collageLooking for information about the cheapest dental schools in the USA for international students? We provide free advice on which dental schools in the USA are affordable.
No one believes going for a dental degree is an easy task. It requires solid technical knowledge and practical skills that cannot be gained through book study alone. However, the US dentistry schools continue to get more open-minded in accepting international students who wish to get a degree there. In order to get enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate dentistry schools, you need to pass their entrance exam and fulfil some other requirements based on the specific school.
Are you interested in schooling overseas? Are you curious about which of the cheapest dental schools in the world you can go to? Are you curious about finding out more about the cheapest dental schools for non-residents and you don’t know how to go about it? Have you been searching for information on the cheapest dental schools in New York, cheap dental schools near me, a list of dental schools in the USA for international students, the cheapest dental schools for international students in the UK, or the best dental schools for out of state students without leading anywhere? Have you surfed the internet for dental school tuition comparisons and you still get no absolute answers. Worry not, this site gives you answers to your questions. Save time and effort by visiting our catalog right here on Collegelearners for answers to dentistry in the USA.
Cheapest Dental Schools In The World
Most universities in America charge higher fees for out-of-state citizens than for in-state people, which means international students always end up paying the higher number. Since it is already difficult enough to move to a new country to continue your education, we decided to perform a dental school tuition comparison in order to assist all you immigrants in your decision. We’re not going to let US citizens hang though, so if you’re already a resident and are looking for cheap dental schools in the USA, then head on over to our list of the most affordable dental schools in the US. If you’re searching for the cheapest dental schools in the world, however, well, that is a trickier question to answer. But you can go by this list of low-cost global universities, which marks the University of Helsinki in Finland as being one of the cheapest. Conveniently, this university happens to offer dental medicine if you wish to study it, so that’s that problem out of the way! From this list of global universities, you can also unearth a few other cheap dental schools in Europe.
cheapest dental schools for international students In The US
In the United States, many dental schools offer loans to international students. There are also some dental schools that are less selective in their admissions process for international students.
If you are an international student looking to study dentistry in the US, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will list and rank the top 10 dental schools for international students in the US.
10. University of Tennessee Health Science Center
- Total cost (four years): $170,884
- Annual tuition (first year): $30,188
9. University of Kentucky
- Total cost (four years): $162,874
- Annual tuition (first year): $32,722
8. University of Texas (UT) Health Science Center at San Antonio
- Total cost (four years): $154,776
- Annual tuition (first year): $24,150
7. UT Health Science Center at Houston
- Total cost (four years): $149,238
- Annual tuition (first year): $27,211
6. University of Mississippi
- Total cost (four years): $146,087
- Annual tuition (first year): $29,523
5. Augusta University
- Total cost (four years): $144,077
- Annual tuition (first year): $25,576
4. East Carolina University
- Total cost (four years): $138,258
- Annual tuition (first year): $28,944
3. University of Alabama
- Total cost (four years): $135,485
- Annual tuition (first year): $27,744
2. Texas A&M University
- Total cost (four years): $119,490
- Annual tuition (first year): $18,288
1. University of Puerto Rico
- Total cost (four years): $98,818
- Annual tuition (first year): $12,000
As you look at the list, you’ll notice that all of these universities are public schools. In general, public schools cost less than private schools. You won’t find a private school on the list until you get down to Howard University at No. 20. Howard University has a total four-year cost of $193,559.
The University of Puerto Rico is by far the cheapest dental school. In fact, it ranked No. 1 on our list of the cheapest medical schools, too. Residents of Texas have several inexpensive dental school options, with three schools in the top 10.
Dentistry in USA: Top Colleges, Cost, Eligibility, Scholarships, Scope
Dentistry in the USA is offered as a 4-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) degree. Both of them have the same curriculum and are equivalent to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in India. However, unlike in India, dental schools in the USA accept only those students in DDS or DMD who have a 4-year bachelor’s degree from US or Canadian institutes.
Average annual tuition fees for dentistry in the USA range between 11,400 USD and 84,630 USD, equivalent to 84.3 lakhs – 62.6 lakhs INR. The cost of pursuing a bachelor’s gets added to these tuition fees for study abroad aspirants. It is somewhere around 15,000 USD to 60,000 USD per annum, depending on the university and the program. Nevertheless, the salary for dentists in the USA is also very lucrative and is approximately 238,000 USD (1.75 crore INR) per annum.
BDS students from India interested in practicing as dentists in the USA can also apply for a 2-year Advanced Standing Doctor of Dentistry program. It is offered by over 30 universities in this country. Other than that, a bachelor’s and master’s degree in dentistry is also offered by some US universities. Graduates of such programs cannot practice as dentists but work under them as assistants, hygienists, technicians, etc.
best dental school for international students in USA
10 universities in the USA ranking in the top 50 among dental institutes across the world, as per QS Rank 2020, offer DDS or DMD degrees to international students. They are listed as follows, along with their fees:
| QS Ranking 2020 | University | Annual Fees (in USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Harvard University | 64,984 |
| 9 | University of California San Francisco | 11,442 |
| 14 | New York University | 53,610 |
| 18 | University of North Carolina Chapel Hill | 67,162 |
| 22 | University of Pennsylvania | 77,612 |
| 27 | University of California Los Angeles | 19,070 |
| 35 | Columbia University | 84,630 |
| 37 | University of Minnesota Twin Cities | 73,246 |
| 49 | University of Iowa | 69,728 |
| 49 | University of Southern California | 32,575 |
Apart from that, more than 30 universities in the USA also offer an Advanced Standing Doctor of Dentistry program for Indian students already having a BDS degree. The duration of the program is 2 years and it is specifically for those who studied dentistry in their home country but wanted to practice in the USA. Its tuition fees are the same as DDS/DMD degrees. Some universities that offer such programs are:
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- University of Michigan
- University of California Los Angeles
- Boston University
- University of Southern California
- University of Pennsylvania
Other programs related to dentistry in the USA are also available such as bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene. They are 3 to 4 years of full-time undergraduate courses and prepare students to serve as assistants to dentists. Basic eligibility is having 80% marks in class 12 with science subjects.
Following are some of the universities offering Bachelors in Dental Hygiene in the USA:
| University | Fees per annum (in USD) |
|---|---|
| New York University | 26,102 |
| University of Southern California | 28,628 |
| University of Minnesota | 31,616 |
| Purdue University | 48,747 |
| Texas A&M University | 39,648 |
Why Study Dentistry in USA
Academic excellence and lucrative career opportunities are two of the major reasons why study aspirants come to study dentistry in USA. Some facts supporting this statement are elaborated as follows:
- As per QS Rank for Dentistry 2020, 12 universities in the USA rank among the top 50 dental schools in the world, whereas their number is limited to only 7 and 2 in the UK and Canada, respectively.
- Job growth for dentists in the USA is quite slow, i.e., 3% (2019–29) as compared to other healthcare sectors, but they earn 64% more than health and medical professionals.
- The annual increment for dentists in this country is 12% every 17 months, whereas the national average is only 8%.
Pathway for Dentistry in USA
The pathway to dentistry is very similar to MBBS in the USA. International students are required to have a bachelor’s degree with certain pre-requisite subjects to apply for a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD). Following is the step by step guide on how to become a dentist in the USA:
Step 1: 4-years bachelor’s degree from USA or Canadian university
The majority of the universities in the USA offering DDS or DMS accept only those international students who have a 4-year bachelor’s degree from an institute in Canada or the USA. Some universities also accept a 3-year bachelor’s degree graduate in dentistry in the USA. The following are the subjects that should be included in the curriculum:
- Biology
- Physics
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
Step 2: Take the DAT test
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a compulsory requirement for studying in the USA. It is a computerized test and has three sections: academic ability, scientific information, and perceptual ability. Students should take DAT at least a year before applying to a dental college in the USA.
Step 3: 4-year DDS or DMD degree
This degree is accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation. The first two years emphasize classroom and laboratory studies, whereas the last two years are focused on clinical practice.
Step 4: Get a License for Dental Practise
Students are required to appear for a 2-part written test known as the National Board Dental Examination to practice legally as a dentist after completing dentistry in the USA. Also, every state conducts a practical examination individually before granting permission to operate in its jurisdiction. This may include first-aid, CPR certification, a background check, and/or an interview.
Admission Process for Dentistry in USA
Universities of the USA accept applicants with bachelors from all backgrounds to DDS/DMD considering they studied the pre-requisite courses. The detailed admission process is discussed further in this section.
How to Apply for Dentistry in the USA
- International students can apply to US universities through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS), available at https://portal.aadsasweb.org/
- The processing fee is 80 USD.
- The deadline to pay application fees is February 1.
Admission Requirements for Dentistry in the USA
- A 4-year bachelor’s degree from the US or Canadian college with a minimum grade of 80% and pre-requisite subjects
- DAT test score
- Proof of assisting or working under a dentist, also known as dental shadowing
- A letter of recommendation from the dentist, professor, or a community
- Statement of Purpose
- Interview
Requirements for top universities in the USA offering dentistry degree are tabulated as follows:
| University | DAT Score | Admission Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Harvard University | No minimum score | 1 academic LOR; DAT test score: no minimum requirement; Interview |
| University of California San Francisco | 22 in academic and science (average) | Answer to supplemental questions; 3 LORs: 1 from professor, dentist supervisor, any individual of applicant’s choice |
| New York University | 21 in academic, science & reading; 20 in perceptual ability | 1 community LOR or 3 individual LOR (2 from science professors); 100 hours of dental shadowing |
| University of North Carolina Chapel Hill | No minimum requirement | Interview |
| University of Pennsylvania | Academic: 22.2; PAT: 21; Reading Comprehension: 22.6; Science: 21.8 (average for the class of 2019) | Biosketch; 2 academic LORs; Interview; Supplemental application |
| University of California Los Angeles | 20 (average) | 4 professional or academic LORs; Interviews |
| Columbia University | 23.4 (average) | 3 LORs: from professor, pre-health committee, employer, or non-science professor |
| University of Minnesota Twin Cities | Academic: 20.86; Reading Comprehension: 22.10; PAT: 21.18; Science: 20.36 (average) | 3 LORs: 2 from science or maths faculty, 1 from supervisor; 50 hours of dental shadowing; Personal Statement; Interview |
| University of Iowa | Academic: 20.5; PAT: 21 (average) | 3 LORs; Dental Shadowing Interview |
| University of Southern California | 18 (minimum) | 3 LORs: 2 from professors, 1 from the dentist |
English Proficiency Requirement for International Students
Since international students applying for dentistry in the USA are graduates from the US or Canada, they do not need to submit English proficiency test scores. However, foreign dental graduates applying for an Advanced Standing Doctor of Dentistry are required to prove proficiency in the English language by submitting IELTS or TOEFL test scores. The minimum requirement is:
- IELTS: 7.0
- TOEFL (iBT): 100
Cost of Studying Dentistry in the USA
The expenses for studying dentistry in the USA are quite hefty as international students also have to pay for their bachelor’s degree tuition fees. According to the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the average educational debt for the dental school graduates of the class of 2019 was 292,169 USD. The total cost of study for an international student can be categorized as pre-arrival cost, tuition fees, and cost of living.
Pre-arrival Cost
The costs that are incurred before arrival at the study destination such as registration fees for tests required to study in the USA, visa fees, application fees, etc. are known as pre-arrival costs.
| Types of Expenses | Cost (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Application Fees | 80 |
| DAT Fees | 225 |
| F-1 Visa Fees | 170 |
| SEVIS | 200 |
| Flight fare (one way) | 700 |
| TOEFL Fees | 170 |
Dentistry in USA: Tuition Fees for Indian Students
A Bachelor’s degree from a US university costs around 11.14 lakhs to 44.6 lakhs per annum. It is a compulsory requirement to apply for DDS or DMD. The annual cost of top universities offering dentistry in the USA in INR, as per the conversion rate on November 4, 2020, is tabulated as follows:
| University | Annual Fees (in INR) |
|---|---|
| Harvard University | 48.2 lakhs |
| University of California San Francisco | 85 lakhs |
| New York University | 40 lakhs |
| University of North Carolina Chapel Hill | 50 lakhs |
| University of Pennsylvania | 57.6 lakhs |
| University of California Los Angeles | 14.2 lakhs |
| Columbia University | 62.9 lakhs |
| University of Minnesota Twin Cities | 54.4 lakhs |
| University of Iowa | 51.8 lakhs |
| University of Southern California | 24.08 lakhs |
Cost of Living in the USA
It has been estimated that the average cost of living in the USA for an international student is approximately 15,000 USD per annum. It can be further bifurcated into the following categories:
| Type of Expense | Annual Cost (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | 9600 – 14000 |
| Health Insurance | 2000 |
| Traveling | 1440 – 3000 |
| Groceries | 3000 |
| Other Utilities like Electricity, Entertainment, etc | 6000 |
Scholarships for Dentistry in the US
It is costlier to study in the USA than in other countries like Canada and Australia. The fees of medical schools are higher compared to other courses. However, various scholarships are available for international students in the USA to reduce this burden of expenses.
Mentioned are the top scholarships for dentistry in the USA to support international students’s education financially:
| Scholarship | Amount (in USD) |
|---|---|
| ADA Foundation Dental Student Scholarship | 10,000 (10 students), 5,000 (5), 500 – 2,500 (20) |
| ADEA/Crest Oral-B Scholarship for Dental Students Pursuing Academic Careers | 5,500 |
| Dental Trade Alliance Foundation Scholarships | 5,000 (variable awards) |
| Kool Smiles Scholarship | 5,000 |
| ADEA/GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Preventive Dentistry Scholarship | 2,500 |
Further, scholarships for dentistry in the USA are offered to predental students too. The pre-dental course is not a substitute for undergraduate courses. Instead, they finish concurrently with the degree.
Mentioned are the top scholarships in the USA offered to predental students.
| Scholarship Name | Value |
|---|---|
| Barry Goldwater Scholarship | Up to 7,500 for sophomores in their junior and senior years |
| Kool Smiles Scholarship | 5,000 |
| HOSA – Future Health Professionals Scholarship | 1,000 to 2,000 |
| Crack the DAT Pre Dental Scholarship | Up to 1,000 |
Scope after Dentistry in USA
There are two routes for DDS or DMS graduates from the USA: to continue clinical practice or apply for residency programs. The latter one is for those who are interested in getting a dentistry specialization like oral and maxillofacial pathology, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopaedics, dental public health, and paediatric dentistry. Currently, nine such specialties are recognized by the ADA’s Council on Dental Education and Licensure.
Most of the graduates of dentistry in the USA who choose to continue clinical practice start by working as associates under a senior dentist. After getting significant hands-on experience, they started their own clinic. At entry-level, a dentist in the USA can earn a pay grade of 117,000 USD, which increases to 372,000 USD with experience.
The following are the popular job roles in the USA for graduates with a degree in dentistry:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Endodontist | 284,000 |
| Orthodontist | 279,000 |
| Periodontist | 257,000 |
| Prosthodontist | 284,000 |
| Dentist (General) | 238,000 |
Graduates who pursue Bachelors in Dentistry in USA universities can work as an assistant at dental clinics and earn an average salary of 145,000 USD per annum. Popular job roles available for them are as follows:
| Job Role | Average Annual Salary (in USD) |
|---|---|
| Dental Assistant | 65,300 |
| Dental Hygienist | 57,300 |
| Dental Laboratory Technician | 59,500 |
| Dental Receptionist | 51,100 |
| Dental Technician | 59,100 |
| Dental Therapist | 92,300 |
Studying dentistry in the USA requires a lot of dedication, time, and expenses. Hence, students should opt for this course only if they are deeply motivated towards pursuing a career in medicine.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is important to note that there are dental schools in the US that offer affordable tuition fees. This ensures that international students can acquire a dental education without having to worry about costs.
Lastly, you should decide on which of the above dental schools will best work for you and your financial situation.
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