Pacific Northwest (PNWU-SDM)
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences School of Dental Medicine
Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences
School Information
Mission Statement
To educate and train primary care dentists in a humanistic environment, emphasizing service among rural and underserved communities, primarily in the Northwest.
International Student Programs
Degree Requirements
Coursework Requirements
| Subject | Credits (Sem) | Lab Required | Min Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| biology | 6 | No | 3.0 |
| general chem | 6 | No | 3.0 |
| organic chem | 6 | No | 3.0 |
| anatomy | 3 | No | 3.0 |
| physiology | 3 | No | 3.0 |
| biochem | 3 | No | 3.0 |
| microbiology | 3 | No | 3.0 |
| physics | 3 | No | 3.0 |
| english | 3 | No | 3.0 |
| other | 3 | No | 3.0 |
Credit Policies
Experience Requirements
Letters of Recommendation
Required Types:
- science professor (1)
- dentist (1)
- other (1)
Test Requirements
Application Logistics
Admissions Cycle
2025-2026
Mean Age
29
Class Size
36
GPA Statistics
Cumulative GPA
3.40
DAT Scores
Primary Scores
Academic Average
N/A
Total Science
N/A
PAT
N/A
Applicants & Enrollees
| Category | Applicants | Enrollees | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| overall | 550 | 36 | 6.5% |
| in state | - | 23 | - |
| regional | - | 4 | - |
| out of_state | - | 9 | - |
| international | - | 0 | - |
Class Composition
Out-of-State Enrollee Origins
Home states represented by enrolled students from outside the school's local state.
4 students reported
Academic Year
2026-2027
Tuition & Fees (Program Total, In-State)
$345,236
Cost by Program Year
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Year | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | $77,250 | $77,250 | $13,081 |
| D2 | $77,250 | $77,250 | $6,532 |
| D3 | $79,568 | $79,568 | $4,800 |
| D4 | $81,955 | $81,955 | $4,800 |
| Total (4 Years) | $316,023 | $316,023 | $29,213 |
Research Opportunities
Research Themes:
Clinical Experiences
The program utilizes a unique '1 + 3' educational model. The D1 year is spent on the Yakima campus for simulation and biomedical training. In years D2 through D4, students are assigned to one of three community-based clinical sites. Direct patient care begins in the D2 year (40% of time) and becomes the primary focus in years D3 and D4.
Clinical Rotations:
- Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic (Kennewick) - One of three primary community-based clinics where students are stationed for D2-D4 training.
- Sea Mar Community Health Centers (Tacoma) - One of three primary community-based clinics for long-term clinical training.
- Yakima Neighborhood Health Services (Yakima) - One of three primary community-based clinics located near the main campus.
- D4 External Rotations - During the final year, students rotate through Indian Health Services clinics, other FQHCs, and rural private practices.
Graduate Programs
- Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MBS)