Transfer Credit Policy

Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to outline the procedures and requirements for students transferring into our dental program. This ensures that all incoming students meet the necessary academic and clinical competencies required for success in our curriculum.

1. Eligibility Criteria:

1.1 Accreditation: Transfer credits will be considered only from institutions accredited by a recognized accrediting body.

1.2 Course Equivalence: Courses must be comparable in content, rigor, and credit hours to those offered in our dental program. Detailed course syllabi and descriptions must be provided for evaluation.

1.3 Grade Requirements: To be eligible for transfer, courses must have been completed with a minimum grade of B or its equivalent.  If the grade is lower than a B, the admissions committee may recommend another form of assessment to be considered for evaluation.

2. Application Process:

2.1 Documentation Required:
   - Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions previously attended.
   - Detailed syllabi and course descriptions for all courses being considered for transfer.
   - Any additional documentation as required by the admissions office.

2.2 Evaluation Process:
   - Submitted documents will be reviewed by the Admissions Committee to determine course equivalency and transferability.
   - A formal evaluation will be conducted to assess if the transferred coursework meets our program’s standards.

3. Clinical Competency Assessment:

3.1 Mock Clinical Board and Hand skills Assessment:
   - All students transferring into the dental program must pass LMU’s Mock Clinical Board and/or any other appropriate hand skills assessment prior to being placed into their appropriate class level.
   - The assessment ensures that transferring students meet the clinical skill requirements and are prepared to succeed in our program’s clinical courses.

3.2 Assessment Scheduling:
   - Students will be notified of the assessment schedule upon acceptance into the program.
   - Students must complete the assessment before the start of their first semester or as otherwise directed by the admissions office.

4. Credit Limits:

4.1 Maximum Credits:
   - The maximum number of transferable credits is subject to review and approval by the Admissions Committee. Typically, transfer credits will be capped at [specific number or percentage] of the total credits required for graduation.


5. Advanced Standing:

5.1 Advanced Placement:
   - Transfer students who have completed coursework at another dental institution may be considered for advanced standing. This will be determined based on a review of their previous coursework and clinical competencies.

5.2 Additional Assessments:
   - Advanced placement may require additional assessments or evaluations to ensure alignment with our curriculum standards.

6. Deadlines and Processing Time:

6.1 Application Deadlines:
   - Transfer applications and all required documentation are encouraged to be submitted as early as possible. 

6.2 Processing Time:
   - The evaluation of transfer credits and clinical competency assessments may take several weeks. Students are advised to submit all documents as early as possible.

7. Impact on Graduation Requirements:

7.1 Curriculum Alignment:
   - Transferred credits must align with our curriculum requirements. Students will receive a detailed evaluation of how their transferred courses fit into their degree plan.

7.2 Graduation Requirements:
   - Students must fulfill all remaining graduation requirements as specified by our program, including any additional coursework or clinical experiences required.

For any questions or further clarification regarding the transfer policy, please contact the Admissions Office.