In partnership with Kansas City University, qualified Rockhurst University sophomore pre-dental students can apply for early acceptance to KCU’s Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program. The Partners Program enables accepted students to earn their bachelor’s and DMD degrees in just 7 years.
Students applying to this program should have a strong interest in dentistry in their freshman year at Rockhurst and show exceptional commitment to academics and extracurricular activities. Students accepted into the Partner Program are NOT required to take the DAT.
Interested in a direct-entry option from high school? Explore our freshman direct-entry accelerated seven-year dental program, also offered in partnership with KCU.
Please note that DMD coursework is conducted at KUC’s campus in Joplin, Missouri.
Admission Requirements
Selection of the students into the Partners Program will be based on the following:
- ACT Score (minimum of 24)
- Freshman year academic performance
- Community service, specifically commitment to long-term volunteering opportunities
- Undergraduate and high school activities, with a strong preference for students who have leadership experience
- Knowledge of and dedication to the field of dentistry. Shadowing at least one dentist before the interview is highly recommended.
Students admitted to the program are required to maintain an overall GPA of 3.25 and a GPA of 3.5 in science coursework at Rockhurst. Students must also complete at least 90 hours of coursework at Rockhurst before matriculating into KCU. Failure to maintain the required overall GPA and science coursework GPA may disqualify the student from continuing in the program. A joint decision between KCU and Rockhurst University may be made to replace forfeited positions.
Dental Partners Program Timeline
- Fall of freshman year: Identify yourself and your interest in the Partners Program to Annie Lee, Ph.D., annie.lee@rockhurst.edu or Laura Salem, Ph.D., laura.salem@rockhurst.edu.
- Late fall of sophomore year: Apply for an interview with the Rockhurst Pre-Dental advisory group (must have a science GPA and overall GPA of 3.5 at Rockhurst to qualify).
- December of sophomore year (after first-semester sophomore grades are submitted): Interview with the Rockhurst Pre-Dental advisory group to receive a committee letter for KCU. This group will make the initial selection of which students are selected to interview at KCU.
- January/February of sophomore year: interview at KCU during their dental school interview days.
- Summer after sophomore year: Complete summer course work toward Rockhurst degree.
- Junior year: Complete coursework at Rockhurst, fill out the degree application form.
- Senior year: Will be completed at KCU. Following the successful completion of their first year at KCU, they will receive their bachelor’s degree from Rockhurst University.
Upon graduating with their bachelor’s degree, an official copy of the student’s undergraduate transcript must be provided to the KCU Registrar’s Office.
Curriculum
The seven-year program leads to the baccalaureate degree awarded by Rockhurst University (after the fourth year) and the DMD degree granted by the KCU. Students have much flexibility in choosing a bachelor's degree and are encouraged to study in an area of their choice.
During the first three years of the curriculum, students will spend 100% of their time in coursework related to the bachelor’s degree, which includes 42-46 semester hours of natural and physical science, and 3 to 4 semester hours of mathematics. The program usually requires attendance at one summer school session.
Third-year courses will depend on the student’s choice of an academic major area. Each semester must include at least 16 credit hours. This must include at least one semester of Biochemistry. Refer to the Rockhurst University Catalog for the specific courses required for each major area. A minimum of 90 hours must be completed at Rockhurst.
Students admitted to the Partners Program must have taken and completed the following courses with a grade of “C” or higher at Rockhurst:
- Biological sciences — 12 hours
- Genetics — 3 hours (in addition to the 12 hours of biological sciences)
- Chemistry — 13 hours
- Biochemistry — 3 hours (in addition to the 13 hours of chemistry)
- Physics — 8 hours
- English composition and or/6 hours Literature
- Additional coursework in relevant topics, offered by Rockhurst University and agreed to by KCU, includes Advanced Human Anatomy and General Physiology.
After the third year, the student transfers to dental school, located in Joplin, Missouri. Approximately 16-18 credits will be transferred from KCU to be credited toward Rockhurst graduation. The remaining four years focus on achieving the DMD degree.
The student’s schedule will be modified in consultation with the program director. We will tailor each student’s schedule to their individual needs and preparation. Please consult before considering “AP” or “CLEP” examinations in any science.
For additional information, contact Annie Lee, Ph.D., at 816-501-4071 or annie.lee@rockhurst.edu.