Study DDS in USA: How to pursue DDS in USA after BDS in India

Take a look at the reasons why you must consider doing DDS in the USA after BDS in India:

• In a list of 70 universities ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2022 for dentistry, 16 US universities have reserved a place, of which 14 are ranked in the top 50 worldwide.
• There is an expected employment growth of 8.1% for dentists between 2020 and 2030, creating over 9,800 jobs, as per the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
• In the U.S. News and World Report 2022 ranking of best-paying jobs, dentists rank 11th in the U.S.

Read: Top Reasons To Study In USA

It is worth noting that 10 universities in the USA rank among the top 50 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2022 for dentistry. Here is a list of the top 5 universities for pursuing a DDS in the USA:

• University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
• University of California - San Francisco
• Harvard University
• University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill
• University of Pennsylvania

Take a look at the key details about the leading 5 DDS universities in the USA for Indian students:

1. University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

The DDS at the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, known as the No. 1 dental school in the US, focuses on biomedical sciences and clinical care. The course requires you to complete 100 hours of dental shadowing before enrolling.

2. University of California - San Francisco

The UCSF School of Dentistry is world-renowned for oral and craniofacial health. Established in 1881, it is one of the oldest dental schools in California. The university also offers a 2-year DDS/ MBA program.

3. Harvard University

The Harvard School of Dental Medicine is recognized for its state-of-the-art facilities. Not only does the university rank 11th for dentistry but also 5th in the QS World University Rankings 2024, speaking for its excellence.

4. University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

UNC-Chapel Hill, a part of the University of North Carolina system, offers the Doctor of Dental Surgery program to a small batch of around 80 students, with nearly 20% of the enrollment being international students.

5. University of Pennsylvania

You can pursue a DMD at the Penn Dental School, which is one of the 12 renowned schools of the University of Pennsylvania. The course will also allow you to pursue honors programs in research, community health, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and radiological sciences, among others.

Read: How To Choose A University Abroad?

The DDS course starts with an introduction to patient care and a basic medical history that should be incorporated while planning treatment. The first 2 years of the course emphasize the study of the laboratory and equipment, while the next 2 years are all about clinical practice. Take a look at the table below to get an idea about the course curriculum for DDS after BDS in the USA:

Fulfilling the eligibility criteria for DDS in the USA for Indian students is essential for admission. Before applying, you must check the university website for information on the exact admission requirements. Take a look at the general requirements for admission to DDS in the USA for Indian students:

• Completed bachelor’s degree
• Entrance exam scores
• English language proficiency test scores

Discussed below are the details necessary to fulfill the eligibility criteria for admission to DDS colleges in the USA:

Completed bachelor’s degree

DDS universities in the USA mostly accept only those international students who hold a 4-year completed bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution in the USA or Canada. It is expected that you have at least 75-80% for admission.

Entrance exam scores

All DDS colleges in the USA ask for scores on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). It is advisable to take the DAT for at least one year before applying for admission.

Suggested: Entrance Exams For USA

English language proficiency test scores

Since DDS universities in the USA accept applications from candidates having a bachelor’s degree from the USA or Canada, there is generally no need to submit proof of English language proficiency separately. Otherwise, you will have to provide a minimum IELTS score of 7.0 or a TOEFL score of 100.

The process for applying to DDS in the USA is slightly different than other courses. Here are the steps to be followed:

• Step 1: Start by shortlisting universities offering DDS in the USA for Indian students.
• Step 2: Visit the official websites of these universities and check for important details including deadlines, requirements, fees, funding, and other relevant information.
• Step 3: You will have to apply for DDS in the USA through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) and not directly to the university.
• Step 4: To complete your application, provide supplementary documents along with evaluations wherever necessary.
• Step 5: Wait for the admission decision, and while you do so track the status of your application for updates.

After getting your acceptance letter, apply for a student visa to study in the USA.

You will need a set of documents to apply for a DDS in the USA after a BDS in India. A list of such documents that you must gather before applying to any university has been provided below:

• Official transcripts showing completion of a 4-year bachelor’s degree from the USA or Canada
• DAT test score
• English language proficiency test scores
• Proof of shadowing hours (i.e. assisting or working under a dentist)
• Recommendation letters
• Statement of purpose
• Resume
• Copy of passport
• Proof of finances

When we talk about the cost of DDS in the USA, there are two components to be considered - tuition fees and cost of living. The amount of investment required to get a DDS in the USA for Indian students can be quite overwhelming, especially if you paid for your bachelor’s in the USA too. Let us take a look:

Tuition Fees

On average, the tuition fees for DDS in the USA for international students are around $55,000- $65,000 per year. Applying to public universities can help you save a lot, as the DDS fees in the USA range between $15,000- $35,000 per year.

Suggested: Cost Of Studying In USA

Cost of Living

The cost of living for an international student in the USA has been estimated at around $1,000-1,500 per month, which adds up to $12,000-18,000 (INR 9,96,000 - INR 14,94,000) per year. The living cost is comparatively higher than in several other countries for studying abroad. However, you need not be burdened, as there are possibilities of lowering this cost by comparing various accommodation options, transportation, personal expenses, and more.

Suggested: Cost Of Living In USA

If you are worried about the hefty DDS fees in the USA for Indian students, the good news is that there are several scholarships offered by dental schools as well as the American Dental Education Association and other private organizations.

Take a look at the table below for the top 5 scholarships for DDS in the USA:

With a DDS after a BDS in the USA, you can go for clinical practice. Further, there is scope of getting a specialty that is in demand, such as oral and maxillofacial pathology, orthodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics, endodontists, pediatric dentistry, etc.

Here is a table showing the popular job titles for dentists with a DDS in the USA after a BDS in India:

Suggested: How To Find Jobs In USA?

Before entering the field of healthcare as a dentist, there is one last thing to do, which is to appear for a written exam known as the National Board Dental Examination. Additionally, depending on the state where you will be practicing, you will also have to take a practical examination.

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