University of Pikeville Tanner College of Dental Medicine
Pikeville, KY
/
School Detail
Application Tracking
Log in to track
APPLICATION FEE
N/A
Tuition In State
N/A
Tuition Out of State
N/A
Average GPA
N/A
AVERAGE ADMISSIONS TEST
N/A
School Overview
- Degrees
- DMD
- Ownership
- Private Non-Profit
- Program Length
- 4 years
- Total Enrollment
- N/A
- Founding Year
- 2016
- Accreditation Year
- N/A
Has any information changed?
Report an update.
SDN Insights
Cost of Living: Below national average cost of living
Pikeville, KY is about 0.79x the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment lowers the living allowance from $3,000 to about $2,370 per month. Local rent and commuting choices can still move your actual budget meaningfully.
Environment: Small Town or Rural
There is currently insufficient information to assess the neighborhood around TCDM.
Interview Feedback
Going on an interview at TCDM? Add your feedback to help others!
Secondary Essays for TCDM
1. Motivation and Fit
Why do you believe you would be a good fit for the university?
2. Community, Diversity, and Equity
If you become a dentist, what is your plan for serving the underserved and vulnerable?
3. Career Goals and Future Aspirations
If you become a dentist, what is your plan for becoming a leader in your community?
4. Leadership and Teamwork
What has been your most meaningful experience serving others? Please describe the experience, why it was meaningful, what you learned, and how this experience impacted your life?
5. Personal Experiences and Challenges
Please describe one of the most challenging things that has ever happened to you. What did you learn from this experience and how did this affect you in a positive way?
About the School
The University of Pikeville Tanner College of Dental Medicine, located in Pikeville, Kentucky, was founded to address the shortage of dental professionals serving rural and underserved populations in Appalachia. As Kentucky’s first dental school in nearly two decades, it reflects the university’s mission to improve access to oral healthcare and promote regional development. The college emphasizes a community-based approach, training dentists who are committed to practicing in small towns and medically underserved areas across the state.
Curriculum
The Tanner College of Dental Medicine offers an integrated, four-year Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) curriculum combining biomedical sciences, clinical training, and community service. The program employs a case-based learning model that emphasizes early hands-on experiences, ethical decision-making, and interprofessional collaboration with the university’s College of Osteopathic Medicine and other health programs. Students begin patient interactions early in their education and complete extensive clinical rotations in rural health centers across Appalachia during their third and fourth years.
Facilities
The college is housed in a modern, purpose-built dental education complex on the University of Pikeville campus, featuring state-of-the-art simulation laboratories, digital radiography suites, and advanced preclinical and clinical facilities. The main clinic is equipped with cutting-edge dental technology and electronic health records to mirror real-world practice environments. Additionally, the school partners with regional clinics and community health centers to expand clinical training capacity while improving access to care for underserved residents.
Demographics
The Tanner College of Dental Medicine recruits students from diverse backgrounds, with a strong emphasis on admitting individuals from rural and Appalachian communities who demonstrate a commitment to serving similar populations after graduation. While the school welcomes applicants from across the United States, it maintains a particular focus on Kentucky residents and those with demonstrated interest in rural health. The student body represents a balance of traditional and nontraditional students, reflecting the region’s cultural and socioeconomic diversity.
Last Updated: Aug 28, 2026