Class of 2024

Congratulations on your admission to UF College of Dentistry!

Your future as a Gator Dentist starts here.

Notify Admissions of Your Decision

To accept, you’ll need to include a check or money order for $200 payable to the University of Florida. Please also return your completed acknowledgement form (email is fine) and your deposit by the date listed in your acceptance letter in order to secure your place in the 2020 entering class. We ask that you send your deposit using the United States Postal Service (USPS). If you choose to decline the offer or withdraw at any time, written notification via email is required. You can mail your acknowledgement form and deposit to the Office of Admissions to the following address:

University of Florida College of Dentistry Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 100445
1395 Center Drive, Room D3-5
Gainesville, FL 32610-0445

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Phone: 352-273-5955
Email: DMDAdmissions@dental.ufl.edu

Keep your contact information up-to-date

Planning to move? Have a new email address? Changed your phone number? Be sure to update your account on AADSAS immediately and email us once it has been updated.

Matriculation Requirement Acknowledgement Form

Who to contact with questions or concerns:
UFCD Office of Admissions at DMDAdmissions@dental.ufl.edu

Please return the completed Matriculation Requirement Acknowledgement Form (email is fine) as an agreement to the terms to accept your offer into the Entering Class of 2020. “Your acceptance into UFCD is contingent upon completion of all requirements for matriculation. This acknowledgement form outlines some of these requirements for you. Please know that these are standard requirements to matriculate into professional school.”

Connect with DMD Students

Admissions Outreach Ambassador Mentors

Connect with AOAs through their experiences and involvement at UFCD

Fill out a FAFSA

Who to contact with questions or concerns:
UFCD Financial Aid Coordinator at SFA-DEN@mail.ufl.edu

The UFCD Financial Aid Coordinator has put together a very helpful newsletter that includes all of the details pertaining to the FAFSA for UFCD. Read the Financial Aid Newsletter here: https://admissions.dental.ufl.edu/wordpress/files/2019/10/UF_College_of_Dentistry_October_2019_FAFSA_Details.pdf . We want you to know how the FAFSA is utilized at UFCD and want to make sure everyone has the opportunity to submit their FAFSA in a timely manner.

Did you know? The December 15 FAFSA deadline is set by the University of Florida, not the College of Dentistry specifically. Priority consideration for UFCD grants and scholarships is given to students who meet the on time deadline. UFCD students with late FAFSAs are not guaranteed consideration for grants and scholarships.

Please note: The on-time deadline has no bearing on your eligibility for federal loans. All DMD students at UFCD who have a valid FAFSA on file may take out federal loans. In addition, completion of a FAFSA does not obligate you to borrow loans. Again, it’s important for you to review the Financial Aid Newsletter carefully for complete details pertaining to the FAFSA for UFCD. The newsletter explains how many schools you can list on your FAFSA (spoiler alert: 10 schools), why the deadline matters, and why you should consider including parental information on your FAFSA.

Questions? After carefully reading this entire email AND thoroughly reviewing the Financial Aid Newsletter, if you have additional questions, please email SFA-DEN@mail.ufl.edu to reach the UFCD Financial Aid Coordinator directly. We kindly request that you send all financial aid and FAFSA related questions directly to the Financial Aid Coordinator (SFA-DEN@mail.ufl.edu).

Technical Standards

Who to contact with questions or concerns:
UFCD Office of Academic Affairs at 352-273-5950

Minimum Technical Standards for Admission and Matriculation

Purpose: This section defines the nonacademic criteria for admission, advancement through and graduation from the DMD program at the University of Florida College of Dentistry. The College is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities and employment without regard to race, creed, color religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status.

Background: The College of Dentistry provides this description of technical standards to inform prospective and enrolled candidates of the skills required in the provision of oral health care services. These technical standards reflect the performance abilities and characteristics that are necessary to successfully complete the requirements of the dental education program at the school. These standards are not requirements of admission into the programs. People interested in applying for admission to the programs should review these standards to develop a better understanding of the abilities and characteristics necessary to successfully complete the program. The College of Dentistry complies with the requirements and spirit of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Therefore, the College will endeavor to make reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities who are otherwise qualified in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities can be made so long as such accommodations do not require a change in fundamental program requirements of the curriculum, create a direct threat to the health or safety of others, or create an undue burden to the College of Dentistry. The College recognizes that the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree carries with it the full authority of the institution and communicates to those who might seek the services of the bearer that the graduate is competent to practice dentistry. Therefore, the candidate must demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that the faculty has determined are essential for the practice of dentistry and its specialties. The candidate must acquire cognitive, technical and behavioral skills to negotiate the curriculum. All courses in the curriculum are required to assure graduates are competent clinicians. The following technical standards describe the essential functions that candidates must demonstrate in order to fulfill the requirements of the dental education program, and thus, are required for advancement through and graduation from the program. Candidates must possess the skills and abilities that will allow them to successfully complete the course of study and receive the full benefit of their education. While enrolled, candidates must perform treatment on the College’s patients. The College has the responsibility for ensuring the safety of these patients. Treatment must be completed safely and within an acceptable time. The technical skill areas include motor, sensory/observation, communication,cognitive/conceptual, professionalism and behavioral/social skills. Continued enrollment and graduation will depend on the successful demonstration of both the knowledge and the skills listed below. The Student Performance Evaluation Committee (SPEC) will monitor each candidate’s demonstration of such knowledge and skills.

Motor Skills

General: A candidate should have a sufficient level of manual dexterity to execute the fine movements required to provide general dental care and treatment to patients within a specified amount of time.

Specific: It is required that a candidate possess the manual motor skills necessary to directly perform, diagnostic and treatment maneuvers associated with the practice of general dentistry. Such maneuvers require coordination of both gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional uses of the senses of touch, vision and functional communication. A candidate must be able to perform basic life support (including CPR), transfer and position patients with disabilities, and position and reposition self around patients in various treatment settings in a standing or sitting position. The candidate must be able to operate dental equipment controls utilizing fine hand movements, position, move dental instruments, and move in all directions within 0.5 millimeter of tolerance. A candidate must promote and support the ability of co-workers to perform prompt care.Candidates must be able to work in the proper ergonomic positions appropriate to the delivery of dental treatment for extended times. A candidate must be able to operate controls, use high-speed or low-speed dental hand pieces for tooth preparation procedures, and use hand instrumentation, including scalpels for surgical procedures.All of these skills must be performed within reasonable patient treatment time periods,either in simulation or clinical patient care, as determined by the faculty to simulate real-time professional dental care. A candidate must be able to maintain strength, posture,reach, and manipulate equipment to all positions in order to control the operating environment.

Sensory/Observation: Basic Sciences

General: A candidate must be able to acquire a defined level of required information as presented through demonstrations and experiences in the basic and dental sciences.

Specific: This includes, but is not limited to 1) information conveyed through physiologic, pharmacological and other demonstrations, 2) microscopic images of microorganisms and human or animal tissues in normal and pathologic states and 3)demonstrations of techniques using dental models. A candidate must be able to acquire information from written documents and to visualize and evaluate information presented in images from paper, films, slides, video and computer. A candidate must be able to interpret radiographs (x-rays) and other graphic images, with or without the use of assistive devices. While using appropriate enhancement of sensory modalities.(Microscopes, stethoscopes, etc.), a candidate must have functional use of visual,auditory, and somatic sensation.

Sensory/Observation: Clinical Sciences

General: A candidate must be able to observe a patient accurately, at a distance and close up, and observe and comprehend non-verbal communications when performing general dental treatment or administering medications.

Specific: A candidate must be able to perform visual and tactile dental examinations and treatments that require the use of sight and touch, including use of visual acuity,with or without accommodation, to discern fine detail, focus at a variety of distances,and discern slight differences and variations in color, shape, and general appearance between normal and abnormal, soft and hard tissues. The use of tactile senses may be either directly by palpation or indirectly through instrumentation. A candidate must also possess the functional visual acuity to read both paper and electronic charts, films,slides, videos, records, small print and handwritten notation, distinguish small variations in colors, size and shapes of very small details of tooth shape and contour intra and extra orally. The candidate must be able to operate handpieces, hand instruments or other instrumentation requiring controlled dental movements generally less than 0.5 millimeters.

Communication

General: A candidate must be able to communicate clearly, effectively and sensitively with patients, parents and/or guardians, faculty, staff and classmates; establish good rapport, convey or exchange information at a level allowing development of a health history; identify problems presented; explain alternative solutions; and give directions during treatment and post-treatment. For effective patient treatment, the candidate must be able to communicate with patients, parents, guardians and all members of the dental and medical health care team effectively and efficiently and communication must be culturally appropriate. Communication includes oral and written modes.

Specific: A candidate must have sufficient facility with English to retrieve information from literature and educational settings, computerized databases and lectures and to communicate concepts on written exams and patient charts. The candidate must also have sufficient facility with English to elicit patient backgrounds, describe patient changes in moods, activity and posture, and perceive nonverbal communications inpatient care settings. Patients, faculty, candidates and staff must be able to easily understand the candidates’ oral and written communication in order to effectively evaluate performance and to work collaboratively in the care of patients. A candidate must be able to communicate in lay language so that patients and their families can understand the candidate easily to help establish patient rapport, understand what information is requested and needed by the candidate and understand the explanation of treatment procedures, treatment options, informed consent, and follow up or home care. While working alone and with others, a candidate must be able to communicate orally and in writing, including settings where time available is brief, such as emergencies. The candidate must be able to interact productively, cooperatively, and in a collegial manner with individuals of differing personalities and backgrounds, and be an active contributor to the process of providing health care by demonstrating the ability to engage in teamwork and team building. In any case, where a candidate’s ability to communicate is compromised, the candidate must demonstrate alternative means and/or ability to acquire and demonstrate the essential information conveyed in this fashion. The candidate must be punctual and perform work in a timely manner. The candidate must exhibit the maturity, commitment, and dedication expected of a health care professional to whom patients entrust their health, safety, and well-being.

Cognitive/Conceptual

General: A candidate must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate,and synthesize information.

Specific: A candidate must be able to comprehend and mentally visualize three-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures. The problem solving, clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills demanded of a general dentist, require all of these intellectual abilities. A candidate must be able to perform these problem-solving, clinical decision-making and critical thinking skills in simulation of or actual real-time professional dental care for effective treatment of the patient. Candidates must be able to learn effectively through a variety of modalities,including but not limited to: classroom instruction, small group discussion, individual study of materials, preparation and presentation of written and oral reports, and use of computer-based technology.

Professionalism and Behavioral/Social Skills

General: Candidates must have sufficient behavioral/social skills and professionalism to perform didactic, preclinical techniques, laboratory, and clinical procedures at a minimal level of competency, as defined by the college. A candidate must possess the psychological health and maturity required for full utilization of the candidate’s intellectual abilities, the exercise of good judgment, maintenance of patient confidentiality, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients, faculty, staff and other candidates.

Specific: A candidate must recognize that the curriculum is physically, mentally and emotionally taxing. The candidate must be able to effectively manage physically and emotionally demanding workloads, function effectively under stress, adapt to changing environments, display flexibility and learn to function in the face of the uncertainties inherent in clinical patient care. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interests, and motivation are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admission and educational processes. Further, a candidate must be able to manage apprehensive patients with a range of moods and behaviors in a tactful, culturally sensitive, congenial, personal matter so as not to alienate or antagonize them. A candidate must be able to accept criticism and respond by appropriate modification of behavior. A candidate must be able to relate with faculty, colleagues, staff, and patients with honesty, integrity, respect, and nondiscrimination.Candidates must be adaptable, able to cope with stress, able to delegate responsibilities, meet deadlines, manage time and function as part of a dental healthcare team.

Cost of Attendance Comparison Calculator

Who to contact with questions or concerns:
UFCD Financial Aid Coordinator at SFA-DEN@mail.ufl.edu

We encourage you to use our Cost of Attendance (COA) Comparison Calculator tools below to compare the costs of UFCD and other dental schools. Please choose the correct calculator based on your residency status. Be sure to input the figures as directed on the spreadsheet. The difference in COA between UFCD and the comparison school will be automatically calculated for you.

– Florida Resident
– Non-Resident

UFCD has given over $1,000,000 in need-based scholarships this year alone. You may qualify for some scholarship money based on your FAFSA and parental income. Many students with an EFC (Expected Family Contribution) of zero will qualify for some scholarship money. The application for UFCD need-based scholarships will be available later in the spring. FOR NON-RESIDENTS: Please click here to review the guidelines for Florida residency for tuition purposes.

To find out more about Financial Aid for DMD Students please visit: https://admissions.dental.ufl.edu/financial-aid/d-m-d/budgets-cost-of-attendance-d-m-d/

What’s My UFID?

Who to contact with questions or concerns:
UF Computing Help Desk at 352-392-4357

Your UF identification number (UFID) is assigned to you by the university and becomes the identifier for all transactions and services where personally identifiable information (PII) is required. Using your UFID helps protect you from identity theft and protects UF from potential data and records theft that could expose personal information of students, faculty, and staff.

The University of Florida takes protecting your identity very seriously and has strong programs and policies in place to protect your information from unauthorized access. Visit UF Identity & Access Management for additional information.

Background Check, Dean’s Form, & Transcripts – Due February 14

Criminal Background Check

Who to contact with questions or concerns:
Certiphi at 800-803-9582

UFCD has a contract with Certiphi Screening Incorporated (Certiphi) to complete criminal background checks on all incoming DMD students. All accepted students should receive an email from Certiphi within a day or two of receiving an offer of admission. (Be sure to check your junk email.) This email will include all of the information you need to initiate your background check. The cost of the background check varies from student-to-student. Certiphi will authorize your credit card for $150 up front. After the background check is complete, you will be refunded for any overage. Typically, a background check is approximately $70. The cost increases if there is more than one name to search or if you previously lived in a place with high access fees to obtain records. If you have additional questions, please contact Certiphi directly: 800-803-9582. Once your background check is complete and released to our office, we will access it through Certiphi’s online reporting system. You do not need to submit a paper copy to our office.

Dean’s Certification Form

Who to contact with questions or concerns:
UFCD Office of Admissions at DMDAdmissions@dental.ufl.edu

Submit a Dean’s Certification Form to the office in charge of student conduct records from every institution that has awarded or will award you a degree (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate), e.g. Dean of Students, Student Records, Administrative Officer in charge of student conduct records. Fill out the top portion of the form and give it to the institution(s). A qualified school official needs to complete the second portion of the form and submit it directly to our office by email, fax, or mail. It is your responsibility to make sure this form is received by our office by the February 14th deadline.

Transcripts

Who to contact with questions or concerns:
UFCD Office of Admissions at DMDAdmissions@dental.ufl.edu

You are required to submit official transcripts to enroll at UFCD; we do not receive the official transcripts you submitted directly to AADSAS. Be sure to only request physical transcripts to be mailed to our office; do not request electronic transcripts because UFCD Admissions does not receive electronic versions. You need to submit transcripts from every school where you completed a prerequisite course AND from every school at which you earned a degree. Please send all final physical transcripts to:

University of Florida College of Dentistry Office of Admissions
P.O. Box 100445
1395 Center Drive, Room D3-5
Gainesville, FL 32610-0445

*University of Florida transcripts: UFCD Admissions is able to access UF transcripts internally. There’s no need for you to submit UF transcripts – official or unofficial.

DEADLINE TO SUBMIT OFFICIAL TRANSCRIPTS

• If you graduated before January 2020: you need to submit your official final transcripts to the Office of Admissions by February 14, 2020. These must be delivered to our office in an official, sealed envelope. The transcripts you submit must show that your degree has been awarded. If your official transcript does not show that your degree has been awarded, you’ll be required to submit another official transcript that indicates your degree has been awarded.
• If you graduate after January 2020: you must submit unofficial transcripts (emailed screenshots are fine) to our office by February 14 that show your grades through Fall 2019.
  
  At the completion of the Spring 2020 semester, you need to submit unofficial transcripts to our office showing grades for the Spring 2020 semester. If you graduate at the end of the Spring 2020 semester, you need to request that your school submit official transcripts to our office as soon as your degree has posted on your transcript. If your official transcript does not show that your degree has been awarded, you’ll be required to submit another official transcript that indicates your degree has been awarded.
  
  At the completion of the Summer 2020 semester, you need to submit unofficial transcripts to our office showing grades for the Summer 2020 semester. If you graduate at the end of the Summer 2020 semester, you need to have your academic advisor submit a letter or email to our office that certifies that you have completed your degree requirements. Summer graduates are rarely able to supply official transcripts that show the awarding of the degree prior to orientation. The letter of confirmation from your advisor along with unofficial transcripts that include summer grades will suffice until your official transcript becomes available.

Spring & Summer 2020 Coursework

• If your school gives the option to receive letter grades OR pass/fail (also referred to as satisfactory/unsatisfactory) for courses completed in the spring and summer 2020 semesters, we strongly recommend that you choose to receive a letter grade.
  
• If your school gives no option and all courses for spring and/or summer 2020 will be pass/fail (also referred to as satisfactory/unsatisfactory), please obtain a signed-letter from your advisor that includes all of the details regarding changes in grading policies at your school. Submit letters directly to our email (DMDAdmission@dental.ufl.edu).
  
• Most schools have transitioned to fully online courses for spring and summer 2020.  This transition to online courses will not hinder your matriculation to UFCD.

Health Professions Immunization Form – Due April 1

Who to contact with questions or concerns:
UF Health Compliance Office at 352-294-2925

Access the mandatory Health Professions Immunization Form with submission instructions on the UF Health Compliance Office website. You cannot be registered for classes until you comply with all immunization requirements. Forms are due April 1 for UF College of Dentistry. Please relay any immunization form questions to UF Health Compliance Office at (352) 294-2925.

Choose only ONE method to submit your records:

• EMAIL: healthcompliance@shcc.ufl.edu — All forms must be sent as a PDF attachment. Please note: Email sent over the Internet is not necessarily secure. Please be aware that the UF Student Health Care Center (SHCC) cannot guarantee the confidentiality or security of any information sent over the Internet when using email. The SHCC shall not be liable for any breach of confidentiality resulting from such use of email via the Internet.
• FAX: (352) 392-0938 (Do not include a cover sheet)
• MAILING ADDRESS: UF Student Health Care Center, Health Compliance, P.O. Box 117500, Gainesville, FL 32611-7500
  Alternate address, if street address is required: UF Student Health Care Center, Health Compliance, 280 Fletcher Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611

Orientation & Academic Calendar

Who to contact with questions or concerns:
UFCD Office of Academic Affairs at 352-273-5950

The UFCD Office of Academic Affairs posts and updates the academic calendar for the college, so be sure to familiarize yourself with this webpage. Orientation for the Entering Class of 2020 is scheduled to start on Monday, August 17th! You will receive additional details and requirements to complete throughout the upcoming months.

Laptop Computer Requirement

Who to contact with questions or concerns:
UFCD Office of Academic Affairs at 352-273-5950

You are required to have a laptop for the duration of dental school. The Office of Academic Affairs has a Laptop Requirement section with guidelines for all DMD students to review. If you have any questions regarding the laptop computer requirement, please contact the UFCD Office of Academic Affairs at 352-273-5950.

Housing Information

Who to contact with questions or concerns:
University of Florida Division of Housing or University of Florida Off Campus Life

The University of Florida has resources for living on and off campus. For information about on-campus housing contact the University of Florida Division of Housing. For information regarding off-campus housing, visit the University of Florida Off Campus Life website.

– Discover the amazing Gator Guide (PDF version of the Gator Guide)
– Review Off Campus Life (OCL) housing tips to finding the perfect place to live. “Before choosing a residence, students need to consider what needs and preferences they have for not only cost of living and rent but also distance from campus, length of lease, roommates and safety to name a few.”

Canvas

All updates will be posted on Canvas after May 1, 2020. You will receive an email from the Office of Admissions when you have been given access to Canvas. You will see the “DMD Orientation – Class of 2024” as well as the “Dentistry Scholarship Application” both are online courses through Canvas.  You can access the courses by logging in with your gatorlink through https://elearning.ufl.edu/. If you are new to Canvas please read over this helpful FAQs page https://elearning.ufl.edu/student-help-faqs/.