Doctor of Dental Medicine

Curriculum

The Doctor of Dental Medicine curriculum consists of 225.5 credits and is designed to be completed in 11 semesters. Below is the standard plan of study outlining the structured progression of coursework as you advance through the program.

Clinical Education

You begin in the clinic in your first year, assisting and observing. In your second year, you will also provide cleanings. In your final two years, you will have your own patients and complete on- and off-site clinical rotations.

MUSC is a leader in digital dentistry. In the Simulation Lab, where students have 24/7 access, they can practice CAD/CAM skills any time. In the Innovation Lab, students can participate in all steps of producing teeth and implant-supported restorations using digital technologies.

With over 40 providers representing every specialized field of dentistry, you will learn from experts and gain familiarity with various specialties. Our dedicated clinic for patients with special health care needs is known for preparing tomorrow’s dentists with the knowledge and practice they need to be confident in caring for patients with a wide range of abilities.

As part of the fourth-year clinical curriculum, you will complete two weeks of community-based care rotations throughout the state. Some rotations focus on underserved communities. Some feel like doing private practice. All equip you to care for your future community.

Over 50 students participate in international and domestic volunteer mission trips annually.

Research Opportunities

Poster Presentation

In your third year, you will complete two research courses, culminating in a poster presentation at the college’s Scholars Day. With your team or solo, you will select a topic, work with a faculty mentor to develop a scholarly project and receive support through seminars and individual meetings.

Independent inquiry and faculty mentorship are key components of research at MUSC.

Additional Opportunities

Many dental medicine faculty who conduct research offer opportunities for interested students to assist.

The Summer Health Professionals Program, offered through the College of Graduate Studies, introduces health professions students to biomedical research by pairing them with MUSC faculty mentors for hands-on summer projects. Participants prepare written summaries and oral presentations of their work, while also engaging in seminars, ethical research discussions and peer networking activities.

Curious about a career in dental research? Discover our dual degree, NIH-funded Dental Scientist Training Program.

Keen to get a head start in research? Explore MUSC’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program.

Prerequisites

To be considered for admission, applicants must complete the following prerequisite coursework from a regionally accredited U.S. institution prior to matriculation. Required coursework may include coursework taken at a community or technical college and/or offered in an online format.

This program does accept AP credits to fulfill prerequisite requirements. If the AP credits are not listed individually on your university's transcript, you can order a score report from College Board and have it sent to us.

Frequently Approved Prerequisites

Before applying, it's essential to ensure that any prior coursework meets the admissions requirements. MUSC provides a helpful reference list of frequently approved prerequisite courses to guide you in understanding which classes may satisfy your program's requirements.

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

1. Submit the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) AADSAS application as early as possible. After fee payment and official transcripts are received, it usually takes four to six weeks to process and verify the application. The application must be verified by the application deadline to be eligible for review.
2. Review the MUSC admissions process.
3. Complete the MUSC Supplemental Application.
4. Once both applications are complete and the ADEA AADSAS application has been verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Application Requirements

1. ADEA AADSAS Application: All applicants must submit the AADSAS application. You do not need to send any of the following information directly to MUSC.
   • Official transcripts from all institutions attended: Strong preference is given to applicants who have, or will have completed, four years of college coursework and have earned a bachelor's degree at a regionally accredited US institution prior to matriculation. In extremely rare circumstances a minimum of three years of exemplary college work, including an exceptional science GPA and DAT scores, may be considered.
   • Official Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores: Your official U.S. DAT scores must be less than five years old. Canadian DAT scores are not accepted. It is recommended that you take the DAT early to allow ample time for official scores to be received or retested if necessary.
   • Letters of recommendation: A minimum of three individual letters of recommendation or one confidential committee letter are required. It is recommended that letters of recommendation come from those most familiar with the applicant (i.e., faculty member, dentist, leader or mentor in a volunteer organization).
2. MUSC Supplemental Application: All applicants must submit the MUSC Supplemental Application.

Both applications must be received in full before an application is marked complete and reviewed by the admissions committee.

Applicants that have applied in previous years must submit new ADEA AADSAS and MUSC supplemental applications and should update all application materials for each new admissions cycle.

International Applicants

MUSC welcomes international applicants and offers tailored guidance to support you throughout the admissions process.

Cost of Attendance

Disclaimer: The Estimated Total listed above reflects an approximation of educational costs for planning purposes only. Actual expenses may vary based on individual circumstances, program requirements and annual changes in tuition, fees and other costs. The Medical University of South Carolina reserves the right to adjust tuition, fees and other charges at any time without prior notice.

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need. This means that these scholarships are only awarded to students who need some financial assistance to cover the cost of tuition and fees. If you would like to be considered for a financial need-based scholarship, you must have an up-to-date Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on file. Make sure you list the Medical University of South Carolina on your FAFSA form, along with MUSC's code: 003438. We encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible. It is recommended to submit your FAFSA in January if you plan to enroll in the fall.

Competencies

Upon completion of the D.M.D. program, graduates should be able to:

• Critically analyze and synthesize scientific literature to inform both clinical decision‑making and research design, including translational and community‑engaged methodologies.
• Design and conduct independent or collaborative research projects that adhere to the highest standards of methodological rigor, ethical oversight and relevance to oral health.
• Diagnose and manage oral diseases within a holistic patient framework, incorporating systemic health considerations, evidence‑based treatment planning and appropriate referral when indicated.
• Implement and evaluate advanced digital and simulation‑based dental technologies within clinical contexts, ensuring patient‑centered care.
• Demonstrate cultural competence, ethical integrity and reflective practice in all clinical and research activities, fostering trust and equitable care across diverse patient populations.
• Communicate complex clinical and research findings effectively to professional, patient and community stakeholders, in both oral and written formats, tailored to disciplinary and lay audiences.

Vision

To innovate the future of oral health and wellness.

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

• Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
• Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
• Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
• Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
• Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.

Mission

To develop transformative leaders and oral health providers to improve wellness. Our commitment to education, research, service and patient care will be driven by a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach that will result in global impact on the profession.