Masters in Dentistry in USA: Top Universities, Fees, Requirements, Eligibility & Scholarships

A Masters in Dentistry in the USA enhances expertise in oral surgery, prosthodontics, and advanced dental research. Universities like Boston, Michigan, and USC offer programs costing USD 40,000–80,000 (₹33–67 lakh) annually. Graduates gain advanced clinical skills and pursue rewarding careers in healthcare. This guide covers top universities, tuition, and job scope.

Pursuing a Master’s in Dentistry in USA gives Indian dental graduates access to advanced clinical training, research opportunities, and globally recognized credentials. While DDS is required for clinical licensure, universities also offer MS and MSD degrees focused on specializations like orthodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. Though tuition is ₹70–₹100 lakhs, licensed DDS graduates earn over ₹1.5 crore annually in the US.

Quick Overview – Master's in Dentistry in USA

Top Colleges for Master’s in Dentistry in USA

The USA dominates the global rankings for dental education—with 14 universities in the top 50 globally (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025: Dentistry). These colleges offer clinical, research, and specialty tracks for international students. Most programs offer MDS-equivalent training through DDS or MS options, and many are located in major healthcare hubs.

Best Universities for Master’s in Dentistry in USA – Rankings & Tuition Fees

 Intakes for Master’s in Dentistry in USA

Most Master’s in Dentistry programs in USA begin in the Fall semester (August/September), which is the primary intake for both clinical and academic dental tracks. Some public health and research-based dentistry courses also offer Spring intake (January), but fewer universities do so. International applicants, especially from India, should plan ahead due to portfolio review, visa timelines, and NBDE/INBDE scheduling.

Master’s in Dentistry USA Intake Months and Deadlines

Most DDS Advanced Standing programs (for BDS graduates from India) use CAAPID and follow their own rolling deadlines.

Scholarship and Assistantship Application Timeline

• University scholarships: Apply along with your main application; decisions are tied to admission offers.
• Research assistantships (MS in Oral Biology, Dental Public Health): Apply in early rounds—December to January.
• Indian government or private funding: Plan submissions between January and March.

Intake Planning Tips for Indian Dental Students

• Fall intake offers maximum options for MDS equivalent and DDS programs.
• IELTS/TOEFL is mandatory. GRE is not required for most ECE or dentistry-related programs.
• Submit NBDE/INBDE scores early (if applicable) to be eligible for DDS or clinical specialization pathways.

Early application improves chances of admission, financial aid, and timely visa approval. Most Indian students apply 9–12 months before the desired intake.

Curriculum for Master’s in Dentistry in USA

Master’s in Dentistry programs in USA vary by track—DDS Advanced Standing, MS in Dental Sciences, and public health-focused dental degrees. Clinical programs focus on licensure readiness (NBDE/INBDE), while research-oriented ones prepare students for academia or global health careers. Course structures are rigorous and aligned with USA dental board expectations.

DDS Advanced Standing Curriculum – MDS Equivalent Programs in USA

This is the most common route for BDS graduates from India to gain USA licensure.

Duration: 2–3 years
Average Fees: $85,000–$120,000/year (₹71–100 lakhs/year approx)

MS in Dental Sciences or Oral Biology – Research-Focused Dentistry in USA

Ideal for those interested in non-clinical academic careers, research labs, or biotech roles.

Duration: 2 years
Tuition: $30,000–$50,000/year (₹25–42 lakhs/year approx)

Master’s in Public Health – Dental Emphasis

Offered at universities like Harvard and Boston University, this program blends public health with dentistry.

Ideal for those pursuing policy, NGO, or global health leadership roles.
Cost: $45,000–$60,000/year (₹38–50 lakhs/year approx.)

Eligibility Criteria for Master’s in Dentistry in USA

Admission to a Master’s in Dentistry in USA—whether DDS, MS, or MPH (dental)—depends on your academic background, English proficiency, licensing goals, and program type. Indian BDS graduates must meet strict credentialing and exam benchmarks before qualifying for clinical programs like DDS.

Basic Requirements – Master’s in Dentistry for Indian Students

Criteria for DDS Advanced Standing Programs in USA

Eligibility for Non-Clinical Master’s (MS, MPH) in Dentistry in USA

Tip: If you're unsure about your NBDE eligibility or clinical path, consider starting with an MPH or MS in Oral Health Sciences and then transitioning into DDS or further clinical training.

Entrance Exams for Master’s in Dentistry in USA

Indian BDS graduates must clear specific exams based on the type of dentistry program they pursue in the US. Clinical paths like DDS require NBDE/INBDE, while non-clinical MS/MPH programs may ask for GRE and TOEFL/IELTS. These exams evaluate both academic and communication readiness.

INBDE – For DDS and Clinical Dentistry Programs in USA

Note: INBDE replaced NBDE Part I and II in most USA dental schools from 2022.

TOEFL/IELTS – Mandatory English Proficiency Test

These scores are essential for all international applicants, regardless of program type.

GRE – Required for Research-Oriented or Public Health Programs

Other Tests – CPR, Bench, and Technical Exams

Some DDS programs also include:

• Bench Test: Preclinical skills test using mannequins.
• Technical Assessment: Evaluation of wax carving, tooth prep, etc.
• CPR Certification: Required before clinical training begins.

Application Process for Master’s in Dentistry in USA

The application process for a Master’s in Dentistry in USA depends on whether you're applying for a clinical DDS or a non-clinical MS/MSc/MPH program. Indian students must follow credential evaluation, meet academic/exam requirements, and apply through university or centralized portals like ADEA CAAPID for DDS.

Application Steps for Clinical Dentistry (DDS/Advanced Standing)

Some schools may ask for CPR certification or technical exam scores during or post-application.

Application Process for Master’s in Dental Sciences (MS, MPH, etc.)

Document Checklist for Dentistry Applications USA

• BDS Degree + Transcripts (WES/ECE)
• INBDE Score Report (for DDS)
• TOEFL/IELTS Score Report
• GRE Score Report (for MS/MPH)
• SOP + Resume
• 2–3 Letters of Recommendation
• Clinical Experience Proof (for DDS)
• Passport Copy + ID Proof
• Application Fee Payment Receipts

Tip: Start the application process at least 10–12 months before your target intake (usually Fall). Most DDS deadlines close by January, while MS programs may extend into March–April.

Cost of Studying Master's in Dentistry in USA

The cost of studying for a Master’s in Dentistry in USA varies by program type. Clinical programs like DDS are significantly more expensive than non-clinical MS or MPH programs. Indian students should budget for tuition, living expenses, exam fees, and health insurance. Total expenses typically range from ₹50 lakhs to ₹1.2 crore.

Estimated Total Cost for Indian Students Studying Master's in Dentistry in USA

• DDS: ₹1.1–₹1.5 crore
• MS in Oral Biology: ₹50–₹75 lakhs
• MPH Dental: ₹45–₹65 lakhs

Tuition Fees for Dentistry Programs in USA

DDS programs are considered professional doctorates and include lab, clinic, and exam fees—pushing up the total cost.

Cost of Living for Dental Students in USA

Costs vary depending on the city (higher in New York, LA, Boston; lower in Midwest/South).

Other Mandatory Costs for Dentistry Applicants

Scholarships and Sponsorships for Master’s in Dentistry in USA

Several scholarships, assistantships, and sponsorships are available for Indian students pursuing a Master’s in Dentistry in USA, including MDS-equivalent programs like MS in Oral Health or DDS conversion tracks. 

These scholarships can make a significant difference in the cost of studying dentistry in USA. Apply early and tailor your applications to funding-friendly programs, especially MS and public health tracks which offer more aid than DDS.

University Scholarships for Master’s in Dentistry in USA

Indian Government & Private Scholarships for Dentistry in USA

Assistantships and Campus Work Options (Non-Clinical Tracks)

Career Scope After Master’s in Dentistry in USA

A Master’s in Dentistry in USA can lead to clinical and non-clinical roles with salaries ranging from ₹40 lakhs to over ₹1.8 crore per year, depending on specialization, licensing status, and role type. International students typically pursue DDS or MS programs, followed by exams like NBDE for clinical practice or enter research, teaching, or healthcare policy directly.

Job Roles After Dentistry Master’s in USA for International Students

Best Specializations in Dentistry for Career Growth in USA

• Orthodontics – High demand, long residency, private practice potential
• Prosthodontics – Growing with aging population, overlaps with lab tech
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery – Top-paying, requires MD+DDS dual training
• Public Health Dentistry – Easier licensure path, good for international students
• Pediatric Dentistry – High demand in urban and suburban areas

Industry Demand and Hiring Trends for Dentists in USA

• Private Practices: Highest absorption of licensed DDS graduates
• Academic Institutions: Hiring MS/PhD for teaching & research roles
• Hospitals & Clinics: Oral surgeons, prosthodontists, and public health experts
• Health Tech & Pharma: Growing need for dental advisors in AI/dental devices
• Government Bodies (CDC, NIH): Opportunities for research and dental policy roles

Clinical Licensure Path for Indian Students

BDS → INBDE → CAAPID → DDS (2–3 years) → Residency (if needed) → Licensure Exam → State License

Quick Note on Work Visa & Licensing Path

• For clinical roles: F-1 to OPT → NBDE → DDS → Licensure → H-1B/Green Card
• For non-clinical roles: OPT directly usable post-MS, especially in research and academia

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