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 school 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.

School of Dentistry Admission Information

The School 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 school has graduated more than 9,000 dentists and dental hygienists. The school 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 school, and nearly one-third of all dentists in Texas are Texas A&M  School of Dentistry graduates.

Our Mission

Texas A&M School 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 School 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 School of Dentistry offers an integrated dental and graduate research program leading to the awarding of a DDS and a PhD in Oral Biology. 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 Biology program. The applicant completes the forms, including additional information on the areas of research interest, academic background, GRE scores, and prerequisite courses, academic honors, research experiences, and the names of three referees. 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 Apply Texas, which is an all-inclusive site for graduate programs in the State of Texas. Selected applicants will be interviewed by the Oral Biology 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 School of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas.