Updated October 29, 2026

Iowa dental school acceptance rate

For the 2026 entering class, University of Iowa College of Dentistry reports 1,591 applications, with 80 students enrolled. That puts the acceptance rate at about 5.0% (enrolled per applicant).

Acceptance rate: 5.0%; enrolled per applicant, 2026 entering class
Applicants: 1,591; applications
Class size: 80; 2026 entering class
Average DAT AA: 455; 2026 entering class, new DAT scale
Average DAT TS: 458; 2026 entering class, new DAT scale
Average GPA: 3.81; 2026 entering class
Average science GPA: 3.75; 2026 entering class
Interview format: Timed one-on-two interviews

Every number is from Iowa's own DDS admissions pages, checked October 29, 2026. Rate: 80 students enrolled out of 1,591 applications.

Iowa's interview: timed one-on-two interviews

Practice a dental school interview free: Confetto's AI interviewer asks real dental school questions out loud, follows up on your answers and gives feedback on each one.

Practice a dental interview free Read the Iowa dental school interview guide

How the Iowa rate is worked out

Iowa publishes its own admissions numbers for the 2026 entering class: 1,591 applications, 80 enrolled. 80 divided by 1,591 is 5.0%. Source

The school does not publish how many offers it made, so this counts students who enrolled. The share offered a seat is somewhat higher, because some admitted applicants go elsewhere.

Iowa DAT scores and GPA

Iowa reports an average DAT Academic Average of 455 (2026 entering class, new DAT scale). The average DAT Total Science score was 458. These are on the DAT's newer three-digit score scale, so they can't be compared directly with the older 1 to 30 scores. Source

Iowa reports an average overall GPA of 3.81 (2026 entering class). The average science GPA was 3.75. Source

These describe admitted students, not cutoffs. See how they compare across schools in our average GPA for dental school guide, and work out your own with our AADSAS GPA calculator.

What Iowa asks of applicants

Iowa requires a total and science GPA of 2.85 or higher and a DAT Academic Average of at least 360. Source
Iowa requires 40 hours of dental shadowing, completed by the time you submit your application. Source

For the courses, DAT and shadowing most schools ask for, see our dental school requirements guide.

The Iowa dental school interview

Iowa uses a one-on-two format, where each timed interview has situational and behavioral questions and a different pair of interviewers. About 240 candidates interview each cycle, in person from August to November, plus one virtual day. Source

Full Iowa dental school interview guide with practice questions

About University of Iowa College of Dentistry

Of Iowa's 1,591 applications for the 2026 class, 144 came from Iowa residents, and 56 of the 80 seats went to residents. Source

Questions people ask

What is the Iowa dental school acceptance rate?

For the 2026 entering class, University of Iowa College of Dentistry reports 1,591 applications and 80 students enrolled. That is 5.0% (enrolled per applicant). The share offered a seat is somewhat higher, because some admitted applicants choose another school.

What DAT score do you need for Iowa?

What GPA do you need for Iowa dental school?

Iowa reports an average overall GPA of 3.81 (2026 entering class). The average science GPA was 3.75. These are typical figures, not minimums.

What is the Iowa dental school interview like?

What are the Iowa dental school requirements?

Iowa requires a total and science GPA of 2.85 or higher and a DAT Academic Average of at least 360. Iowa requires 40 hours of dental shadowing, completed by the time you submit your application.

Compare other dental schools

Confetto is not affiliated with University of Iowa College of Dentistry, University of Iowa or ADEA. Every figure on this page is from the school's own website (Iowa City, Iowa), checked October 29, 2026. Schools update these pages each year, so check the source links before you apply.