Top Dentistry Courses in USA for International Students

Dentistry courses in USA are popular among Indian and international students who want to build a career in clinical practice or dental research. Programs include DDS for international students in USA, dental hygiene courses, and clinical dentistry programs. If you’ve completed BDS, you can apply for MDS equivalent programs in USA after clearing the NBDE exam. Most courses take 2 to 6 years, depending on the path you choose. This guide covers course options, admission requirements for dentistry in USA, fees, scholarships, and how to start your journey as a dentist in the US.

Explore Dentistry Programs in USA
Bachelor’s in Dentistry in USA – Program List
Master’s in Dentistry Abroad – Program Options
Guide to Master’s in Dentistry in USA

Top USA Universities Offering Dental Programs
Harvard University – Dental & Medical Pathways
Cornell University – Health & Life Sciences
Explore All Master’s Programs in USA

Explore Bachelor’s Dentistry Universities – USA

Career Scope and Specializations in Dentistry
Dentist Salary in USA – Career Outlook
Medical Courses in USA – Related Programs
Courses After BDS – MS, MD, PG Diploma Paths

Highlights: Dentistry Courses in USA for International Students

Admissions and Visa Details
Student Visa for USA – Requirements
Spring Intake in USA – Key Dates

Types of Dentistry Courses in USA for International Students

Dentistry courses in USA are divided across clinical doctorate programs, specialty master’s degrees, and dental technology or hygiene training. The two primary clinical degrees are Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)—both are equivalent and allow graduates to practice as licensed dentists in the US.

International students who already hold a BDS must complete Advanced Standing Programs or NBDE-qualified DDS programs. For specialization (like Orthodontics or Endodontics), MS or postgraduate certificates are available through CODA-accredited schools. Some programs also offer dental hygiene courses in USA, which are non-doctoral but lead to licensure in preventive care.

Major Dentistry Courses in USA – Overview for International Students

DDS and DMD Programs for International Students

DDS programs for international students in USA and DMD programs lead to full dental licensure. Both follow the same curriculum and clinical structure. Entry requires 2–3 years of pre-dental coursework or a bachelor’s degree, strong DAT scores, and proof of academic readiness.
Eligibility: Bachelor’s (or equivalent), NBDE/INBDE (for advanced standing), TOEFL/IELTS, GPA 3.0+, SOP, and LORs.

Advanced Standing Programs for BDS Graduates

These are MDS equivalent in USA for Indian dentists who already hold a BDS. They allow direct entry into the second or third year of a DDS program. Schools offering these tracks often require NBDE Part I/II or INBDE clearance, TOEFL 100+, and a dental school transcript evaluation via ECE/WES.
Duration: 2–3 years. These programs are highly competitive with limited intake.

MS in Specialized Dental Fields

Students who wish to specialize (e.g., Prosthodontics, Endodontics, Periodontics) can apply to CODA-accredited MS programs. These often require a DDS or foreign dental degree, and include both didactic and clinical components.
Duration: 2–3 years. Often paired with a certificate.

Postgraduate Dental Certificates & Fellowships

Offered by some top dental schools in USA for international students, these programs focus on specific clinical skills like implantology, esthetic dentistry, or oral surgery. They don’t lead to a dental license but help build specialization for private practice or teaching.
Visa: Often on F-1 or J-1, depending on structure.

Dental Hygiene and Technology Programs

Dental hygiene courses in USA prepare students for state licensure as hygienists. These are popular among those not pursuing full DDS but still aiming for a clinical role.
Eligibility: High school diploma or equivalent, TOEFL/IELTS, and basic sciences. These programs are 1–2 years long and offered by both community colleges and universities.

Exam Information to Study in USA

What Exams Are Required to Study in USA
GRE Sections Explained – If Required
5.5 IELTS Score Accepting Universities

Top Universities for Dentistry Courses in USA

Three USA universities rank in the top 10 globally for dentistry as per QS 2025. These schools are known for strong clinical training, research programs, and high graduate employability. Most offer hands-on experience through clinics and labs, INBDE support, and strong links with hospitals and dental boards. Public schools are often more affordable, while private universities offer broader global networks.

Top-Ranked Dental Schools in USA (QS 2025)

Public vs Private Dental Colleges in USA

Dentistry courses in USA are highly structured, with 4-year DDS or DMD programs followed by optional residencies or specializations. Choosing a reputed college helps build clinical experience and improves chances for H1B sponsorship or licensure across states.

Costs and Financial Planning
Cost of MBBS in USA – Dentistry Cost Benchmark
Cost of Master’s in USA – General Breakdown
Living Costs in USA for Students

Curriculum – Dentistry Courses in USA

Dentistry courses in USA are structured around a 4-year DDS or DMD model. The first two years focus on classroom-based theory and lab simulations, while the final two involve clinical practice under supervision. Students in DDS programs for international students in USA are trained in patient care, diagnosis, treatment planning, and digital tools like CAD/CAM and intraoral scanners.

Advanced standing programs, usually 2–3 years long, condense the pre-clinical phase and move international BDS graduates into patient-facing training faster.

Core Components of DDS/DMD Programs

Programs align with the NBDE exam for foreign-trained dentists USA or the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) format.

Intakes – Dentistry Courses in USA

Most clinical dentistry programs USA, including DDS and DMD, admit students once a year—Fall intake (August–September). Application deadlines for international students often close 10–12 months in advance, especially for top dental schools in USA for international students.

Advanced standing programs and dental hygiene courses in USA may follow separate application cycles, including Spring or Summer start dates.

Application Timeline and Intake Details

Students must prepare early—admission requirements for dentistry in USA include TOEFL, WES/ECE transcript evaluation, NBDE scores (if applicable), SOP, and LORs.

Some universities also require a dental school GPA of 3.0+ and proof of hands-on experience or observerships.

Scholarships to Study in USA
Scholarships for Studying in USA – Indian Students
Fully Funded Scholarships in USA

Eligibility for Dentistry Programs in USA

To apply for dentistry courses in USA, students must meet strict academic, clinical, and documentation requirements. For international students, the path varies depending on whether you’re applying to a DDS program, advanced standing track, or dental hygiene courses in USA.

Most top dental schools in USA require a bachelor’s degree in a life science field, English language proficiency (IELTS/TOEFL), and either NBDE exam for foreign-trained dentists USA or INBDE for advanced programs. Shadowing or clinical experience in a USA setting is often mandatory.

Eligibility Criteria – DDS and Related Dental Programs

Note: For MDS equivalent in USA, candidates must pass INBDE and apply through CAAPID to advanced standing DDS programs.

Public Universities in USA

Public Universities in USA – Dental Programs Included
Explore All USA Universities on UpGrad

Application Process for Dentistry in USA

Applications to clinical dentistry programs USA are submitted via two centralized systems:

• AADSAS (for standard DDS/DMD programs)
• CAAPID (for foreign-trained dentists seeking advanced standing)

These portals collect academic records, personal statements, test scores, LORs, and more. Most DDS programs for international students in USA open applications about 10–12 months before the intake cycle, with early submissions favored.

Application Steps and Documents – Dentistry Courses in USA

Important for Indian students: The admission requirements for dentistry in USA include completing transcript evaluations and scheduling NBDE or INBDE well in advance due to limited slots and high competition.

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Cost of Studying Dentistry in USA

The cost of dentistry courses in USA is among the highest in medical education. International students enrolling in DDS, DMD, or MDS equivalent programs should budget between $90,000 to $120,000 per year (₹75 lakh to ₹1 crore+), including tuition, living expenses, insurance, licensing, and equipment. DDS programs tend to be more expensive than MS specializations or dental hygiene programs. Below is a breakdown of common expenses:

Estimated Cost Breakdown – Dentistry Courses in USA

Note: These costs vary by program type, state, and public vs private school.

Scholarships and Financial Aid for Dentistry Students

Dentistry programs in the USA—especially DDS, DMD, and MDS-equivalent courses—can cost over ₹75 lakh per year. While full-ride scholarships are rare, partial aid covering 20% to 60% of tuition is available through university-funded merit awards, need-based grants, Indian government fellowships, and dental association sponsorships. Some scholarships also include living expenses, lab/equipment fees, or exam costs. Competitive applicants with good academics, dental experience, and early submissions are more likely to secure funding.

University-Based Scholarships for Dentistry Courses in USA

Government and Public Fellowships (India + US)

Private & Industry-Linked Scholarships for Dentistry Students in USA

Career Scope After Studying Dentistry in USA

Dentistry remains one of the highest-paying healthcare careers in the US. After completing DDS or DMD programs, international students can work as general dentists, orthodontists, oral surgeons, or pursue public health roles. Jobs after DDS programs in USA offer an average starting salary of $120,000–$160,000 (₹1 crore–₹1.3 crore), with potential to cross ₹2 crore in specialist roles. States like California, Texas, and New York show strong hiring demand, especially for licensed dentists and specialists.

Popular Career Paths After Dentistry in USA

High-Demand States for Dentists in USA (Post-Licensure)

Dentistry courses in USA, especially DDS programs for international students, lead to stable, well-compensated careers with global portability. Specialization through residencies (e.g., Orthodontics, Periodontics) further boosts salary and long-term growth. Many graduates also pursue H1B sponsorship via hospitals or dental networks post-OPT.

Licensing and Residency Requirements for Dentists in USA

To practice professionally after completing dentistry courses in USA, international students must clear licensing exams and meet state-level requirements. The Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) is mandatory, followed by a clinical exam (such as WREB, ADEX, or CRDTS) depending on the state. For specialization, residency programs like AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry) or GPR (General Practice Residency) are often required. Most licensure pathways take 1–3 years after graduation, depending on the program structure.

Steps for Dental Licensure (Foreign-Trained Dentists)

Most DDS programs for international students in USA integrate INBDE prep into the curriculum. States like California and New York may have additional forms or interviews as part of the process. Completing licensing ensures eligibility for both private practice and hospital jobs.

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