group of five dental students in scrubs and sweaters walking down a hallway talking

Degrees and Programs

Explore opportunities to pursue a dental degree, advance your training, continue your education, prepare for dental school, and more.

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Admissions Diversity Statement

The School of Dentistry Diversity Policy for Admissions states that diversity enhances the educational experience of all students and better prepares graduates to practice dentistry in today's world. The DDS Admissions Committee ensures that all qualified applicants receive individualized consideration within the admissions process. 

Many factors are utilized in evaluating an applicant's potential contribution to diversity at the School of Dentistry:

  • geographic diversity
  • first-generation college student
  • financial need
  • disadvantaged educational background
  • racial and ethnic diversity
  • evidence of outstanding leadership
  • special talents
  • unique work or service experience
  • community involvement
  • experience and/or interest in research or teaching
  • interest in providing dental services to underserved areas
two DDS candidates point at a monitor in clinic wearing scrubs

Doctor of Dental Surgery

The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program emphasizes scientific, scholarly, interpersonal communication and practice management skills required of graduates in a continually changing profession.

group of dental therapy students taking a student's blood pressure and laughing

Dental Therapy

Our Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene/Master of Dental Therapy dual degree program prepares graduates to assume roles in many different health care environments.

group of preclinic dental hygiene students with instructor and plastic model of a patient

Dental Hygiene

Through Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree programs in Dental Hygiene, the School of Dentistry blends a solid clinical education with the biological, behavioral and social sciences, as well as liberal arts.

Advance Your Education

Our clinical specialty training programs and graduate degrees (M.S., Ph.D.) prepare dental professionals for careers in specialty practice, advanced general dentistry, research, education and administration.

Specialty and Advanced Education Programs

Endodontics M.S. in Dentistry Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Oral Biology Oral Health Educator Certificate Program Oral Health Services for Older Adults Orofacial Pain Orthodontics Pediatric Dentistry Periodontology Prosthodontics

UMN PASS: For International Students

UMN PASS class
UMN PASS graduates
UMN PASS graduating class

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Program for Advanced Standing Students (UMN PASS) is a 29-month program for graduates of dental schools outside of the U.S. and Canada, who seek to practice dentistry in the U.S.

Community outreach experience

man in Hibbing, Minnesota being helped for dental health
mobile dental clinic tour bus with team of eight people
mobile dental clinic tour bus where a patient is being let inside and they are smiling

Community outreach experiences are required as a condition of graduation for dental, dental therapy, and dental hygiene students. Students have several opportunities to fulfill this requirement with rotations in 15 outreach sites across the Midwest Region.