Entrance Exams for Dental Schools in the Philippines

If you’re aiming to study dentistry in the Philippines, one of the first questions you’ll ask is: “Do I need an entrance exam?” The honest answer is: it depends on the school, your entry route (freshman, transferee, second-degree applicant, or international student), and the university’s overall admission policies.

Unlike some countries where dentistry admissions revolve around a single national standardized test, dental school admissions in the Philippines are usually a combination of (1) the university’s general entrance exam, plus (2) dentistry-specific screening requirements that may include interviews, aptitude assessments, medical clearance, and—at some institutions—a hands-on dexterity test.

This guide breaks down the most common entrance exams and screening steps, how they differ by school type, and how to prepare strategically so you don’t waste time studying for the wrong exam.

How Dentistry Admissions Work in the Philippines (Big Picture)

Most dental programs in the Philippines are offered as a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program. In many institutions, dentistry is treated as an undergraduate-entry professional program (meaning you can apply after Senior High School), but admission is often more selective than other college programs because of limited clinical slots, lab requirements, and equipment capacity.

In practice, admissions commonly follow this pattern:

• Step 1: Meet basic eligibility (Senior High School graduate, or transferee/degree-holder requirements).
• Step 2: Take a university admission test or entrance exam (if the university requires it).
• Step 3: Complete dentistry-level screening (interview, grade screening, medical/dental fitness, and sometimes dexterity tests).
• Step 4: Submit documentary requirements and secure your slot (reservation/confirmation).

This means that “entrance exam” can refer to different things depending on the context: a campus-wide entrance test, a department screening exam, or a skill-based evaluation.

Do Dental Schools in the Philippines Require the NMAT?

A common confusion is the NMAT (National Medical Admission Test). The NMAT is typically associated with admission into Doctor of Medicine (MD) programs, and many applicants mistakenly assume it is also required for dentistry. In general, dentistry applicants should not assume that the NMAT is required for DMD admission.

Instead, dentistry admissions usually rely on the university entrance exam and program-specific screening. If you see NMAT mentioned on a university site, check carefully whether it’s for the College of Medicine (MD) rather than the College of Dentistry (DMD).

Practical tip: If you are applying to multiple health-related programs (e.g., Dentistry and Medicine), keep your exam plan separate. Studying for NMAT is a different track and can distract you from dentistry admissions requirements that focus more on academic readiness and hands-on potential.

The Most Common “Entrance Exams” Used for Dental School Admission

Below are the exam and assessment types most commonly encountered when applying to dental schools in the Philippines. Not every school will use all of them, and some may use none beyond the general university entrance test.

1) University Entrance Exam (General Admission Test)

Many private universities and some public institutions require incoming freshmen to take a university entrance exam. This is usually not dentistry-specific. It’s a general academic aptitude test designed for college admissions, often covering:

• English proficiency (grammar, reading comprehension, vocabulary)
• Math and basic quantitative reasoning
• Science fundamentals (sometimes general science, basic biology/chemistry concepts)
• Logical reasoning or abstract reasoning (varies by school)

For dentistry, the importance of this exam depends on how the university allocates slots. Some schools use the university entrance exam as an initial filter and then apply a second layer of screening within the dentistry program.

What to expect: The format is commonly multiple-choice. Some universities administer computer-based entrance exams; others still use paper-based tests.

2) College/Department Screening Exam (Program-Specific Testing)

Some institutions may require additional testing specifically for dentistry applicants. This can be an academic screening exam, a diagnostic test, or a program readiness assessment. Where used, it may emphasize:

• Science readiness (especially biology and chemistry basics)
• Reading comprehension and academic English
• Attention to detail and practical reasoning

This is not standardized nationwide. Schools design these based on their own expectations and pass thresholds.

Why it matters: Dentistry is lab- and clinic-heavy. Schools want students who can manage demanding workloads and develop technical precision over time.

3) Dexterity Test (Hands-On Skills Assessment)

In dentistry, manual dexterity matters. Some dental schools include a dexterity test (sometimes called a manual skills test) as part of screening. The goal isn’t to find students who are already “dentist-level,” but to identify applicants with basic hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, patience, and the ability to follow instructions carefully.

Dexterity tests can look like:

• Carving or shaping exercises (e.g., wax or soap carving)
• Pattern replication tasks (copying shapes accurately)
• Fine-motor tasks under time constraints
• Tool-handling exercises (depending on the school’s setup)

Important: Not all dental schools require this. Where it exists, it can be a decisive step because it directly relates to dental lab work and pre-clinical training.

4) Interview (Individual or Panel)

Many dental programs include an interview. This is often underestimated, but in selective schools, interview performance can be a major deciding factor—especially when applicants have similar grades.

Interviewers may assess:

• Motivation for choosing dentistry (and realism about the workload)
• Communication skills and professionalism
• Stress tolerance and time management habits
• Ethical judgment (basic scenarios)
• Long-term goals (general practice, specialization, community service, etc.)

How to prepare: Be specific about why dentistry fits you, and demonstrate that you understand what dental training involves (labs, clinical requirements, patient care, and board preparation).

5) Academic Screening: Grades, Strand, and Prerequisites

Even if there is an entrance exam, many dental schools also apply grade screening rules. This is especially common in private universities and competitive state universities where dentistry slots are limited.

Examples of common screening criteria include:

• Minimum Senior High School average (overall or in key subjects)
• Preference for STEM strand (some schools accept non-STEM but may require stronger grades)
• Minimum grades in science and math subjects
• No failing grades for transferees or second-degree applicants (rules vary)

If you’re a transferee or already have a degree, some schools evaluate your college transcript and may require fewer entrance exams but stricter transcript evaluation and interview screening.

6) Medical, Dental, and Health Clearance

Because dentistry involves close patient contact and physical demands (long hours standing/sitting, fine hand work, clinical exposure), many schools require medical clearance and laboratory tests before final admission or enrollment.

Depending on the institution, you may need:

• Physical exam and medical certificate
• Vaccination records (or required vaccinations)
• Chest X-ray and basic lab tests
• Dental check-up documentation (sometimes)

This is not an “entrance exam” academically, but it is part of the screening pathway that can affect enrollment timelines.

Differences Between Public and Private Dental Schools

Admissions culture can differ depending on whether the school is a state university or a private university.

• State universities: Often highly competitive due to limited slots and lower tuition. Entrance procedures may include the university entrance exam plus additional screening (including possible dexterity assessments), and stricter grade-based ranking.
• Private universities: May have more flexible intake but still apply screening due to clinic capacity. They often rely on entrance exams, interviews, and document evaluation, and may have multiple application cycles.

In both cases, dentistry programs can fill quickly. Treat admissions as a time-sensitive process rather than something you can “do later.”

International Student Applicants: What Exams Might You Need?

For international applicants, the “entrance exam” question becomes more complex because universities may apply additional requirements. Depending on the school, you may encounter:

• University entrance exam (sometimes waived if you have prior college credits or a degree)
• English proficiency verification (especially if you come from a non-English education background)
• Credential evaluation (equivalency of transcripts and diploma)
• Additional interviews (sometimes online)

International students should also plan for immigration-related timelines (student visa processing, authentication of documents, and medical requirements). Even if an exam is not required, paperwork can be the real bottleneck.

How to Prepare for Dental School Entrance Exams and Screening

Preparation should be targeted. Many applicants waste effort studying overly advanced topics, when the actual screening focuses on basics plus readiness and consistency.

Study plan for general university entrance exams:

• Review high-frequency English topics: reading comprehension, grammar, sentence structure.
• Practice math fundamentals: algebra basics, word problems, percentages, ratios.
• Refresh general science: basic biology, chemistry fundamentals, and scientific reasoning.
• Take timed practice tests to improve pacing.

Preparation for interviews:

• Prepare a clear, honest story: why dentistry, why this school, why now.
• Practice explaining your strengths without sounding scripted.
• Be ready to talk about workload, manual skills development, and patient care.

Preparation for dexterity tests (if required):

• Practice careful hand work: drawing, basic carving, model building, or crafts.
• Focus on precision and patience, not speed alone.
• Train posture and steady hands (simple routines help more than “cramming”).

Recommended Application Timeline (So You Don’t Miss Exam Windows)

While dates vary by institution, a safe approach is to plan your application cycle early.

• 3–6 months before intake: Shortlist schools, check exam/application schedules, and begin review.
• 2–3 months before intake: Submit applications, schedule entrance tests (if any), and prepare documents.
• 1–2 months before intake: Interviews, dexterity tests, medical requirements, and slot confirmation.
• Final month: Enrollment, payment deadlines, uniform/equipment planning, and orientation.

If you are applying to competitive programs, apply to more than one school to reduce risk—especially if your target schools have limited slots.

Practical Checklist: What to Ask Each Dental School About “Entrance Exams”

Because requirements vary, use this checklist when reviewing a school’s admissions page or when contacting admissions:

• Is there a university entrance exam for freshmen applicants?
• Is there an additional dentistry screening exam?
• Is there a dexterity/manual skills test? If yes, what format?
• Is an interview required? Individual or panel?
• Are there minimum grade requirements (overall or subject-specific)?
• Are STEM students prioritized, and how are non-STEM applicants evaluated?
• For transferees/degree-holders: is the entrance exam waived or still required?
• For international students: is there an English requirement or credential evaluation step?

Final Thoughts: Focus on the Right “Exam” for Your Target School

In the Philippines, “entrance exams for dental schools” is not one single standardized test. Instead, it’s a collection of possible assessments that depend heavily on the university and applicant category.

Your best strategy is to identify your target schools early, confirm whether they use a general entrance exam, a dentistry screening exam, an interview, or a dexterity test, and then prepare specifically for those steps. Dentistry admissions reward applicants who are organized, realistic about the training, and ready to develop both academic strength and technical precision.

If you plan well, you can turn the uncertainty of varying requirements into an advantage—because many applicants lose opportunities simply by missing schedules, misunderstanding which exam matters, or underpreparing for interviews and skill screening.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Do dental schools in the Philippines require an entrance exam?

Many dental schools in the Philippines require some form of entrance assessment, but the exact requirement depends on the university. Some schools require a general university entrance exam for all incoming freshmen, while others focus more on document evaluation, interviews, and program screening. In dentistry, admissions can also include additional steps such as manual dexterity checks or academic screening in science subjects. The best approach is to confirm whether your target school uses a campus-wide admission test, a dentistry-specific exam, or both. Even when there is no separate “dental entrance test,” you should still expect structured screening because dentistry programs have limited lab and clinic capacity.

Is the NMAT required for Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in the Philippines?

In most cases, the NMAT is not required for DMD admission because it is generally associated with Doctor of Medicine (MD) applications. Some applicants get confused when universities list NMAT information on their websites, but it is often meant for medical programs rather than dentistry. For dentistry, schools usually prioritize general admission test results (if applicable), grades, and program-level screening such as interviews or aptitude evaluations. If a school mentions NMAT, check carefully which college it refers to and look for dentistry-specific admissions instructions to avoid preparing for an exam you may not need.

What subjects are usually covered in a university entrance exam?

When a university entrance exam is required, it typically tests general readiness for college rather than dentistry-specific knowledge. Common sections include English (reading comprehension, vocabulary, grammar), math (basic algebra, word problems, quantitative reasoning), and science (general science concepts, sometimes with basic biology or chemistry). Some tests also include logic or abstract reasoning. You usually do not need advanced chemistry or biology to pass; instead, you need strong fundamentals, careful reading, and time management. Because test formats vary by school, it’s smart to practice general aptitude test questions and focus on speed and accuracy.

