Western University of Health Sciences
Program Type: Early Assurance Program
Program Overview
Western University of Health Sciences offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program at its Pomona, California campus. The curriculum combines biomedical sciences, clinical education, and interprofessional learning to prepare students for contemporary dental practice. Students gain early clinical experiences while developing the knowledge and skills needed to provide patient-centered care.
Who Can Apply?
The CSUF linkage is available to qualified undergraduate students and eligible Pre-Health Professions Certificate (PHPC) students who are interested in pursuing a career in dentistry.
Applicants should:
- Complete the required prerequisite coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and English.
- Have a strong academic record in both overall and science coursework.
- Demonstrate commitment to the dental profession through clinical exposure, shadowing, service, or other relevant experiences.
- Meet all CSUF linkage eligibility requirements.
Academic Requirements
Students must meet both CSUF linkage requirements and WesternU admission requirements, including:
- Completion of all prerequisite coursework before matriculation (minimum grade of C in each prerequisite course).
- Completion of the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
- Submission of an ADEA AADSAS application and WesternU supplemental application.
- A committee letter from the undergraduate institution or individual letters of recommendation that satisfy WesternU's admissions requirements.
- A minimum of 30 hours of dental shadowing or dental experience (100+ hours is recommended to strengthen an application).
Why Consider This Linkage?
- Partnership with a California dental school.
- Innovative curriculum emphasizing interprofessional education and patient-centered care.
- Early guidance through the CSUF Health Professions Advising Office.
- Opportunity to prepare for a streamlined admissions pathway while completing your studies at CSUF.
Before You Apply
Requirements, deadlines, and admissions criteria are subject to change. Before applying, students should meet with a Health Professions Advisor to review eligibility, discuss their academic plan, and confirm current linkage and admissions requirements.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM)
Program Type: Early Assurance Program
Program Overview
LECOM's School of Dental Medicine offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree through an innovative, patient-centered curriculum that emphasizes Problem-Based Learning (PBL), collaborative learning, and early clinical experiences. The CSUF linkage is part of LECOM's Early Acceptance Program (EAP), allowing qualified students to receive provisional acceptance while completing their undergraduate degree.
Dental students complete the DMD program at LECOM's Bradenton, Florida campus. While LECOM also has a campus in Erie, Pennsylvania, the School of Dental Medicine is located in Bradenton.
Who Can Apply?
The CSUF linkage is available to eligible undergraduate students and is intended for students who:
- Are pursuing a career in dentistry
- Do not already hold a bachelor's degree
- Apply during their first or second year at CSUF
- Have at least one academic year remaining before graduation
Academic Requirements
Students must meet both CSUF linkage requirements and LECOM admission requirements, including:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.4
- Minimum science GPA of 3.3
- Completion of required prerequisite coursework
- Successful interview with LECOM
- Continued academic progress while enrolled at CSUF
Additional admission requirements, including completion of the Dental Admission Test (DAT), must be satisfied before matriculation into the DMD program.
Why Consider This Linkage?
- Early Acceptance Program (EAP) with provisional admission
- No additional admissions interview required after meeting all program conditions
- Innovative Problem-Based Learning curriculum
- Early assurance while completing your undergraduate degree
- Clear academic pathway from CSUF to LECOM's School of Dental Medicine
Before You Apply
Requirements and application timelines may change from year to year. Students interested in the LECOM linkage should meet with a Health Professions Advisor early to review eligibility, develop an academic plan, and confirm current admissions requirements.
