The UCSF post-baccalaureate reapplication program: a preliminary report

The University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry initiated a pilot project in 1998 to assist economically and/or educationally disadvantaged students to gain admission to dental school. Students entering the program have completed the requirements for admission to dental school, have applied, and been denied admission, and have expressed a desire to care for underserved populations. The program features a summer preparation course for the Dental Admission Test (DAT), learning skill workshops, seminars, and assistance in the reapplication process. The students participate in clinical clerkships and during the fall and spring semesters are enrolled in upper-division and graduate-level science courses at a local university. Five students participated in the pilot project in 1998; they were admitted in 1999 and have successfully completed the first year of dental school. The sixteen students enrolled in 1999 have now been admitted to one or more dental schools. Fourteen students are currently enrolled in the 2000/2001 academic year program.