University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
- Acceptance Rate
- 65.0%
- SAT Range
- 1050–1250
- ACT Range
- N/A
- Avg GPA
- 3.25
- Size
- N/A
- Type
- N/A
- Student:Faculty
- N/A
- Setting
- N/A
- Graduation Rate
- N/A
- Retention Rate
- N/A
- Tuition (In-State)
- N/A
- Tuition (Int'l)
- N/A
Student Life & Environment
Student life at Penn Dental Medicine balances the demands of professional education with the resources and opportunities of an elite research university. Dental students form a close-knit community within the larger Penn environment, supporting each other through rigorous coursework and clinical training while enjoying the social, cultural, and athletic offerings of university life in Philadelphia. The dental school building on Locust Walk places students at the heart of Penn's campus, steps from libraries, athletic facilities, and the restaurants and shops of University City. Dental students participate in Penn's broader community through intramural sports, campus organizations, and traditions including Hey Day and Spring Fling. Professional organizations within the school include chapters of the American Student Dental Association, specialty interest groups, and service organizations coordinating community outreach. Housing options include university-owned graduate apartments and the abundant rental housing market in West Philadelphia and Center City. Many dental students live in University City neighborhoods, creating informal study groups and social communities within walking distance of campus. Philadelphia's relatively affordable cost of living compared to other East Coast cities makes student life more manageable financially. The dental school maintains student lounges, study spaces, and social areas that foster community across classes. Annual events including the White Coat Ceremony, Dental Alumni Day, and graduation celebrations create shared traditions. The school's wellness initiatives recognize the physical and emotional demands of clinical education, providing mental health resources, counseling services, and peer support programs.
Location & Surroundings
Penn Dental Medicine occupies a modern facility on Penn's historic campus in Philadelphia's University City neighborhood. The campus combines Georgian architecture with contemporary buildings, including the dental school complex featuring state-of-the-art clinical facilities, simulation laboratories, and research spaces. University City, a vibrant area anchored by Penn and Drexel University, offers diverse dining, cultural venues, and urban amenities within steps of campus. Philadelphia provides an ideal setting for dental education, combining major city resources with manageable scale and affordability. The city's rich history, world-class museums, professional sports teams, and diverse neighborhoods create countless opportunities beyond academics. Center City's restaurants, theaters, and nightlife are easily accessible via public transportation or a short bike ride from campus. The climate features four distinct seasons with cold winters, warm summers, and pleasant spring and fall periods. Average winter temperatures hover around 30-40 degrees Fahrenheit with occasional snow, while summers reach the 80s and 90s with humidity. Students enjoy urban parks including Fairmount Park, one of the nation's largest urban green spaces, and weekend trips to the Jersey Shore, Pocono Mountains, or New York City. Public transportation via SEPTA buses, trolleys, and subway lines serves the campus well, though many students bike or walk given University City's compact layout. Philadelphia International Airport provides connections to major cities worldwide, located approximately 20 minutes from campus. The city's healthcare industry concentration, including numerous dental practices, specialty clinics, and corporate headquarters, creates exceptional networking and employment opportunities.
Costs & Career Outcomes
Tuition at Penn Dental Medicine runs approximately $80,000 annually, with total costs including fees, instruments, books, and living expenses estimated at $110,000-$125,000 per year. Over four years, total educational investment approaches $450,000-$500,000, making cost management and financial planning critical considerations for prospective students. Financial aid packages combine scholarships, grants, and federal loans to help manage these costs. Approximately 75% of students receive some form of financial assistance, with scholarships ranging from partial to near-full tuition based on merit and need. The school offers several named scholarships and participates in programs supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. Federal loans constitute the primary funding source for most students, with typical graduation debt ranging from $250,000 to $350,000. Career outcomes for Penn Dental Medicine graduates are exceptional, with virtually 100% employed or in advanced training within months of graduation. Starting salaries for general dentists range from $150,000 to $200,000 depending on practice setting and location, with specialists commanding significantly higher compensation after completing residency training. Approximately 50% of graduates pursue specialty training in fields including orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Major career paths include private practice (solo or group), academic positions at dental schools, specialty practice following residency training, and positions in public health, research institutions, or dental industry companies. The Penn alumni network creates exceptional networking and mentorship opportunities, with graduates supporting current students' career development. Many alumni have established successful practices, hold academic leadership positions, or serve in dental professional organizations.
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