Application Information

Applicants to programs of the College of Dentistry must possess the following general qualities: critical thinking, sound judgment, emotional stability and maturity, empathy, physical and mental stamina. Applicants must possess the ability to acquire knowledge, surgical skills and technical functions and use such knowledge, skills, and functions in a wide variety of didactic, laboratory, and clinical settings at an acceptable level of competency, as defined by the college. View the technical standards in their entirety.

All newly accepted students must have an approved Criminal Background Check prior to matriculation at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Once accepted, applicants will receive information as to how to apply for the criminal background check. A potential exists that an accurate negative Criminal Background Check report could affect a student's enrollment status at UTHSC. View the University of Tennessee Health Science Center policy on criminal background checks.

Students enrolling in the first-year class of the College of Dentistry will be required to arrive with a laptop computer. The campus supports both PC and Mac platforms.

MINIMUM technical requirements:

• Capable of running the most recent version of MS Windows or Mac OS
• 8 GB or greater of RAM
• 2.9 ghz Intel i5 processor or equivalent CPU processor
• 512 or 1024 GB hard drive or solid state drive
• 1024 x 768 or higher screen resolution
• Anti-virus software (If not installed, students will be required to install free anti-virus software from UT upon arrival on campus: Malwarebytes)
• Built in webcam and microphone

The College of Dentistry has no provisions for providing a laptop to students whose own laptop proves to be inoperable upon arriving at UT and cannot assist students whose laptop does not meet the specifications and proves to be inadequate for the student to perform their required lessons. 

Note that tablets, iPads, and Chrome books are not acceptable substitutes for a laptop as described above.

If you have additional questions about purchasing a laptop or would like to know if your laptop is sufficient, contact our IT Help Desk at 901.448.2222.

Misrepresentation of academic credentials is a Class A misdemeanor in Tennessee. A person commits the offense of misrepresentation of academic credentials who, knowing that the statement is false and with the intent to secure employment at or admission to an institution of higher education in Tennessee, represents, orally or in writing, that such person: (1) has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one or more degrees or diplomas from an accredited institution of higher education; (2) has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one or more degrees or diplomas from a particular institution of higher education; or (3) has successfully completed the required course work for and has been awarded one or more degrees or diplomas in a particular field or specialty from an accredited institution of higher education.

One of the principal missions of The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry (UTHSC-COD) is to provide quality educational opportunities for the people of this state and beyond. One measure of the quality of an educational experience is the extent to which it enables the recipient to compete and be productive in society and contribute to the quality of life. UTHSC recognizes that diversity in the educational environment, including an outstanding and diverse student body, faculty, and staff, and an environment conducive to learning, adds value to the educational experience and the degree earned. Interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives augments the curricular experience and affords every student the opportunity to gain the knowledge and skills necessary to be a productive and contributing citizen of this state and nation, capable of competing in a global society. Thus, diversity is fundamental to a sound twenty-first century education.

UTHSC affirms the educational value of a diverse and fully inclusive campus community, one that is enriched by persons of different backgrounds, points of view, cultures, socioeconomic status, and other diverse characteristics. UTHSC is committed to engaging in a variety of initiatives to advance diversity in all aspects of University life.