While the majority of accepted applicants have completed requirements for a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science degree prior to matriculation at the School of Dental Medicine, the absolute minimum prerequisite for admission to the School of Dental Medicine is successful completion of three academic years – 90 semester or 135 quarter hours – of undergraduate course work. This includes the specified subjects listed in the following table, at an accredited college or university in the United States. Credits are accepted from community and junior colleges, but it is recommended that most work be completed at a four-year institution. In addition to the stated prerequisites, preference will be given to applicants demonstrating exemplary academic performance in additional higher-level science courses while taking full academic loads. Science courses should not be survey courses or other such courses designed for non-science majors.

Applicants are required to complete the following coursework with a C or better by July of the intended entering year. Grades of D or lower will not be accepted. The SIU School of Dental Medicine will accept pass/fail grades for Spring 2020 coursework, recognizing the many changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine requires a total of three letters of recommendation. Letters must be uploaded directly to the AADSAS application by the evaluators. Letters sent directly to the Office of Admissions are not recommended. Of the required letters of recommendation uploaded to AADSAS, applicants must have:

TWO Science Letters – Letters must be from science professors who have taught and graded the applicant at the university level. Science letters should include the course name, number and professors signature.
ONE Letter of Choice – One letter by an evaluator of the applicant's choice. This evaluator could be another professor, a mentor or dentist. This letter should include letterhead and a signature.
-OR-

Pre-Health Professions Committee Letter – If the applicant's undergraduate institution has a pre-health profession committee, a letter or letter packet by committee members can be submitted in place of the three required letters of recommendation. This packet or letter will be submitted to AADSAS as one individual letter.
TOEFL: 79
IELTS: 6.5