What NYU College of Dentistry offers and who it serves

NYU College of Dentistry is a dental school located in New York City that trains dentists, dental hygienists, and dental specialists. The school is part of New York University and sits within the NYU Grossman School of Medicine campus in Manhattan. It offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene, specialty residencies in fields like orthodontics and oral surgery, and continuing education for practicing dentists.

The school operates a dental clinic open to the public where patients can receive treatment from students under faculty supervision. This clinic serves people who need dental work and also gives students real-world experience before they graduate. NYU College of Dentistry also conducts dental research and trains dentists who go on to work in private practice, hospitals, public health, and academic settings.

Key Takeaways

  • NYU College of Dentistry awards a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and also offers a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene and specialty residency programs.
  • The school's dental clinic treats patients at reduced cost while giving dental students supervised clinical experience.
  • Admission to the DDS program requires a dental school entrance exam (DAT), prerequisite science courses, and a bachelor's degree from an accredited college.
  • NYU College of Dentistry is located on the NYU Grossman School of Medicine campus in Manhattan and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

DDS program structure and length

The Doctor of Dental Surgery program at NYU College of Dentistry runs for four years. The first two years focus on classroom and laboratory instruction in subjects like oral anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology, and dental materials. Students learn the science behind dentistry and practice procedures on models and simulation equipment before working with patients.

In the third and fourth years, students move into the clinic where they treat actual patients under the supervision of faculty dentists. They rotate through different areas of dentistry—general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, oral surgery, and others—to gain broad experience. By the time they graduate, students must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and meet New York State licensing requirements to practice dentistry independently.

Admission requirements for the DDS program

To explore to NYU College of Dentistry's DDS program, you must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. You also need to complete prerequisite science courses, typically including biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics. Some programs require additional courses in anatomy, physiology, or microbiology. The exact prerequisites are listed on the school's website and can vary slightly year to year.

You must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), a standardized exam that measures your knowledge of science and your ability to think through dental problems. The DAT is administered by the American Dental Association. You will also need to submit transcripts, letters of recommendation, and a personal statement. NYU College of Dentistry reviews your academic record, test scores, and personal qualities to decide who to interview and admit.

Dental Hygiene Master's program

NYU College of Dentistry offers a Master of Science in Dental Hygiene for people who are already licensed dental hygienists or who want to become one. This program is separate from the DDS program and trains hygienists to work in clinical practice, research, education, and public health roles. The program emphasizes advanced clinical skills, evidence-based practice, and leadership in dental hygiene.

Admission to the dental hygiene master's program requires a bachelor's degree and, for students without prior dental hygiene training, completion of prerequisite courses. The program length and structure depend on whether you enter with a dental hygiene license already in hand. The school's admissions office can provide specific details about timeline and requirements.

Specialty residency programs

After earning a DDS degree, dentists can pursue additional training in a specialty through residency programs at NYU College of Dentistry. These include orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, periodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and other fields. Residencies typically last two to four years depending on the specialty.

Admission to a residency program requires a DDS or DMD degree, a valid dental license, and a competitive process that includes your dental school performance and letters of recommendation. Some specialties have additional requirements. Residents work alongside faculty specialists and treat patients in their field while completing coursework and research.

The NYU College of Dentistry clinic and patient care

NYU College of Dentistry operates a dental clinic in Manhattan where dental students provide treatment under faculty supervision. The clinic offers services including cleanings, fillings, root canals, extractions, and other general and specialty dental procedures. Patients pay reduced fees compared to private dental practices because the work is done by students rather than licensed dentists working independently.

The clinic is open to the public and accepts patients of all ages. Wait times can be longer than in a private office because students work more slowly as they learn. However, faculty dentists oversee all student work and can step in if a problem arises. The clinic also serves as a teaching tool—students gain experience treating real patients while the school provides affordable dental care to the community.

Accreditation and licensing

NYU College of Dentistry is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which is the official accrediting body for dental schools in the United States. This accreditation means the school meets national standards for curriculum, faculty, facilities, and student outcomes. Graduates of accredited dental schools are may be able to access to take licensing exams in any U.S. state.

To practice dentistry in New York State after graduating from NYU College of Dentistry, you must pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and the New York State clinical and written exams. You must also explore for a license from the New York State Department of State. Other states have their own licensing requirements, though most recognize the NBDE and allow reciprocal licensing for dentists licensed in New York.

Location, campus, and contact information

NYU College of Dentistry is located at 345 East 24th Street in Manhattan, on the campus of NYU Grossman School of Medicine. The school shares facilities and resources with the medical school and is in the East Side neighborhood of New York City. The location provides access to a large patient population and partnerships with hospitals and health systems in the area.

You can reach NYU College of Dentistry through the main NYU website or by contacting the admissions office directly. The school's website lists phone numbers, email addresses, and information sessions for people interested in the DDS program, dental hygiene program, or residencies. The clinic also has its own phone line for patients who want to schedule appointments.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to attend NYU College of Dentistry?

Tuition and fees for the DDS program vary by year and are set by NYU. The school's website and admissions office publish current costs. Many students borrow federal student loans, take out private loans, or receive scholarships. The financial aid office can discuss payment options and loan programs with admitted students.

Can I get dental treatment at NYU College of Dentistry's clinic without being a student?

Yes. The clinic is open to the public and accepts patients who are not enrolled in the school. You can call the clinic to schedule an appointment. Treatment is provided by dental students under faculty supervision, so appointments may take longer than at a private practice, but costs are typically lower.

What is the acceptance rate for NYU College of Dentistry's DDS program?

NYU College of Dentistry publishes admissions statistics on its website, including the acceptance rate for each entering class. Acceptance rates vary year to year. The school reviews each process individually and considers academic performance, DAT scores, letters of recommendation, and personal qualities.

Do I need to live in New York to attend NYU College of Dentistry?

No. The DDS program accepts students from across the United States and internationally. Many students relocate to New York for the four-year program. The school's housing office and admissions staff can provide information about student housing options and neighborhoods near campus.

Can international students attend NYU College of Dentistry?

Yes, NYU College of Dentistry admits international students to its DDS program. International students must meet the same academic and entrance exam requirements as U.S. students. They also need to demonstrate English language proficiency and obtain a student visa. The admissions office can provide specific information about the international process process.