Prospective Students

Main Content

Prospective Students

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

For admissions, the School of Dentistry gives preference to applicants who are residents of Mississippi or Arkansas at the time of application. Accordingly, applications are accepted only from U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents.


The School may decline to consider applicants who cannot demonstrate residency as defined by Miss. Code §§ 37-103-7 and 37-103-13. Applicants must have completed all required courses at an accredited U.S. or Canadian college or university. All questions pertaining to residency status should be addressed to the Office of Enrollment Management, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N. State St., Jackson, MS 39216-4505.

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

Professional certifications and licensure

 

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) Program

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, a specialized accrediting body recognized by the Commission on Recognition of Postsecondary Accreditation and by the U.S. Department of Education.

Students in the DMD program benefit from early and continuous clinical experiences, interprofessional education, and close collaboration with faculty. The curriculum is designed to prepare graduates to deliver comprehensive, patient-centered care and to serve diverse populations across Mississippi and beyond.

 

Residency Programs

The School of Dentistry also offers postdoctoral programs in general dentistry, pediatric dentistry, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Bachelor of Dental Hygiene Program

The School of Dentistry offers the only Bachelor of Dental Hygiene degree program in the state of Mississippi. The curriculum consists of 30 courses completed over five semesters, with a new cohort admitted each August.

Students in the dental hygiene program benefit from close collaboration with dental students and faculty, fostering a team-based approach to patient care and professional development. The program provides extensive clinical training, including a wide range of clinical experiences not offered at other programs in the state, preparing graduates to deliver high-quality, patient-centered care in diverse settings.

There are approximately 40 students in each dental class and 20 students in each dental hygiene class. The small class sizes allow for meaningful interaction with faculty. The School attracts highly qualified students who are prepared to compete with peers across the country.

The University of Mississippi Medical Center adheres to the principle of equal educational and employment opportunity. This 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 does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs or activities with respect to admissions or employment.