Dentistry in USA is a 4 to 5-year advanced course approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission. The programs are recognised as Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) to become a professional dentist in USA. Both of these are similar to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in India. Candidates can apply for dental speciality courses or general dentistry after completing the DMD or DDS degree. Candidates need to have a 4-year Bachelor-degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology, etc. for attending Dentistry courses in the top universities in USA. The return on investment (ROI) after studying dentistry in USA for international students are as follows

International students always try to get into those universities that provide good return, as it balances the cost of study in USA. The above graph clearly states that, you can easily get more than 100% ROI after dentistry in USA. Harvard University, University of North Carolina, Columbia University are some of the universities that are offering more than 200% ROI. Look for the entry requirements for these universities
Aspirants need a GPA of a minimum of 3.5 on the scale of 4.0. The scores of exams to study in USA is IELTS: 6.5 or higher and TOEFL: 100 or above for dentistry programs. The annual tuition fees of the top dental universities in USA vary from USD 67,000 to USD 135,600 (INR 55,20,036 - INR 1,11,71,894) based on their location. The average annual salary of dentists as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics in USA is USD 163,000 (INR 1,34,32,112).
Dentistry in USA Highlights
The table below states the overview of Dentistry in USA:
| Courses Available | Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) | Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) |
| Course Type | Full-time | Part-time |
| Program Duration | 4 years |
| Degree Requirement | 4-year Bachelor's degree in Chemistry, Biochemistry, Biology etc. from an American or Canada-accredited university |
| GPA | 3.5 GPA on a 4.0 scale |
| DAT Score | 22-24 Overall |
| English Proficiency Requirements | IELTS: 6.5 to 7.5 overall score TOEFL: 80 to 110 overall score |
| Annual Tuition Fees | USD 67,000 to USD 135,600 (INR 55,20,036 - INR 1,11,71,894) per year |
| Annual Salary Range | USD 163,000 (INR 1,34,32,112) per year |
| Top Recruiters |
Alameda Health System Arthur’s Enterprises Inc. Benevis Cassopolis Family Clinic Network etc. |
Note: USD 1= INR 83.09 as on February 14, 2024
Why Study Dentistry in USA
In USA, studying Dentistry has immense job opportunities to shape the career of the candidates. Top universities teaches applicants the core of how to practice Dentistry in USA. The reasons for studying DDS in USA after BDS in India are as follows:
- Candidates get a huge return on investment after completing USA dental courses.
- The average annual salary of jobs in USA after Dentistry programs varies from USD 131,000 to USD 242,000 (INR 1,07,94,963 - INR 1,99,41,840).
- From the year 2021 to 2031, the employment rate of dentistry in USA has tended to rise by 6%.
- There are approximately 5100 vacancies raised yearly in dentistry in USA.
- Majority of universities teach students from the core of how to become a Dentistry in USA, and different aspects.
- In December 2022, the unemployment rate was 3.7% which tends to offer immense job opportunities for the candidates.
Dentistry in USA Vs Orthodontics in USA
The table highlights the comparison between Dentistry in USA with Orthodontics programs offered by a wide range of private as well as public univerisities in USA:
| Parameters | Dentistry in USA | Orthodontics in USA |
| Top Universities | Harvard University | University of California | San Francisco | New York University | University of North Carolina | University of Pennsylvania etc. | University of Rochester | Texas A&M University| Saint Louis University | Marquette University | University of Michigan etc. |
| GPA | 3.5 on a 4.0 scale | 3.5 on a 4.0 scale |
| ELP Score Requirements | IELTS: 6.5 to 7.5 TOEFL: 80-100 |
IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: 100 PTE: 68 |
| Annual Tuition Fees | USD 67,000 to USD 135,600 (INR 55,20,036 - INR 1,11,71,894) | 40,660 USD (INR 33,57,194) |
| Job Roles | Clinical Director | Associate Dentist | Dentist | General Dentist etc. | Restorative Dentistry - Maxillofacial Prosthodontics & Implant Dentistry | Orthodontic Assistant | Endodontist | Orthodontist | Periodontist etc. |
| Average Annual Salary | USD 163,000 (INR 1,34,32,112) | 279,000 USD (INR 2,30,36,332) |
| Top Recruiters | Alameda Health System | Apple | Arthur’s Enterprises Inc. | Benevis | Cassopolis Family Clinic Network etc. | HealthPartners | Kool Smiles | MB2 Dental | Familia Dental | Snow Orthodontics | Snow Orthodontics etc. |
Note: USD 1= INR 83.09 as on February 14, 2024
Top Universities Offering Dentistry in USA
For studying dentistry courses, international candidates can opt for top dental universities in USA. International students with strength of applications can apply in Ivy league universities in USA. Here, tabulated below is the list of colleges offering dental courses in USA for Indian students:
| Best universities for Dentistry in USA | Tuition Fees Per Year |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | USD 69,300 (INR 57,58,040) |
| University of California, San Francisco | USD 47,360 (INR 39,35,076) |
| New York University | USD 98,892 (INR 82,16,797) |
| University of North Carolina | USD 67,000 (INR 55,66,936) |
| University of Pennsylvania | USD 86,448 (INR 71,82,843) |
| University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) | USD 47,360 (INR 39,35,076) |
| Columbia University | USD 101,495 (INR 84,33,077) |
| University of Minnesota | USD 41,602 (INR 34,56,652) |
| University of IOWA | USD 38,414 (INR 31,91,765) |
| University of Southern California | USD 113,739 (INR 94,50,414) |
Note: USD 1= INR 83.09 as on February 14, 2024
Dentistry in USA Admission Procedure
Candidates willing to opt for DDS or DMD after BDS courses in USA must login to the portal of universities. The applicants need to check the eligibility criteria, document requirements and application fees for Dentistry in USA. A detailed procedure of admissions to US universities for Dentistry curriculum are as follows:

Eligibility Criteria for Dentistry in USA
The eligibility criteria for Dental courses in USA after BDS are as follows:
- 4-year Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology Chemistry, etc. from a Canadian or American approved university.
- A GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale or grade C is required in previous degree.
- IELTS score range from 6.5 to 7.5 is required.
- TOEFL iBT score range from 80-100 is required.
- DAT score of 22-24 is required.
- Must carry a valid US student visa application.
Documents Requirements for Dentistry in USA
The documents required to apply for the best dental universities in USA are listed below:
- LOR for USA (Letter of Recommendation):1 professional and 2 academic
- Official transcript
- IELTS/TOEFL score card.
- DAT score card.
- SOP for USA (Statement of Purpose)
- Proof of shadowing hours (i.e. working or assisting under a dentist)
- Updated CV or Resume
- Valid passport
- Personal Interview
- US Student Visa
- Copy of health insurance in USA for international students (if applied)
Application Fee for Dentistry in USA
International students can also check universities accepting backlogs in USA for Dentistry curriculum. The application fees for top dental universities in USA are as follows:
| Dentistry Colleges in USA | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 95 USD (INR 7,893) |
| University of California, San Francisco | 75 USD (INR 6,232) |
| New York University | 80 USD (INR 6,647) |
| University of North Carolina | 84 USD (INR 6,979) |
| University of Pennsylvania | 60 USD (INR 4,985) |
| University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) | 60 USD (INR 4,985) |
| Columbia University | 125 USD (INR 10,386) |
| University of Minnesota | 85 USD (INR 7,062) |
| University of IOWA | 250 USD (INR 20,772) |
| University of Southern California | 85 USD (INR 7,062) |
Note: USD 1= INR 83.09 as on February 14, 2024
Application Deadline for International Dentistry Programs in USA
The application deadlines to study Dentistry in USA for International students varies as per different intake sessions. The application deadlines for top universities in USA for dentistry programs are as follows:
| Name of University | Admission Deadline |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | Closed |
| University of California, San Francisco | Closed |
| New York University | Closed |
| University of North Carolina | Closed |
| University of Pennsylvania | June 1, 2024 |
| University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) | Closed |
| Columbia University | Closed |
| University of Minnesota | Closed |
| University of IOWA | Accepting applications from September 15, 2023 until seats are full |
| University of Southern California | Closed |
Top Universities Entry Requirements for Dentistry in USA
International students with specific eligibility can apply for scholarships to study Dentistry in United States. There are certain Duolingo accepted universities in USA accepts students for Dentistry program. The Dental Admissions Test (DAT) is required by all U.S. dental schools and measures academic ability, scientific understanding, and perceptual ability. The table is given below stating the admission requirements for studying dental courses in USA after BDS:
| Name of University | Score Requirements | ELP Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | DAT: 20 | IELTS: 7.5 TOEFL: 110 |
| University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) | DAT: 17-28 | IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: 80 |
| New York University | DAT: 21 | IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 85 |
| University of North Carolina | DAT: 22.1 | IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: 100 |
| University of Pennsylvania | DAT: 22.4 | TOEFL: 100 |
| University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) | DAT: 22 | IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: 87 |
| Columbia University | DAT: 23.4 | TOEFL: 100 |
| University of Minnesota | DAT: 17-26 | TOEFL: 102 |
| University of IOWA | DAT: 20.5 | IELTS: 6.5 TOEFL: 80 |
| University of Southern California | DAT: 20.5 | IELTS: 7.0 TOEFL: 100 |
Cost of Living in USA
The annual cost of living and studying in USA for Denistry programs varies according to different universities. Researching about best cities in USA for international students as per affordability, rankings, as well as educational qualities is beneficial. Here, tabulated below is the cost of living for attending dental courses in USA for International students:

Note: USD 1= INR 83.09 as on February 14, 2024
Dentistry in USA Scholarships
International students with specific eligibility criterias can avail a wide range of scholarships and fellowship in Dentistry in USA. Candidates unable to pay the DDS fees in USA can avail of scholarships. A list of scholarships to study in USA to study Dentistry program are as follows:
| University Name | Scholarship Offered | Eligibility | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | International Facility Management Association Foundation | Candidates willing to pursue UG and PG programs | 1,500 to 10,000 USD (INR 1,24,633 to 8,30,886) |
| University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) | The Delta Dental Award | Dental students with good academic records | 10,000 USD (INR 8,30,886) |
| New York University | Global Pathways Scholarships | Canddites seeking UG degree from this university | 4,000 USD (INR 3,32,354) per semester |
| University of North Carolina | FAFSA | Internationasl students seeking UG program in USA | Covers tuition, mandatory fees, room, board and books and other living expenses (and sometimes travel) |
| University of Pennsylvania | FAFSA: Federal Pell Grant | International students pursuing UG programs | 692-6895 USD (INR 57497 to 5,72,896) |
| University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) | Carl H. Unruh Endowed Undergraduate Scholarship | International students enrolled in UG programs | 1000 USD (INR 83,089) |
| Columbia University | MPOWER Women in STEM Scholarship | International students pursuing STEM programs in USA | 6,000 USD (INR 4,98,531) |
| University of Minnesota | Global Excellence Scholarship | International students pursuing courses in USA | 10,000-25,000 USD (INR 8,30,886 to 20,77,215) |
| University of IOWA | International Distinction in Education Award (IDEA) | International students pursuing courses in USA | 500 - 10,000 USD (INR 41,544 to 8,30,886) per year |
| University of Southern California | International Freshman Academic Scholarships | International students enrolled in UG programs | Variable amount |
Note: USD 1= INR 83.09 as on February 14, 2024
Dentistry in USA Salary
The dentistry courses in USA offer jobs with high-paying salaries. The dental offices in USA offer candidates with various job profiles. The average annual salary varies from USD 1,31,000 to USD 242,000 (INR 1 Crore - INR 2 Crore). Average Dental Hygienist Salary in US is somewhere around USD 66,000 (INR 54,32,163) per year. The table given below states the job profile and annual salary as one of the major benefits of studying in USA:

Note: USD 1= INR 83.09 as on February 14, 2024
Top Recruiters for Dentistry in USA
The Dentistry in USA after BDS in India The top recruiters for Dentistry in USA is listed below:
- Alameda Health System
- Arthur’s Enterprises Inc.
- Benevis
- Cassopolis Family Clinic Network
- Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
- Chesterfields Ltd
- Christie Clinic
- Comprehensive Community Action Program
- East Bay Community Action Program
Work Permit
Candidates can opt for F1 student visa to study Dentistry in USA as a full time course. F1 visa can be used for on-campus employment. The employment is based on the field of study that the candidates pursued from the US universities. The documents required for appyling F1 visa are as follows:
- Academic transcripts
- Certificate or degree approved by US government
- Confirmation letter from the university
- Migration, character and birth certificates.
- Letter of sponsorship
- Official form I 20
- Bank statements
- SEVIS fee receipt for interview
International students can check how much does it cost to study Dentistry in USA, along with benefits, and annual salary structure. Candidates interested in seeking dentistry courses can apply from the best dental USA universities. These universities offer effective courses in dentistry that enable the candidates to gather knowledge of the subject in detail. Candidates can receive scholarships to attain dental implant courses in USA. Indian dentist in USA gets great opportunities from the top dental universities in USA.
FAQs
Ques: How many years is dentistry in USA?
Ans. Dentistry in USA is a 4 to 5-year advanced course approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission.
Ques: What is DDS in USA?
Ans. Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in USA are similar degree types. Dentists pursuing DMD or DDS attain the same education.
Ques: Can I do DDS in USA after BDS in India?
Ans. USA does not consider BDS from India as a dental degree. The enrolled students must have a 4-year bachelor's degree from USA or Canada.
Ques: What is the cost of DDS in USA?
Ans. The annual tuition fees of DDS in USA vary from USD 67,000 to USD 135,600 (INR 55,20,036 - INR 1,11,71,894).
Ques: Can I do DDS after BDS in USA?
Ans. Yes. Candidates required a 4-year Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry, Biology Chemistry, etc. from a Canadian or American-approved university.
Ques: How can I get admission to DDS in USA?
Ans. Candidates need a GPA of 3.5 on a 4.0 scale and a DAT score of 22-24 for applying for DDS in USA.
Ques: Are dentists well-paid in USA?
Ans. Candidates attain exceptionally high salaries after pursuing dentistry in USA. The average annual salary of dentists is 163,000 (INR 1,34,32,112).
Ques: What are the career options for dentists in USA?
Ans. Candidates attain various job roles like Clinical Director, Associate Dentist, Dentist etc. after pursuing Dentistry in USA.
Ques: Is dental a good career in USA?
Ans. From the year 2021 to 2031, the employment rate of dentistry in USA has tended to rise by 6% as per the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Ques: What is the US average DAT score for Dentistry in USA?
Ans. The average DAT score for Dentistry in USA ranges from 22-24.
Ques: Can I get a PR after studying Dentistry?
Ans: In both Canada and the United States, being a permanent resident (PR) or citizen is not a strict requirement for practicing dentistry. With proper qualification and expertise you can start practicing. You can also apply for PR after dentistry in USA.
Ques: Is BDS accepted in USA?
Ans: No, Bachelors of Dental Surgery (BDS) is not completely recognized in the United States. Moreover, there are specific academic and visa requirements you'll need to comply with if you want to work as a licensed dentist in North America
Ques: Is Dentistry worth it in USA?
Ans: Yes, dentistry is worth it USA. The ROI is high, salaries are good, job opportunities are also higher. Complying these, it can be said that dentistry is worth it in USA.
Ques: Is dental a good career in USA?
Ans: Yes, dentistry can be a good career in USA. You can get job opportunities in reputer healthcare companies. You can also choose to start private practise.
Ques: Is a dentist a doctor USA?
Ans: Yes. Dentists are doctors because they undergo extensive medical training. In the United States, a person who wants to become a dentist must receive an undergraduate degree and complete four years of focused training in an accredited dental school.



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