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. There is not sufficient space in the dental school to admit all students who meet its quantitative and qualitative standards. For this reason, the quality of the student’s undergraduate work is of great importance in selection for admission, as well as motivation to pursue a career in dentistry.

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. See the course descriptions in the prerequisites table below by clicking on the course abbreviations (e.g., BIOL 101). 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.

Prerequisites

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

¹

Take either BIOL 252 or both BIOL 474 and BIOL 474L.

²

Although the two basic physics courses at UNC are calculus-based, non-calculus based courses are also acceptable as prerequisites.

Additional Recommendations for Applicants

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. During the admissions cycle (June through October), applicants may submit unofficial DAT scores by email or fax or in-person because of the delay associated with reporting official scores to the Office of Admissions and Student Life.

The DAT is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability. While all dental schools require examinees to participate in the Dental Admission Testing Program, test results are only one factor considered in evaluating admission potential.

In documented cases of severe financial hardship, the ADA has a limited number of partial fee waivers available to DAT examinees on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, please visit the Dental Admission Test website.

The Dental Admission Testing Program does not endorse any test preparation courses and has no data on the content or efficacy of test preparation courses designed to prepare examinees to take the DAT. The Department of Testing Services urges individuals considering participation in test preparation courses to review the course materials carefully to ensure that they reflect the current content of the DAT. For more information or to contact the ADA Department of Testing Services, which administers the test, visit the American Dental Association's Dental Admission Test website.

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. The school expects applicants to demonstrate the following skills, experiences, or potentials:

• 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. These skills are evidenced by an acceptable performance on the perceptual ability exam of the Dental Admission Test and by participation in hobbies and other experiences that require psychomotor activity outside of the normal college curriculum. 

• An applicant must demonstrate a service commitment and a desire to help others. This is evidenced by participation in extracurricular and volunteer activities that require interaction with others. A caring attitude is considered central to the practice of dentistry, and the school expects an applicant to demonstrate this mindset. A predental curriculum designed to expand social awareness and extracurricular experiences demonstrating social sensitivity will be important factors in an application for admission.

• An applicant should possess the potential to be a self-directed, lifelong learner. By definition, the dental profession requires a practitioner to learn continually in order to provide the highest level of patient care. Extracurricular experiences that indicate a high level of independent, intellectual curiosity are favored.

• An applicant must demonstrate knowledge of the dental profession. Such knowledge can be obtained from talking with and observing dentists and reading appropriate dental literature. The dental school expects applicants to have a firm grasp of what the dental profession is and what important issues are facing the 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 by calling (919) 537-3348 or by emailing DDSAdmissions@unc.edu. 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. An email will be sent once AADSAS has released your application to us.

Following application review, selected applicants are invited to the school for a series of personal interviews with our Admissions Committee. An evaluation from the interview combined with the applicant’s academic record, engagement in various activities, and performance on the DAT are the basis for the applicant’s consideration for acceptance.  Acceptance offers are extended in compliance with the ADEA Acceptance Notification Date Guidelines and continue on a rolling basis until the class is full. Acceptance to the D.D.S. program is provisional based on satisfactory completion of further requirements, including, but not limited to, background checks.

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.

Advising

A representative from the Office of Admissions and Student Life is pleased to consult with prospective students to provide guidance in the admissions process, as schedules permit. However, these meetings must occur outside of the active application cycle for which the prospective student is applying. Please contact the Office of Admissions and Student Life at DDSAdmissions@unc.edu to inquire about scheduling a meeting.

Contact Information

Email: DDSAdmissions@unc.edu
Phone: (919) 537-3348
Mailing Address:
Office of Admissions and Student Life
UNC Adams School of Dentistry
3501 Koury Oral Health Sciences Building
Chapel Hill, N.C. 27599-7450

Internationally Trained Dentists: Advanced Standing Program (ASPID)

As of February 2018, the UNC Adams School of Dentistry offers the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (ASPID) as an entry for graduates of foreign dental schools, except Canadian graduates, who seek to receive additional training and practice dentistry in the United States. Applicants must apply through ADEA/CAPPID. 

Each cohort of ASPID students begins in January, with a six-month intensive track leading to integration of the students into the third-year predoctoral D.D.S. class during the fall semester of that same year. During the first six months, ASPID students are enrolled in didactic and preclinical courses that will prepare them to be fully integrated into the third year of predoctoral dental education.

The students will participate in specially designed preclinical laboratory and didactic courses to review key topics relative to the practice of oral health care. To apply, applicants are required to successfully pass both National Dental Boards Part I and II (both now discontinued) or the current Integrated National Board Dental Exam (INBDE), the standard written tests for practice in the United States. Transcripts from international schools must be evaluated by Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE).

Requirements

The predoctoral curriculum is current as of the 2023–2024 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.

The curriculum is under continuous review and is subject to change at any time upon approval of the faculty and the dean. The faculty reserves the right to make changes in curriculum and in regulations when, in its judgment, such changes are in the best interest of the students, patients and the school. Ordinarily, students may expect to receive a degree by meeting the requirements of the curriculum as specified in the academic policies when they enter the school or in any subsequent catalog or policy published while they are students. The Adams School of Dentistry is not obligated to offer a course listed in the catalog in any particular year.

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.  Also included are seminars on interviewing skills, ethics, rotation through patient care services and the delivery of preventive care. These courses introduce learners to the relationship between basic science and clinical practice as well as the relationship between the healthcare provider and the patient. Basic social science concepts are integrated throughout the curriculum and proximal preclinical activities prepare learners to assume patient care privileges at the end of their first year.

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. Learners continue assuming various patient care privileges during the second year, delivering comprehensive care services, and are providing the therapeutic and preventive treatment needed by their patients.

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.  Opportunities for students to personalize their education (through electives, service activities, research engagement, certificate programs, dual-degree programs and more) are available.  During this time, student's prepare for the integrated national board dental examination (INBDE) typically taken in the summer between the third and fourth year. The third year culminates with a four-week long extramural rotation at clinical settings located throughout the state, enabling immersive, hands-on clinical learning experiences in a variety of settings.

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. Learners continue to personalize their education through engagement in various Individualization activities (electives, service activities, research engagement, certificate programs, dual-degree programs and more).

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. Several projects are carried out each year including both social and academic. The school hosts many student-led organizations and programs allowing students opportunities to become involved in the community, in research and in school programs. For a listing of these organizations and specific details about these organizations, please visit our website.

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. Please visit the website for a full list of our student organizations.

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. In addition, the school maintains exchange agreements with Ajman University at UAE, Moldova's Nicolae Testemitanu State University of Medicine and Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Qingdao Dental Hospital and Peking University in China, University of São Paulo and Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil, Yenepoya University and JSS University in India, Makerere University in Uganda, and King's College London in England. Students who take part in global service and outreach learn how dentistry and health care services are administered in other nations as well as the health care needs of their populations and possible sustainable projects for the hosting communities. This global and cultural experience enlightens their worldview and broadens their understanding of health care systems locally and globally.

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. Discoveries in these areas not only offer the potential to improve oral health but also overall health. The general atmosphere of the Adams School of Dentistry specifically and UNC in general provide a very stimulating place to conduct research in a collaborative institutional environment.

The student research experience is intended to support D.D.S. students who are committed to obtaining a concentrated research experience while attending dental school. The overall goal of this experience is to allow students a connection with clinical, translational, or laboratory research. Activities under the supervision of a faculty mentor may include developing research protocols, participating in actual laboratory or clinical research studies, conducting critical reviews of the literature, writing manuscripts, and interacting with speakers and other attendees at research seminars. The Office of Discovery and Innovation in collaboration with the Office of Academic Affairs assists students in identifying potential mentors for this experience.

The student research program also supports and encourages participation in student research leadership positions at the local and national levels. In addition to the Office of Discovery and Innovation and the Office of Academic Affairs, there are several student-run programs within the school that foster these types of activities including but not limited to ADEA and AADR Student Research Group (SRG).  

Graduation with Honors

Students in the Adams School of Dentistry D.D.S. program may qualify for graduation with honors along three tracks associated with the School’s ACT curriculum — Advocate, Clinician, or Thinker. For each track, students must meet specific criteria developed and approved by the faculty. Applications for honors must be accompanied by the student’s curriculum vitae, documentation of their accomplishments, and endorsement by a faculty member. Honors are limited to 15 percent or fewer of the graduates and are noted as a remark in the transcript.

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

• Three 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 10 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.
• COVID-19 vaccination series, including prior boosters, or intent to request a medical or religious exemption.
• Hepatitis B series (not required for individuals born before July 1, 1994). See school requirements below.

UNC Adams School of Dentistry Requirements

• Varicella vaccination series (two shots) or a positive titer.
• Hepatitis B vaccination series (2- or 3-shot series) and a positive hepatitis B antibody (HBsAb) quantitative titer. (Please make sure your physician does not order a qualitative titer.) Ideally, a titer is recommended one to two months after completion of the series for proof of immunity to hepatitis B but can be checked at a later date.
• Two-step tuberculosis skin test (TST) or a TB blood test (IGRA). DDS and DH students report to Campus Health and follow the testing procedures required. Advanced Dental Education students report to Employee Health and follow the testing procedures required.

The matriculating student is required to submit an official certificate of immunizations that is signed by an authorized healthcare provider. Immunization documentation is to be submitted to both UNC Campus Health Services (CHS) and to the UNC Adams School of Dentistry through eMedley and Connect Carolina by a published and specified date. CHS will notify students who are not in compliance with the state immunization requirements noted above. Individuals who have not met the state immunization requirements after 30 calendar days from the first date of attendance will be administratively withdrawn from the University by the University Registrar. See the UNC Campus Health website.

Students with deficiencies in the additional immunization requirements of the school will be notified of the deficiencies by the UNC school's director of clinical compliance. The school will work with students to meet these additional requirements. The failure to comply with the school’s requirements after consultation with the director of clinical compliance and the agreed-upon resolution schedule will result in administrative withdrawal from the school.

Additional Requirements

Annually:

• Influenza vaccine not earlier than September 1.
• Verification of health insurance. UNC–Chapel Hill requires all eligible students to have health insurance (see the UNC Campus Health Student Health Insurance website.) Students are required to waive with existing creditable insurance each semester or they will automatically be enrolled in the UNC System Student Health Insurance Plan, which is administered by Student Blue/BCBS of NC. To waive or enroll/renew, visit the Student Blue website.

Biennially:

• American Heart Association certified CPR for Healthcare Providers training. Documentation of current certification is required of the matriculating student and is to be submitted through eKeeper. (Note that the school requires in-person CPR skills assessment.)

Infection Control: One of the consequences of the delivery of health care is the possibility of contracting an infectious disease such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, or herpes. To minimize this risk, the school has adopted an Infection Control Policy that requires the wearing of a clinical overgarment, disposable gloves, a mask, and protective eye covering when oral examinations and dental procedures are being performed. NOTE: COVID-19 has adjusted these requirements and additional Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) may be required.

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. State regulations require health care workers, including students, who perform surgical or dental procedures or who assist in such procedures in a way that may result in an exposure of patients to their blood, and who know themselves to be infected with HIV or HBV, to report their status to the state health director. See UNC's policy.

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. Any student who believes that she/he can show sufficient justification for the delay may petition for a refund by completing a form, which can be found online, and outlining the reason for delay. This form must bear the approval of the dean of the UNC Adams School of Dentistry.

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. It is the responsibility of the dental student to provide patients with the information needed so they make informed decisions about their treatment. The dental student has the responsibility to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to all their assigned patients in a timely manner and to uphold the ethical responsibilities as outlined in the school's Code of Professional Conduct and its Technical Standards.

Current academic policies and procedures can be found online. However, policies are subject to change at any time. These policies govern the UNC Adams School of Dentistry educational programs and advise students, faculty, and staff of procedures related to the respective programs.

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