courses?
Yes. Applicants must score a four or above to receive AP credit (advanced placement credit) for prerequisite courses. When AP credit is substituted for a prerequisite course, an additional course of an equal level or better should be taken to demonstrate scholastic ability at the college level.
Do you accept International Baccalaureate Scores (IB Scores) for prerequisite courses?
No. We currently do not accept IB Scores for pre-requisite courses.
Do you accept community college credit?
Yes. We accept community college credit. However, it is preferable that all prerequisites are completed at a four-year college for baccalaureate or post-baccalaureate students. A maximum of 60 credit hours taken at a community college prior to your third year of study toward a baccalaureate degree may be accepted.
Do you offer an advanced standing program for internationally trained dentists?
No. Stony Brook does not offer an advanced standing program at this time.
