Doctor of Dental Surgery, D.D.S.
Program Overview
Doctor of Dental Surgery, D.D.S.
The UNC Adams School of Dentistry offers a four-year doctor of dental surgery (D.D.S.) program to produce healthcare practitioners who are qualified to enter general dental practice, dental research, teaching, public service, or postdoctoral programs including graduate programs in various dental specialties. The school is interested in recruiting students who are willing to accept professional responsibilities in their communities; to participate in professional activities; and to pursue a lifetime of learning to enhance their delivery of effective patient care and service to the profession and the public.
Admissions
The D.D.S. admissions process at the University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry is dedicated to selecting and enrolling students to study dentistry and to provide qualified dental practitioners to the State of North Carolina and beyond.
Admission Requirements
- Students preparing for the study of dentistry are encouraged to complete a residential four-year curriculum leading to the B.A. or B.S. degree.
- Students not pursuing a degree must complete a predoctoral program of at least three years of accredited college courses (96 semester hours or 144 quarter hours).
- The UNC Adams School of Dentistry will accept a maximum of 64 semester hours of credit from an accredited community, technical, or online college or university.
- Any community, technical, or online college or university courses submitted for credit must be acceptable to the UNC Office of Undergraduate Admissions.
- However, students who have 64 hours of credit from a community, technical, or online college or university must complete all additional course work at an accredited residential four-year college or university.
Prerequisites
The prerequisite courses (required predental courses) must be completed prior to admission (preferably on-site at a residential four-year college or university). Undergraduate students attending a school other than UNC–Chapel Hill should use this catalog as a guide for completing the prerequisite courses. Required courses not completed at an accredited four-year institution must be transferable to UNC–Chapel Hill as equivalent courses.
Course List Code | Title | Hours
---|---|---
Biology|
The basic requirement is eight semester hours (two courses, laboratories required, one laboratory must include dissection, one of which must be human anatomy or vertebrate zoology with a laboratory).| 8
BIOL 101
& 101L| Principles of Biology
and Introductory Biology Laboratory H, F|
BIOL 252| Fundamentals of Human Anatomy and Physiology 1, H|
BIOL 474
& 474L| Evolution of Vertebrate Life
and Vertebrate Structure and Evolution Laboratory 1, H|
Chemistry|
The basic requirements are eight semester hours of general chemistry (two courses, laboratory required), six semester hours of organic chemistry (two courses, laboratory not required) and three semester hours of biochemistry (laboratory not required). | 17
CHEM 101
& 101L| General Descriptive Chemistry I
and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory I H, F|
CHEM 102
& 102L| General Descriptive Chemistry II
and Quantitative Chemistry Laboratory II H, F|
CHEM 261| Introduction to Organic Chemistry I H|
CHEM 262| Introduction to Organic Chemistry II H|
CHEM 430| Introduction to Biological Chemistry H|
Physics|
The requirement is two college-level courses of non-calculus-based physics that will cover basic principles of physics relevant to living things.| 8
PHYS 114| General Physics I: For Students of the Life Sciences 2, F|
PHYS 115| General Physics II: For Students of the Life Sciences 2, F|
English|
The basic requirement is six semester hours (or courses required for a degree from an accredited college or university) of coursework emphasizing compositional writing.| 6
Total Hours| 39
H| Honors version available. An honors course fulfills the same requirements as the nonhonors version of that course. Enrollment and GPA restrictions may apply.
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F| FY-Launch class sections may be available. A FY-Launch section fulfills the same requirements as a standard section of that course, but also fulfills the FY-SEMINAR/FY-LAUNCH First-Year Foundations requirement. Students can search for FY-Launch sections in ConnectCarolina using the FY-LAUNCH attribute.
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Additional Recommendations for Applicants
Prospective dental students should consider the following recommendations when preparing for the dental school admissions process.
- Development of both a strong preclinical science knowledge and a broad exploration of the liberal arts are valued in our applicants.
- Courses in art, biostatistics, business, communication/public speaking, compositional writing, computer science, English, ethics, foreign languages, immunology, literature, microbiology, molecular biology, music, philosophy, political science, psychology, sociology, and/or statistics should be considered.
- Experiences in functioning as part of a team are critical in the health professions.
- Prospective students should demonstrate the ability to function as both a leader and a productive team member.
- We want our students to be able to work with diverse populations.
- Experiences working in diverse communities or with diverse groups of people is suggested.
- Exploration of dentistry through shadowing is important in informing perspective and confirming interest in the profession.
- While no minimum number of shadowing hours is required, we strongly recommend that applicants thoroughly explore the dental field with a strong emphasis on the practice of general dentistry.
- Multiple, long-term experiences are valued more highly than short-term interactions.
- Local and global experiences are equally valued; the significance of an experience is more important than the location.
Dental Admission Test
All students must complete the Dental Admission Test (DAT), conducted by the American Dental Association, before being considered for admission to the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. This test is administered by Prometric Inc. across the country and should be taken in the spring or fall of the year prior to the desired admission date. Applying at the end of the spring semester is encouraged to facilitate early consideration for an interview by the admissions committee. DAT test scores must be valid and may not be more than three years old.
Selection Factors
The UNC Adams School of Dentistry is committed to maintaining its diverse student body. To that end, individuals from a wide range of backgrounds who have had different experiences and have the potential to contribute to dentistry or dental practice are considered by the admissions committee. The school also strives to admit individuals who will benefit from and contribute to the educational environment and the dental profession and be prepared at graduation to enter a wide range of careers.
- An applicant must possess satisfactory academic abilities as evidenced by having successfully completed the prerequisite (required predental) courses and the Dental Admission Test at an acceptable level of performance.
- An applicant should possess psychomotor ability sufficient to perform the necessary technical skills required in dentistry.
- An applicant must demonstrate a service commitment and a desire to help others.
- An applicant should possess the potential to be a self-directed, lifelong learner.
- An applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the dental profession.
Application Process and Admissions
All inquiries regarding admissions to our D.D.S. program should be directed to the Office of Admissions and Student Life. Our admissions processes do not discriminate against candidates on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.
- The school participates in the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS), which is sponsored by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA).
- Applicants are required to file an AADSAS application as well as the School of Dentistry supplemental application.
- Supplemental application materials include the D.D.S. Supplemental application itself, a nonrefundable application fee, DAT scores, a 2" x 2" passport photo, and the North Carolina Residency Determination Service application (for in-state applicants).
- The AADSAS application deadline is November 1 and the UNC D.D.S. Supplemental application deadline is November 15 for admission to the following year’s class.
- Applicants are strongly encouraged to file their applications as soon as possible, ideally several months prior to the deadlines.
Deposit
An applicant accepted for admission must deposit $500 with the University Cashier within the designated timeline established by the Office of Admissions and Student Life. Upon registration for dental school classes, this deposit will be credited and applied to the applicant’s tuition/fees. This deposit is non-refundable. If the applicant rescinds the acceptance offer and does not register for classes, the deposit will be forfeited.
Requirements
The predoctoral curriculum is current as of the 2025–2026 academic year but it remains subject to change. The primary intent of the dental school curriculum is to produce dental practitioners who: (1) are qualified to enter general dental practice, postdoctoral programs including graduate programs in various dental specialties or dental research, teaching or public service; and (2) can accept professional responsibilities in their communities, participate in professional activities and pursue a lifetime of learning that enhances their delivery of effective services to patients and the profession.
First Year Courses
The first year of the D.D.S. curriculum includes content in the core biomedical sciences (gross anatomy, histology, biochemistry, physiology, microbiology and pathology), clinical/behavioral, and health systems sciences. Learners gain an appreciation of various components of the patient care process with an emphasis on assessment (history, examination, diagnostic tests) and plan of care (diagnosis, treatment planning, and informed consent). Learners develop knowledge and skills in restorative science, cariology, radiology, and evidence-based dentistry.
Course List Code | Title | Hours
---|---|---
Fall Semester|
DENT 500| Basecamp| 5
DENT 501| Biomedical Sciences I: Orofacial Complex| 3
DENT 504| Biomedical Sciences I: Growth & Development | 1.5
DENT 511| Assessment & Plan of Care I| 3
DENT 521| Provision of Care: Preventive & Disease Management I| 3
DENT 531| Provision of Care: Restorative Sciences I| 2
DENT 541| Professional Ethics & Practice Management I| 1.5
DENT 551| Public Health I| 1
DENT 591| Preclinical Intensive I: Introduction to Clinic| 1
Spring Semester|
DENT 502| Biomedical Sciences II: Systems Based Biomedical Sciences| 6
DENT 512| Assessment & Plan of Care II| 8
DENT 522| Provision of Care: Preventive & Disease Management II| 1
DENT 532| Provision of Care: Restorative Sciences II| 3
DENT 542| Professional Ethics & Practice Management II| 1
DENT 582| Clinical Experience I| 2
DENT 592| Preclinical Intensive II: Local Anesthetics & Medical Emergencies|
1.5
Summer Semester|
DENT 513| Assessment and Plan of Care III| 1
DENT 533| Provision of Care: Restorative Sciences III| 1.5
DENT 543| Professional Ethics & Practice Management III| 1
DENT 583| Clinical Experience II| 1
Total Hours| 48
Second Year Courses
During the second year, learners continue taking biological science courses focused on organ systems and engage in a series of discipline specific dental science courses (preclinical endodontics, periodontics, removable and fixed prosthodontics, oral maxillofacial surgery, pathology, and advanced radiology). Learners are introduced to the lifespan with pediatrics, orthodontics, and special care courses. The healthcare systems emphasize delivery models, interprofessional education for collaborative care, with leadership continuing throughout the curriculum.
Course List Code | Title | Hours
---|---|---
Fall Semester|
DENT 601| Biomedical Sciences III: Systems| 6
DENT 611| Assessment, Plan, and Provision of Care: Endodontics| 4
DENT 621| Assessment, Plan, and Provision of Care: Periodontics| 1.5
DENT 630| Provision of Care: Restorative Sciences IV| 4
DENT 632| Provision of Care: Restorative Sciences VI| 5
DENT 641| Professional Ethics and Practice Management IV| 1
DENT 681| Clinical Experiences III| 2
DENT 691| Intensive III: Interdisciplinary Plan of Care| 1
Spring Semester|
DENT 602| Biomedical Sciences IV: Systems| 6
DENT 612| Assessment, Plan, and Provision of Care: Oral Pathology| 1.5
DENT 616| Life Course: Special Care| 1
DENT 622| Provision of Care: Preventative and Disease Managament III| 1.5
DENT 631| Provision of Care: Restorative Sciences V| 4
DENT 633| Provision of Care: Restorative Sciences VII| 1.5
DENT 642| Professional Ethics and Practice Management V| 1
DENT 652| Public Health II| 1.5
DENT 662| Assessment, Plan, and Provision of Care: Oral Radiology I| 1
DENT 672| Assessment, Plan, and Provision of Care: Oral Surgery| 1
DENT 682| Clinical Experiences IV| 2
Summer Session|
DENT 615| Life Course: Orthodontics in the Growing Patient| 0.5
DENT 617| Life Course: Pediatric Dentistry| 2
DENT 663| Assessment, Plan, and Provision of Care: Oral Radiology II| 1
DENT 683| Clinical Experiences V| 1.5
DENT 692| Assessment, Plan, and Provision of Care: Implantology| 2
Total Hours| 53.5
Third Year Courses
In the third year, students provide comprehensive care for their patients in closely mentored clinical settings modeled on a contemporary, team-based dental office format. Engagement in specialty-based clinical rotations supports development of a broad, well-rounded dental skill set. A series of seminars are offered with an emphasis on inquiry case-based learning, integrated biomedical sciences, advanced clinical topics, treatment planning, practice management, leadership strategies, and contemporary topics.
Course List Code | Title | Hours
---|---|---
Fall Semester|
DENT 700| Integrated Biomedical Sciences and Oral Stomatology I| 1
DENT 711| Guided Advanced Clinical Practice: Clinic I| 12
DENT 720| Continuous Professional Development and Contemporary Conversations I| 3
DENT 730| Provision of Care: Restorative Sciences VIII| 1
DENT 731| Gateway I| 1
DENT 743| Professional Ethics and Practice Management VI| 2
DENT 761| Inquiry Case-Based Learning and Critical Thinking I| 1
DENT 771| Treatment Planning I| 4
Spring Semester|
DENT 710| Integrated Biomedical Sciences and Oral Stomatology II| 1
DENT 712| Guided Advanced Clinical Practice: Clinic II| 12
DENT 717| Assessment, Plan, and Provision of Care: Oralfacial Pain| 1
DENT 720| Continuous Professional Development and Contemporary Conversations I| 3
DENT 732| Gateway II| 1
DENT 740| Partnering with Community to Improve Oral Health| 1
DENT 743| Professional Ethics and Practice Management VI| 2
DENT 761| Inquiry Case-Based Learning and Critical Thinking I| 1
DENT 771| Treatment Planning I| 4
Summer Semester|
DENT 713| Guided Advanced Clinical Practice: Clinic III | 3
DENT 714| Guided Advanced Clinical Practice: Dentistry in Service to Community Experience| 4
DENT 741| Seminar I: Clinical Topics| 2
Total Hours| 60
Fourth Year Courses
Fourth-year students assume greater responsibility for patients requiring more advanced dental care in our contemporary, vertically integrated, team-based dental clinics. A series of seminars are offered with an emphasis on inquiry case-based learning, advanced clinical topics, treatment planning, practice management, leadership strategies, and contemporary topics. A capstone specialty seminar focuses on preparing learners for transitioning to practice or residency.
Course List Code | Title | Hours
---|---|---
Fall Semester|
DENT 811| Guided Advanced Clinical Practice: Clinic IV| 12
DENT 820| Continuous Professional Development and Contemporary Conversations II| 2
DENT 831| Gateway III| 1
DENT 841| Professional Ethics and Practice Management VII| 2
DENT 861| Inquiry Case-Based Learning & Critical Thinking II| 1
DENT 871| Treatment Planning II| 3
DENT 881| Seminar II: Specialty Topics| 1
Spring Semester|
DENT 812| Guided Advanced Clinical Practice: Clinic V| 12
DENT 820| Continuous Professional Development and Contemporary Conversations II| 2
DENT 841| Professional Ethics and Practice Management VII| 2
DENT 861| Inquiry Case-Based Learning & Critical Thinking II| 1
DENT 871| Treatment Planning II| 3
Total Hours| 42
Opportunities
Spurgeon Student Government
The Spurgeon Student Government exists as the governing body for all students of the UNC Adams School of Dentistry. Named after the late Dr. J.S. Spurgeon, a prominent and outstanding dentist from Hillsborough, N.C., the organization holds regular meetings in which elected representatives from each class of dental, advanced education, and dental hygiene students discuss and plan the functions of student government.
Student Membership in the Dental Community
In addition to serving in various class and student organization officer positions, students are active members of the dental school community. They have membership on most standing dental school committees. There are other ways for students to be involved, as the school supports many student organizations. These organizations allow students to be involved with dentistry at the local and national levels.
International Opportunities
As 21st century oral health practitioners, dental students, whether pursuing a career in clinical practice or academia, must be fully cognizant of how oral health functions in a global community. The school provides many opportunities for students to engage with peoples and cultures in other countries, including yearly service and academic projects in Brazil, China, India, Malawi, Moldova, Mexico, Nepal, Nicaragua, Philippines, and Uganda.
Research Experience
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is the nation’s first public university and ranks among the world’s leading research universities, whereby UNC and the Adams School of Dentistry are nationally recognized. UNC’s Adams School of Dentistry has a diverse portfolio of research activities in the basic, applied, and clinical sciences, as well as in the areas of health services, health policy and health education.
Information Relevant to the UNC Adams School of Dentistry Experience
Immunization Requirements
The State of North Carolina immunization requirements and the UNC Adams School of Dentistry immunization requirements for dental hygiene and doctor of dental surgery students are listed below. Documentation of all is required with application.
State Requirements
- (Total of three) Two DTP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis), Td (tetanus, diphtheria), or Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis) doses. (This fulfills the primary series requirement.)
- One Tdap booster after completion of the primary series that did not include a Tdap, and then a Td vaccine every ten years thereafter.
- Three polio (unless greater than 18 years of age).
- Two measles (rubeola), two mumps, one rubella (two MMR doses meet this requirement) or positive titers.
- Hepatitis B series, minimum of either 2 or 3 dose series.
UNC Adams School of Dentistry Requirements
- Varicella vaccination series (two doses) or a positive titer.
- Hepatitis B antibody (HBsAb) quantitative titer.
- COVID-19 booster or declare intent to request exemption.
- Tuberculosis blood test (IGRA-strongly preferred) or 2-step TB skin test (test is performed TWICE) or a TB blood test (IGRA).
Infectious Disease Status
Students engaged in patient care activities are required to know their tuberculosis and hepatitis B (HBV) status, and are encouraged to learn their hepatitis C (HCV) and HIV status.
Late Registration
University regulations require students who do not register before the first day of classes in any semester or summer session to pay an additional fee of $20 for delayed registration.
Awarding of Degrees and Certificates
To be awarded a degree or certificate, students must satisfactorily complete all requirements of their respective program.
Class and Clinic Attendance
Regular class and clinic attendance is a student obligation. No right or privilege exists that permits a student to be absent from any given number of sessions.
Patient Care Responsibilities
Students are granted the privilege of participating in the patient care system of the UNC Adams School of Dentistry and are expected to provide care consistent with our person-centered philosophy. Patients are a central part of the health care team and are involved in the planning of their care.
Department Programs
Professional Program
- Doctor of Dental Surgery, D.D.S.
Major
- Dental Hygiene Major, B.S.
Graduate Programs
- M.S. in Dental Hygiene Education
- M.S. in Endodontics
- M.S. in Operative Dentistry
- M.S. and Ph.D. in Oral and Craniofacial Biomedicine
- M.S. in Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- M.S. in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- M.S. in Orthodontics
- M.S. in Pediatric Dentistry
- M.S. in Periodontology
- M.S. in Prosthodontics
UNC Adams School of Dentistry
The UNC Adams School of Dentistry is located at 385 South Columbia St., CB# 7450, Chapel Hill, NC.
Academic Affairs
The Dean of the UNC Adams School of Dentistry is Dr. Janet Guthmiller.