Loma Linda (LLUSD)
Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Loma Linda University
School Information
Mission Statement
To further the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ: Students learn to provide high-quality oral health care based on sound biologic principles.
Combined Degree Programs
- DDS/MA in Bioethics
A combined degree program designed to fit the schedule of DDS students, reducing total units for the MA by 12 units through integrated coursework and supplemental papers.
- MD/OMS
A six-year combined program with the School of Medicine leading to both an MD and a certificate in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
International Student Programs
Other Paths:
- International Dentist Program (IDP) - A 27-month advanced standing program for foreign-trained dentists leading to a DDS degree.
- Dental Missionary Certificate - A six-month certificate program specifically for dental missionaries from other countries seeking updated continuing education.
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 |
| physics | 8 | Yes | C |
| biochem | 3 | No | C |
| english | 8 | No | C |
Credit Policies
Experience Requirements
Letters of Recommendation
Required Types:
- science professor (1)
- dentist (1)
- other (1)
Test Requirements
Application Logistics
Admissions Cycle
2024-2025
Mean Age
22
Class Size
103
GPA Statistics
Cumulative GPA
3.61
Science GPA
3.53
DAT Scores
Primary Scores
Academic Average
20.9
Total Science
20.4
PAT
21.0
Section Breakdowns
Bio
20.4
GC
20.6
OC
20.7
RC
21.8
QR
20.7
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
- 25
Lower
Median
Upper
Cumulative GPA
Entering-class percentile
- 5th
- 3.12
- 50th
- —
- 95th
- 3.95
Lower
Median
Upper
Science GPA
Entering-class percentile
- 5th
- 3.01
- 50th
- —
- 95th
- 3.93
Lower
Median
Upper
Applicants & Enrollees
| Category | Applicants | Enrollees | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| overall | 1,478 | 98 | 6.6% |
| in state | 625 | 61 | 9.8% |
| out of_state | 702 | 30 | 4.3% |
| international | 151 | 7 | 4.6% |
Class Composition
Out-of-State Enrollee Origins
Home states represented by enrolled students from outside the school's local state.
30 students reported
Academic Year
2026-2027
Tuition & Fees (Program Total, In-State)
$410,952
Cost by Program Year
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Year | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | $98,888 | $98,888 | - |
| D2 | $102,288 | $102,288 | - |
| D3 | $104,888 | $104,888 | - |
| D4 | $104,888 | $104,888 | - |
| Total (4 Years) | $410,952 | $410,952 | $0 |
Research Opportunities
Research Themes:
Clinical Experiences
A four-year DDS curriculum emphasizing a strong foundation in basic sciences followed by mastery of clinical skills, integrated with Christian values and a mission of service.
Clinical Rotations:
- Extramural Clinics - Students gain experience at off-site facilities to meet the needs of individuals with limited access to dental care.
- Off-site Clinical Rotations - Specifically integrated into the International Dentist Program to serve the local community.
- International Service Learning Trips - A significant number of students participate in global service trips to provide dental care abroad.
Postdoctoral Programs
- Endodontics
- Implant Dentistry
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
Graduate Programs
- Master of Science (MS)
- Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD)
- MA in Bioethics