Bachelor of Dentistry in USA: Top Universities & Programs

Dentistry continues to grow as a high-demand profession, with 73 ADA-accredited dental schools across the United States and a steady 5% employment growth projected through 2033. In 2024–25, dental student enrollment hit 27,920, showing strong interest in bachelors in dentistry in USA among both domestic and international students.

If you're planning to study in the USA, a Bachelor of Dentistry prepares you with clinical training and academic depth. You'll benefit from world-class faculty, early hands-on experience, and placement support at some of the best universities and colleges in the USA.

Bachelor of Dentistry in USA: Overview

A Bachelor of Dentistry in USA typically takes 4 years to complete and prepares you for advanced dental education or entry-level roles in dental care. The degree is offered across Fall, Spring, and Winter intakes, providing flexible entry points based on your academic calendar.

Here’s an overview of Bachelor of Dentistry in USA. 

Now that you have an overview of Bachelor of Dentistry in USA, explore the reasons why students choose this program.

Why Pursue Bachelor of Dentistry in USA?

Dentistry offers a blend of job security, high income, and purpose-driven work. With 4,900 annual openings projected and a median salary of $155,600 (INR 1.3CR), it ranks among the Top 10 Best Jobs in the U.S.. Studying in the U.S. also gives you access to top-tier clinical training and internships through globally recognized dental schools.

Here are the key reasons to consider a Bachelor of Dentistry in USA. 

1. High job growth & strong demand

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5 % growth in dentist employment from 2023–33, with ~4,900 openings annually
• An influx of retiring dentists (from the 1960s–70s) and population growth means more job opportunities

2. Top-tier career rankings & earnings

• Dentistry regularly ranks among the Top 10 Best Jobs in the U.S., with low unemployment (≈0.5 %). 
• Median annual salary for dentists is around $155,600 (INR 1.3 Cr), with specialists earning even more.

3. Expanding dental care market

• National dental expenditures hit $174 billion, up 2.5 % from the recent couple of years. 
• Growth is driven by private insurance and Medicare Advantage benefits. 

4. Social impact & community need

• About 57 million Americans live in dental shortage areas, many in rural communities. 
• Dentistry offers a chance to reduce health disparities and serve underserved populations.

5. Leading education & research environment

• U.S. dental schools see record high enrollment, 27,920 students in 2024–25, up from 23,589 in 2014–15. 
• Top institutions like UNC, USC, and UCSF rank among the best in the world with strong NIH funding and clinical exposure

Now that you know why this field stands out, explore the top universities offering a Bachelor of Dentistry in USA.

Top Universities For Studying Bachelor of Dentistry in USA

Top U.S. dental programs provide structured clinical training, research exposure, and access to professional networks. Tuition fees range from $620 per credit (INR 53.14K) to $65,622 per year (INR 56.24L), with most programs running for 4 years. Some universities follow rolling admissions, while others have fixed deadlines.

Here’s a list of top universities offering a Bachelor of Dentistry in USA.

Now that you’ve reviewed the top institutions, here are more popular universities offering a Bachelor of Dentistry in USA.

Popular Universities Offering Bachelor of Dentistry in USA

Many well-regarded universities across the U.S., like the University of Mississippi, offer accredited dental hygiene bachelor's programs with varied tuition structures and application deadlines. 

Annual tuition ranges from $9,414 (INR 8.07L) to $33,300 (INR 28.53L), and all programs run for 4 years. Several institutions also offer rolling admissions or multiple deadline windows.

Here are more popular universities offering a Bachelor of Dentistry in USA

Now that you’ve explored the popular options, it’s time to understand the eligibility criteria for a Bachelor of Dentistry in USA.

Eligibility Criteria for Bachelor of Dentistry in USA

To enter a Bachelor of Dentistry program in the U.S., you must complete a set of science prerequisites and standardized tests. Most programs expect at least 90 semester hours of coursework, and many applicants hold a bachelor's degree before applying. 

You’ll also need to demonstrate English proficiency, submit verified transcripts, and meet visa requirements if applying as an international student.

Here are the key eligibility criteria for a Bachelor of Dentistry in USA. 

Now that you know what qualifications are required, learn how to apply to a Bachelor of Dentistry program in the USA.

Application Process for Bachelor of Dentistry in USA

The admission process requires careful planning, especially if you're applying from outside the U.S. 

You’ll need to choose a suitable pre-dental or dental hygiene program, prepare official academic records, and meet all English proficiency and visa-related requirements. Your application must also include all documents required to study abroad, such as transcripts, SOP, and LORs.

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of the Bachelor of Dentistry application process:

• Step 1: Research Programs
  • Choose BS, BA, or Pre-Dentistry programs with strong biology or health science foundations
  • Confirm if the university offers a direct entry dental pathway or link with a DDS program
• Step 2: Meet Eligibility Criteria
  • Complete 10+2 with Biology, Chemistry, and English
  • Maintain GPA equivalent to ≥ 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
  • Language proficiency levels for english
• Step 3: Prepare Application Documents: Submit documents required to study abroad, including: 
  • Academic transcripts (official, translated if needed)
  • Statement of Purpose (SOP)
  • Letters of Recommendation (LORs): 2 to 3 from teachers or counselors
  • Resume or CV with extracurriculars, internships, or healthcare exposure
  • Passport copy
• Step 4: Complete Online Application
  • Apply via Common App or university portal
  • Pay application fee, typically $50–$100 (INR 4.2K to 8.5K)
• Step 5: Submit Financial Proof
  • Bank statements showing funds for one-year tuition + living costs
  • Sponsor affidavit, if applicable
• Step 6: Apply for Housing and Scholarships
  • Select on-campus housing (optional but recommended)
  • If you want to live off campus, look for accommodation options near the campus. 
  • Apply for international student scholarships if eligible
• Step 7: Track Application Status
  • Follow up with the admissions office via portal or email
  • Respond promptly to requests for interviews or additional documents
• Step 8: Receive Offer & Apply for Visa
  • Accept the admission offer
  • Receive I-20 form
  • Pay SEVIS fee and apply for F-1 student visa

Now that you know the admission steps, take a look at the curriculum details for a Bachelor of Dentistry in the U.S.

Curriculum Details for Bachelor of Dentistry in USA

A Bachelor of Dentistry pathway in the U.S. combines foundational science, public health knowledge, and hands-on preparation. 

Most students take four years to complete the curriculum, which includes pre-dental courses required for DDS program admission. You'll also need around 100+ hours of dental shadowing and a solid base in biology, chemistry, and communication.

Here’s a breakdown of the subjects covered across all four years:

Now that you understand the coursework involved, review the estimated tuition and living costs for a Bachelor of Dentistry in the U.S.

Cost of Pursuing Bachelor of Dentistry in USA

Pursuing a Bachelor of Dentistry in the U.S. involves substantial academic investment. Annual tuition fees can range from INR 7.6L to 51.2L, depending on the university and residency status. 

Your overall budget must also cover housing, food, and supplies, which significantly contribute to the total cost of studying in the USA and the cost of living in the USA.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the yearly expenses for international students:

Note: INR Conversions are approximate and are subject to change. 

Now that you know the typical costs, review scholarship options that can help lower your total expenses.

Bachelor of Dentistry in USA: Scholarships for Students

Dental programs in the U.S. can be expensive, but several study-abroad scholarships help reduce your financial burden. While fully-funded options are rare, select universities and government-backed schemes offer generous aid covering tuition, fees, and even living costs. 

For example, the U.S. Armed Forces HPSP offers full tuition, monthly stipends, and a $20,000 (INR 17.14L) bonus for eligible students preparing for dental careers.

Explore the internal scholarship options that can support your Bachelor of Dentistry journey.

Internal Scholarships

Fully-funded scholarships for dental undergraduates are limited, but several institutional programs cover major tuition costs or offer partial aid based on academic merit or need. For example, the U.S. Armed Forces HPSP covers full tuition, fees, and gives a $20,000 (INR 17.14L) bonus, making it one of the most competitive options for eligible U.S. citizens.

Here are internal scholarships that can reduce your expenses significantly:

Now review external fully-funded scholarships that support international dental students across U.S. universities.

External Scholarships

If you're searching for fully-funded scholarships in USA dental programs, a few private and industry-backed awards offer strong financial relief. The Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship offers up to $40,000 (INR 34.28L) per year, making it one of the highest-value undergraduate awards open to international students.

Here are top external scholarships that support undergraduate dental education:

With scholarships covered, let's now explore what job roles and salaries await after a bachelor of dentistry in USA.

Job Opportunities After Bachelor of Dentistry in USA

Dentist job roles consistently rank among the highest-paying jobs in the world, with general dentists earning around $243,000 (INR 2.08 Cr) per year. Specialized roles like forensic odontologists and dental therapists also see six-figure salaries, reflecting the strong demand for skilled professionals.

Here’s a snapshot of top job opportunities after completing your degree:

Source: Glassdoor

Note: INR Conversions are approximate and are subject to change. 

Now that you know the top careers, let’s see which top recruiters hire dentistry graduates in USA. 

Top Recruiters for Bachelor's of Dentistry Graduates

Graduates from dentistry programs often begin their careers as dental hygienists or assistants before pursuing advanced degrees like DDS or DMD. Both private and public healthcare settings highly value those with clinical experience or international internships. Specialist roles can command salaries as high as INR 2.67 crore per year.

Take a look at where your degree can take you after graduation:

Source: BLS, Indeed

Note: INR Conversions are approximate and are subject to change. 
Now that you know about the careers, see how upGrad can support your admission process for studying dentistry in the USA.

How upGrad Can Help You Study Bachelor of Dentistry in USA?

Getting into a Bachelor of Dentistry program in the USA means meeting strict academic criteria, securing financial documents, preparing for entrance exams like the DAT, and applying for a student visa. These steps can be confusing and time-consuming if you’re doing it alone.

upGrad helps simplify the process by offering end-to-end assistance—from selecting accredited programs and reviewing SOPs to guiding you on scholarships, credential evaluations, and student visa filings. You also get expert advice on internships and post-study job opportunities, making your application stronger and more competitive.

Want to begin your dental studies in the USA with zero confusion? Book a 1:1 counseling session with upGrad experts and take your next step toward admission today.