Ponce (PHSU-SDM)
Ponce Health Sciences University School of Dental Medicine
Ponce Health Sciences University School of Dental Medicine
School Information
Mission Statement
The mission of the PHSU School of Dental Medicine is to develop culturally aware, excellence-driven, ethical dental professionals who demonstrate empathy and strong academic foundations to provide oral and overall health care to the highest standards. To accomplish this, the school is committed to an integrated curriculum based on four interrelated activities: teaching, research, patient care, and service.
Combined Degree Programs
- B.A./B.S.
Listed as a combined degree option for dental applicants.
- M.B.A.
Listed as a combined degree option for dental applicants.
- M.P.H.
Listed as a combined degree option for dental applicants.
- M.S.
Listed as a combined degree option for dental applicants.
- Ph.D.
Listed as a combined degree option for dental applicants.
International Student Programs
Degree Requirements
Coursework Requirements
| Subject | Credits (Sem) | Lab Required | Min Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| biology | 8 | Yes | - |
| general chem | 8 | Yes | - |
| organic chem | 8 | Yes | - |
| physics | 8 | Yes | - |
| english | 12 | No | - |
| math | 6 | No | - |
| other | 12 | No | - |
| other | 6 | No | - |
Credit Policies
Experience Requirements
Letters of Recommendation
Required Types:
- science professor
- other
Test Requirements
Application Logistics
Admissions Cycle
2024-2025
Mean Age
25
Class Size
50
GPA Statistics
Cumulative GPA
3.41
Science GPA
3.24
DAT Scores
Primary Scores
Academic Average
16.4
Total Science
16.2
PAT
18.0
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
- 14
- 50th
- —
- 95th
- 19
Lower
Median
Upper
Cumulative GPA
Entering-class percentile
- 5th
- 2.92
- 50th
- 3.44
- 95th
- 3.86
Lower
Median
Upper
Science GPA
Entering-class percentile
- 5th
- 2.79
- 50th
- 3.38
- 95th
- 3.82
Lower
Median
Upper
Applicants & Enrollees
| Category | Applicants | Enrollees | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| overall | 304 | 50 | 16.4% |
| in state | 135 | 44 | 32.6% |
| out of_state | 153 | 6 | 3.9% |
| international | 16 | 0 | - |
Class Composition
Academic Year
2026-2027
Tuition & Fees (Program Total, In-State)
$243,088
Cost by Program Year
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Year | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State | Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | $56,924 | $73,880 | $3,798 |
| D2 | $56,924 | $73,880 | $3,798 |
| D3 | $56,924 | $73,880 | $3,898 |
| D4 | $56,924 | $73,880 | $3,898 |
| Total (4 Years) | $227,696 | $295,520 | $15,392 |
Research Opportunities
Research Themes:
Clinical Experiences
A 4-year bilingual (English/Spanish) competency-driven curriculum that integrates biomedical sciences with comprehensive clinical training. It features heavy use of haptic simulation technology before transitioning to direct patient care.
Clinical Rotations:
- Simodont Virtual Reality Training - Early-stage simulation using state-of-the-art VR technology with tactile feedback to develop manual dexterity.
- 3rd Year Comprehensive Clinic - Clinical training focused on patient-centered, comprehensive oral care at the PHSU-SDM Comprehensive Clinic.
- 4th Year Comprehensive Clinic and Extramural Rotations - Advanced clinical practice including extramural experiences in a collaborative and interprofessional healthcare environment.
Graduate Programs
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology
- Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences
- Master of Science in Medical Sciences (MSMS)
- Master of Public Health (MPH)
- Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN)