Eligibility for the 2026 Application Cycle to the BA/BS-DDS Degree Program
The BA/BS-DDS degree program at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) | Anschutz Medical Campus is designed to address Colorado’s oral health care needs. Students who have an interest and passion in becoming a dentist, and practicing dental medicine in the State of Colorado, are encouraged to apply to the BA/BS-DDS Program.
We believe it is our responsibility to help meet the oral healthcare needs of the State of Colorado by selecting talented students that intend to practice dentistry in Colorado. The BA/BS-DDS Program Admissions Committee will consider all aspects of an applicant's experiences, academic performance, and background including but not limited to:
- Excellence of academic record
- Array of community and/or volunteer service experiences
- Characteristics and capabilities that would make you an excellent physician
- Extracurricular activities
- Honors and Awards
- Full or part-time jobs held during school or in summers
Students must meet the following minimum criteria to be eligible to apply to the BA/BS-DDS Program:
- Applicants must choose a major within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, and apply to CU Denver by October 23, 2025, and be accepted for admission as a degree seeking student at the University of Colorado Denver Downtown campus by November 25, 2025. *This is a program for CU Denver undergraduates only. Students wishing to attend the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, or any other college/university are not eligible to participate in this program; however, it is encouraged that you still apply to multiple universities and colleges, as there is no guarantee that you will be admitted to the CU Denver BA/BS-DDS Program.
- Applicants must be current residents of the State of Colorado and a citizen of the United States, a DACA recipient, or a U.S. permanent resident with a Form I-551, I-151, or I-551C.
- Applicants must be current high school seniors planning on graduating from high school in Colorado in the fall of 2025 or spring of 2026.
Colorado public colleges and universities consider the following in making admissions decisions:
• High School GPA
• Test Scores
• Academic course mix and rigor
• Extracurricular activities and other considerations
***A strong BA/BS-DDS applicant is expected to have:
- A minimum high school GPA of 3.5 (weighted or unweighted, whichever is higher).
- Note: While CU Denver is test-optional, applicants with a composite ACT score of 27 or higher or an Evidence-Based Reading & Writing + Math SAT score of 1185 or higher tend to have a greater likelihood of successfully completing the BA/BS-MD program and qualifying for merit-based scholarships during their first year at CU Denver.
We are currently seeking qualified candidates who (1) have a strong interest and desire to become dentists, (2) intend to practice dental medicine in the State of Colorado, and (3) have an interest in serving communities who have traditionally experienced barriers to accessing oral health care. This program is open to all qualified high school seniors in the state of Colorado.
The University of Colorado BA/BS-DDS Program is committed to fostering the growth and development of all students, including supporting individuals who have experienced limitations in accessing quality education and economic opportunities. We conduct an objective, comprehensive review of all applications (experiences, attributes, and metrics) consistent with non-discrimination policies and in accordance with federal law.
*NOTE: Students wishing to attend the University of Colorado Boulder, the University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, or any other college/university are not eligible to participate in this program if admitted.
Interviews will be offered to a select group of applicants by the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine Admissions Committee. Factors that will be considered in choosing interviewees include activities that indicate a strong desire to participate in a career in dentistry, leadership, academic achievement and potential, and one's diverse background. Interviews will be conducted by members of the CU School of Dental Medicine's Admissions Committee on the Anschutz Medical Campus. Each interviewee will be interviewed separately by two committee members, and each interview is 30 minutes in length. Students must be available for a virtual interview on the date scheduled to be considered for this program. We will not be able to accommodate any alternative dates for interviews. Interviews will be held virtually on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Students can expect the interview process to last all day; 8:00AM to 4:00PM.