Top Universities, Admission Requirements, Fees & More – MDS In USA

This course guide on MDS in USA provides complete information on finest colleges, course content, eligibility, requirements, process for MDS in USA after BDS, prices, scholarships, job options, and much more.

Dentistry is one of the top medical fields to learn. The course focuses on mouth, gum, and tooth diagnosis and therapy. You can specialize in oral surgeries, diseases, or simpler procedures like tooth extraction, filling cavities, dentures, etc. A lot of US colleges offer cheap MDS programs with considerable financial options. It ranks 16th in Best Healthcare Jobs and 17th in Best STEM Jobs in U.S. News and World Report 2022. After finishing an MDS in the US, a DDS is possible.

Why Study MDS in USA?

Let us throw some light on the reasons why you should consider postgraduate dental courses in USA for international students:

• The first point worth mentioning is that 16 US universities have been ranked in the QS World University Rankings 2022 for dentistry.
• Notably all the institutions ranked in QS World University Rankings 2022 for dentistry made a spot in the top 70 globally speaking for the quality of education.
• US universities will be equipped with state-of-the-art facilities which will be an added advantage to your learning experience.
• Dentists rank 11th in the best paying jobs in US as per the U.S. News and World Report 2022.
• According to the data of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be a growth in the employment of dentists by 8.1% between 2020 and 2030 with an addition of more than 9,800 jobs.

Best Universities for MDS in USA for Indian Students

USA is home to leading universities offering masters in dentistry for Indian students. Take a look at the top 5 renowned institutions for pursuing MDS in USA:

• University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
• University of California – San Francisco
• Harvard University
• University of Pennsylvania
• University of Washington

1. University of Michigan – Ann Arbor

University of Michigan – Ann Arbor is the highest ranked US university in the QS subject rankings 2022 for dentistry. The program is delivered in 2 formats and gives you flexibility to take classes on campus or online.

• University Type: Public
• QS World University Rankings 2023: 25
• QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 (Dentistry): 5
• Program Offered: MS in Dental Hygiene
• Course Duration: 2 years
• Average Annual Program Fees: $33,320 per year

2. University of California – San Francisco

The University of California – San Francisco offers the opportunity to pursue a dual degree i.e. DDS combined with MBA where you will get to learn dental science with management and leadership skills.

• University Type: Public
• QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 (Dentistry): 9
• Program Offered: DDS/ MBA
• Course Duration: 2 years
• Average Annual Program Fees: $37,240 per year

3. Harvard University

The MMSc in Dental Education is a specialized degree provided by Harvard University’s Harvard School of Dental Medicine. Dental public health, endodontics, implant dentistry, oral medicine, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, and other advanced graduate education programs are available.

• University Type: Private
• QS World University Rankings 2023: 5
• QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 (Dentistry): 12
• Program Offered: MMS in Dental Education
• Course Duration: 2 years
• Average Annual Program Fees: $67,610 per year

4. University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill

The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill’s Adams School of Dentistry is a well-known public university that offers the state’s sole bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene as well as an affordable MS in Dental Hygiene Education. Endodontics, orthodontics, operational dentistry, pediatric dentistry, periodontology, prosthodontics, oral and maxillofacial radiography, and pathology are among the other disciplines given by the school of dentistry.

• University Type: Public
• QS World University Rankings 2023: 102
• QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 (Dentistry): 19
• Program Offered: MS in Dental Hygiene Education
• Course Duration: 22 months
• Average Annual Program Fees: $31,345

5. New York University

NYU’s College of Dentistry is the largest and the 3rd oldest in USA with a reputation of training over 10% of the country’s dentists. The Graduate School of Arts & Science under the Department of Biology at NYU offers the Masters in Biology with an Oral Biology track.

• University Type: Private
• QS World University Rankings 2023: 39
• QS World University Rankings by Subject 2022 (Dentistry):  20
• Program Offered: Masters in Biology – Oral Biology, Clinical Research and Biomaterials
• Course Duration: 2 years
• Average Annual Program Fees: $60,251 per year

Course Curriculum for MDS in USA

Dental science is a branch of medical science and a very popular course among young aspirants interested in joining the healthcare sector. Discussed in the table below is the course curriculum for MDS in USA:

• Course Duration: 2 years
• Course Content: Oral anatomy, oral pathology, pharmacology, public health, periodontics, prosthodontics, human anatomy, orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, oral microbiology
• Course Alternatives: MS in Orthodontics, MS in Endodontics, MS in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Master of Public Health, Master of Hospital Administration

Eligibility Criteria for MDS in USA after BDS in India

Certain eligibility criteria must be completed in order to be admitted to MDS in the United States following BDS in India. The official university website is the best place to learn about admission requirements. Take a look at the basic requirements for admission to dental schools in the United States:

• Bachelor’s degree
• English language proficiency test scores
• GRE scores

Here’s how you can meet the eligibility criteria to pursue MDS in USA:

Bachelor’s degree

You will need to have a completed bachelor’s degree in dentistry to apply for a MDS in USA for Indian students comparable to a US degree with a minimum GPA of 3.0 or above.

