University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, established in 1888, is a prominent and highly respected institution located within the University of Minnesota's vibrant Twin Cities campus in Minneapolis. It stands as the sole dental school in Minnesota and serves as a regional resource for dental education, consulting services, patient treatment, and continuing dental education across five states. The school is a national leader in dental education, research, and patient care, consistently ranking among the top globally for Dentistry & Oral Sciences (e.g., 29th globally in Shanghai Ranking's 2024 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects). It educates a significant majority of Minnesota's practicing dentists (73%), licensed dental therapists (68%), and dental hygiene educators (49%). The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry offers a comprehensive array of programs, including the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program, Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Dental Hygiene, and a dual Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene/Master of Dental Therapy. It was the first dental school in the nation to educate dental therapists, a discipline focused on extending dental health to underserved populations. For advanced training, the school provides clinical specialty programs and graduate degrees (M.S., Ph.D.) in seven ADA-recognized specialties: Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Biology, Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontology, and Prosthodontics. It also offers a Program for Advanced Standing Students (UMN PASS) for internationally educated dentists seeking to practice in the U.S. The DDS curriculum is a rigorous four-year program emphasizing scientific knowledge, clinical skills, interpersonal communication, and practice management. Students gain early exposure to clinical environments, utilize state-of-the-art digital dentistry tools, and have ample opportunities for interprofessional collaboration with students in medicine, pharmacy, and nursing. A strong emphasis is placed on community service, with DDS students completing 8-12 weeks of practical experience at 21 outreach clinics in underserved rural and urban communities. Research is a cornerstone of the school's mission, with faculty and students engaged in innovative discoveries spanning basic sciences, clinical sciences, social and behavioral sciences, and public health. The school boasts facilities like the Oral Health Clinical Research Center (OHCRC) and the Minnesota Dental Research Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics (MDRCBB), contributing to advancements in dental care globally. Beyond its academic and research endeavors, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry operates four floors of dental clinics in Moos Tower with 377 operatories, providing extensive patient care. It also offers continuing dental education programs, including unique "Travel and Learn" opportunities for dental professionals to earn credits while exploring new locations. The school's commitment to diversity, excellence, integrity, pursuit of knowledge, respect, and service to all communities underscores its role as a vital institution in oral healthcare.