Founded in 1962, the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry is recognized as one of the nation's outstanding dental institutions.
The college has a national and international reputation for its dynamic and innovative approaches to dental education. Doctoral and postdoctoral students are treated with respect and as colleagues. The University of Kentucky emphasizes an environment of collegiality between faculty and students to create a unique educational setting that promotes learning. The college is committed to providing its students with superior programs that prepare them to deliver competent care to patients throughout the Commonwealth and the nation.
In addition to the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, the college offers postdoctoral programs in six fields of study: General Practice Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and Periodontics. Graduate students in Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics, and Periodontics receive a Master of Science degree from the University of Kentucky Graduate School and a specialty certificate. All seven programs hold current and full accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
In addition to a variety of Continuing Education (CE) options, UKCD also offers a 6-month Dental Assisting Training program.
Advancements in patient care, education, research, and community engagement, for the benefit of Kentuckians and beyond, are made possible by our college’s scientifically oriented, technically capable, and culturally sensitive oral health team.
Be a model for oral health education, discovery, and service as our innovations advance the practice of dentistry.
Compassion: We strive to be understanding and empathize with those with whom we interact as we work toward fulfilling the needs of our community.
Unity: We work to create and maintain an environment of mutual respect, transparency, inclusiveness, and equity as a means of offering a welcoming community to all to collaborate and grow within.
Respect: In support of a people-centric environment inclusive of all, we treat ourselves, each other, and those we serve with dignity. We appreciate the variety of thought, opinion, experience, and backgrounds present in our community.
Excellence: To transform and innovate the field of dentistry for the better, we will persistently challenge ourselves to excel in all that we do to advance education, patient care, community service, and research.
Strategic Plan Overview
Discover the educational opportunities the UK College of Dentistry has to offer.
Learn about the efforts of the college's Center for Oral Health Research (COHR).
UKCD has a statewide oral health mission and a rich tradition of involving student dentists in service to those in need.