Letter of Recommendation Requirements List for Dental School?

• Prehealth Advisor/Committee Letter (required if available) or
• Two letters of recommendation from college professors
• Note: UAB requires these be sent directly to them, in addition to your AADSAS application, however they recommend that OOS applicants wait until contacted before sending anything directly.
• Source: http://www.dental.uab.edu/students/prospective-students/dmd-program/helpful-tips.html

• Applicants must provide a minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation.
• They must be from a Science Faculty or Committee Letter
• and a Dentist.
• Source: http://www.atsu.edu/asdoh/programs/dental_medicine/admission_requirements.htm

• Submit three letters of recommendation.
• One must be from either a pre-dental advisory committee or a science professor.
• The others, preferentially, should be from either someone with a DO/MD, DDS/DMD degree and/or someone who can testify to the integrity and ethical standards of the applicant.
• Note: Family members are not acceptable.
• Source: http://www.midwestern.edu/Programs_and_Admission/AZ_Dental_Medicine.html#Admission%20Requirements

• Substantive letters of recommendation (minimum of 3) from any objective source.
• Note: Letters from objective sources who are familiar with your accomplishments could include employers, supervisors where you have volunteered, as well as college teachers, college recommendation committees, college counselors, and other appropriate individuals. If you have had significant involvement in research, a letter from your research supervisor is desirable
• Source: http://www.dentistry.ucla.edu/admissions/dds-degree/traditional and http://www.dentistry.ucla.edu/admissions/dds-degree/traditional/faqs

• You must also send to AADSAS three letters of recommendation.
• One letter should be written by a college science professor,
• one by a dentist with whom you have volunteered, or an advisor / researcher / mentor;
• and one from an individual of your choice.
• Or, you may have one composite letter sent from a pre-professional health advisory committee in lieu of the three required letters.
• Source: http://dentistry.ucsf.edu/admissions/dentistry-dds/application-procedures

• Three letters of reference
• Spiritual leader,
• science professor or pre–professional committee
• and employer
• Source: http://www.llu.edu/dentistry/admissions/dentistry.page?

• Three letters of evaluation
• If your undergraduate institution has a pre-health advisory committee, a committee evaluation is recommended.
• Otherwise you must submit two letters of evaluation from science instructors
• and an additional letter from a health care professional or employer.
• Source: http://dental.pacific.edu/Academic_...urgery/DDS_Program_How_and_When_to_Apply.html

• Two letters of recommendation are required from lecture-based science professors in biology, chemistry, or physics.
• We highly recommend that one of the letters be from a DDS.
• A committee letter may be substituted if your undergraduate institution offers this service.
• Note: Letters from research or lab-based professors will not meet the requirement; the letters must be written based on your performance in the lecture component of class.
• Source: http://dentistry.usc.edu/programs/dds/admission/

• Obtain one (1) letter of recommendation from your undergraduate institution's pre-professional committee; or
• Obtain three (3) letters of recommendation:
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from science professors
• One (1) letter of recommendation from a dentist or another professor
• Source: http://prospective.westernu.edu/dentistry/requirements

• Three letters of recommendation
• Pre-dental committee OR
• Two letters of recommendation from science instructors
• one letter from a non-science instructor OR an employer (or a dentist you have shadowed).
• Source: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/c...sionProcedures/Pages/AdmissionProcedures.aspx

• Letters of recommendation should be forwarded from the predental advisory committee at the applicant's undergraduate school directly to AADSAS.
• If no predental advisory committee exists, then letters from three faculty members are acceptable.
• Source: http://sdm.uchc.edu/prospective/predoctoral/index.html

• Letters of recommendation must come from an advisor, counselor or instructor who is familiar with your academic background.
• Exceptions may be made for applicants who have graduated and are now working. In this situation, we will accept a letter from the applicant's employer(s).
• Note: I do not see a "number" of required letters, if someone can provide this information please contact me and I will update.
• Source: http://www.dentistry.howard.edu/admissions.htm

• An evaluation by a preprofessional health adviser or committee, if this evaluation cannot be provided,
• Three individual letters of evaluation from undergraduate instructors:
• Two of these should be from science instructors
• the other one from a liberal arts instructor.
• a letter of evaluation from a dentist (highly recommended, but not required)
• Note: If possible, these letters should be from faculty who know the applicant's scholastic abilities and personal character; otherwise, they should be from individuals (nonrelatives) who can provide an evaluation to the committee on admissions.
• Source: http://dental.nova.edu/doctoral/procedures.html

• You need to submit either three individual letters of evaluation or one composite letter from the pre-professional committee at your school.
• To strengthen your application, two of the letters should be from college-level science professors who can speak personally of your work.
• The third letter should be from a dentist or other qualified person who knows you and your accomplishments. It can also be from another professor.
• Source: http://www.dental.ufl.edu/Offices/Admissions/DMD/faq.php

• Three forms of letters of recommendation are required.
• One copy of the form is to be completed by a dentist.
• A second copy is to be completed by a college advisor, committee or instructor.
• A third copy is to be completed by an additional reference. This person can be another dentist, another college representative or a personal reference who can also offer comments about an applicant.
• Source: http://www.georgiahealth.edu/dentalmedicine/admit/admissions.html

• Two letters of recommendation
• One must be from either a predental/premedical advisory committee or a science professor
• The CDMI prefers other letters from either someone with a D.O./M.D. or D.D.S./D.M.D. degree and/or professionals who can testify to the integrity and ethical standards of the applicant
• Note: Letters written by immediate family members are not acceptable
• Source: http://www.midwestern.edu/Programs_and_Admission/IL_Dental_Medicine.html#Admission Requirements

• The College requires three letters of recommendation.
• One committee letter of recommendation will satisfy the three-letter requirement.
• We strongly recommend submitting two academic references, with at least one from a science professor.
• A third letter from a dental professional is highly preferred.
• Source: http://dentistry.uic.edu/depts/admissions/dmd/requirements.cfm?m=2&o=2

• One evaluation from a pre-dental or pre-professional committee. Or,
• Two letters from course instructors in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English and
• one additional letter form a course instructor of the applicants choosing.
• Also, character references are not required, but you may submit them.
• Source: http://www.siue.edu/dentalmedicine/prospective/faq.shtml#require

• One evaluation from a pre-dental or pre-professional committee
• Three academic letters of evaluation from faculty members whose subjects you have completed at the university you attended.
• At least two of the three should be from your science professors;
• the third can be from any of your professors.
• Note: Personal letters of evaluation are discouraged unless they document dental exposure, manual dexterity skills, or community service. IUSD does not accept character references.
• Source: http://www.iusd.iupui.edu/prospective-students/admissions/dds-faq/

• We request three letters, however candidates may submit up to four
• Letters from an instructor, faculty member, dentist or physician, academic adviser, or employer would be appropriate.
• Note: Information about non-academic characteristics of a student is most useful as academic information is already in the application.
• Source: http://www.dentistry.uiowa.edu/missions/education/dds_application_process.shtml

• Applicants are required to submit at least three (3) letters of evaluation from persons (e.g., two faculty and one dentist) who can support their admission to dental school.
• The letters should be written by faculty (preferred) or other individuals who know the applicant well and can share with the Admissions Committee insights about his/her achievements, personal qualities, potential for success in a rigorous curriculum, and motivation for a career in dentistry.
• A pre-professional committee evaluation may be substituted for the three letters.
• Source: http://www.mc.uky.edu/dentistry/students/dmd/adminindex.html

• Pre-dental committee report or university pre-professional evaluation.
• If that is unavailable, three letters of recommendation (2 from science professors and a third from a personal reference).
• Source: https://louisville.edu/dental/dmd/application

• Admissions strongly prefers to receive a recommendation package from the applicant's institutional pre-professional committee.
• If no such committee is available, letters of recommendation from one professor each in the departments of biology and chemistry may be substituted.
• Note: Letters of recommendation should NOT be sent directly to the University of Maryland, except upon specific request by the Office of Admissions.
• Source: http://www.dental.umaryland.edu/admissions/adm_new/dds_lors.html

• 2 basic science professors or
• 1 pre-professional school committee evaluation.
• Source: http://www.lsusd.lsuhsc.edu/fsdds.html

• Two or three faculty evaluations, including two from science faculty. The applicant should request references from faculty who can evaluate the student's performance in the academic setting.
• One letter of recommendation from a dentist mentor is requested, if the applicant has dental shadowing experience.
• If the applicant's college or university has a pre-dental or pre-health advisory committee, its composite or committee evaluation is requested. The committee evaluation fulfills the letters of recommendation requirement.
• Source: http://www.bu.edu/dental/admissions/dmd/application/

• Three individual letters of recommendation or one committee letter are required.
• HSDM will accept up to four letters of recommendation, or one committee letter and one supplemental letter.
• Three letters should be from professors who can speak to your academic abilities (including coursework, lab work, or research)
• and at least two of these letters must be from professors in the sciences.
• An additional (fourth) letter may be submitted from a supervisor, dentist, or other professional relation. HSDM does not accept personal references.
• Source: http://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/index.php/academics/dmd/application_components

• Two letters of evaluation (One from a Biology professor and one from a Biochemistry, Chemistry, Math or Physics professor) or a pre-professional composite committee letter;
• A letter from a dentist providing proof of at least 30 hours shadowing experience-preferably a general dentist-please note this letter must include approximate number of hours
• Note: Although Tufts welcomes any additional letters of evaluation from professors or employers, they will not be sufficient to complete an application.
• Source: http://dental.tufts.edu/1176295338385/TUSDM-Page-dental2w_1186496760237.html#application

• One Composite Letter from Pre-Professional Advisory Committee or Two Letters from Science Faculty.
• A composite letter of recommendation is required if your university has a pre-professional advisory committee. If no such committee exists, two letters are required from science faculty by whom you have been instructed. The Dental Admissions Committee strongly recommends that the letters are written by faculty within non plant or non environmental disciplines of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
• All prospective applicants are encouraged to spend time in a dental office and are also required to provide a letter of recommendation from a dentist that also attests to the applicant having spent a reasonable amount of time with the practitioner exploring the dental profession.
• Note: Letters of recommendation must appear on official college/university or business (dental office) letterhead. Professionally, they must include an original signature with typewritten name beneath the signature as well as professional title. Faculty should ensure the course (code, title and term) for which you were enrolled and they instructed is conveyed within the content of their letter. It is highly recommended that letters of recommendation from TA's, Graduate Student Instructors or PhD Candidates be cosigned by the course director or department chairperson.
• Source: http://dental.udmercy.edu/admission/procedure/index.htm#letters
• 
  University of Michigan
• Three letters are required.
• .Two letters of recommendation must be from science professors (instructors with whom you've taken a course, have given you a grade and can write about your academic qualities), and one letter of recommendation from a non-science professor OR a dentist OR an employer..
• .Alternatively, some institutions offer evaluation letters written from a preprofessional committee. This is acceptable in lieu of the three letters of recommendation..
• .Source..: http://www.dent.umich.edu/admissions/home/dds/prerequisites.

• Students must submit three strong Letters of Recommendation.
• The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry requires two letters of recommendation from science faculty and the third from an employer/supervisor.
• Note: Individuals reapplying to the School of Dentistry must provide three new letters of recommendations; they can be from the same recommenders but must be new and different letters.
• Source: http://www.dentistry.umn.edu/progra...ons_information/admissions_criteria/home.html

• Three letters of recommendation.
• If there is a pre-health advisory committee at your school, they must submit a letter for you.
• If there is not a pre-health advisory committee but there is a pre-dental advisor, a letter must be submitted from that person. In addition, we suggest that you seek recommendations from faculty members at your school, employers, dentists you have talked with or observed, physicians, clergy, etc. Ask people who can give us information regarding your maturity and self-reliance, how you accept responsibility, your interest in dentistry, your work ethic and discipline, your critical thinking ability, what kind of student you are, your readiness for rigorous professional study, etc. You need to use your own judgment regarding the actual number of letters you submit.
• Source: http://dentistry.umkc.edu/Future_Students/DDSAdmissions.shtml

• Each applicant must have three recommendations submitted,
• Two by instructors in science and one by an instructor in a non-science department, testifying to the appilcant's character and apparent fitness for the profession of dentistry.
• If an applicant's college has a recommending committee, its recommendation is preferred to the three individual ones.
• Source: http://www.creighton.edu/dentalschool/admissions/prospectivestudents/applicationprocess/index.php

• The College of Dentistry does not require letters of recommendation, however, evaluations of a student's progress and potential by a predental adviser or committee are appreciated.
• Source: http://www.unmc.edu/dentistry/dental_program_admissions.htm

• one from a pre-health professions committee or
• three from individual professors (at least 2 from Science professors) and one from a dentist
• Source: http://dentalschool.unlv.edu/admissions_timeline.html

• .ONE Pre-Health Advisors Committee letter (preferred). or.
• .Three letters from faculty (two must be from the sciences)..
• .Note: On a different page it specifies that: . A letter of evaluation from a college's pre-health professions committee will satisfy this requirement. If the school does not have a committee, an applicant must submit four individual letters of evaluation (at least 2 from science professors). A letter from a dentist for whom the applicant has worked or shadowed is required in both cases.. (http://dentalschool.unlv.edu/admissions_app.html)
  .
• .Source:.. http://dentalschool.umdnj.edu/students/prospective/admissions/predental-requirements.htm.

• Three CONFIDENTIAL letters of recommendation from science professors or
• one composite letter from a pre-health committee.
• Note: Additional letters of recommendation from employers or non-science professors will be accepted, but will not satisfy the requirement.
• Source: http://dental.columbia.edu/education/app_proc.html

• Letter from a Committee on professional recommendations, or
• three (3) individual Letters of Evaluation (two of which must be from science instructors who know the applicant personally)
• Source: http://www.nyu.edu/dental/academicprograms/dds/requirements.html

• The Student Admissions Committee prefers a composite letter of evaluation generated on an applicant's behalf by an undergraduate health sciences preprofessional committee.If the undergraduate school does not have such a committee or a mechanism for providing a composite letter,
• letters of evaluation from three faculty members written by instructors in prerequisite science courses who have worked closely with the applicant, however this is not a mandatory requirement.
• Source: http://dental.buffalo.edu/Education/DDSProgram/DoctorofDentalSurgeryDDS/Admissions.aspx

• A pre-professional advisory committee letter is required.
• However, if your college or university does not provide a committe letter, three recommendation letters from senior science faculty members will be accepted.
• Source: http://dentistry.stonybrookmedicine.edu/dental/student/admissions

• One (1) from a science professor.
• .One (1) from a professor within your major. .
• .One (1) from a dental practitioner. .
• Source: http://www.dentistry.unc.edu/academic/dds/applicationrequirements.cfm

• .For applicants who are attending or have attended an institution that has a pre-health professions committee, the Admissions Committee requires a committee letter rather than individual letters of recommendation. .
• .Alternatively, for applicants whose institution does not offer such an option, two recommendation letters - one from a Biology professor and one from a Chemistry professor, both of who have taught the applicant and know the applicant well - may be substituted..
• .Each applicant should also provide one letter of recommendation from a (non-relative) dentist, currently practicing or retired from practice in North Carolina, describing how well the dentist knows the applicant, and describing the dentist's assessment of the applicant's character, ethical bearing, maturity and commitment to serving the community. This letter MUST be on official letterhead..

• Source: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/dentistry/admissions.cfm

• If a pre-professional committee is in operation at your college/university, it is the School of Dental Medicine's preference that your letters come through that committee.
• Should such a service not be offered at your institution, then we ask that you submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation from science faculty (biology, chemistry, physic, zoology) that have taught you in class or lab.
• Additional letters beyond those from science faculty could come from instructors in other academic disciplines or dentists with whom you have spend time observing/shadowing.
  Source: http://dental.case.edu/dmd/apply.html

• Applicants are required to electronically submit two letters of recommendation.
• One should be from a college science professor – someone who has worked closely with you and is able to write about your academic qualities.
• One should be from someone who knows you very well – someone who has first hand knowledge of your personal qualities and characteristics.
• Letters from dentists observed and employers are acceptable.
• Note: Additional letters from congressmen, senators, governors, mayors, alumni and members of the clergy are not helpful.
• Source: http://dent.osu.edu/admissions/recommendation_letter_requirements.php

• University of Oklahoma
• A letter from a dentist.
• A recommendation mailed directly from your institution's Pre-professional Advisory Committee is preferred. In lieu of a committee recommendation, two letters of recommendation from science instructors are acceptable.
• Source: http://dentistry.ouhsc.edu/prospectivestudents_3_1_1.php

• Two letters of evaluation from basic science faculty and one from a dental professional, or
• one pre-professional committee letter. If your pre-professional committee letter does not include an evaluation from a dentist, we ask that you send a supplemental letter of evaluation from a dentist under separate cover.
• Source: http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/sc...prospective-students/dmd-program/applying.cfm

• A minimum of two letters from professors or
• a committee letter prepared by the school’s prehealth advisor and/or a committee familiar with the applicant’s academic abilities is required.
• Note: Penn Dental Medicine does not require letters from science faculty, unless you are a science major.
• Source: http://www.dental.upenn.edu/academic_programs_admissions/dmd_program/dmd_program_admissions

• The Admissions Committee prefers a composite letter or recommendation packet from the candidate's pre-professional advisory committee.
• If no such committee exists, a minimum of three letters from science faculty in prerequisite areas are required.
• Up to three additional letters from non-science faculty or dentists familiar with the applicant's commitment to dentistry may be submitted.
• Source: http://www.dental.pitt.edu/students/first_professional.php#requirements

• Two letters of recommendation are required from Science Professors or Pre-Health Committee
• Source: http://www.temple.edu/dentistry/admissions/requirements.html

• Confidential committee evaluation through the applicant's university or
• three letters of recommendation from natural science faculty members familiar with the applicant
• Source: http://academicdepartments.musc.edu/dentistry/students/prospective_students/admissions_timeline.htm

• Health Professions Advisor or Advisory Committee should submit a letter from this person or committee
• If no such institutional letter is available, the applicant should explain this on the Meharry Medical College supplemental application and substitute a minimum of three individual letters, including two from Science professors.
• Source: http://www.mmc.edu/admissions/applydental.html

• Letters of recommendation are not mandatory
• The Admissions Committee values letters of recommendation from the applicant's college professors or pre-professional committee (if one exists) above all others.
• Source: http://www.uthsc.edu/dentistry/Admissions/DDS/genpolicy.php

• BCD requires three recommendation/evaluation letters be submitted for out-of-state applicants.
• The letters should be submitted by the predental advisor, a practicing dentist and a personal friend (ex. employer, mentor/advisor or someone who knows the applicant well).
• Source: http://www.tambcd.edu/education/admissions/dental/appsteps.html

• .ONE Health Professions Committee Packet (if your school has such a committee) or.
• .TWO individual letters of evaluation, PLUS and additional evaluation letter from a practicing dentist..
• Source: http://www.db.uth.tmc.edu/education/doctor-dental-surgery/admissions/faqs

• .If a student is attending a school that has a health professions advisory committee, a letter of evaluation from the Committee is required. .
• .If a student is attending a school that does not provide committee letters, three letters of evaluation are required. Two of these letters must be from science faculty who can evaluate the applicant’s performance in the sciences. The third letter can be from another faculty member (any field) or from a health professional who knows the student well, except family members..
• Source: http://www.roseman.edu/node/201

• VCU will accept a minimum of three letters of evaluation, two from science professors, plus one from a dental practitioner who knows the candidates' professional abilities through direct observation via shadowing or volunteer work.
• Note: VCU will accept more than 4 letters; The pre-health office of each undergraduate college or university has its own distinct method of handling letters of recommendations. One method is to have a pre-health advisory committee that interviews the candidate for dental school and then writes a letter from the committee. This committee letter often is accompanied by individual letters from faculty who taught the candidate, or from dentists who can attest to their dental knowledge and experience.
• Source: http://www.dentistry.vcu.edu/prospective/dds/advice.aspx

• Three different types of recommendation.
• One from a science faculty (can evaluate your academic and intellectual qualifications), one from a dentist (familiar with your knowledge of and motivation toward the dental profession), and one character reference (someone who can indicate your contribution to humanity and community).
• A committee evaluation is also acceptable. One will have to inquire about obtaining a committee evaluation from your own university.
• Source: http://dental.washington.edu/sites/default/files/prospective-students/DDS_Admissions_FAQs.pdf

• If a pre-professional committee or comprehensive recommendation is available at your institution, please request the committee or your adviser send it directly to the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS).
• If no such committee or comprehensive recommendation exists at your institution and your major is one of the sciences (biology, chemistry or physics), a recommendation should be obtained from each of the sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics).
• If your major is not one of the sciences noted, please submit two recommendations from instructors in your major field and one from the sciences (biology, chemistry, or physics).
• If you cannot get a recommendation from an instructor as required above, a written request for a substitute recommendation from another instructor may be considered. The reason for the substitution must be detailed and submitted to the Office of Dental Admissions for approval.
• Once the guidelines above have been fulfilled, up to two additional letters from instructors, community leaders, professional persons or others who know you well are acceptable. Quality rather than quantity of such letters should be of primary importance.
• Source: http://dentistry.hsc.wvu.edu/Admissions/Frequently-Asked-Questions#Q24

• Applicants are required to submit 3 letters of recommendation.
• It is preferred that 2 of the letters be obtained from science professors and the third may be from someone of the applicant's choosing.
• The Admissions Committee will accept a committee letter in lieu of 3 individual letters.
• Source: http://www.marquette.edu/dentistry/admissions/AppReq.shtml

Kahr said:

This was an excel sheet someone made posted here on SDN and updated in 2011:

http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=817919

I've also compiled a list, so it's pretty much redundant information...

Letter of Recommendation Requirements 2012-13:

ALABAMA
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Prehealth Advisor/Committee Letter (required if available) or

• Two letters of recommendation from college professors
• Note: UAB requires these be sent directly to them, in addition to your AADSAS application, however they recommend that OOS applicants wait until contacted before sending anything directly.
• Source: http://www.atsu.edu/asdoh/programs/dental_medicine/admission_requirements.htm

ARIZONA
Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health

• Applicants must provide a minimum of two (2) letters of recommendation.
• They must be from a Science Faculty or Committee Letter
• and a Dentist.
• Source: http://www.atsu.edu/asdoh/programs/dental_medicine/admission_requirements.htm

Midwestern University

• Submit three letters of recommendation.
• One must be from either a pre-dental advisory committee or a science professor.
• The others, preferentially, should be from either someone with a DO/MD, DDS/DMD degree and/or someone who can testify to the integrity and ethical standards of the applicant.
• Note: Family members are not acceptable.
• Source: http://www.midwestern.edu/Programs_and_Admission/AZ_Dental_Medicine.html#Admission%20Requirements

CALIFORNIA
University of California, Los Angeles

• Substantive letters of recommendation (minimum of 3) from any objective source.
• Note: Letters from objective sources who are familiar with your accomplishments could include employers, supervisors where you have volunteered, as well as college teachers, college recommendation committees, college counselors, and other appropriate individuals. If you have had significant involvement in research, a letter from your research supervisor is desirable
• Source: http://www.dentistry.ucla.edu/admissions/dds-degree/traditional and http://www.dentistry.ucla.edu/admissions/dds-degree/traditional/faqs

University of California, San Francisco

• You must also send to AADSAS three letters of recommendation.
• One letter should be written by a college science professor,
• one by a dentist with whom you have volunteered, or an advisor / researcher / mentor;
• and one from an individual of your choice.
• Or, you may have one composite letter sent from a pre-professional health advisory committee in lieu of the three required letters.
• Source: http://dentistry.ucsf.edu/admissions/dentistry-dds/application-procedures

Loma Linda University

• Three letters of reference
• Spiritual leader,
• science professor or pre–professional committee
• and employer
• Source: http://www.llu.edu/dentistry/admissions/dentistry.page?

University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni

• Three letters of evaluation
• If your undergraduate institution has a pre-health advisory committee, a committee evaluation is recommended.
• Otherwise you must submit two letters of evaluation from science instructors
• and an additional letter from a health care professional or employer.
• Source: http://dental.pacific.edu/Academic_...urgery/DDS_Program_How_and_When_to_Apply.html

University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry

• Two letters of recommendation are required from lecture-based science professors in biology, chemistry, or physics.
• We highly recommend that one of the letters be from a DDS.
• A committee letter may be substituted if your undergraduate institution offers this service.
• Note: Letters from research or lab-based professors will not meet the requirement; the letters must be written based on your performance in the lecture component of class.
• Source: http://dentistry.usc.edu/programs/dds/admission/

Western University of Health Sciences

• Obtain one (1) letter of recommendation from your undergraduate institution's pre-professional committee; or
• Obtain three (3) letters of recommendation:
• Two (2) letters of recommendation from science professors
• One (1) letter of recommendation from a dentist or another professor
• Source: http://prospective.westernu.edu/dentistry/requirements

COLORADO
University of Colorado

• Three letters of recommendation
• Pre-dental committee OR
• Two letters of recommendation from science instructors
• one letter from a non-science instructor OR an employer (or a dentist you have shadowed).
• Source: http://www.ucdenver.edu/academics/c...sionProcedures/Pages/AdmissionProcedures.aspx

CONNECTICUT
University of Connecticut

• Letters of recommendation should be forwarded from the predental advisory committee at the applicant's undergraduate school directly to AADSAS.
• If no predental advisory committee exists, then letters from three faculty members are acceptable.
• Source: http://sdm.uchc.edu/prospective/predoctoral/index.html

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Howard University

• Letters of recommendation must come from an advisor, counselor or instructor who is familiar with your academic background.
• Exceptions may be made for applicants who have graduated and are now working. In this situation, we will accept a letter from the applicant's employer(s).
• Note: I do not see a "number" of required letters, if someone can provide this information please contact me and I will update.
• Source: http://www.dentistry.howard.edu/admissions.htm

FLORIDA
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
I cannot for the life of me find the LOR requirements for this school.


Nova Southeastern University

• An evaluation by a preprofessional health adviser or committee, if this evaluation cannot be provided,
• Three individual letters of evaluation from undergraduate instructors:
• Two of these should be from science instructors
• the other one from a liberal arts instructor.
• a letter of evaluation from a dentist (highly recommended, but not required)
• Note: If possible, these letters should be from faculty who know the applicant's scholastic abilities and personal character; otherwise, they should be from individuals (nonrelatives) who can provide an evaluation to the committee on admissions.
• Source: http://dental.nova.edu/doctoral/procedures.html

University of Florida

• You need to submit either three individual letters of evaluation or one composite letter from the pre-professional committee at your school.
• To strengthen your application, two of the letters should be from college-level science professors who can speak personally of your work.
• The third letter should be from a dentist or other qualified person who knows you and your accomplishments. It can also be from another professor.
• Source: http://www.dental.ufl.edu/Offices/Admissions/DMD/faq.php

GEORGIA
Georgia Health Sciences University

• Three forms of letters of recommendation are required.
• One copy of the form is to be completed by a dentist.
• A second copy is to be completed by a college advisor, committee or instructor.
• A third copy is to be completed by an additional reference. This person can be another dentist, another college representative or a personal reference who can also offer comments about an applicant.
• Source: http://www.georgiahealth.edu/dentalmedicine/admit/admissions.html

ILLINOIS
Midwestern University - Illinois

• Two letters of recommendation
• One must be from either a predental/premedical advisory committee or a science professor
• The CDMI prefers other letters from either someone with a D.O./M.D. or D.D.S./D.M.D. degree and/or professionals who can testify to the integrity and ethical standards of the applicant
• Note: Letters written by immediate family members are not acceptable
• Source: http://www.midwestern.edu/Programs_and_Admission/IL_Dental_Medicine.html#Admission Requirements

University of Illinois at Chicago

• The College requires three letters of recommendation.
• One committee letter of recommendation will satisfy the three-letter requirement.
• We strongly recommend submitting two academic references, with at least one from a science professor.
• A third letter from a dental professional is highly preferred.
• Source: http://dentistry.uic.edu/depts/admissions/dmd/requirements.cfm?m=2&o=2

Southern Illinois University

• One evaluation from a pre-dental or pre-professional committee. Or,
• Two letters from course instructors in the areas of Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and English and
• one additional letter form a course instructor of the applicants choosing.
• Also, character references are not required, but you may submit them.
• Source: http://www.siue.edu/dentalmedicine/prospective/faq.shtml#require

INDIANA
Indiana University

• One evaluation from a pre-dental or pre-professional committee
• Three academic letters of evaluation from faculty members whose subjects you have completed at the university you attended.
• At least two of the three should be from your science professors;
• the third can be from any of your professors.
• Note: Personal letters of evaluation are discouraged unless they document dental exposure, manual dexterity skills, or community service. IUSD does not accept character references.
• Source: http://www.iusd.iupui.edu/prospective-students/admissions/dds-faq/

IOWA
University of Iowa

• We request three letters, however candidates may submit up to four
• Letters from an instructor, faculty member, dentist or physician, academic adviser, or employer would be appropriate.
• Note: Information about non-academic characteristics of a student is most useful as academic information is already in the application.
• Source: http://www.dentistry.uiowa.edu/missions/education/dds_application_process.shtml

KENTUCKY
University of Kentucky

• Applicants are required to submit at least three (3) letters of evaluation from persons (e.g., two faculty and one dentist) who can support their admission to dental school.
• The letters should be written by faculty (preferred) or other individuals who know the applicant well and can share with the Admissions Committee insights about his/her achievements, personal qualities, potential for success in a rigorous curriculum, and motivation for a career in dentistry.
• A pre-professional committee evaluation may be substituted for the three letters.
• Source: http://www.mc.uky.edu/dentistry/students/dmd/adminindex.html

University of Louisville

• Pre-dental committee report or university pre-professional evaluation.
• If that is unavailable, three letters of recommendation (2 from science professors and a third from a personal reference).
• Source: https://louisville.edu/dental/dmd/application

MARYLAND
University of Maryland

• Admissions strongly prefers to receive a recommendation package from the applicant's institutional pre-professional committee.
• If no such committee is available, letters of recommendation from one professor each in the departments of biology and chemistry may be substituted.
• Note: Letters of recommendation should NOT be sent directly to the University of Maryland, except upon specific request by the Office of Admissions.
• Source: http://www.dental.umaryland.edu/admissions/adm_new/dds_lors.html

LOUISIANA
Louisiana State University

• 2 basic science professors or
• 1 pre-professional school committee evaluation.
• Source: http://www.lsusd.lsuhsc.edu/fsdds.html

MASSACHUSETTS
Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine

• Two or three faculty evaluations, including two from science faculty. The applicant should request references from faculty who can evaluate the student's performance in the academic setting.
• One letter of recommendation from a dentist mentor is requested, if the applicant has dental shadowing experience.
• If the applicant's college or university has a pre-dental or pre-health advisory committee, its composite or committee evaluation is requested. The committee evaluation fulfills the letters of recommendation requirement.
• Source: http://www.bu.edu/dental/admissions/dmd/application/

Harvard School of Dental Medicine

• Three individual letters of recommendation or one committee letter are required.
• HSDM will accept up to four letters of recommendation, or one committee letter and one supplemental letter.
• Three letters should be from professors who can speak to your academic abilities (including coursework, lab work, or research)
• and at least two of these letters must be from professors in the sciences.
• An additional (fourth) letter may be submitted from a supervisor, dentist, or other professional relation. HSDM does not accept personal references.
• Source: http://www.hsdm.harvard.edu/index.php/academics/dmd/application_components

Tufts University

• Two letters of evaluation (One from a Biology professor and one from a Biochemistry, Chemistry, Math or Physics professor) or a pre-professional composite committee letter;
• A letter from a dentist providing proof of at least 30 hours shadowing experience-preferably a general dentist-please note this letter must include approximate number of hours
• Note: Although Tufts welcomes any additional letters of evaluation from professors or employers, they will not be sufficient to complete an application.
• Source: http://dental.tufts.edu/1176295338385/TUSDM-Page-dental2w_1186496760237.html#application

MICHIGAN
University of Detroit Mercy

• One Composite Letter from Pre-Professional Advisory Committee or Two Letters from Science Faculty.
• A composite letter of recommendation is required if your university has a pre-professional advisory committee. If no such committee exists, two letters are required from science faculty by whom you have been instructed. The Dental Admissions Committee strongly recommends that the letters are written by faculty within non plant or non environmental disciplines of Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
• All prospective applicants are encouraged to spend time in a dental office and are also required to provide a letter of recommendation from a dentist that also attests to the applicant having spent a reasonable amount of time with the practitioner exploring the dental profession.
• Note: Letters of recommendation must appear on official college/university or business (dental office) letterhead. Professionally, they must include an original signature with typewritten name beneath the signature as well as professional title. Faculty should ensure the course (code, title and term) for which you were enrolled and they instructed is conveyed within the content of their letter. It is highly recommended that letters of recommendation from TA's, Graduate Student Instructors or PhD Candidates be cosigned by the course director or department chairperson.
• Source: http://dental.udmercy.edu/admission/procedure/index.htm#letters
• 
  University of Michigan
• Three letters are required.
• .Two letters of recommendation must be from science professors (instructors with whom you've taken a course, have given you a grade and can write about your academic qualities), and one letter of recommendation from a non-science professor OR a dentist OR an employer..
• .Alternatively, some institutions offer evaluation letters written from a preprofessional committee. This is acceptable in lieu of the three letters of recommendation..
• .Source..: http://www.dent.umich.edu/admissions/home/dds/prerequisites.

MINNESOTA
University of Minnesota

• Students must submit three strong Letters of Recommendation.
• The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry requires two letters of recommendation from science faculty and the third from an employer/supervisor.
• Note: Individuals reapplying to the School of Dentistry must provide three new letters of recommendations; they can be from the same recommenders but must be new and different letters.
• Source: http://www.dentistry.umn.edu/progra...ons_information/admissions_criteria/home.html

MISSISSIPPI
University of Mississippi
Can't find the requirements for this one.

MISSOURI
University of Missouri-Kansas City

• Three letters of recommendation.
• If there is a pre-health advisory committee at your school, they must submit a letter for you.
• If there is not a pre-health advisory committee but there is a pre-dental advisor, a letter must be submitted from that person. In addition, we suggest that you seek recommendations from faculty members at your school, employers, dentists you have talked with or observed, physicians, clergy, etc. Ask people who can give us information regarding your maturity and self-reliance, how you accept responsibility, your interest in dentistry, your work ethic and discipline, your critical thinking ability, what kind of student you are, your readiness for rigorous professional study, etc. You need to use your own judgment regarding the actual number of letters you submit.
• Source: http://dentistry.umkc.edu/Future_Students/DDSAdmissions.shtml

NEBRASKA
Creighton University

• Each applicant must have three recommendations submitted,
• Two by instructors in science and one by an instructor in a non-science department, testifying to the appilcant's character and apparent fitness for the profession of dentistry.
• If an applicant's college has a recommending committee, its recommendation is preferred to the three individual ones.
• Source: http://www.creighton.edu/dentalschool/admissions/prospectivestudents/applicationprocess/index.php

University of Nebraska

• The College of Dentistry does not require letters of recommendation, however, evaluations of a student's progress and potential by a predental adviser or committee are appreciated.
• Source: http://www.unmc.edu/dentistry/dental_program_admissions.htm

NEVADA
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

• one from a pre-health professions committee or
• three from individual professors (at least 2 from Science professors) and one from a dentist
• Source: http://dentalschool.unlv.edu/admissions_timeline.html

NEW JERSEY
University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey

• .ONE Pre-Health Advisors Committee letter (preferred). or.
• .Three letters from faculty (two must be from the sciences)..
• .Source:.. http://dentalschool.umdnj.edu/students/prospective/admissions/predental-requirements.htm.

NEW YORK
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

• Three CONFIDENTIAL letters of recommendation from science professors or
• one composite letter from a pre-health committee.
• Note: Additional letters of recommendation from employers or non-science professors will be accepted, but will not satisfy the requirement.
• Source: http://dental.columbia.edu/education/app_proc.html

New York University

• Letter from a Committee on professional recommendations, or
• three (3) individual Letters of Evaluation (two of which must be from science instructors who know the applicant personally)
• Source: http://www.nyu.edu/dental/academicprograms/dds/requirements.html

University at Buffalo

• The Student Admissions Committee prefers a composite letter of evaluation generated on an applicant's behalf by an undergraduate health sciences preprofessional committee.If the undergraduate school does not have such a committee or a mechanism for providing a composite letter,
• letters of evaluation from three faculty members written by instructors in prerequisite science courses who have worked closely with the applicant, however this is not a mandatory requirement.
• Source: http://dental.buffalo.edu/Education/DDSProgram/DoctorofDentalSurgeryDDS/Admissions.aspx

Stony Brook University

• A pre-professional advisory committee letter is required.
• However, if your college or university does not provide a committe letter, three recommendation letters from senior science faculty members will be accepted.
• Source: http://dentistry.stonybrookmedicine.edu/dental/student/admissions

NORTH CAROLINA
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

• One (1) from a science professor.
• .One (1) from a professor within your major. .
• .One (1) from a dental practitioner. .
• Source: http://www.dentistry.unc.edu/academic/dds/applicationrequirements.cfm

East Carolina University

• .For applicants who are attending or have attended an institution that has a pre-health professions committee, the Admissions Committee requires a committee letter rather than individual letters of recommendation. .
• .Alternatively, for applicants whose institution does not offer such an option, two recommendation letters - one from a Biology professor and one from a Chemistry professor, both of who have taught the applicant and know the applicant well - may be substituted..
• .Each applicant should also provide one letter of recommendation from a (non-relative) dentist, currently practicing or retired from practice in North Carolina, describing how well the dentist knows the applicant, and describing the dentist's assessment of the applicant's character, ethical bearing, maturity and commitment to serving the community. This letter MUST be on official letterhead..

• Source: http://www.ecu.edu/cs-dhs/dentistry/admissions.cfm

OHIO
Case School of Dental Medicine

• If a pre-professional committee is in operation at your college/university, it is the School of Dental Medicine's preference that your letters come through that committee.
• Should such a service not be offered at your institution, then we ask that you submit a minimum of two letters of recommendation from science faculty (biology, chemistry, physic, zoology) that have taught you in class or lab.
• Additional letters beyond those from science faculty could come from instructors in other academic disciplines or dentists with whom you have spend time observing/shadowing.
  Source: http://dental.case.edu/dmd/apply.html

The Ohio State University

• Applicants are required to electronically submit two letters of recommendation.
• One should be from a college science professor – someone who has worked closely with you and is able to write about your academic qualities.
• One should be from someone who knows you very well – someone who has first hand knowledge of your personal qualities and characteristics.
• Letters from dentists observed and employers are acceptable.
• Note: Additional letters from congressmen, senators, governors, mayors, alumni and members of the clergy are not helpful.
• Source: http://dent.osu.edu/admissions/recommendation_letter_requirements.php

OKLAHOMA

• University of Oklahoma
• A letter from a dentist.
• A recommendation mailed directly from your institution's Pre-professional Advisory Committee is preferred. In lieu of a committee recommendation, two letters of recommendation from science instructors are acceptable.
• Source: http://dentistry.ouhsc.edu/prospectivestudents_3_1_1.php

OREGON
Oregon Health and Science University

• Two letters of evaluation from basic science faculty and one from a dental professional, or
• one pre-professional committee letter. If your pre-professional committee letter does not include an evaluation from a dentist, we ask that you send a supplemental letter of evaluation from a dentist under separate cover.
• Source: http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/education/sc...prospective-students/dmd-program/applying.cfm

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jojohygienist said:

Are these LOR's that go beyond what is uploaded onto aadsas? Does aadsas only allow so many to be uploaded or can you have unlimited lor's? Or do each college require additional LOR's when submitting your supplemental application?

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chill45 said:

Any idea if a specialist such as an orthodontist or oral surgeon will usually fulfill the dentist requirement? I noticed one school specifically said "general dentist" but wasn't sure if all school want this or if this specific school said that just as a formality.

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dymm said:

Thank you. I was wondering if there is a list like this the other day. Anyways I got excited when I read what you have posted for UNLV since I only have 3 LORs right now.. but here is what I found on UNLV website....... 🙁
Letters of Evaluation

A letter of evaluation from a college's pre-health professions committee will satisfy this requirement. If the school does not have a committee, an applicant must submit four individual letters of evaluation (at least 2 from science professors). A letter from a dentist for whom the applicant has worked or shadowed is required in both cases.

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kejs said:

So it seems like most schools do not mind if you get a science professor that taught a lab course to write a LOR? It seems like USC was the only school that specified that it does not accept one from a lab course.

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Kahr said:

I think what it might come down to is whether or not your lab instructor was a student or not. Often times they're MS students and sometimes PhD students, in these situations it's probably advisable to have the lecture instructor or chair co-sign the letter.

I had one letter from a lab instructor, but he was a PhD in physics and was just doing it part time from his regular job at a museum. I also had a guy with just an MPH, but he was a full professor, not a student.

Just my thoughts on your supposition, when in doubt contact admissions (I should put this in my signature or something... 😛)

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kejs said:

Oh gotcha thanks, that makes sense. Yeah, the lab instructor I have in mind is an actual full-time professor and faculty member and not just a grad student/TA so I feel like the letter would be meaningful and add weight to my application.

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Kahr said:

I think what it might come down to is whether or not your lab instructor was a student or not. Often times they're MS students and sometimes PhD students, in these situations it's probably advisable to have the lecture instructor or chair co-sign the letter.

I had one letter from a lab instructor, but he was a PhD in physics and was just doing it part time from his regular job at a museum. I also had a guy with just an MPH, but he was a full professor, not a student.

Just my thoughts on your supposition, when in doubt contact admissions (I should put this in my signature or something... 😛)

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y3nd0 said:

https://ppa.byu.edu/sites/ppa.byu.edu/files/New PPA Website Content/Prehealth/Handouts/Predental Handouts/Letter of Recommendation Requirements (dent).pdf

This took a while to find! You'd think it'd be easily accessible...

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dighal said:

hey, is it mandatory to have a date mentioned in the recommendation letters?

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kmg7 said:

Related to some of the earlier comments regarding how Columbia (as well as Harvard) require three science LORs...if I already filled up my ADEA app with LORs that only include two science recs, would I still be able to apply to Columbia and Harvard? Their websites say that the recs have to come from the ADEA application but I am not able to delete any of those. Thanks!

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