All You Need to Know about Dental Courses in USA for Indian Students

Unsure if it is beneficial to pursue dental programs in the USA as an Indian student? Here are the key reasons why you should consider studying dentistry in the United States after completing your BDS in India:

• The USA is home to 16 top dental colleges that secured a place in the QS World University Rankings 2024 for dentistry, which featured 70 universities globally.
• Out of these 16 ranked institutions, 14 place within the global top 50 for their academic excellence.
• You will gain access to world-class facilities, advanced equipment, expert faculty, and invaluable exposure at American dental schools, all of which are essential for your professional success.
• According to the U.S. News and World Report 2024, dentists rank 9th among the highest-paying professions in the United States, featuring a median annual salary of 155,040 USD.
• Employment opportunities for dentists are projected to increase between 2020 and 2030, adding approximately 9,800 new positions and reflecting an overall growth rate of 8.1% based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

With 16 leading dental institutions in the USA, you will have numerous choices for enrolling in a premier international dental program. Examine the 5 most popular dental universities in the country:

1. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
2. University of California, San Francisco
3. Harvard University
4. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
5. New York University

Let us examine the key aspects of these 5 universities offering dental education to Indian students in the USA:

1. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

When discussing dentistry studies in the USA, the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor stands out as the most prestigious institution, holding the top position in the QS rankings for dentistry. The university provides a demanding curriculum equipped with advanced facilities, requiring DDS students to complete 100 hours of dental shadowing.

2. University of California, San Francisco

At the University of California, San Francisco, you can choose to pursue a combined DDS and MBA degree or a standard DDS program. The School of Dentistry at UCSF is not only the oldest but is also widely recognized for its programs in oral and craniofacial health.

3. Harvard University

The School of Dental Medicine at Harvard University offers multiple dentistry programs for international students in the USA. It provides a Master of Medical Sciences in Dental Education as well as a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry.

4. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

The Adams School of Dentistry at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill offers a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene, which remains the only program of its kind in the state. You should consider adding this university to your shortlist, particularly if you are seeking an affordable Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education.

5. New York University

Another prominent institution offering dentistry programs in the United States is New York University. Here, you can apply for Master of Biology programs featuring specializations in oral biology, clinical research, and biomaterials. You will join the alumni network of a dental college acknowledged for training more than 10% of all dentists in the USA.

Suggested: How to shortlist a university?

Most Indian students choose to pursue either an MDS or a DDS, as American universities generally accept completed undergraduate degrees only from the USA or Canada. Review the curriculum structure for dental programs designed for international students in the USA:

• Course duration: A Master of Dental Surgery program in the USA typically lasts for 2 years. A Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry requires 4 years to finish.
• Course content: The syllabus for an international dental program in the USA covers various subjects, including the fundamentals of endodontics, prosthodontics, oral biology, oral pathology, oral health, dental material science, and oral medicine, among others.

You must review the admission requirements for dentistry colleges in the USA before submitting your application. International students are required to meet specific prerequisites regarding standardized test scores. It is also important to take note of the score cutoffs established by the top dental universities in the USA.

1. Previously completed degree
2. Entrance exam scores
3. English language proficiency test scores

Review the detailed criteria required to qualify for admission to dental programs in the USA as an international student:

1. Previously completed degree

A completed bachelor's degree in dentistry is generally sufficient for admission to US colleges offering an MDS program, whereas gaining admission to a DDS program in the USA typically requires an undergraduate degree specifically earned from the USA or Canada with a score of 75% to 80%.

Suggested: Bachelor’s in USA

2. Entrance exam scores

When applying for MDS programs in the United States, institutions may request GRE results, with a competitive score of 315 or higher being advised. Additionally, the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is mandatory for DDS entry and can be taken up to a year prior to your application.

Suggested: USA entrance exams required

3. English language proficiency test scores

Overseas students hailing from non-English speaking nations must present certification of their English proficiency through exams like the IELTS, TOEFL, or comparable tests. A minimum IELTS band of 6.0 or a TOEFL-iBT score of 90 or greater is typically needed for university acceptance. Candidates possessing an undergraduate degree from Canada or the USA are exempt from providing these results.

Follow these steps to submit your candidacy to American dental institutions:

1. Create a shortlist of the top dental schools in the USA tailored for Indian students.
2. Visit the official institutional portal to review vital details including upcoming intake terms, submission deadlines, admission prerequisites, necessary paperwork, tuition costs, and financial aid options.
3. Complete the digital application form for entry into American dental institutions. For DDS programs, applications are processed through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) portal.
4. Furnish all requested credentials to finalize your submission for admission.
5. Await the admissions outcome while actively monitoring the progress of your application.
6. Upon acceptance, finalize the registration procedures and apply for an American student visa after obtaining your official offer letter.

Review this checklist of paperwork you must keep ready when applying for admission to American dental faculties as an international student:

1. Copy of official transcripts of a 4-year bachelor's degree completed in the USA or Canada
2. DAT test score
3. English language proficiency test scores
4. Letters of recommendation
5. Statement of purpose
6. Certificate showing proof of shadowing hours (i.e. assisting or working under a dentist)
7. Resume
8. Copy of passport
9. Proof of finances

Keep these two factors in mind when budgeting for dental colleges in the USA as an Indian applicant:

Tuition Fees

Anticipate average yearly tuition expenses for dental education in the US to range from 40,000 USD to 50,000 USD for MDS programs, and 55,000 USD to 60,000 USD for a DDS credential. More economical options are available at public institutions, varying between 15,000 USD and 35,000 USD annually.

Suggested: Cost of studying in USA

Cost of Living

An international student in the United States generally needs between 1,000 USD and 1,500 USD each month to manage daily living expenses. This figure exceeds that of several other nations, amounting to roughly 12,000 to 18,000 USD per year. Fortunately, students can lower their living budget by exploring alternative options for housing, transit, and personal expenditures.

Suggested: Living cost in USA

While financing dental studies in the US presents a substantial financial hurdle, students can secure financial relief by applying for international dentistry scholarships in the USA. We have compiled a selection of well-known grants that can cover approximately 25 to 50 percent of educational fees:

It is worth highlighting the professional prospects following dental programs in the US for Indian students. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons, endodontists, and prosthodontists rank among the highest earners in this field. New graduates finishing dental training in America can anticipate an entry-level salary starting at 49,300 USD per year.

Examine the chart below to understand the employment landscape after completing dental education in the USA:

Suggested: How to find jobs in USA?

Dentistry offers diverse pathways through specializations such as endodontics, periodontics, orthodontics, and others to help you advance professionally. Connect with our Ashiraj counsellors today to receive professional guidance and comprehensive assistance in realizing your ambition of pursuing dentistry studies in the USA.