Indigenous Applicants

Our Commitment to Indigenous Health

Schulich Medicine & Dentistry is committed to making a difference in the health of First Nations, Métis and Inuit People in Canada. As a demonstration of our commitment, two seats in each entering class for Indigenous students.

Acknowledging Territory

We acknowledge that Western University is located on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek, Haudenosaunee, Lūnaapéewak and Chonnonton peoples, on lands connected with the London Township and Sombra Treaties of 1796 and the Dish with One Spoon Covenant Wampum. 

This land continues to be home to diverse Indigenous peoples (First Nations, Métis and Inuit) whom we recognize as contemporary stewards of the land and vital contributors of our society.

The longstanding Indigenous groups of this geographic region are:

  • The Anishinaabe Peoples, also referred to as the Three Fires Confederacy including Ojibwe, Odawa, and Pottawatami Nations;
  • The Haudenosaunee Peoples, also known as the Iroquois people or Six Nations Confederacy consisting of the Mohawk, Oneida, Cayuga, Onondaga, Seneca, and Tuscarora;
  • The Lūnaapéewak  Peoples, also referred to as the Delaware and/or Munsee;
  • The Chonnonton Peoples.

The three First Nation communities closest in proximity to Western University are:

  • Chippewa of the Thames First Nation, part of the Anishinaabe
  • Oneida Nation of the Thames, part of the Haudenosaunee
  • Munsee-Delaware Nation, part of the Lūnaapéewak 

For more information about Indigenous communities in proximity to the University, please visit Western's Office of Indigenous Initiatives website.

Why You Should Choose Schulich Dentistry

Schulich Medicine & Dentistry is committed to making a difference in the health of First Nations, Métis and Inuit People in Canada. Additionally, Western University is home to a growing Indigenous population with more than 500 Indigenous students.

Indigenous students enrolled in the Schulich Dentistry DDS Program have access to dedicated and culturally-responsive spaces, as well as programs and services to foster and support Indigenous student culture.

Please visit the Indigenous Student Resources webpage for additional information.

Financial Resources and Supports 

We recognize that the cost of attending dental school is significant. If your dream is to have an influence on health care in Canada as a dentist, the cost of undergraduate dental education should not limit your dream.

There are several options and opportunities available to help defray the cost of your dental education:

How to Apply

Applicants who self-identify as Indigenous who wish to be considered for one of the two designated seats must indicate this status on their application and provide official confirmation of Indigenous status or proof of ancestral origin.

Documentation includes but is not limited to:

  • A copy of a Certificate of Indian Status or Treaty card
  • A certified copy of a Nunavut Trust certificate card, roll number, or any other proof accepted by Inuit communities
  • A certified copy of membership card in a Métis registry recognized by the Métis National Council (e.g. Métis Nation of Ontario, the Manitoba Métis Federation, the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, the Métis Nation of Alberta, the Métis Nation of British Columbia)
  • Written confirmation of Aboriginal ancestry from Crown-Indigenous Relations and Aboriginal Affairs Canada
  • Written confirmation of membership in a band council which has its own membership code

Consideration & Assessment

Applicants will be assessed on a balanced portfolio which includes academic achievements, DAT scores, Casper scores, Autobiographical Sketch & Personal Statement, and confirmation of Indigenous status. Please visit the Admission Requirements webpage for detailed information.

The Personal Statement, which is part of the Autobiographical Sketch, will allow applicants to describe their ties to their Indigenous community including current and past experiences and involvement, the impact of these experiences and involvement, and goals for future involvement.

Interviews

Indigenous applicants who are invited for an interview will be welcomed by traditional Elders to provide cultural and social support, and to share a meal. Applicants will have the opportunity to meet with Indigenous faculty, staff and students.

Schulich Dentistry interviews are 30-minutes duration, structured and standardized, and are conducted by a panel consisting of a dentist, community member, and current dental student.

Contact Us

First Nations, Métis and Inuit applicants considering a future career in Dentistry are welcomed and encouraged to contact admissions.dentistry@schulich.uwo.ca.

Information for Counsellors

Guidance counsellors play a critical role in providing the most accurate and comprehensive information to Indigenous students who are interested in careers in Dentistry.

Please visit our Information for Counsellor webpage for an Indigenous Applicants to the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program brochure for you to download and share with interested students at your school. Our brochures are updated annually to reflect any changes or additions to our Admission Requirements.

If you have questions or would like additional information, feel free to contact the Admissions Office.