Last updated on September 11, 2025.

Loma Linda University (DH to DDS Bridge)

Program Size
10
Program Length
21 Months
Application Deadline
June 1, 2026
Program Start
September 28, 2026

Program Contact

Marlise Perry Assistant Director, Admissions and Student Affairs

Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Prince Hall, Room 5503
Loma Linda, California 92350

Apply Now

Are you looking for an alternative to a Post-Bac program?  Have you already applied and discovered you need to strengthen your application?  The Bridge Pathway may be the answer.   It provides DDS applicants with a weak academic profile a chance to enroll in Dental Hygiene. This allows you to prove yourself while preparing for dental school.  There is no waiting list for qualified applicants, contact us today.  The application deadline for DH to DDS Bridge is June 1st.                  

Email: admissions.sd@llu.edu or call 909-558-4621.

Advantages

  • Priority consideration given for the DDS program after Bridge Pathway
  • Not required to re-take old sciences
  • Not required to re-take their DAT if Academic Average is 18 or higher
  • Acquire valuable skills and a career if not accepted into dental school
  • Be better prepared for the dental program

Minimum Entry Requirements

  • DDS Science Pre-requisites with a GPA of 2.7
  • DAT with a score of 18
  • DH Pre-requisites with a GPA of 2.5
  • Successful completion of the DH program at LLUSD
  • Apply through AADSAS before second year of DH program

Program Information

Program Type Entry Level
Teaching Method In-Person
Degree Awarded Bachelor
Program Size 10
Program Length 21 Months
Application Deadline June 1, 2026
Program Start Date September 28, 2026
Credit Hours Required to Graduate 117 quarter units + pre-requisites
Supplemental Application No
Supplemental Fee No
Accepts International Students No
Supports Student Visa No
Program Website dentistry.llu.edu

Application Requirements

Required Standardized Tests

Prerequisite Instructions

Dentistry Pre-requisites

  • All dental prerequisites as listed on the LLUSD website
  • DAT required

Dental Hygiene Pre-requisites

  • All dental hygiene prerequisites as listed on the LLUSD website    

*No AP science prerequisite courses accepted

Letters of Evaluation Instructions

2 Letters of Recommendations to be included in the DHCAS application and 1 Spiritual Leader Recommendation Form uploaded to the Loma Linda University Application portal.

Other Requirement Instructions

Admission Requirements

  • Proficiency in verbal and written English
  • 20 hours minimum of observation/shadowing of a dental hygienist
  • Dental assisting experience is strongly recommended.
  • Two letters of recommendation: 1) employer or dental professional, 2) pre–professional committee or science professor uploaded with DHCAS application.
  • A spiritual leader recommendation form uploaded to the Loma Linda University Application portal.
  • A formal interview (by invitation only).
  • Official transcripts from all schools attended.