Early Assurance Program Applications available January 5, 2017 - June 1, 2017 Apply NOW!<https://www.gradmit.buffalo.edu/apply/3TT0X7NTB> <https://www.gradmit.buffalo.edu/apply/3TT0X7NTB> The Early Assurance Program at the School of Dental Medicine was developed to offer the opportunity for early acceptance to academically strong undergraduate students focused on a career in dentistry. Application to the program is made at the end of the second year of undergraduate study. Accepted applicants go on to complete the remaining two years of college and attain a bachelor's degree before entering the School of Dental Medicine. This program is designed to free students from the pressures and expenses associated with the dental school application process and to allow participants the freedom to select from a wider range of courses in the last two years of college. Eligibility Requirements Minimum GPA In order to be considered for the Early Assurance Program, an applicant must have completed two years of undergraduate study (approximately 60 credit hours) from a U.S. or Canadian institution and achieved a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 3.50 /4.0. Prerequisite Courses While there is no major course of study required, the applicant must have completed the English prerequisite and at least two of the five science prerequisites listed below prior to submitting the application to the program. The prerequisite courses are: * 2 semesters = 6 credit hours = 8 quarter hours of English including composition * 2 semesters = 8 credit hours = 12 quarter hours of General, inorganic chemistry (including laboratory) * 2 semesters = 8 credit hours = 12 quarter hours of Organic chemistry (including laboratory) * 2 semesters = 8 credit hours = 12 quarter hours of General biology (including laboratory) * 2 semesters = 8 credit hours = 12 quarter hours of General physics - algebra or calculus based (including laboratory) * 1 semester = 3 credit hours = 5 quarter hours of Biochemistry (does not require a laboratory component) Application Process The deadline for receipt of all application materials is June 1, 2017. The online application and all required documents must be received by the School of Dental Medicine on or before the application deadline. No exceptions will be made. In order to complete their application folder, applicants are required to provide the following: 1. Online Application Form<https://www.gradmit.buffalo.edu/etw/ets/et.asp?nxappid=GRA&nxmid=GetPublicApplicationSite&progid=3TT0X7NTB%27> 2. DENTPIN Early Assurance Applicants must provide a DENTPIN on their on-line application form. The DENTPIN (DENTal Personal Identifier Number) is a unique personal identifier for applicants and students involved with the U.S. dental education system and standardized testing programs. It will be used on your application to a dental education program or application service, your application to take and/or report your scores for the DAT test. DENTPIN numbers are free of charge and are issued by the American Dental Association. To apply for a DENTPIN, simply go to the ADA Website and apply on-line<http://www.ada.org/dentpin.aspx>. 3. Official Original Undergraduate Transcripts Official undergraduate transcript(s) of grades from all colleges or universities attended by the applicant. This must include all grades received and must be in signed, sealed envelopes. All transcripts should be forwarded to: University at Buffalo Student Admissions / Attn: Early Assurance School of Dental Medicine 315 Squire Hall Buffalo, New York 14214-8006 4. Pre Professional Committee Recommendation Letter or Three Letters of Recommendation A letter of recommendation from the pre-professional committee at their undergraduate school. Our DDS Admissions Committee prefers a composite letter of recommendation. In the event a committee letter is not possible to obtain, an applicant may substitute three letters of recommendation from course directors in undergraduate courses. At least two of these letters must be from course directors in science courses. Recommendation letters must be uploaded electronically via the GRADMIT portal. In the recommendation section of the online application, applicants will submit the e-mail addresses of three references. These referees will receive an email notification to electronically submit an online recommendation only after an applicant submits their application for formal review. 5. $75.00 Application fee paid electronically<https://epay.buffalo.edu/public/scripts/epay_form.cgi?payment_type=510> Interviews The Student Admissions Committee will begin the review of all completed applications after June 1. Each applicant receiving serious consideration for admission to the Early Assurance Program will be invited to visit the School of Dental Medicine to meet with members of the Student Admissions Committee. Admission Decisions All applicants will be informed of the committee's decision on or before July 15. Failure of an applicant to be accepted into the Early Assurance Program or discontinuance following acceptance will not preclude application to the School of Dental Medicine through the regular application process, nor will it disadvantage the candidate in any way. Accepted Student Deliverables DAT (Dental Admissions Test) Individuals accepted into the Early Assurance Program will be required to complete the DAT during the third year of undergraduate study. To be enrolled through this program, a participant must achieve minimum scores in the Academic Average, PAT (Perceptual Ability Test), and Reading Comprehension sections of the DAT as specified in the contract signed upon admission to the Early Assurance Program. All of the required minimum scores must be achieved on the same attempt at the DAT. Currently, candidates accepted into the Early Assurance Program are required to achieve scores of 20 in the Academic Average, PAT, and Reading Comprehension sections of the DAT to continue in the program. Grade Point Average Following acceptance into the Early Assurance Program, participants will be required to maintain minimum total GPA and BCP (biology, chemistry, physics) grade point averages as specified in the contract signed upon admission to the Early Assurance Program. Currently, candidates accepted into the Early Assurance Program are required to maintain a minimum GPA and BCP GPA of 3.7/4.0 each semester to continue in the program. A successful applicant will be required to carry a minimum of fifteen credit hours per semester throughout the remaining two years of undergraduate study and complete a bachelor's degree. Dean of Students Letter As future members of the dental profession, participants must remain in good moral and ethical standing. Prior to matriculation in the DDS program participants will be required to submit a letter from their undergraduate Dean of Students verifying their good standing. Clinical Experience All participants in the Early Assurance Program must gain experience in clinical dentistry. The experience must constitute at least 100 hours in a private dental office (general practice or specialty practice) and/or clinic (hospital or dental school). This requirement should be completed during the third year of study, but experience gained before admission into the Early Assurance Program may be included. The nature of this experience should consist of gaining knowledge of the day-to-day aspects of patient care. Participants will be asked to provide letters from supervisory personnel, describing the nature of the experience and the amount of time spent in participation. This letter should be submitted to our office. Questions Please contact Ms. Barbara Weinberg, DDS Admissions Coordinator [log in to unmask]<mailto:[log in to unmask]> or 716-829-6925.