Hi
For those of you who might be considering UOP, I can tell you that they definately look for more than the DAT score. A DAT score of 20+/20+ can't hurt, but don't expect to get in just with solid scores. Don't be complacent!
Be "well rounded" and enthusiastic about schools you are considering on going to. I am currently a first year here, and I can tell you that UOP (soon to be called "Pacific") is a great dental institution. If you want to be competent and confident with your hands, this would be an excellent choice.
We have been working with our handpieces since the 2nd week of matriculation. It's a tough, fast-paced program, but the students, facutly and staff ALL help you. I have not come across anyone in the entire school who will not go out of their way to help you.
Plus, as a whole, we party alot!! 
(usually the 2nd and 3rd years moreso).
Anyway, to get to your questions.....for the OP, you absolutely have a good chance to get in. Don't stress too much about it. Once you have turned in your application, it is really out of your control.
As far as scholarships are concerned, they vary depending on what kind you get. I got a $24000 dean's scholarship spread over 3 years. You may think it's nothing, but I assure you that it's significant in the long term.
Tuition is in the 40-50 thousand dollar range each year. Add to that books, housing, instrument costs, insurance, etc.....it will cost around $70000+ every 9 months. I recommend you should visit the school and see if it is worth the cost. It's obviously your call.
Here are a few interesting tidbits I've observed/noted (in no specific order):
We have about 142 students currently enrolled in the 2006 DDS program. There are 16 in the IDS program. It is HARD to remember everyone's name. You will do a ton of handshaking your first couple of weeks and forget most of your classmates names. Don't worry, everyone is required to display badges with their names for the entire time they are in the school building.
Our class (2006) is greatly skewed to the male side. We have around ~90+ males and ~40+ females. A good portion is married or in serious relationships. (Varies depending on the year).
A sizeable portion of our class are children and/or relatives of UOP School of Dentistry Alumni.
20+ classmates are graduates of the University of the Pacific undergrad. Our year had a sizeable group from UCLA, UC Davis, UW, etc.
There is a very strong alumni involvement at this school.
As you well know, the school is expensive. However, when you see the facilities, your kit, the overall support....right away you will know where your money is going.
Anticipate attending many powerpoint lectures using laser pointers. Faculty's learning tools of choice here at UOP.
Study groups are the norm. In fact, faculty recommend it outright.
Many students are active in clubs, organized dentistry, community service projects, etc. Class of 2005 had 100% participation last year (that's 140 students).
UOP has two housing facilities in which they accommodate around 1/3 of the student body. The school as well as the housing facility on Post St. has 24-hour security. I am not sure about the Presidio facility. (I live on Post....so sorry).
The school is expanding/enhancing its facilities (specifically the Ortho and Faculty Practice areas).
There is no designated parking for students during school hours near or at the building. Parking is terrible if impossible. Shuttle service is provided by the medical building adjacent to the school at specific times and at no cost.
The school is close to LOTS of cultural, civic, entertainment, and leisure locations. Tons of shops, restaurants, theatres, etc. You name it, it's here!
FIRST QUARTER consists of:
Gross Anatomy
Dental Anatomy
Biochemistry
Histology
Operative Dentistry
Restorative Dentistry
Computers in Dentistry
Introduction to Comprehensive Patient Care (ICPC)
The lab instructors here strive for PERFECTION. Be prepared to fail in the beginning. You literally can fail an exam/practical by being off even one-tenth of a millimeter. It's natural....you will get better, don't worry. There are very few "handpiece naturals." You will get a few in your class, but the majority will be where you are.
UOP has great CATERED food. The only gripe is that you can only pay cash. Everything else in the school can be paid for using our badges which are connected to our student accounts.
Our lab is top-notch. You have your own station consisting of a fully adjustable manequin (simulated patient), handpiece hook-ups, an aspirator, water/air pick, a foot control, dental chair light, computer monitor (w/ internet network access for your laptop), and locker space. The description doesn't do justice to how it actually looks. I suggest you see it for yourself.
Anyone interested can PM me if you'd like. I would be happy to try to answer some of your questions. However, I apologize in advance if I don't answer promptly to your replies. Be patient....I'm currently swamped with tons of work. Good luck to everyone in this application cycle. Hold on for the ride....it gets fairly bumpy, but you'll make it.
