Prospective Students

The UMMC School of Dentistry's mission is to prepare scientifically-minded, clinically competent, community-oriented, ethical dental professionals to serve the oral health needs of the state of Mississippi.

Preference is given to applicants who are legal residents of Mississippi. In recent years, non-residents have not been considered for admission to the School of Dentistry. Applicants must be U.S. citizens or have permanent immigrant status. Applicants must have completed all required courses at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university. All questions pertaining to resident status should be addressed to the Division of Student Services and Records, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216-4505.

The School of Dentistry offers a course of instruction leading to the doctor of dental medicine (DMD) degree. The curriculum extends over four calendar years and is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and by the U.S. Department of Education.

The School of Dentistry also offers postdoctoral programs in general dentistry and pediatric dentistry and oral/maxillofacial surgery. A baccalaureate degree in dental hygiene also is offered by the School of Dentistry.

• Application information brochure (DMD)
• Application information (Dental Hygiene)

There are 40 students in each dental class and 20 students in each dental hygiene class. The small size of the classes allows many opportunities for interaction with faculty. The school attracts good students, and once here, they are trained to compete with the best students from all over the country.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center adheres to the principle of equal educational and employment opportunity. The policy extends to all programs and activities supported by the Medical Center. Under provisions of Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, the University of Mississippi Medical Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities with respect to admissions or employment.

Departments

• Advanced General Dentistry
• Biomedical Materials Science
• Care Planning and Restorative Sciences
• Dental Hygiene
• Endodontics
• Oral-Maxillofacial Surgery and Pathology
• Orthodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry and Community Oral Health
• Periodontology

Professional certifications and licensure

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Dental Hygiene 

The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s (UMMC) Bachelor of Science (BS) in dental hygiene program satisfies the licensure eligibility requirements set forth by the governing body in the State of Mississippi. Students who satisfactorily complete the program will be awarded the BS degree from the University of Mississippi and are eligible to sit for the Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH), which is a requirement for licensure to practice as a registered dental hygienist. Registered (licensed) dental hygienists practice according to the requirements of individual state dental practice acts. Learn more about Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners.

Learn more about career paths for dental hygienists at the American Dental Hygienists' Association website. For additional information on career opportunities, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics Dental Hygienists.

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

The University of Mississippi Medical Center’s (UMMC) Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program educates and prepares students for the practice of general dentistry.  Students who complete this program will be awarded the DMD degree from the University of Mississippi.  During the educational process students are eligible to sit for the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INDBE) and the American Board of Dental Examiners (ADEX) Exam.  This is an accredited program by the Commission of Dental Accreditation. 

 The INBDE is a national dental examination administered by the Joint Commission of National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) and the ADEX exam is administered by the Commission on Dental Competency Assessment (CDCA), both of which are usually required for a license to practice dentistry.  Successful completion of the DMD program and these examinations will satisfy eligibility requirements set forth by the governing body of several states including the State of Mississippi.  Doctors of Dental Medicine practice according to the requirements of individual state practice acts, so specific requirements may vary.  Learn more about the State of Mississippi’s requirements at the Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners.