College of Dentistry

The College of Dentistry admitted its first students in the fall of 1972. Today the college is a leader in advancing dentistry through educational excellence, scientific research and discoveries, modern clinical services and commitment to the community.

Contact

Health Science Center, D3-5
352.273.5955

Dental Academic Advising and Admissions
D3-5 Health Science Center
352.273.5955
Email

Mailing Address
P.O. Box 100445
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL 32610-0445

www.admissions.dental.ufl.edu

Overview

The UF College of Dentistry’s primary aim is to develop graduates who possess an orientation to the biological sciences. They will be sensitive to the needs of others, skillful in preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, and will be aware of new knowledge through research and activities.

The college is Florida's only public dental school and one of the top dental institutions in the country. It has a statewide network for community oral health with four UF-owned dental centers and 11 partnership centers located throughout Florida. The college provides training opportunities for students and residents while providing dental care to Florida residents, many of whom are underserved and lack access to dental care.

The college is one of six at the Academic Health Science Center. The 12-story facility includes dental outpatient clinics and postgraduate and specialty clinics. The high-tech multimedia simulation laboratory contains 94 workstations equipped with mannequins, monitors and other items found in a dental office. Laboratory simulation of clinical practice is designed to enhance students’ learning and their development of clinical skills.

Through active recruitment, a broad representation of the ethnic mixture of the state is represented in the student body. The college adheres to the principles of ethnic, racial, sexual, religious and social equality among its student body and faculty.

Undergraduate Preparation for Dentistry

The College of Dentistry seeks students of the highest caliber for its many programs. A strong record of scholastic achievement, high moral character and strong motivation is expected of the applicant. Because of the vast amount of science that must be mastered by the dentist, a dental student must have aptitude and adequate academic preparation in the sciences. The highly personal relationship between patient and dentist places the latter in a position of trust, which demands maturity, integrity, intellectual honesty and responsibility.

Preprofessional students can major in any department or college of the university; however, an in-depth background in biological sciences is necessary to master the dental curriculum. The Office of Health and Legal Professions Advising in the UF Academic Advising Center offers information and resources to help students prepare for admission to a professional program in dentistry.

General education requirements for admission to the College of Dentistry are fully described in the dentistry catalog. Registration in dentistry (DEN) courses is restricted to students admitted to the College of Dentistry with 0DN to 8DN classifications.

The application process is described on the college website or you can email the admissions office.

Programs of Study

• The Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) program is a four-year doctorate program in general dentistry.

Combined Program for Undergraduate Students

• The honors combined B.S./D.M.D. program allows the student to complete both the B.S. and D.M.D degrees in seven years instead of eight. Students submit applications at the conclusion of their freshman year at UF. Accepted students enroll in a carefully sequenced series of courses that meet both baccalaureate degree requirements and the College of Dentistry’s admissions requirements. The student completes three years of undergraduate work before transferring to the first year of dental school. The B.S. degree is awarded at the end of the first year of dental school. This program is jointly offered with the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

Combined Programs for Dental Students

• The College of Dentistry offers an integrated dental and graduate research training program culminating in the awarding of both a D.M.D. and a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences. The joint D.M.D./Ph.D. program is offered in collaboration with the College of Medicine Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences and prepares students for a career in the dental academic setting using skills acquired in clinical practice and clinical education as well as basic and/or translational research. This program will typically take 7-8 years to complete.
• The College of Dentistry offers joint D.M.D./M.P.H. program, which is open to current D.M.D. students who are interested in receiving graduate training in the science, principles, and practice of public health. This program is offered collaboratively by the College of Dentistry and the College of Public Health and Health Professions. Under the joint degree program, a student can obtain both degrees in approximately one year less than it would take to obtain them if pursued consecutively. This program will add about one academic year to the time required to complete the D.M.D. degree.

Advanced and Graduate Programs

• The College of Dentistry also offers four Master of Science in Dental Science (M.S.) degree programs as well as several Advanced Education Programs resulting in certificates of completion.
• In conjunction with the College of Medicine, the College of Dentistry offers a six-year program that awards an M.D. degree and a certificate of completion in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Oral Biology Specialization

• The college’s Department of Oral Biology, in conjunction with the College of Medicine, offers a program leading to a Ph.D. in medical sciences with a specialization in oral biology.

Dental Student Organizations

• AADR Florida Student Research Group (AADR FK SRG)
• Alpha Omega (Dental Fraternity)
• American Association of Public Health Dentists (AAPDH)
• American Association of Women Dentists (AAWD-LH Taylor Society)
• American Student Dental Association (ASDA)
• Big/Little Committee
• Christian Dental Society (CDS)
• Dental Ambassadors
• Hispanic Student Dental Association (HSDA)
• Orthodontics Interest Group (OIG)
• Psi Omega (Dental Fraternity)
• Smiley Gators
• Student National Dental Association (SNDA)
• Student Professionalism and Ethics Association (SPEA)