Jasmine Grover Content Strategy Manager
Content Strategy Manager | Updated On - May 6, 2025
Highlights:
- Dentistry in USA is ranked #11 in the list of Best Paying Jobs in the US, as per the US News & World Report.
- In the US, dentists typically hold a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry) degree.
- Both DDS and DMD programs are equivalent to the Indian BDS degree.
- Indian BDS graduates can pursue a two-year Advanced Standing DDS program in the US to practice dentistry.
- US colleges require a 4-year bachelor's degree with a GPA of 3.2 or higher and DAT scores for admission to dentistry programs.
- You can apply to colleges for dentistry in USA through ADEA AADSAS, a centralized application service for dentistry institutions.
Dentistry in USA is a 4-5 year program available as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). For admission to Dentistry programs in USA, you need a 4-year Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, etc. from an American or Canada-accredited university. But what to do if you already have a dental degree from India (BDS)? You can enrol in a special two-year program (Advanced Standing Doctor of Dentistry) to qualify for practising dentistry in the USA. The minimum English proficiency requirements for the program include an overall score of 6.5 to 7.5 on the IELTS or 80 to 110 on the TOEFL iBT.
Attending the best dental universities in USA can be expensive, with tuition fees ranging from USD 67,000 to USD 135,600 (INR 55.17 Lakhs to INR 1.12 Crore) per year. However, the high earning potential of dentists in USA can make it a worthwhile investment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual salary for dentists in USA is between USD 131,000 and USD 242,000 annually (approximately INR 1 Crore to INR 2 Crore). Top dental institutions like Aspen Dental, Pacific Dental Services, and Heartland Dental regularly look out for Dentistry in USA graduates.
|
Table of Contents |
Top Universities for Dentistry in USA
The top dental universities in USA program are tabulated as follows:-
| University | Program | Application Deadline | Tuition Fee per year (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) | January 1, 2026 | 69,300 |
| University of California, San Francisco | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | October 31, 2025 | 50,535 |
| New York University | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | June 1, 2025 | 98,892 |
| University of North Carolina | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | October 1, 2025 | 95,545 |
| The University of Pennsylvania | Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) | June 1, 2025 | 86,448 |
| University of California, Los Angeles | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | June 30, 2025 | 47,360 |
| Columbia University | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | August 1, 2025 | 93,380 |
| University of Minnesota | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | January 10, 2026 | 135,600 |
| University of IOWA | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | September 15, 2025 | 96,500 |
| University of Southern California | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | July 31, 2025 | 113,739 |
Why study Dentistry in USA?
Dentistry in USA is a 4-year program best fit for individuals who wish to study theoretical Dentistry and know its practical applications. Some of the major reasons to pursue Dental programs in US are:-
- More than 10 top universities for dentistry courses in USA are included among the top 50 Dentistry institutions in the world, as per the QS World Subject Rankings.
- Dentistry in USA offers an average annual salary ranging from USD 131,000 to USD 242,000, equivalent to INR 1 Crore to INR 2 Crores.
- The employment rate for dentists is estimated to increase by 6% between 2021 and 2031, leading to approximately 5,100 vacancies for dentists annually.
- After the completion of Dentistry in USA individuals can either start working as a Dentist or opt for further studies in the field of Dentistry.
- The unemployment rate of USA as of 2023 is only 3.8%, indicating abundant job opportunities for graduates.
Dentistry in USA: Subjects and Specializations
Dentistry in USA is available as the following degree programs:-
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
DDS and DMD are more or less the same programs as both have the same curriculum. In Indian equivalents, these correspond to Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS). The following are the dental courses in USA involved in the program:-
- Foundation Sciences
- Biological Systems
- Dental Development, Anatomy, Occlusion, and Cardiology
- Dental Auxiliary Utilisation
- Periodontics
- Introduction to Pharmacology
- Endodontics
- Orthodontics
Dentistry in USA Admission Process
The application procedure for a majority of universities for dentistry courses in USA commences through the ADEA/AADSAS application portal, which refers to the American Dental Education Association - Associated American Dental Schools Application Services. Therefore, individuals who aspire to study Dentistry in USA should keep an eye on the ADEA/AADSAS application deadlines.
Dentistry in USA Eligibility Criteria
The entry requirements to study Dentistry in USA vary from university to university. Therefore, in order to ease your concern the following are the common eligibility criteria for applying for Dentistry in USA:-
- 4-year Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, etc. from an American or Canada-accredited university
- At least 3.5 GPA or grade C in the previous degree
- Submission of the Dental Admission Test (DAT) score of at least 22-24 is required
- 2 academic and 1 professional Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- A 500-word Statement of Purpose (SoP)
- Official transcripts or certified copies of transcripts
- Updated Resume or CV
- Personal Interview
- A valid passport
- US Student Visa
- Proof of English Proficiency:-
- IELTS: 6.5 to 7.5 overall score
- TOEFL iBT: 80 to 110 overall score
Also Read: US Student Visa
Dentistry in USA Admission Requirements
The university-specific admission requirements for pursuing Dentistry in USA are tabulated as follows:-
| University | Bachelor’s Degree Requirements | English Language Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 4-year Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, etc. from an American or Canada-accredited university | IELTS: 7.5 (with at least 7 in each band) | TOEFL: 110 (at least 25 in each section) |
| University of California San Francisco | Bachelor's degree from an American or Canada-accredited university with at least Grade C | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 80 |
| New York University | Bachelor’s degree in Biology or relevant stream with at least 3.5 GPA from an American or Canada-accredited university | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | TOEFL: 85 (at least 21 in each section) |
| The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 4-year BSc or BA degree in Biology, Zoology, Biochemistry, etc. | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section) |
| The University of Pennsylvania | 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized university | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section) |
| University of California Los Angeles | 4-year Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a Grade C or more | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 87 |
| Columbia University | 4-year Bachelor's degree from an American or Canadian-accredited university | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section) |
| The University of Minnesota | 4-year Bachelor's degree from an American or Canada-accredited university with at least a 3.5 GPA | TOEFL: 102 (at least 25 in each section) |
| The University of IOWA | 4-year Bachelor's degree from an American or Canada-accredited university with at least a 3.75 GPA | IELTS: 6.5 (with at least 6 in each band) | TOEFL: 80 (at least 17 in each section) |
| University of Southern California | Bachelor's degree from an American or Canada-accredited university with at least Grade C | IELTS: 7 (with at least 6.5 in each band) | TOEFL: 100 (at least 25 in each section) |
Cost of Studying Dentistry in USA
The total cost of pursuing Dentistry in USA includes the tuition fee of universities and cost of living in USA. A detailed breakdown of the costs that an international student can expect to incur is provided below. It is always preferable to be aware of the costs involved and optimise the budget ahead of time to ensure a smooth experience.
Tuition Fees for DDS in USA
USA is one of the costliest countries for international studies. Pursuing Dentistry in USA can cost anywhere from USD 67,000 to USD 135,600 per year, equivalent to INR 55.17 Lakhs to INR 1.12 Crore. The university-wise tuition costs and fees for DDS in USA are tabulated below:-
| University | Tuition Fee per year (USD) | Tuition Fee per year (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | 69,300 | 57.66 lakhs |
| University of California, San Francisco | 50,535 | 42.04 lakhs |
| New York University | 98,892 | 82.28 lakhs |
| University of North Carolina | 95,545 | 79.49 lakhs |
| The University of Pennsylvania | 86,448 | 71.92 lakhs |
| University of California, Los Angeles | 47,360 | 39.40 lakhs |
| Columbia University | 93,380 | 77.69 lakhs |
| University of Minnesota | 135,600 | 1.12 crore |
| University of IOWA | 96,500 | 80.29 lakhs |
| University of Southern California | 113,739 | 94.63 lakhs |
Cost of Living in USA
USA is the most popular as well as the costliest study-abroad destination. This corresponds to the quality of education, safety, ambiance, and health services offered by the country. The following table shows the average expense and the cost of living in USA for Indian students:
| Expense Type | Cost Per Month (USD) | Monthly Cost Equivalent (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| On-campus Accommodation | 2,450 to 2,775 | 1.99 to 2.26 Lakhs |
| Books and stationary | 500 to 1,000 | 40,600 to 81,300 |
| Food | 2,500 | 2 Lakhs |
| Clothes | 500 | 40,600 |
| Public Transport | 500 to 1,200 | 40,600 to 97,600 |
| Miscellaneous | 2,000 | 1.63 Lakhs |
Dentistry in USA Scholarships
With a high cost of studying, Dentistry in USA also comes up with a number of Funding options. Following is the list of some of the popular scholarships in USA for international students:
| Scholarship | University | Eligibility | Award |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deborah Partridge Wolfe International Fellowship | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Candidates studying UG or PG program in USA | USD 500 - 1,000 |
| National Health Service Corp Scholarship Program | University of California San Francisco | US students of the University of California San Francisco with 1-4 year service commitment | Tuition fees, education, costs, etc. |
| Ada Foundation Dental Student Scholarship | – | Candidates studying Dentistry in USA with at least a 3.4 GPA out of 4 | USD 11,000 |
| Kool Smiles Scholarship | – | Candidates studying UG or PG program in Dentistry in USA | USD 5,000 |
| Rotary International Ambassadorial Scholarships | US Government | Citizen of a country with Rotary clubs | 2 years of college course work or equivalent | Up to 25,000 USD |
| Fulbright Scholarships for Indians | US Government | Indian citizen | Academic excellence | English proficiency | Monthly stipend, Tuition and cost of attendance coverage |
| Inlaks Scholarship | US Government | Indian citizen | Minimum 65-75% marks | 100,000 USD |
| AAUW International Fellowship | US Government | Non US based women pursuing master’s and doctoral programs in USA | 20,000-50,000 USD |
| JN Tata Endowment Fund (loan) | US Government | Indian citizens | Bachelor’s degree | Minimum 60% marks | 1,00,000-10,00,000 INR |
Dentistry in USA Jobs and Placements
Dentistry in USA corresponds to high-paying jobs with great exposure in the dentistry industry. One can earn an average annual income ranging from USD 131,000 to USD 242,000, which is equivalent to INR 1 Crore to INR 2 Crores. Some of the popular job profiles after completing Dentistry in USA are given in the following table:-
| Job Profile | Annual Salary (USD) | Equivalent Salary (INR) |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical Director | 131,650 | 1.08 Crore |
| Associate Dentist | 142,100 | 1.17 Crore |
| Dentist | 147,500 | 1.21 Crore |
| General Dentist | 148,100 | 1.22 Crore |
| Paediatric Dentist | 194,000 | 1.60 Crore |
| Orthodontist | 233,500 | 1.92 Crore |
Explore: Post-Study Work Visa in USA
Dentistry in USA vs Dentistry in UK
The following table compares Dentistry in USA and Dentistry in UK on the following parameters:-
| Particulars | Dentistry in USA | Dentistry in UK |
|---|---|---|
| Degree | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) | BDS Dentistry |
| Degree Requirement | 4-year Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, etc. from an American or Canada-accredited university | A-level Bachelor's degree in Biology or Chemistry from a recognized university |
| GPA | 3.5 GPA or Grade C | GCSE 7 or more |
| Duration | 4 years | 5 years |
| ELP Score | IELTS: 6.5 to 7.5 overall score | TOEFL iBT: 80 to 110 overall score | IELTS: 6.5 to 7.5 overall score |
| Annual Tuition Fees | USD 67,000 to USD 135,600 (INR 55.17 Lakhs to INR 1.12 Crore) | GBP 25,000 to GBP 60,000 (INR 24.6 Lakhs to INR 59 Lakhs) |
| Graduate Salary | USD 131,000 to USD 242,000 (INR 1 Crore to INR 2 Crores) | GBP 51,000 (INR 50 Lakhs) |
Dentistry in USA provides expertise in a rage of streams such as Periodontics, Endodontics, Orthodontics, etc. The demand for dental services in USA is expected to grow in the coming years due to an ageing population and increased awareness of the importance of dental health, making it a promising field for those pursuing a career in dentistry.
FAQs
Ques: How many years does dentistry take in USA?
Ans: Dentistry in USA programs typically take four years to complete for a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. However, some schools offer accelerated programs that can be completed in three years. After completing the program, dentists must also fulfil licensing requirements to practise dentistry in their state of residence.
Ques: Is dentistry a good career in USA?
Ans: Dentistry can be a good career in the USA for those who are interested in oral health and have the necessary skills and training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), dentists in the United States earned a median annual salary of USD 163,000 (1.33 crores INR) as of May 2021, which is higher than the median salary for all occupations. The BLS also projects a 6% job growth rate for dentists between 2021 and 2031, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Ques. Is BDS from India valued in USA?
Ans. BDS in India is not at all valid in USA. Therefore, in order to practise Dentistry in USA, candidates must pursue a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program in USA. Alternatively, Indian BDS graduates can opt for an Advanced Standing DDS program in the US to practice dentistry.
Ques. Which country pays the most after studying Dentistry in USA?
Ans. After studying Dentistry in USA, candidates can earn a high salary in the following nations:-
- USA
- Belgium
- Denmark
- Norway
- Netherlands
- Finland
Ques. What affects the salary while practising Dentistry in USA?
Ans. Several factors can affect the salary of a dentist practising in the USA, including their level of education and experience, their geographic location, the type of practice they work in, and the demand for dental services in their area.
Ques. What are the benefits of Dentistry in USA?
Ans. Dentistry in USA is accompanied by the following benefits:-
- Maintain a flexible lifestyle
- Earn an appreciable salary
- A number of job profiles
- Independency in career
- Better oral health
- Respect in society
Ques. What are the admission requirements for Dentistry in USA?
Ans. The entry requirements for studying Dentistry in USA vary from university to university. Therefore, in order to ease your concern the following are the common eligibility criteria for applying for Dentistry in USA:-
- 4-year Bachelor's degree in Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry, etc. from an American or Canada-accredited university
- At least 3.5 GPA or grade C in the previous degree
- Submission of Dental Admission Test (DAT) score of at least 22-24 is required
- 2 academic and 1 professional Letter of Recommendation (LOR)
- A 500-word Statement of Purpose (SoP)
- Official transcript or certified copies of transcripts
- Updated Resume or CV
- Personal Interview
- A valid passport
- US Student Visa
- Proof of English Proficiency:-
- IELTS: 6.5 to 7.5 overall score
- TOEFL iBT: 80 to 110 overall score
Ques. What are the job options after studying Dentistry in USA?
Ans. After pursuing Dentistry in USA, candidates can start working as:-
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Dental Technician
- Orthodontist
- Periodontist
- Prosthodontist, etc.
1720694176.png?tr=w-305,h-145,c-force?h=40&w=40&mode=stretch)
Comments