Dentistry is a very interesting and highly-sought after discipline in the medical sciences. As there are a lot of people who aspire to become dentists and medical experts in the dental field.
However, the cost of attending a dental school in the USA is not at a particularly low rate. And truth be told, it is accompanied by a lot of expenses, especially for international students.
But not to worry, your lifelong dream of becoming a dentist can still come to fruition because there are a good number of affordable dental schools in the USA available to you to choose from. And the good news is that a vast majority of these low-tuition rate schools offer high-quality dental education.
This article was written with the intent to help you identify cheap dental schools in the USA for international students just like you.
And we have done this by giving you a well-simplified definition of what a dental school is, providing you with a list of the very best affordable dental schools in the United States, mentioning factors you ought to consider before choosing a dental school, and lots more important information surrounding the topic.
Read through, as this content provides answers to relevant questions surrounding this topic.
What Is A Dental School?
A dental school is a higher education institution that teaches students how to become dentists. It is an institution of learning that equips students with knowledge regarding the best dental practices.
A good dental school in the United States offers a variety of dental degree programmes at various levels of learning. And the appropriate duration required to finish dental school in the US is 8 years
The 8 years duration is divided into two: a 4 years span to acquire a bachelor’s degree in any biological-related science field. And the other 4 years to gain a doctorate — either a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
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Why Study Dentistry In The USA?
There is a long list of reasons why international students would most likely prefer to study dentistry in the USA. But we’d talk about just a few of the most important reasons for them all.
Firstly, one of those reasons is that the USA is commonly known as home to some of the world’s renowned dental schools. In addition, the quality of education is very high and up to date.
Furthermore, good dental schools in the United States offer a variety of degree programs to choose from:
- Bachelor’s degrees at the undergraduate level.
- Doctorate program at an advanced level.
- Certificate programs in dentistry serve as an alternative to diploma and degree programs in dentistry.
And lastly, there are better job opportunities available to international students who study dentistry in the USA. Getting a degree from a US-based prestigious dental school gives you an edge.
What Are The Cheapest Dental Schools In USA For International Students?
International students who are considering attending dental school in the USA ought to carefully consider the cost of attendance before making a decision. The cost of attendance can be a significant financial burden, and it is important to make sure that the student can afford to attend the school before applying.
America has quite a number of affordable dental schools available for international students. Most of these schools may have very cheap tuition fees, but be rest assured that they are the best in the country, and well-recognized in the world
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So without any further ado, here is a list of the cheapest dental schools in the USA for international students:
#1. East Carolina University
East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine is a public research school located in Greenville, North Carolina. It is one of the most affordable dental schools in the USA. And it is also an excellent dental school for international students because it is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
ECU offers a four-year Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program.
The cost of attending East Carolina University’s dental school for international students entering the school is as follows:
- Tuition and fees: $23,793
- Books and supplies: $1,794
- Food: $4,772
- Housing: $6,228
- Personal: $1,480
- Transportation: $2,616
- Health Insurance: $0
- Loan Fees: $80
- Total = $40,763
#2. Augusta University
Augusta University is a public research university and academic medical centre located in Augusta, Georgia. The school is well-known for providing a world-class academic and social community that positions students for opportunity and success. This is to tell you that it is the best choice for international students.
Augusta University offers a four-year program leading to a Doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree.
The cost of attending Augusta University’s dental school for international students entering the school is as follows:
- Tuition fee: $23,130
- Room and Board: $13,230
- Health insurance premium: $2,126 USD+1,080 USD
- Books and Supplies: $2,000
- Transportation 1,800 USD
- Total = $43,366
#3. University of Nevada, Las Vegas
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (UNLV SDM) is a public dental school situated in Las Vegas, Nevada. UNLV is one of the best universities in the United States. The school has a reputation for delivering high-quality dental education, and also for being the only dental school in the state of Nevada.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas offers a variety of graduate programs:
- Master of Science in Dental Hygiene (M.S.D.H.) degree program.
- Certificate in Dental Public Health (CDPH) program.
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree program that is accredited by CODA — which is a four-year, full-time program that includes classroom instruction, clinical rotations, and research opportunities.
The cost of attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas dental school for international students entering the school is as follows:
- Tuition: $28,667/semester plus $5,100/semester special fee.
- Total= $33,767 per semester (6-semester program).
#4. Texas A&M University
The school is a well-respected non-profit because it is one of the oldest dental schools in the US.
It is also one of the largest dental schools in the United States, Texas A&M University is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
The college offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, which is a four-year program. And the curriculum includes courses in basic science, clinical dentistry, and research.
The estimated cost to attend for non-resident or international students is about $58,976.
#5. University of Kentucky
The University of Kentucky cannot be left out of the list of the most affordable dental schools in the USA for international students.
UK is a public research university located in Lexington, Kentucky. It has gained quite a recognition for welcoming international students, and today, more than 4,000 international students from over 100 countries call UK home.
The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry offers the following dental degree programs:
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree program.
- Master of Science (MS) in Orofacial Pain.
- Master of Science (MS) in Orthodontics.
- Master of Science (MS) in Periodontics.
The cost of attending The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry for international students entering the school is as follows:
- Tuition & Fees: $59,822
- Total Non-Resident Curriculum Costs: $70,596
#6. University of Mississippi
Another inexpensive dental school in the United States for international students is the University of Mississippi School of Dentistry (UMSOD).
UMSOD is a public dental school located in Jackson, Mississippi. The University of Mississippi prides itself on being the only dental school in the state of Mississippi and is one of the oldest dental schools in the United States. UMSOD is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
UMSOD offers a couple of dental degree programs:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
- Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) degree.
Other Affordable Dental Schools In the USA
- University of Alabama.
- Howard University.
- UT Health Science Center at Houston.
- University of Puerto Rico.
Factors To Consider Before Choosing Dental School
You cannot just make a pick of an affordable dental school in the USA without taking some important factors and variables into consideration.
Because these are the determining factors as to whether or not you can truly afford or cope with the school system. These factors would assist you in knowing if your preferred school is conducive for you or not.
Here are some factors to consider when choosing a dental school:
#1. Tuition
Tuition costs in schools vary to a large extent. Make correct research on the entire fees and expenses required of you to pay.
#2. Location
Taking the school’s location into consideration is a very smart move. Be sure to thoroughly assess the school environment to know if the learning atmosphere best suits your preference.
#3. Program
Your decision should be on the basis that the school offers a program that meets your needs. Some schools offer accelerated programs, while others offer more traditional programs.
#4. Accreditation
Make sure the school is accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA). This ensures that the school meets high standards of quality.
How To Apply To A Dental School In The USA
As an international student, applying to dental school in the USA can seem to be a hectic task, but it is not a difficult one. And we would provide you with tips that can increase your chances of being accepted to a dental school in the USA.
Step 1: Meet the eligibility requirements
The main requirements needed to be eligible for an American dental school are a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and a good score on the Dental Admissions Test (DAT).
Step 2: Take the DAT
The DAT is a standardized test that is required for admission to most dental schools in the USA. The best part is that you can either take the DAT at a testing center in your home country or in the USA.
Step 3: Start your application process early
The application process can take a longer time than expected. So you should begin the whole process early.
Step 4: Submit your application
You will need to submit your application to the ADEA AADSAS, which is the centralized application service for most dental schools in the USA. Your application will include your transcripts, DAT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statement, and other required documents.
Step 5: Get involved in extracurricular activities
Dental schools would be pleased to know that you are quite vast. Try to apply for extracurricular activities that are related to dentistry, such as volunteering at a dental clinic or shadowing a dentist.
Step 6: Write a strong personal statement
Your statement is your chance to tell the admissions committee about yourself and why you want to become a dentist. Be sure to write a well-written and personal statement that highlights your strengths and why you would be a good fit for dental school.
Step 7: Practice your interview skills
The interview is an important part of the application process. Most dental schools require you to interview in person. The interview is your chance to meet the admissions committee and answer any questions they may have about your application.
Step 8: Wait for a decision
The admissions process can take several months. Once you have submitted your application, you will be notified of your decision by the dental schools to which you applied.
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