USC's holistic review genuinely rewards strong Kira Talent performance and demonstrated leadership — even over research credentials. A compelling personal narrative can outweigh a slightly lower GPA here.
"To provide education, scholarship, and outreach that improves oral, dental, craniofacial, and general systemic health and well-being locally, nationally, and internationally."
USC uses the Kira Talent video interview platform. You receive questions on screen and have limited time to respond on camera. Interviews for accepted students typically run October through April. Preparation is essential — most students significantly underestimate the impact of Kira performance on their application.
| Year | Tuition & Fees | Living Expenses | Estimated Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | ~$87,000 | ~$30,000 | ~$117,000 |
| D2 | ~$87,000 | ~$30,000 | ~$117,000 |
| D3 | ~$87,000 | ~$30,000 | ~$117,000 |
| D4 | ~$87,000 | ~$30,000 | ~$117,000 |
Verify current rates at dentistry.usc.edu. Total 4-year program cost is among the highest in California. Run your loan repayment projections before committing.
Research experience is a real differentiator at UCLA in a way it isn't at USC. Without at least a semester in a research setting, your application is significantly weaker here. With it, a slightly lower GPA is survivable.
"To improve the oral and general health of the people of California, the nation and the world through education, research, patient care and public service."
Two virtual one-on-one interviews, each with a different faculty member. Interviewers do not have access to your written application beforehand. There are breaks between sessions where applicants can meet each other, followed by a virtual school tour.
| Year | In-State Tuition | Out-State Tuition | Fees | Living Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | $52,147 | $64,392 | $34,883 | $34,101 |
| D2 | $57,298 | $69,543 | $23,355 | $44,468 |
| D3 | $57,298 | $69,543 | $10,019 | $44,468 |
| D4 | $57,298 | $69,543 | $12,874 | $44,468 |
Public UC tuition makes UCLA one of the more affordable elite dental programs in CA — for CA residents. Out-of-state costs are significantly higher.
UCSF has a specific mission: training dentists committed to advancing oral health equity and serving underserved communities. They evaluate mission alignment seriously. Apply because you mean it — not because of the name.
"Patient Care – Education – Service – Research."
Two one-on-one interviews — one in-person at the school with a current dental student, and one virtual with faculty. A strong, mission-aligned interview performance is critical here.
The lower public tuition is real — but San Francisco cost of living significantly offsets it. Budget total cost of attendance carefully, not just tuition.
The only 3-year DDS program in the US. You graduate a full year earlier — entering practice or residency while your classmates at 4-year programs are still in D4. The tradeoff is the highest debt load in California and an intense schedule by design.
"To prepare oral health care providers for scientifically based practice. To define new standards for education. To provide patient-centered care. To discover and disseminate knowledge."
UOP has the highest annual tuition of any CA dental school. Combined with SF cost of living, the total program cost is the highest in California.
Verify current rates at pacific.edu. Run your loan repayment projections carefully before committing — this is a significant financial commitment.
LLU has a Seventh-day Adventist affiliation — you do not need to be SDA to apply, but you do need to genuinely respect and align with the mission. Character and values are evaluated seriously here. The interview carries more weight at LLU than at any other CA dental school.
"To further the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus Christ: Students learn to provide high-quality oral health care based on sound biologic principles."
In-person interview with a faculty member followed by a tour of the school. The interview carries significant weight in the final decision — prepare extensively for this one.
| Year | Tuition | Fees | Living Expenses |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | $96,056 | $11,200 | $29,300 |
| D2 | $102,356 | $8,050 | $34,980 |
| D3 | $101,156 | $4,150 | $34,980 |
| D4 | $101,156 | $4,645 | $32,065 |
Inland Empire cost of living is significantly lower than LA or SF — total cost of attendance is more manageable than USC or UOP despite similar private tuition.
Western rewards students who can connect with patients — not just those with the best numbers. Their acceptance rate is surprisingly low (2.75% overall) given the accessible GPA/DAT averages — they're highly selective about interpersonal fit and community commitment.
"To educate and train highly competent, diverse clinical practitioners to provide complex, integrative, high-quality and evidence-based care for patients, families and communities."
Interviewed by a panel of two — either faculty, administrators, or clinicians plus one student. 25–30 minute interview with behavioral-based questions that require you to draw from personal experience. Communication and interpersonal skills are heavily evaluated.
Verify current tuition at westernu.edu. Pomona location provides significantly lower cost of living than SF or LA proper, which helps offset private tuition.
CNU is one of the most recently established dental programs in California (first class enrolled 2022). They evaluate applicants holistically and can consider candidates while a DAT is pending. Small class size means a tight-knit community — and a very competitive process given the limited spots.
"Advancing the art and science of health through education, service, scholarship, and social accountability."
One-on-one virtual interviews. CNU uniquely allows applicants to be evaluated before official DAT scores are submitted — worth noting if you're still prepping.
CNU is a new institution and tuition rates may change. Verify at cnsu.edu before applying.
Sacramento area cost of living is meaningfully lower than LA or SF, which helps offset private tuition.