Do dental schools require a dexterity or manual skills test?

Some dental schools include a manual dexterity test, but it is not universal. When used, it is designed to assess hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and the ability to follow precise instructions—skills that matter in dental laboratory and clinical work. The test may involve simple carving tasks, pattern replication, or fine-motor activities under time limits. Schools are not expecting you to have professional dental skills before enrollment, but they want to see potential for developing them. If your target school requires a dexterity test, practicing careful hands-on activities like drawing, crafting, or model work can help you feel more confident.

How important are grades compared to entrance exam scores?

Grades are often highly important in dentistry admissions because programs may have limited slots. Even if you pass an entrance exam, schools may still rank applicants using Senior High School averages, performance in science and math subjects, and overall academic consistency. Some institutions also consider strand background, and STEM applicants may be favored or may find the curriculum transition easier. For transferees and second-degree applicants, college transcripts can matter even more than a standardized entrance test. In many cases, admission decisions are based on a combination of exam results, grade screening, and interview performance rather than a single score.

Is an interview required for dental school admission?

Many dental programs use interviews as a key screening tool. Interviews help schools assess motivation, maturity, communication skills, and whether you have realistic expectations about the demands of dental training. You may be asked why you chose dentistry, how you handle stress, how you manage time, and what your long-term goals are. Some interviews may include scenario-based questions to evaluate professionalism and ethical judgment. To prepare, practice explaining your reasons for pursuing dentistry clearly and honestly, and show that you understand dentistry involves heavy lab work, clinical training, patient interaction, and long study hours.

Can international students apply to dental schools in the Philippines without taking an entrance exam?

International student requirements vary widely by school. Some universities still require a general entrance exam, while others may waive it if you have prior college credits or a completed degree. However, international applicants usually face additional screening steps such as credential evaluation, document authentication, and sometimes proof of English proficiency. Even if an exam is waived, the process can still be strict because schools must verify academic equivalency and compliance with enrollment rules. It’s also important to plan for longer timelines due to visa processing and document preparation. Always check the specific admissions pathway for international applicants at each university.

If I am a transferee or already have a college degree, do I still need an entrance exam?

Transferees and second-degree applicants may have different rules than freshmen applicants. Some universities waive the standard entrance exam and focus on transcript evaluation, subject equivalency, and interviews. Other schools still require an exam or a diagnostic test to assess readiness for the dentistry curriculum. You may also need to meet minimum grade standards and complete prerequisite subjects depending on how your previous coursework matches the program’s requirements. Because dentistry has strict sequencing (especially in lab and clinical subjects), transfer admissions can be selective. Confirm early which subjects can be credited and what screening steps apply to you.

What documents are commonly required in addition to exams?

Beyond any entrance exam, schools typically require standard admissions documents such as application forms, transcripts, proof of graduation, identification, and photos. Many dental programs also require medical clearance before final enrollment, which can include a physical exam, basic lab tests, and vaccination records. Some schools may request a certificate of good moral character or recommendation letters. International applicants often need authenticated school records and additional immigration-related documents. Because document processing can take time, especially for authenticated papers, it’s wise to prepare your documents early so you don’t miss test dates, interview schedules, or enrollment deadlines.

How can I prepare effectively if I don’t know the exact exam format yet?

If a school does not clearly describe its exam format, focus on core skills that apply to most entrance tests: reading comprehension, basic math, general science fundamentals, and time management. Use practice tests to build speed and accuracy. If interviews are likely, prepare a strong explanation of your motivation and practice responding calmly under pressure. If dexterity screening is possible, do activities that train fine motor control and attention to detail. Most importantly, prioritize confirming requirements from your target schools as early as possible. Preparation works best when it matches what the school actually measures for admission.

Dentistry in the Philippines: Education System, Universities, and Career Path