Introduction to 'What and How' of Dental Education in the US
Talk to Expert
Dentistry is a very popular stream of medical study with Indian students. Those thinking of pursuing it from the US need to keep in mind that the structure of dental education there is very different from that in India. We will cover the minor and major differences between the two systems in this article.
There is no undergraduate dental degree in the United States. Therefore, it is not possible to begin dental school directly after finishing school. So the dental education begins only on the Post Graduate level. As an international student, you will need an undergraduate degree in sciences before you can be admitted to dental school.
Length - Dental school takes a minimum of four years to finish. These years leads to one of two equivalent degrees: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DDM).
Practicing Dentistry in the US - You should note that having a degree in dental sciences does not give you the right to work in the US. You will still need a US Work Visa to stay on and continue the practice. When applying for a visa, it is essential that a student shows the intent to return to India after finishing the degree. You will need to check with the Indian Dental Association to see if the US degree will meet the requirements to practice dentistry in India.
Acceptance Rates - US dental schools prefer giving admissions to US citizens and are strict about accepting international students. If you plan to apply to a state-supported school be aware that most are required to give preference to in-state residents.
Expenses - The American Dental Association estimates that the average annual cost of tuition and fees for first-year dental students can range from approximately $8,000 to over $35,000. In addition, the cost of living for one academic year ranges from $8,000-$13,000. There are a lot of extra educational expenses during the first two years owing to the dental instruments that need to be purchased.
Predict your IELTS, TOEFL, and PTE in just 4 steps!
Programme Structure - Dental schools are usually located close to medical and hospital facilities. The traditional four-year programme of study consists of two pre-clinical years of basic sciences and two years of clinical study. The pre-clinical years focus on biomedical sciences, in particular, the basic principles of oral diagnosis and treatment. Subjects covered usually include anatomy, biochemistry, embryology, histology, pharmacology, and physiology. The clinical years are spent treating patients that have a variety of oral diseases and disorders while working under the supervision of clinical instructors. In this way, students can develop skills in the planning and provision of dental treatment. This will usually involve rotations (internships) through the various clinics in the dental schools as well as in outside clinical settings. Other topics covered include practice management, patient management, professional ethics and the use of allied dental personnel. After four years the first professional dental degree is conferred.
To get regular updates from Shiksha Study Abroad, Like our Facebook Page.
Check out more on Studying in USA:
International students must have at least a GPA between 2.5 and 3.0 on a scale of 4.0 for UG and PG admission at Oregon State. Therefore, candidates are eligible to get admission to the university with a 3.5 GPA in their academics. Oregon State University GPA requirements are different for undergraduate and graduate admission. Mentioned below is the range of GPA required for Oregon State University admissions:
| Program | Minimum GPA Required (on a scale of 4.0) |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
| Graduate | 2.5 - 3.0 |
Read about the Grading System in the USA
Northwest Missouri State University expects a cumulative GPA of 2 for UG programs and 3 for PG programs on a scale of 4. GPA is one of the top factors when considering students for university admissions. Along with GPA, the university expects a student to provide high school transcripts from previously attended university or school, standardized test scores, English language proficiency test scores, and more. In addition, students with relevant experience in the chosen field are preferred over the studious students.
Pick your stage and get free guidance from counsellors who've helped thousands get into top universities.
Starting research
Shortlisting colleges
Exam preparation
SOP/LOR writing
Scholarship & finance
Visa application
Statement of Purpose
Letter of Recommendation
Student Visa Application
Admission Essay Writing
Student Curriculum Vitae
The Alabama University application fee for International students vary by application type. Mentioned below are the application fee for UG and PG applications at Alabama: