Hey guys, I'm seriously considering a career in dentistry, so naturally BS/DMD programs are on my radar. But I'm not sure how they work exactly or where to find the best ones. Can anyone share their experiences or knowledge about these programs? Thanks a lot.
BS/DMD or BS/DDS programs are combined Bachelor of Science (BS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) or Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) programs designed for high school students who have a strong interest in dentistry and want to secure a spot in dental school right out of high school.
The primary benefit of these programs is certainty - you know from the start that you are already admitted to dental school. They often save you time as well; many enable you to earn both your undergraduate degree and your DMD or DDS in less than the conventional 8 years (though not all programs are accelerated).
Keep in mind that acceptance into these programs is quite competitive. They usually require high school students to have excellent grades and high ACT/SAT scores. Some even require students to have some dental or healthcare-related volunteer or shadowing experience.
Some of the top BS/DMD or BS/DDS programs in the US include:
1. University of the Pacific: This program enables students to earn a BS and DDS in six years, with the first two years being undergraduate work and the final four years being the professional program.
2. Case Western Reserve University: This is an eight year BS/DDS program with the undergraduate portion done at Case Western Reserve University and the DDS degree done at Case's School of Dental Medicine.
3. Rutgers University: This is a highly competitive 7-year program.
4. University of Nevada, Las Vegas: This 7-year program also allows for elective time and residents do 12 off-service rotations.
Each school has its own specific criteria, so make sure to do detailed research into each program’s requirements and the format of their curriculum. Also, consider connecting with current students or alumni of BS/DMD programs to gain insights from their personal experiences.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.