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 the spirit of inquiry in each student.
The college recognizes the need to support excellence in its educational programs by acquiring and maintaining 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
As a renowned resource for dental education in Texas for more than 100 years, Texas A&M College of Dentistry is a synergistic environment where students learn life lessons - in addition to dental medicine - from a variety of patient experiences and a distinguished faculty. Together they prepare the college's students for the real-life challenges and opportunities awaiting them upon graduation. Our unique structure means students have the flexibility for an individualized approach to the dental education and graduate studies experience, all while becoming part of the Aggie Family.
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.
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 competent care throughout the communities we serve.
This program is offered at the College of Dentistry in Dallas, Texas.
Professional Curriculum
The professional curriculum in dental surgery is a four-year program.
Plan of Study Grid | First Year |
| Fall |
| DDDS 601 | Biological Foundations of Dentistry | 2 |
| DDDS 602 | Human Structure, Function and Disease I | 8 |
| DDDS 604 | Human Defenses and Responses to Infectious Disease 1 | 4 |
| DDDS 605 | Pathologic Basis of Disease | 1 |
| DDDS 611 | Ethical Practice 1 | 3 |
| DDDS 612 | Integrated Practice of Dentistry 1 | 2.5 |
| DDDS 614 | Introduction to Restorative Dentistry I | 5 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 25.5 |
| Spring |
| DDDS 603 | Human Structure, Function and Disease II | 9.5 |
| DDDS 615 | Introduction to Restorative Dentistry II | 7 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 16.5 |
| Second Year |
| Summer |
| DDDS 702 | Oral Pathology 2 | 2.5 |
| DDDS 714 | Comprehensive Dentistry Clinic 2 | 3 |
| DDDS 716 | Integrated Practice of Dentistry Didactic I 3 | 6 |
| DDDS 717 | Integrated Practice of Dentistry Lab I 3 | 7 |
| DDDS 721 | Preclinical Diagnostic Science 3 | 4 |
| DDDS 731 | Prevention and Management of Medical Emergencies in the Dental Office | 1 |
| DDDS 742 | Local Anesthesia and Nitrous Oxide/Conscious Sedations | 1.5 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 25 |
| Fall |
| DDDS 701 | Dental Pharmacology | 1.5 |
| DDDS 711 | Ethical Practice 1 | 1.5 |
| DDDS 741 | Basic Principles and Techniques of Exodontia and Dentoalveolar Surgery | 1 |
| DDDS 761 | Growth and Development Orthodontics 1 | 1.5 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 5.5 |
| Spring |
| DDDS 718 | Integrated Practice of Dentistry Didactic II | 4 |
| DDDS 719 | Integrated Practice of Dentistry Lab II | 5 |
| DDDS 771 | Pediatric Dentistry | 2.5 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 11.5 |
| Third Year |
| Summer |
| DDDS 814 | Comprehensive Dentistry Clinic 2 | 19 |
| DDDS 818 | Integrated Practice of Dentistry I 3 | 7 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 26 |
| Fall |
| DDDS 802 | Medical Pharmacology | 1.5 |
| DDDS 811 | Ethical Practice 1 | 2 |
| DDDS 821 | Clinical Principles of Patient Evaluation | 2 |
| DDDS 841 | Advanced Principles and Techniques of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 1 | 1 |
| DDDS 871 | Pediatric Dentistry 1 | 1.5 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 8 |
| Spring |
| DDDS 819 | Integrated Practice of Dentistry II | 4 |
| DDDS 842 | Temporomandibular Disorders and Sleep-Disordered Breathing | .5 |
| DDDS 861 | Orthodontics | 1.5 |
| DDDS 899 | Dental Board Review | 2 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 8 |
| Fourth Year |
| Summer |
| DDDS 914 | Comprehensive Dentistry Clinic 2 | 30 |
| DDDS 917 | Dental Board Review 3 | 2 |
| DDDS 921 | Advanced Principles of Patient Evaluation and Management 3 | 1.5 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 33.5 |
| Fall |
| DDDS 902 | Applied Pharmacology | 0.5 |
| DDDS 961 | Orthodontics IV Interdisciplinary and Clinical Topics in Orthodontics | 1 |
| DDDS 971 | Pediatric Dentistry | 1 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 2.5 |
| Spring |
| DDDS 911 | Ethical Practice | 2 |
| | Semester Credit Hours | 2 |
| | Total Semester Credit Hours | 164 |
A candidate for the degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery must fulfill the following requirements:
- Demonstrate evidence of satisfactory ethical and professional conduct.
- Satisfactorily complete all of the prescribed courses of study.
- Pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination, INBDE®.