Lake Erie (LECOM SDM)
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine
School Information
Mission Statement
The mission of the LECOM School of Dental Medicine is to prepare students to become dentists through programs of excellence in education, research, clinical care, and community service to enhance the quality of life through improved health for all humanity.
Combined Degree Programs
- BS/DMD Early Acceptance Program
A 4+4 pathway with over 100 affiliate undergraduate institutions allowing students to secure a provisional seat in dental school as early as high school or their first two years of college.
- MMS/DMD Bridge
A structural 1+4 pathway where students complete a one-year Master of Medical Science (Dental Track) to enhance their academic credentials before matriculating into the DMD program.
International Student Programs
Degree Requirements
Coursework Requirements
| Subject | Credits (Sem) | Lab Required | Min Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| biology | 8 | Yes | C |
| general chem | 8 | Yes | C |
| organic chem | 8 | Yes | C |
| biochem | 3 | No | C |
| english | 6 | No | C |
Credit Policies
Experience Requirements
Letters of Recommendation
Required Types:
- science professor (2)
Test Requirements
Application Logistics
Admissions Cycle
2024-2025
Mean Age
23
Class Size
150
GPA Statistics
Cumulative GPA
3.72
Science GPA
3.66
DAT Scores
Primary Scores
Academic Average
20.9
Total Science
20.5
PAT
19.8
Entering Class Percentile Ranges
Reported 5th, median, and 95th percentile values for the entering class. Missing points were not reported.
DAT Academic Average
Entering-class percentile
- 5th
- 18
- 50th
- —
- 95th
- 24
Lower
Median
Upper
Cumulative GPA
Entering-class percentile
- 5th
- 3.36
- 50th
- 3.72
- 95th
- 3.99
Lower
Median
Upper
Science GPA
Entering-class percentile
- 5th
- 3.31
- 50th
- 3.62
- 95th
- 4.00
Lower
Median
Upper
Applicants & Enrollees
| Category | Applicants | Enrollees | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| overall | 3,527 | 124 | 3.5% |
| in state | 671 | 47 | 7.0% |
| out of_state | 2,800 | 77 | 2.8% |
| international | 56 | 0 | - |
Class Composition
Out-of-State Enrollee Origins
Home states represented by enrolled students from outside the school's local state.
77 students reported
Academic Year
2026-2027
Tuition & Fees (Program Total, In-State)
$258,208
Cost by Program Year
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Year | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | $62,940 | $62,940 | $1,612 |
| D2 | $62,940 | $62,940 | $1,612 |
| D3 | $62,940 | $62,940 | $1,612 |
| D4 | $62,940 | $62,940 | $1,612 |
| Total (4 Years) | $251,760 | $251,760 | $6,448 |
Research Opportunities
Research Themes:
Clinical Experiences
LECOM utilizes a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) curriculum emphasizing self-directed study and mentored small-group sessions. The program features early clinical exposure through a vertical integration model and a dedicated fourth year in community clinics.
Clinical Rotations:
- D1/D2 Vertical Integration - First and second-year students assist and observe third-year students in the LECOM Dental Group Practices to gain early exposure to patient care.
- D4 Outreach Rotations - Students spend their entire fourth year at community-based primary care clinics in either Erie, PA or DeFuniak Springs, FL for intensive hands-on experience.
- D3 Clinical Clerkships - Concentrated clinical training in disciplines including Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Periodontics, and Restorative Dentistry under master clinician supervision.
Postdoctoral Programs
- Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD)
Graduate Programs
- Master of Medical Science (MMS)
- Master of Science in Medical Education (MS Med Ed)
- Masters in Health Services Administration (MHSA)
- Masters in Public Health (MPH)
- Master of Science in Biomedical Ethics (MSBE)