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Frequently Asked Questions - US & International Applicants

1.   Can I be accepted if I have not completed all of the listed pre-requisite courses?
No, all applicants must have all pre-requisite courses completed by June 1 in order to be considered for admission.

2.   What is the most important aspect of my application - grades or other factors?
Grades are the first thing considered by the Admissions Committee. Those students with the best academic record are invited to the orientation session. Applicants invited to the orientation session generally have a B average (GPA of 3.0) in their most recent university study, and in their required subjects.

3.   How many students are invited to the orientation session; and is attendance mandatory?
The Admissions Committee will normally invite approximately 80 applicants to the orientation session. Attendance is mandatory, unless you have contacted the Faculty of Dentistry before the session and made alternate arrangements.

4.   Should I spend time observing or volunteering in a dentist's office?
Yes, you should observe in a general practice dental hygiene office; asking questions of the dental hygienist about his/her work. It is not necessary to volunteer to work in the dental office; but you should spend time in the office to find out as much about the career as you can.

5.   What other factors are considered, besides academic grades?
Applicants with the best academic record are considered for acceptance. Based on academic grades, applicants are selected to attend the orientation session. At the orientation session, applicants are asked to complete a 'candidates questionnaire'. The results of the questionnaire are an important aspect of the application

6.   What does the candidates' questionnaire assess and how can I prepare for it?
The candidate's questionnaire asks questions about what applicants have done to find out about the career of dental hygiene. You can best prepare for the questionnaire by talking to a dental hygienist, reading articles and visiting the following websites:  www.cdha.ca;   www.nsdha.ca;   and www.adha.org.

9.   Does the Faculty of Dentistry accept a certain number of applicants from specific geographical areas?
Yes, the majority of the first year class is selected from applicants who are residents of the Atlantic Provinces of Canada. For details on how an applicant's residency status is determined, please see the appropriate section in the Faculty of Dentistry calendar.   There is no pre-determined number of applicants who are accepted from each of the Atlantic Provinces.

10.   Is it best to take my pre-requisite courses at Dalhousie?
You may study your pre-requisite courses at any accredited university. If you require assistance in selecting courses, please contact the Admissions Office, Faculty of Dentistry or your pre-dentistry/pre-health adviser at your university.