Program Overview

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Program Overview

The Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) program prepares students to become skilled, compassionate dental professionals through science-based coursework, hands-on clinical training, and patient-centered care.

Application Timeline

• ADEA AADSAS: May 13 – Dec 15
• MUSC: Jul 1 – Dec 15

Program Details

• 312 students in D.M.D. degree program
• 1 core course in fixed prosthodontics using CAD/CAM
• 2:1 student-faculty ratio in CAD/CAM-equipped clinic
• 189 operatories in state-of-the-art clinical education center

Learning Experience

The program offers a student-centered approach that emphasizes collaboration, compassionate care, and evidence-based practice in modern clinical settings.

Inside the Program

The Doctor of Dental Medicine program is designed for prospective students who want a rigorous, hands-on dental education grounded in patient care, clinical excellence, and service. From the start of the program, students build a strong foundation in biomedical sciences while developing essential preclinical skills through simulation-based learning and digital dentistry technologies.

Curriculum

The curriculum is structured to allow for a balanced workload, time for remediation of weak students, a broadening of the student's clinical experience, and an opportunity for the honor student to gain additional experience in areas of special interest.

• Year 1 – Summer B (5/29/25–8/8/25)
  • DBSCI 724 | Gross Anatomy | 8
  • GENDT 802 | Introduction to Dentistry | 3
  • Semester Total | 11
• Year 1 – Fall B (8/25/25–12/12/25)
  • CLNDM 805 | Early Clinics I | 3.5
  • DBSCI 727 | Dental Biochemistry | 3
  • DBSCI 728A | Cell Bio and Basic Histology | 3
  • DBSCI 728B | Oral Histology and Embryology | 2
  • DPOH 806 | Preventive Dentistry | 1
  • FXPRO 801 | Pre-Clinical Occlusion I | 2.5
  • GENDT 801 | Dental Morphology | 3
  • GENDT 804 | Nutrition and Oral Health | 1
  • GENDT 819 | Infection Control | 1
  • IP 711 | IP Foundations & TeamSTEPPS | 1
  • IP | IP Concentration Course | 1
  • PERIO 802 | Periodontics I | 2
  • GENDT 831 | Evidence Based Dentistry | 0.5
  • Semester Total | 24.5
• Year 1 – Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)
  • CLNDM 806 | Early Clinics II | 3.5
  • DBSCI 723 | Dental Microbiology | 4
  • FXPRO 805 | Fixed Prosthodontics I | 2
  • DBSCI 725 | Physiology | 6
  • DBSCI 729 | Oral Immunology/Biology | 4
  • MATSC 801 | Dental Materials | 2.5
  • PROS 820 | Implant Prosthodontics I | 2.5
  • STOMA 880 | Behavioral Science | 2
  • Semester Total | 26.5
• Year 2 – Fall B (8/25/25–12/12/25)
  • CLNDM 810 | Early Clinics III | 3
  • ENDO 816 | Principles of Endodontics | 3
  • FXPRO 806 | Fixed Prosthodontics II | 2.5
  • GENDT 805 | Operative I and Cariology | 4.5
  • OMFS 801 | Oral Surgery I | 1
  • ORAD 800 | Intro to Radiation Tech & Interpretation | 2
  • ORTHO 801 | Orthodontics I | 2
  • RMPRO 811 | Complete Dentures Pros I | 4.5
  • SDENT 623 | General & Systemic Pathology | 3.5
  • SDENT 838 | Oral Medicine I | 1
  • Semester Total | 27
• Year 2 – Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)
  • CLNDM 811 | Early Clinics IV | 2.5
  • ENDO 817 | Endodontic Technique | 2
  • FXPRO 807 | Fixed Prosthodontics III | 2.5
  • GENDT 830 | Operative II | 4
  • OMFS 805 | Comp. Control of Pain/Anxiety Dentistry | 1
  • ORTHO 802 | Orthodontics II | 2
  • DBSCI 726 | Pharmacology | 4
  • PDENT 800 | Pediatric Dentistry I | 1
  • RMPRO 813 | Complete Dentures II | 1.5
  • RMPRO 835 | Removable Partial Pros | 3.5
  • SDENT 907 | Oral Medicine II | 1
  • Semester Total | 25
• Year 3 – Summer A (5/1/25–8/14/25)
  • CLNDM 812I | Junior Clinic Oral Diagnosis/Rad | 1
  • CLNDM 890 | Orientation to Clinics | 1
  • CLNDM 896 | Junior Attendance I | 2
  • GENDT 835 | Treatment Plan Fundamentals | 1
  • GENDT 888 | Preclinical Skills Assessment | 0.5
  • OMFS 806 | Clinical Pathophysiology of Common Medical Conditions | 0.5
  • OMFS 810 | Physical Diagnosis | 1
  • PEDOR 825 | Pediatric/Orthodontic Lab | 1
  • PROS 821 | Implant Prosthodontics II | 2.5
  • PERIO 817 | Periodontics II | 1.5
  • Semester Total | 12
• Year 3 – Fall B (8/25/25–12/12/25)
  • CLNDM 813E | Junior Clinic Pediatric | 0.5
  • CLNDM 813I | Junior Clinic Oral Diagnosis/Radiology | 1.5
  • CLNDM 830 | Continued Quality Improvement | 1.5
  • CLNDM 897 | Junior Attendance II | 3
  • DBSCI 730 | Clinical Genetics | 1
  • ENDO 813 | Endo Special Topics | 1
  • GENDT 818 | Introduction to Research Methods | 2
  • PDENT 801 | Pediatric Dentistry II | 1
  • PERIO 818 | Periodontics III | 1.5
  • SDENT 839 | Oral Pathology I | 3
  • Semester Total | 16
• Year 3 – Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)
  • CLNDM 814A | Junior Clinic Fixed Prosthodontics | 1
  • CLNDM 814B | Jr. Clinic Endodontics | 1
  • CLNDM 814C | Junior Clinic Operative Dentistry | 3.5
  • CLNDM 814D | Junior Clinic Oral Surgery | 1
  • CLNDM 814E | Junior Clinic Pediatric Dent. | 0.5
  • CLNDM 814I | Junior Clinic Oral Diagnosis/Radiology | 1.5
  • CLNDM 814J | Junior Clinic Periodontics | 3
  • CLNDM 814K | Junior Clinic Orthodontics | 0.5
  • CLNDM 814L | Junior Clinic Removable Pros | 3
  • CLNDM 827 | Junior Treatment Plan Clinic | 1
  • CLNDM 831 | Continued Quality Improvement II | 1.5
  • CLNDM 874 | Oral Rehab Clin Experience I | 2
  • CLNDM 898 | Junior Attendance III | 3
  • GENDT 807 | Practice Management I | 1
  • GENDT 816 | Patient Management | 1
  • MATSC 886 | Independent Project | 1
  • PROS 830 | Dental Implantology | 1
  • SDENT 840 | Oral Pathology II | 3
  • DPOH 808 | Dental Public Health | 1
  • ORAD 801 | Radiology Advanced Topics | 1
  • Semester Total | 31.5
• Year 4 – Summer A (5/1/25–8/14/25)
  • CLNDM 832 | Cont. Quality Improvement III | 1.5
  • CLNDM 850E | Senior Clinic Pediatric Dentistry | 0.5
  • CLNDM 892 | Senior Attendance I | 2.5
  • GENDT 806 | Esthetic Dentistry | 0.5
  • GENDT 825 | Comp Clinical Competency I | 0.5
  • OMFS 885 | Advanced Concepts in OMFS | 1
  • GENDT 817 | Practice Management II | 1
  • SDENT 846 | Chronic Orofacial Pain Management | 0.5
  • Semester Total | 8
• Year 4 – Fall B (8/25/25–12/12/25)
  • CLNDM 833 | Continued Quality Improvement IV | 1.5
  • CLNDM 851C | Senior Clinic Operative Dentistry | 3
  • CLNDM 851E | Senior Clinic Pediatric Dentistry | 0.5
  • CLNDM 875 | Oral Rehab Clin Experience II | 2
  • CLNDM 893 | Senior Attendance II | 3
  • GENDT 810 | Advanced Dental Seminar Series | 1
  • GENDT 823 | Advanced Treatment Planning | 2.5
  • Semester Total | 13.5
• Year 4 – Spring (1/5/26–5/1/26)
  • CLNDM 828 | Senior Treatment Plan Clinic | 1
  • CLNDM 818 | Ryan White Wellness Center | 0.5
  • CLNDM 834 | Continued Quality Improvement V | 1.5
  • CLNDM 845 | Oral Surgery Rotation | 1.5
  • CLNDM 852B | Senior Clinic Endodontics | 1
  • CLNDM 852C | Senior Clinic Operative Dentistry | 1
  • CLNDM 852E | Senior Clinic Pediatric Dentistry | 0.5
  • CLNDM 852J | Senior Clinic Periodontics | 3
  • CLNDM 852L | Implant Prosthodontic Clinic | 1
  • CLNDM 852M | Senior Clinic Removable Pros | 3
  • CLNDM 852N | Senior Clinic Fixed Prosthodontics | 1
  • CLNDM 871 | Clinical Rest Dent Comp | 7.5
  • CLNDM 872 | Oral Diagnosis Rotation | 1.5
  • CLNDM 876 | Oral Rehab Clin Experience III | 1
  • CLNDM 880 | Oral Head & Neck Cancer Clinical | 0.5
  • CLNDM 894 | Senior Attendance III | 3
  • CLNDM 865 | Off Campus Enrichment Sites | 0.5
  • GENDT 822 | EBD Capstone | 0.5
  • GENDT 826 | Comp Clinical Competency II | 0.5
  • Semester Total | 30
• Curriculum Total | 225

Clinical Education

You begin in the clinic in your first year, assisting and observing. In your second year, you will also provide cleanings. In your final two years, you will have your own patients and complete on- and off-site clinical rotations.

Research Opportunities

Poster Presentation

In your third year, you will complete two research courses, culminating in a poster presentation at the college's Scholars Day. With your team or solo, you will select a topic, work with a faculty mentor to develop a scholarly project, and receive support through seminars and individual meetings.

Additional Opportunities

Many dental medicine faculty who conduct research offer opportunities for interested students to assist.

Admissions

Eligibility Requirements

At MUSC, we actively support all students to ensure their success in both academic and clinical settings. To support this goal, the university outlines the essential qualities and functional abilities required for participation in its educational programs.

Prerequisites

To be considered for admission, applicants must complete the following prerequisite coursework from a regionally accredited U.S. institution prior to matriculation.

• Biology or Zoology The Biology prerequisite requirement consists of general or introductory college-level Biology or Zoology courses. Each science course must include the corresponding laboratory credit. | 8
• English The English prerequisite requirement consists of introductory college-level English courses. Examples: Reading and Composition, Rhetoric, Literature, etc. | 6
• General Chemistry The General Chemistry prerequisite requirement consists of general or introductory college-level Chemistry courses. Each science course must include the corresponding laboratory credit. | 8
• Organic Chemistry The Organic Chemistry prerequisite requirement consists of college-level Organic Chemistry courses. Each science course must include the corresponding laboratory credit. | 8
• Physics The Physics prerequisite requirement consists of general or introductory college-level Physics courses. Each science course must include the corresponding laboratory credit. | 8
• Science Electives The science elective prerequisite requirement consists of upper-level natural sciences courses. Each science course must include the corresponding laboratory credit. Examples: Microbiology, Biochemistry, Anatomy, Physiology, Genetics, etc. | 8
• Mathematics The Mathematics prerequisite requirement consists of college-level Math courses. Examples: College Algebra, Statistics, Calculus, etc. | 6

Application Process

The following process outlines how and when your materials will be reviewed.

1. Submit the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) AADSAS application as early as possible.
2. Review the MUSC admissions process.
3. Complete the MUSC Supplemental Application.
4. Once both applications are complete and the ADEA AADSAS application has been verified, your application will be reviewed. Selected applicants will be contacted for an interview.

Application Requirements

1. ADEA AADSAS Application: All applicants must submit the AADSAS application.
2. MUSC Application: All applicants must submit the MUSC Application.

Tuition & Fees

Tuition and fees listed below are per semester unless otherwise noted.

• Fee Type | Fee
  • Application Fee (per application) | $95
  • Matriculation Fee (upon applicant acceptance) | $485
• Tuition/Fee Type | Fall | Spring | Summer | Annual
  • Tuition In-state/Out-of-state | $17,510/$30,000 | $17,510/$30,000 | $13,115/$23,290 | -
  • Gross Anatomy Fee* | - | - | $1,000 | -
  • Histology Fee* | $100 | - | - | -
  • Clinical and Lab Support Fee | - | - | - | $7,903
  • Dental Informatics Fee | - | - | - | $6,209
  • Instrumentation Fee | - | - | - | $4,657
  • Student Disability Insurance Fee† | - | - | - | $95
  • Student Disability Insurance Fee‡ | - | - | - | $135
  • International Student Fee | - | - | - | $30,000

Cost of Attendance

Item | Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3-4 | Year 5-8 | Est. Total*

• Direct Costs
  • Tuition In-state/Out-of-state | $47,415/$83,290 | $34,300/$60,000 | $47,415/$83,290 | $47,415/$83,290 | $176,545/$309,870
  • Health Insurance | $4,591 | $3,780 | $3,780 | $3,780 | $15,931
  • Fees | $20,339 | $19,164 | $19,204 | $19,204 | $77,911
  • Direct Costs Subtotal | $72,345/$108,220 | $57,244/$82,944 | $70,399/$106,274 | $70,399/$106,274 | $270,387/$403,712
• Indirect Costs
  • Housing/Food | $22,620 | $18,096 | $24,882 | $24,882 | $90,480
  • Personal | $2,400 | $1,920 | $2,640 | $2,640 | $9,600
  • Transportation | $2,700 | $2,160 | $2,970 | $2,970 | $10,800
  • Books/Required Expenses | $5,520 | $3,410 | $3,905 | $6,610 | $19,445
  • Indirect Costs Subtotal | $33,240 | $25,586 | $34,397 | $37,102 | $130,325
• Total In-state/Out-of-state | $105,585/$141,460 | $82,830/$108,530 | $104,796/$140,671 | $107,501/$143,376 | $400,712/$534,037

Scholarships

MUSC offers scholarships for which you may be eligible. Some are awarded based on academic achievement; others are awarded based on community service, for example. However, the majority of scholarships awarded at MUSC are based on financial need.

Career Outlook

• General Dentist $172,790
  • Delivers compassionate oral care to improve patients' health and quality of life through preventive and restorative treatments.
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon $239,200
  • Leads surgical care that transforms lives by treating complex facial, jaw and oral conditions with precision and empathy.
• Dental School Professor $105,620
  • Inspires future dental leaders by teaching, mentoring and advancing research that reshapes the future of oral health.

Program Outcomes

Our students achieve impressive results through rigorous training, mentoring, and real-world preparation in a nationally respected program.

Future Plans

The following table identifies the plans for the Class of 2025 post-graduation.

• Future Pursuit | Graduate Count
  • Internship | 2
  • Public health service | 1
  • Private practice or associateship | 34
  • Residency | 32
  • U.S. Armed Forces and residency | 9

Program Faculty

• Angela Yoon
• Guilherme Moura
• Raymond Kessler, DMD

Frequently Asked Questions

Learning Experience

• Can I tour the MUSC campus?
  • Yes. Guided tours of MUSC for dental students are offered in June and July.
• Can I transfer into the D.M.D. program?
  • The D.M.D. program does not accept transfers into the program. Applicants must start the program from the beginning.
• How early do dental students get into clinics?
  • Early clinics start in the first year. Dental students spend two half-days per week in the clinics.
• Do I need to find my own patients?
  • No. The college supplies patients for student training through our screening clinic. Each student is assigned a range of patients to ensure a variety of clinical experiences.

Admissions

• Does my AADSAS application have to be verified to submit the MUSC supplemental application?
  • No. We encourage you to complete and submit your MUSC supplemental application as soon as you can.
• Can I submit application materials after the application deadline?
  • Yes. You may submit application updates after the deadline; however, you must already be marked complete by the deadline.
• What are the average DAT and GPA scores of accepted students?
  • Average DAT: 20 AA/21 DAT
  • Average cumulative GPA: 3.65
  • Average science GPA: 3.59
• What interview style does MUSC use and what is the interview day like?
  • Interviews are conducted virtually. The day begins with a welcome session, an overview of MUSC's campus and an explanation of the day's events. Applicants then have two 30-minute interviews with faculty members.
• Is there a preference for in-state vs. out-of-state students?
  • As the only dental school in South Carolina, we look for qualified in-state students as well as highly qualified candidates from near and far.
• When does MUSC's school year start?
  • For first year students in the D.M.D. program (D1), the summer semester begins online at the end of May and in-person orientation is on the first business Monday in June.

Objectives

The D.M.D. program aims to prepare graduates to:

• Assume leadership roles in diverse professional contexts through sustained scholarly and clinical excellence.
• Integrate rigorous scientific inquiry with clinical judgment to advance dental science and inform evidence‑based care.
• Demonstrate commitment to ethical practice, societal responsibility and interprofessional collaboration in both patient care and scholarly endeavors.
• Engage in lifelong learning and contribute to evolving paradigms in oral health through research, teaching and translational applications.
• Contribute to the broader health of communities by aligning oral health practice with holistic models of care and institutional and societal health needs.

Competencies

Upon completion of the D.M.D. program, graduates should be able to:

• Critically analyze and synthesize scientific literature to inform both clinical decision‑making and research design, including translational and community‑engaged methodologies.
• Design and conduct independent or collaborative research projects that adhere to the highest standards of methodological rigor, ethical oversight and relevance to oral health.
• Diagnose and manage oral diseases within a holistic patient framework, incorporating systemic health considerations, evidence‑based treatment planning and appropriate referral when indicated.
• Implement and evaluate advanced digital and simulation‑based dental technologies within clinical contexts, ensuring patient‑centered care.
• Demonstrate cultural competence, ethical integrity and reflective practice in all clinical and research activities, fostering trust and equitable care across diverse patient populations.
• Communicate complex clinical and research findings effectively to professional, patient and community stakeholders, in both oral and written formats, tailored to disciplinary and lay audiences.

Vision

To innovate the future of oral health and wellness.

Values

At the core of our program, we are guided by a commitment to the following values that drive our mission:

• Compassion: We act with kindness, empathy and dignity.
• Collaboration: We achieve common goals through teamwork and partnerships.
• Innovation: We drive transformation by embracing new ideas, discoveries and practices.
• Integrity: We do the right thing and commit to accountability in words, actions and use of resources.
• Respect: We value everyone and their many perspectives to build trust and a sense of belonging.

Mission

To develop transformative leaders and oral health providers to improve wellness. Our commitment to education, research, service and patient care will be driven by a collaborative and entrepreneurial approach that will result in global impact on the profession.

Accreditation & Recognition

The James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine is fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) of the American Dental Association (ADA) in the following programs.

• Advanced Education in General Dentistry
• Doctor of Dental Medicine
• Endodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Periodontics
• Orthodontics
• Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery