A career in dentistry offers several both tangible and intangible benefits, providing a relatively high median salary, satisfying work-life balance, and a sense of satisfaction in keeping patients healthy.
Our doctoral, or DMD, program strives to produce a competent dental graduate who possesses the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for the independent practice of dentistry. Consisting of four academic years of instruction, the curriculum provides students with both foundational and applied knowledge in all areas of general dentistry. Satisfactory completion of all coursework and attainment of clinical competence is the basis for the granting of the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.
Through the DMD-MBA Dual Degree Program, offered by the College and Dentistry and Gatton College of Business and Economics, DMD students can complete DMD and MBA program requirements within four years. The dual degree program allows students to share coursework and offers a tuition discount. This is a great opportunity for highly motivated students who are interested in joining a large practice or seeking to start their own practice. Coursework for the MBA is completed during the summer or in the evenings and will be completed through spring of the D4 year, thus not extending time to degree completion. Interested candidates should apply during the spring of D2 year. Candidates must be in good standing and have a cumulative GPA of 3.5 to apply. An informational session will be held for all D1 and D2 students during the fall semester.
Postdoctoral programs at UKCD include training through core curriculum coursework, seminars, and clinical patient care. The advanced education programs in the areas of Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Oral Medicine, Orthodontics, Periodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Orofacial Pain, and Advanced General Practice award Master’s degrees and/or certificates.
Additional training opportunities are available through the UKCD's Office of Continuing Education. We also offer a six-month Dental Assistant training program with expanded duties.