English language proficiency test scores

For admission, all international students must submit English language competency test results. This criteria can be met by providing a TOEFL score of 90 or an IELTS score of 6.0, or an equivalent on other approved test results.

GRE scores

GRE scores are also necessary for admission to US universities that offer MDS programs to Indian students. The minimum score criteria differ by university, but it is advised that you have a score of 315 or higher.

How to Apply for an MDS Degree in USA?

• Firstly, prepare a list of universities you intend to apply to.
• Check the university website for upcoming intakes, deadlines, admission requirements, process, fees, funding, etc.
• Postgraduate dental courses in USA for international students invite applications for the fall and spring semesters.
• Complete the online application form and pay the necessary application fee.
• You will be asked to upload supporting documents along with your application so keep them handy and check for evaluation or translation requirements.
• Once your application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation on email with a link to track the status of your application.
• Wait for the admission decision and complete the enrollment process for admission.
• Finally as you receive your acceptance letter apply for a F-1 student visa.

Documents Required for MDS in USA for International Students

If you intend to apply for postgraduate dental courses in the United States for international students, you must have all of the relevant documents available before the application deadline to avoid problems at the last minute. It is important to browse the university website and gather documents ahead of time. Examine the list of general documents required to apply for MDS in the United States following BDS in India:

• Copy of your official transcripts of undergraduate degree
• Official translation of documents not issued in English
• English language proficiency test scores
• Entrance exam scores to study in USA
• Letters of recommendation
• Statement of purpose
• CV with list of achievements, extra-curricular participation, volunteering activities, etc.
• Copy of passport
• Bank statements as proof of finances

MDS in USA Cost

Obtaining an MDS in the United States for Indian students is unquestionably expensive. Before applying to any university, you should be aware of your fees. You will be responsible for paying university tuition and living expenses while studying in the United States, as discussed below.:

Tuition Fees

The average MDS program in the United States costs roughly $60,000 per year, though this varies per university. If you are seeking for economical programs, apply to public universities in the United States that offer programs with tuition fees ranging from $15,000 to $35,000 per year.

Cost of Living

The cost of living in the United States is higher than in several other countries. To satisfy your living expenses, you will require between $1,000-1,500 per month, or approximately $12,000-18,000 per year. The cost of living can be reduced by comparing alternatives for accommodation, transportation, personal expenses, and so on and selecting the more cost-effective one.

Scholarships for MDS in USA

Scholarships for postgraduate dental programs for international students in the United States are absolutely worth considering if you need financial assistance. There are numerous scholarships available, including university scholarships, admission scholarships, program-specific scholarships, government scholarships, and so on.

The nicest part about receiving a scholarship is that it covers around 25-100% of your tuition fees and eliminates the need for payback.

Here is a summary of a few program-specific scholarship opportunities for international students to study MDS in the United States:

Scholarship Name and Amount (in USD)

• UB SDM Scholarship (University of Buffalo) – Varies
• Harvard University Presidential Scholarship (Harvard University) – Varies
• Penn Dental Medicine Dean’s Scholarship (University of Pennsylvania) – $40,000 per year
• UCSF School of Dentistry Scholarships (University of California – San Francisco) – $5,000-40,000 per year
• Dr. Fanny N. Freund Advanced Education Scholarship (University of Minnesota) – $12,000

Career Opportunities after MDS in USA

In the US, MDS graduates most often become dentists. Before working independently or running a chamber, you may have to work as a dental assistant, technician, or other entry-level role. Dental newcomers can expect a minimum pay of $49,300, rising to $276,000 with expertise.

See below for US dentists with MDS degrees and suitable job  titles:

Job Title and Average Annual Salaries (in USD)

• Dentist: $238,000
• Dental Assistant: $65,300
• Dental Technician: $59,000
• Dental Therapist: $92,300
• Orthodontic Assistant: $62,700

For international students who obtain a master’s degree in dentistry in the United States, there are numerous opportunities. After gaining experience in the discipline of dentistry, you can advance to become an endodontist, orthodontist, prosthodontist, or periodontist. With good planning, you can gain admission to one of the prominent universities in the United States that offer a master’s degree in dentistry to foreign students.

FAQs

Can I do MDS in USA after BDS in India?

• Yes, you can do MDS in USA after doing BDS in India from a recognized university.

How much does it cost to study MDS in USA?

• An MDS in USA costs around $30,000-60,000 per year i.e. 24,00,000-48,00,000 INR per year for an Indian student.

How much does a dentist earn in USA?

• On an average, a dentist in USA earns around $238,000 per year.

Can I practice MDS in USA after getting a degree from India?

• You cannot directly practice MDS in USA after getting a degree from India. You will have to get a DDS in USA to practice as a dentist.

Is GRE required to pursue MDS in USA?

• Yes, GRE is mandatory to pursue MDS in USA.