Doctor of Dental Surgery

The program leading to the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) is designed to develop broadly competent practitioners and encourages both clinical and basic science research in order to instill an appreciation of biomedical research and a spirit of inquiry in each student. The college recognizes the need to support excellence in its educational programs by acquiring and maintaining a highly qualified faculty and students, excellent physical facilities and a competency-based curriculum that is contemporary, comprehensive and efficient. The program in Dentistry is a four year curriculum leading to the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.

College of Dentistry Admission Information

The College of Dentistry is a synergistic environment where students learn life lessons -- in addition to dental medicine -- from a diverse patient population. These patients help prepare students for the real-life challenges and opportunities awaiting them upon graduation.

Since its founding, the college has graduated more than 9,000 dentists and dental hygienists. The college is known internationally for producing excellent clinicians. More than half of all the dentists in the Dallas/Fort Worth area received their dental education at the college, and nearly one-third of all dentists in Texas are Texas A&M College of Dentistry graduates.

Please see the College of Dentistry's Admission Information.

Our Mission

Texas A&M College of Dentistry shapes the future of oral health through excellence in education, research, and patient care in a culture committed to diversity and inclusion.

Our Vision

Texas A&M College of Dentistry will continue to grow as a leader in dental education by:

  • Educating exemplary clinicians who deliver patient-centered, evidence-based care.
  • Expanding and advancing innovative basic, translational, and clinical research to improve patient care.
  • Continually expanding and improving the quality of service to all stakeholders.
  • Increasing access to culturally and linguistically competent care throughout the diverse communities we serve.

The Integrated Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The College of Dentistry offers an integrated dental and graduate research program leading to the awarding of a DDS and a PhD in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences. A combined-degree program has been available for over 15 years.

Admission Requirements DDS/PhD

Admission into this combined program requires that the applicant be accepted into the DDS program first, and then make a separate application to the PhD in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences program. The applicant completes the forms, including additional information on the areas of research interest, academic background, and prerequisite courses, academic honors, research experiences, and the names of three references. Recommendation forms are specifically designed with questions on the applicant’s scholarly aptitude, including intellectual, problem-solving, and creative skills. The style of questions resembles that used on National Institute of Health/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIH/NIDCR) Career Development applications. Applicants use GraduateCAS, the Centralized Application Service (CAS™), for most graduate programs at Texas A&M University. Selected applicants will be interviewed by the Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program Director. Applicants must be accepted into both degree programs (DDS and PhD). More information can be viewed on the PhD in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedical Sciences website.

This program is offered at the College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas.