Introducing the DDS Class of 2026, Dental Therapy Class of 2025 and Dental Hygiene Class of 2024
Incoming students at orientation

The School of Dentistry welcomes 134 new learners to campus this semester in the DDS, Dental Hygiene and Dental Therapy programs.

The DDS Class of 2026 includes 105 learners, with 59 women and 46 men. The class includes 28 ethnically diverse members, 68 residents of the state of Minnesota and 15 residents of the region. The prestigious class maintains an overall average GPA of 3.62, with a science GPA average of 3.54 and a Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry and Physics average GPA of 3.62.

Infographic depicts DDS Class of 2025 includes 105 students, 56% female, 27% ethnically diverse, 24% rural, 65% MN residents, with 25 majors represented, 3.62 average GPA, 20.71 average DAT, and 24 languages spoken

The class averaged a 20.71 DAT academic score, with a 20.90 average perceptual ability, a 20.19 total science average and a 22.14 reading average.

Their 25 unique undergraduate majors range from science programs like biology and chemistry to business administration, economics, engineering and environmental health. The most popular majors were biology, biochemistry, biomedical science and chemistry.

The class speaks 24 languages including English, and 26 of the learners are the first in their family to complete a four-year degree.

The dual Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene/Master of Dental Therapy class of 2025 includes eight learners, with seven women and one man. They range in age from 20 to 37 years old, with an average age of 25.75. Two members of the class are ethnically diverse, and seven are Minnesota residents. They average an overall GPA of 3.33.

Infographic depicts BSDH/MDT Class of 2025 has an average age of 26 with a range of 20-37, includes 8 students, includes 1 who is the first in their family to complete a 4-year degree, is 88% female, 50% rural and 50% urban/suburban, has 88% MN residents and is 25% ethnically diverse

The class includes a former dental assistant, a three time US national champion equestrian, a competitive dancer and members who played several sports in high school. They volunteered and engaged in a range of pre-dental activities, including receiving a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology and a Master of Public Health. One learner is the first in their family to complete a four-year degree.

There are 21 members of the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Class of 2024, all of whom are women. They include 15 ethnically diverse members, with all being Minnesota residents. They average an overall GPA of 3.52, and range in age from 19 to 30 years old.

Infographic depicts BSDH Class of 2024 has an average age of 21 years with a range of 19-30, includes 21 students with 3 who are the first in their family to complete a 4-year degree, is 100% MN residents, 43% rural and 57% urban/suburban, is 71% ethnically diverse and is 100% female

Members of the class speak three languages other than English: Spanish, Vietnamese and Amharic. They include individuals who immigrated from Somalia, Ethiopia, Mexico, Ukraine and Liberia. Some received prior bachelor’s degrees, and they bring experience in music, sports, dance and research. Three are the first in their families to complete a four-year degree. Nine members were part of the University of Minnesota’s Freshman Guarantee program for dental hygiene.

The School of Dentistry welcomes our newest clinical learners and offers best wishes for a successful academic journey. 

Percentages and ages are rounded to the nearest whole number in infographics.

Tags
Students,
Dental Hygiene,
Dental Therapy,
DDS,
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion