Dentistry in USA 2025: Top Colleges, Fees, DDS Admission, Career Scope & Salary

Some of the most renowned dental schools in the world are located within the United States, and candidates can obtain either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine). Immediately after high school, however, there is no such undergraduate dentistry program in the U.S. as in India, where students may simply enroll in dental school. Rather, in the United States, a would-be dentist obtains an undergraduate degree, majoring in a science related to dentistry, followed by a four-year DDS or DMD degree program.

In the case of Indian students, the course of study may involve obtaining a relevant undergraduate degree in India (or the United States) and fulfilling other requirements, including the DAT (Dental Admission Test), English ability, and evidence of clinical experience. The tuition rates typically fall within the USD 50,000-100,000 per annum range, but many schools offer scholarships and financial aid programs.

For those who want to practice in the United States, a dental degree in the United States also leaves many options, either to practice back in the US, back in India, or to practice elsewhere in the world using US licensure mechanisms.

Dentistry in the USA: Quick Highlights 

Dentistry in the USA: Important Dates and Events

Here are the details about Dentistry in the USA, important dates, and events:

Application Start & End Dates for Top Universities

Here is a list of top universities and their expected application deadlines: 

Visa Application Timeline

• As soon as you receive your offer letter 
• Processing Time: around 6 - 8 weeks

Scholarship Deadline for 2025

General deadlines: 

• Winter Intake - January/February 
• Spring Intake - May 

Details about Specific Scholarships:

Dentistry in the USA Fees

Tuition Fees:

Depending on the university and particular program, tuition prices for an overseas student pursuing a Dentistry in USA degree in the USA normally range from INR 16 lakhs to INR 36 lakhs annually.

Living Cost: 

Here is an overview of the basic living costs:

Why Choose a Dentistry Degree in the USA?

Studying a dentistry course in the USA provides Indian students with quality education, exposure to clinical work at an earlier stage, and the availability of specializations. Already in the second year, students can start medicine under the control of professionals and acquire both experience and theoretical knowledge. The multidisciplinary curriculum, which is usually common with colleagues undertaking medicine and public health programs, gives an overall insight into healthcare delivery. Orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery are some specializations that will enable the students to customize their careers to suit their interests.

Besides good academics, dental schools in the U.S. provide research opportunities at an advanced stage, international exposure to classrooms, and a clear path to attaining a license through such exams as the INBDE. The graduates of American institutions of dental training are very sought after and command handsome remuneration among all medical practice workers. The degree is also accepted in other countries such as Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, among others. Studying dentistry in the USA, together with the good provision of student support services, equips the dentist for a successful dental practice on a global scale.

Also Check: Study in USA

Dentistry in the USA: Qualification

In order to apply to the DDS/DMD program in the US:

• You need to attain a 4-year degree in the form of a Bachelor's degree, where you take related courses specialising in medical or dentistry.
• There must be a good academic GPA (3.3-3.7 on a 4.0 scale).
• The scores of the ADAT are required.
• It is strongly encouraged to have clinical experience as a shadow or a volunteer at a dental clinic.
• International applicants must have good skills in English (TOEFL or IELTS).

Dentistry in the USA: Eligibility Criteria 

An overview of the basic eligibility criteria is given below. Students need to note that these criteria may change according to different universities.

Application Process: 

SOP, LOR, and Resume

• Some universities may ask for a Statement of Purpose, 1–2 Letters of Recommendation, and a Resume or CV.

University‑Specific Admission Steps

• Although the primary application through the AADSAS application portal is used in most schools, additional essays, personal statements, or interviews may be requested. It is highly advised to keep abreast with the official website of the universities. 

Top Dentistry in USA Entrance Exams for USA

DAT Tips

• DAT (Dental Admission Test): Mandatory for all applicants
• Topics: Natural Sciences (Biology & Chemistry), Perceptual Ability, Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning
• Recommended DAT Score: 19–22+

IELTS / TOEFL Tips

• Aim for a TOEFL iBT score of 100+ or an IELTS score of 7.0+
• Practice regularly with mock tests
• Focus on academic vocabulary and listening comprehension

Dentistry in the USA: Cut-Offs in the USA

IELTS / TOEFL Score Cut-Offs:

DAT/ADAT Estimated Score Details:

Dentistry in the USA: Seats in the USA

Seats in Public Universities

• DDS/DMD programs in the US accept between 70 and 150 students annually to the program, with an average of between 82 and 85 students. There is tough competition for international seats.

Dentistry in the USA: Syllabus

Here is the Dentistry basic syllabus for students: 

Core Courses (Year 1–2)

• Oral Anatomy and Physiology
• Dental Materials
• Biochemistry and Microbiology
• Clinical Skills and Patient Communication

Advanced Courses (Year 3–4)

• Endodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Periodontics
• Orthodontics
• Oral Surgery
• Community Dentistry
• Clinical Rotations and Speciality Practice

Best Universities/Colleges for Dentistry in the USA

Public Universities

• University of Michigan
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
• UCSF
• University of Washington

Private Institutions

• Harvard University
• NYU College of Dentistry
• University of Pennsylvania
• Boston University

Global Rankings for Indian Applicants

• Dental schools like Harvard, UCSF, and the University of Michigan consistently rank in the Top 10 globally for dentistry. These are highly respected across the world, including India, the UK, Australia, and the Middle East.

Dentistry in the USA vs India (Comparison Table)

Here is a quick overview of the comparison of Bachelor's of Dentistry in the USA and India based on features like duration, course outcomes, career opportunities, tuition and living costs, etc. 

Career Scope After a Dentistry Degree in the USA

Once you graduate with a DDS or DMD from the U.S., a world of opportunities opens up:

Licensure Pathway

• Pass NBDE (Part I & II) or INBDE (new format).
• Complete residency (optional for general practice, mandatory for specialities).
• Apply for state licensure (varies by state).

Job Roles

• General Dentist
• Orthodontist
• Periodontist
• Oral Surgeon
• Public Health Dentist
• Academic/Researcher

Top Recruiters / Placement Companies

In the USA, holders of dentistry degrees are sought after in diverse fields, where the most widespread form is the individual practice, because of the high income level and the possibility of shaping the schedule. Popular alternatives include public health practice, faculty positions in universities, and practice in hospitals. Others do specializations as a residency in an area such as orthodontics or oral surgery. New career opportunities are available in corporate dentistry, healthcare consulting, and in the services of the military or veterans, indicating the increased number of highly talented dental workers.

Salary Packages for Dentistry Graduates in the USA

For Indian Graduates: BDS graduates with a US degree can earn ₹10–20 LPA in India or build premium dental practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ques: Is doing dentistry in the USA any good for Indian students in 2025?

Ans: Yes. The field of dentistry is among the highest-paying ones in the USA, and the average salary is USD 131,000 to USD 242,000 per year. The long-term prospects of dentists are good as the demand for qualified dentists keeps increasing.

Ques: Will the freshers be able to apply to a bachelor's in dentistry in the USA?

Ans: No. A bachelor's degree in dentistry is not available in the USA. Students should then achieve a 4-year undergraduate pursuit (mostly in sciences), followed by application to DDS or DMD schools.

Ques: Does dentistry practice have a large demand in the USA?

Ans: Yes. Dentistry is always one of the best medical professions. Population aging and high oral health awareness are the key factors stimulating the increases in demand (particularly on the side of services-specific demand).

Ques: How much is the tuition fee for dentistry in the USA?

Ans: DDS/DMD programs cost between USD 67,000 and USD 135,600 per year. With the living expenses added in, the total annual cost can be between USD 100,000 and 150,000.

Ques: Are there any scholarships and financial aid that Indian students can claim?

Ans: Yes. Merit-based scholarships are available in select universities, and outside scholarships such as the Sensodyne IDA Shining Star are available to help Indian dental students.

Ques: Which bearings are necessary in USA dentistry?

Ans: The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is mandatory. Indian students also need to prove that they are proficient in English, which is normally indicated by IELTS (6.5-7.5) or TOEFL iBT (80-110).

Ques: What are the career opportunities after undertaking dentistry in the USA?

Ans: A graduate may become a general dentist or a specialist such as an orthodontist, oral surgeon, periodontist, or prosthodontist. The other career options are private practice, research, teaching, and hospital dentistry.

Ques: Is there an opportunity that Indian BDS graduates can practice directly in the USA?

Ans: No. An Indian BDS degree is not accepted in the USA to be licensed directly. Graduates are required to undertake a 2-3 year Advanced Standing DDS program in order to practice.

Ques: What would be the average dentist's salary in the USA in 2025?

Ans: According to the specialization, a dentist gets a variable salary between USD 131,000 and USD 242,000 per year.

Ques: What are some of the best dental schools in the USA in 2025?

Ans: The top ones are Harvard University, the University of Michigan, UCSF, the University of Pennsylvania, and NYU, being ranked among the best 50 in the world in terms of dentistry.

Ques: Does the USA offer fully sponsored scholarships for dentistry?

Ans: Yes. Full or partial scholarships assist international dental students and are provided by such programs as the ADEA/Crest Oral-B Scholarships, Delta Dental Scholarships, and the Fulbright Foreign Student Program.

Ques: How much do dental students have to live in the USA?

Ans: Monthly needs are between 2,000 USD and 4,500 USD, depending on the location and style of life.

Ques: How do the DDS programs gain admission?

Ans: The students need to apply through ADEA AADSAS, provide DAT scores, LORs, and SOP, and they are required to meet the English proficiency level (TOEFL/IELTS).