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| | | The biggest pain in becoming a dentist is often the dental school admissions process. Although a minimum of three-four years of college-level study including specific math and science courses is required, due to fierce competition the majority of applicants have completed a bachelor's program. Prospective students must also pass the Dental Admission Test. Dental school costs are based on whether the university is public or private and if the student is a resident or from out of state. Students will earn either a DDM (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery). The first two years of the four-year dental program are spent in the classroom while the second half is spent in clinical study. | | |
| Typical costs: | - Dental students at a public university pay about $5,700 -$34,800 per year if in-state residents or $22,800 -$139,200 for four years. Non-resident tuition runs around $11,000 -$53,000 per year or $44,000 -$212,000 to complete the program. The
- University of Mississippi has one of the lowest annual resident costs at $5,680 per year while Temple University will charge local students $34,800 for the 2008-2009 school year. During 2006-2007 the total four-year dental school tab at the 57 accredited US universities averaged $130,200 for residents and $179,350 for non residents.
- Private dental school rates range around $17,000 -$68,000 per year for 2008-2009, totaling $68,000 -$272,000. Loma Linda University offers a private dental school education at about $17,000 per year while the University of Colorado in Denver is close at $22,600 for the upcoming school year. At the other end of the scale, the University of Pennsylvania runs about $54,000 per year and the University of the Pacific School of Dentistry was priced at $68,800 during 2007-2008.
Additional costs: | - The Dental Admission Test costs $190.
- After graduation students must pass the National Board dental exam which is taken in two sections: Part 1 ($260) and Part 2 ($340).
- Laptop computers and applicable dental school software are required and run $1,600 -$2,100. Student loan programs for laptops are available through individual universities.
- Instruments and supplies, which can include a dental tool kit, gown or lab coat and microscope, average $3,500.
- Book prices range $4,490 -$11,985 the first year and dropping to around $900 -$5,650 by the fourth year, depending on the school and whether the books are purchased new or used.
- Housing costs vary by location. The University of Buffalo in New York estimates $7,620 for the 2008-2009 academic year for a spot on campus. Room and board combinations average $11,000-25,000. Check the individual university for current housing rates and availability.
Discounts: | - Financial aid programs are available through each school. The first step to most financial aid packages is completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
Shopping for dentistry school: | |
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Article updated January 2009 |
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