Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Professional Degrees
Doctor of Dental Surgery
The Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program covers 11 consecutive 14-week trimesters. The course of study maximizes the interrelationship of all basic sciences and clinical detail sciences required by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.
USC’s reputation for excellent preparation of its graduates for private practice has been enhanced by curriculum changes that permit students to begin clinical experience in their first year. At the same time, opportunity and encouragement are given to those who might elect to pursue careers in teaching and research.
Admission
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry admits 144 students each year for the curriculum leading to the Doctor of Dental Surgery. Admission to the school is granted through the Office of Admission and Student Affairs which receives and processes all applications, evaluates credentials and notifies applicants who qualify for entrance by forwarding letters of acceptance. Students are selected by the Admissions Committee, which bases its decision on consideration of an applicant’s personal qualities, aptitude and superior scholarship necessary for the successful study and practice of dentistry. Candidates who have received or will receive a baccalaureate or higher degree will be considered more favorably than applicants who have fulfilled only minimum requirements. As a precondition of enrollment, accepted students must undergo a background screening and provide evidence of sound health and meet the school’s health requirements.
Admission information may be obtained by mail, online or in person. Address inquiries to: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Office of Admission and Student Affairs, 925 W. 34th Street, Room 201, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, (213) 740-2841, email: uscsdadm@usc.edu or access the school’s Website at dentistry.usc.edu.
Admission Requirements
Minimum entrance requirements include: (1) graduation from an accredited secondary school, with credit for at least 12 academic units, including three in English, three in one laboratory science course, two in one foreign language and two in college preparatory mathematics; (2) a minimum of 60 semester units, or the equivalent completed or in progress, at the time of application, in an accredited college or university in the United States or Canada. A baccalaureate or higher degree is preferred. No more than 60 semester hours earned at a community college will be accepted and preference is given to candidates who complete the science prerequisites at a four year institution; (3) required courses, semester hours with laboratory required: 8 units each — one year’s completed course — of general biology (zoology), inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, physics; other courses: English composition (8 units or one year), philosophy, history or fine arts (8 units or one year). All prerequisite course work must be completed with a grade of “C” or better; (4) it is strongly suggested that students take additional upper division courses. Biochemistry, human or comparative anatomy, embryology, histology, genetics, physiology, psychology, sociology and economics are examples of recommended courses; (5) all students who apply for admission to the School of Dentistry are required to take the Dental Admission Test (DAT), given under the auspices of the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association. The Dental Admission Test must be taken no later than February 1 of the year for which formal application is made.
To expedite the admissions process, it is recommended that the DAT be taken during a testing period before filing formal application through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). Test scores more than two years old will not be accepted. Applicants should check with the Dental Admissions Office. Full information about the test is sent to all applicants upon request, or can be obtained from the Division of Educational Measurements, Council on Dental Education, American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. No action can be taken on the application until DAT scores have been received.
(6) An interview at the School of Dentistry may be required of all applicants who appear qualified for consideration as determined by the Office of Admission and Student Affairs, although this interview may be waived for exceptionally qualified candidates as determined by the Dental Admissions Committee; a manual dexterity test may be required as part of an interview process; (7) complete transcripts of undergraduate and graduate work, including degree notations, must be on file in the Office of Admission and Student Affairs by July 15 prior to enrolling; (8) residency requirements: as a private institution, USC seeks a culturally and geographically diverse population. Therefore, out-of-state applicants are evaluated and selected based on the same criteria as California residents.
No applicant will be denied admission on the basis of race, religion, creed or disability. All admitted students must provide evidence that functional health is sufficient to meet professional demands, both in the student role and as an entry-level practitioner.
Application Procedure
(1) An application form should be obtained from the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) online at adea.org. (2) The AADSAS application form must be completed and returned to AADSAS. USC requires that the application be received by AADSAS no later than February 1 of the year in which enrollment is anticipated. Early application and file completion is recommended. Do not send the application form to USC directly. In addition to submitting the ADEA AADSAS application, applicants must submit DAT scores and one official transcript from every college/university attended directly to AADSAS. Application evaluation cannot begin until these items are received by ADEA AADSAS. (3) Applicants are required to pay a nonrefundable $85 processing fee, which should be forwarded directly to the Ostrow Office of Admissions (international students requiring a student visa must submit a $145 processing fee). (4) Notification from the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs will be sent, indicating that the application has been received from AADSAS. (5) Candidates who are being seriously considered for acceptance will be sent an invitation for an interview and will be required to submit additional information. No interview can be granted unless the file is complete, including DAT scores. The interview may be waived for exceptional candidates as determined by the admissions committee. (6) Notification of acceptance will be sent by the Office of Admissions and Student Affairs sometime after December 1. (7) A non-refundable commitment fee of $1,500 is required from admitted students by the deadline indicated in the acceptance letter to hold a place in the entering class. A second commitment fee of $1,500 is required by May 1. Applicants accepted after May 15 are required to pay a flat fee of $3,000 within 15 days from the date of their acceptance letter to hold a place in the entering class; applicants accepted after July 1 are required to pay a $3,000 commitment fee within two days. These non-refundable fees will be applied toward tuition upon enrollment. (8) Preregistration for the first year dental class is held before orientation. (9) All entering students are required to prepay $3,000 toward the initial tuition by July 1. (10) As a precondition of enrollment, accepted students undergo a background screening conducted by Certiphi Screening, Inc. to help ensure patient safety and compliance with state laws and regulations and provide evidence of sound health and meet the school’s health requirements.
Orientation
Students who have been accepted into the predoctoral dental program and who have reserved their place in the class will receive information on orientation during the first two weeks in July.
Orientation takes place prior to the first week of classes. The purpose of the orientation program is to acquaint incoming students with the school, its policies, programs, faculty and facilities. Incoming students receive financial counseling and receive their initial equipment issue during this orientation period.
Graduation Requirements
A student is eligible for the Doctor of Dental Surgery after successfully attaining the qualitative and quantitative level expected in the doctoral curriculum, specifically: has met the 2.0 GPA requirement for graduation; has no conditions existing at the termination of the final academic time unit that would qualify him or her for academic probation, clinical probation or academic disqualification; has no marks of “F,” “IN” or “MG”; has passed Part I and Part II of the National Dental Board Examinations; has demonstrated the personal characteristics expected of a professional; has fulfilled his or her financial obligations as well as all other obligations and requirements for graduation.
In addition to meeting the academic requirements indicated above, students must have a completed administrative clearance form on file in the Office of Academic Affairs before a degree can be conferred. This administrative clearance indicates that the student has met financial and other obligations to the university and to the student’s patients.
Curriculum
The curriculum leading to the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree undergoes constant change to meet the challenges of modern dental practice. Course listings are current as of 2013–2014 and are subject to change without notice by action of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry and the university.
Doctor of Dental Surgery — Learner-Centered Curriculum
| REQUIRED COURSES | UNITS | |
|---|---|---|
| DPBL 501abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Structure I | 3-3-3 |
| DPBL 502abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Function I | 8-8-8 |
| DPBL 503abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Behavior I | 2-2-2 |
| DPBL 504abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Clinical Dentistry I | 4-4-4 |
| DPBL 511abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Structure II | 2-2-2 |
| DPBL 512abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Function II | 5-5-5 |
| DPBL 513abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Behavior II | 3-3-2 |
| DPBL 514abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Clinical Dentistry II | 7-7-8 |
| DPBL 521abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Structure III | 1-1-1 |
| DPBL 522abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Function III | 1-1-1 |
| DPBL 523abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Behavior III | 1-1-1 |
| DPBL 524abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Clinical Dentistry III | 14-14-14 |
| DPBL 531ab | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Structure IV | 1-1 |
| DPBL 532ab | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Function IV | 1-1 |
| DPBL 533ab | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Behavior IV | 1-1 |
| DPBL 534ab | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Clinical Dentistry IV | 13-13 |
For those individuals who are not familiar with the problem-based pedagogy which is an integrated curriculum, the content of the curriculum listed above is based on what was traditionally housed in the following courses.
Doctor of Dental Surgery — Traditional Program Curriculum
| Required courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| AMED 502 | Emergency Medicine | 2 |
| AMED 523 | Pharmacosedation II | 1 |
| AMED 524 | Pain and Anxiety Control | 2 |
| ANAT 521 | Head and Neck Anatomy | 2 |
| ANAT 522 | Systemic Human Anatomy | 3 |
| ANAT 523 | Head and Neck Dissection | 1 |
| CMDT 501 | Introduction to Community Dentistry Programs | 1 |
| CMDT 502ab | Contemporary Dental Practice | 2-2 |
| CMDT 507abc | Ethical Issues in the Practice of Dentistry | 0-0-1 |
| CMDT 601 | Mobile Clinic | 1 |
| DBIO 501 | Biochemistry and Molecular Biology | 2 |
| DIAG 521 | Principles of Oral Radiology | 2 |
| DIAG 522 | Radiographic Techniques | 1 |
| DMAT 505 | Dental Materials Update | 1 |
| DMAT 521ab | Dental Materials | 2-2 |
| DPHR 501 | Pharmacology | 3 |
| ENDO 501 | Clinical Endodontics | 1 |
| ENDO 502 | Advanced Endodontics | 1 |
| ENDO 521 | Preclinical Endodontics | 3 |
| ENDO 562abcd | Clinic: Concentrated Early Endodontics | 0-0-0-1 |
| ENDO 563ab | Clinic: Endodontic Therapy | 0-2 |
| FPRO 521 | Preclinical Fixed Prosthodontics I | 3 |
| FPRO 522 | Preclinical Fixed Prosthodontics II | 3 |
| FPRO 561abcd | Clinic: Fixed Prosthodontics I | 0-0-0-3 |
| FPRO 562ab | Clinic: Fixed Prosthodontics II | 0-3 |
| GSPD 504 | Dental Treatment of the Geriatric and Special Patient | 2 |
| GSPD 562abc | Clinic: Geriatric Dentistry | 0-0-1 |
| GSPD 563abc | Clinic: Special Patient Care | 0-0-1 |
| HBHV 501 | Behavioral Skills in Dentistry | 1 |
| HBHV 502 | Interactional Skills | 1 |
| HBHV 504 | Patient Education and Management | 1 |
| HBHV 550 | Communications in Clinical Dentistry | 1 |
| HBHV 561abcde | Clinic: Behavioral Dentistry | 0-0-0-0-1 |
| INDD 501 | Applied Growth and Development | 1 |
| INTB 504 | Human Craniofacial Development and Genetics | 3 |
| INTB 521 | Basic and Medical Microbiology | 2 |
| INTP 503ab | Evaluation of Scientific Information in Clinical Practice | 0-1 |
| INTR 503 | Preclinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 2 |
| INTR 524abcdef | Clinical Practice | 0-0-0-0-0-3 |
| INTR 550ab | Introduction to Clinical Dentistry | 0-1 |
| INTR 551abcde | Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 0-0-0-0-1 |
| INTR 553abcdef | Clinic: Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 0-0-0-0-0-2 |
| INTX 501abcdefh | Integrated Basic and Applied Science I | 1-1-2-2-2-2-1 |
| INTX 502abcdef | Integrated Basic and Applied Science II | 1-1-2-3-1-2 |
| MBIO 501 | Immunology | 2 |
| OCCL 502 | Occlusion | 1 |
| OCCL 521ab | Dental Morphology and Function | 3-2 |
| OCCL 522 | Occlusion Laboratory | 1 |
| OMOD 501 | Emergency Dental Treatment | 1 |
| OMOD 502 | Chronic Orofacial Pain | 2 |
| OMOD 506 | Infection Control | 1 |
| OMOD 551abcd | Clinic: Physical Evaluation | 0-0-0-1 |
| OMOD 562abcd | Clinic: Hospital Dentistry | 0-0-0-1 |
| OMOD 563abcdef | Clinic: Emergency Dental Treatment | 0-0-0-0-0-1 |
| OPER 521ab | Preclinical Operative Dentistry I | 1-3 |
| OPER 522 | Preclinical Operative Dentistry II | 3 |
| OPER 561abcd | Clinic: Operative Dentistry I | 0-0-0-6 |
| OPER 562ab | Clinic: Operative Dentistry II | 0-6 |
| ORTH 501ab | Seminar: Orthodontics | 0-1 |
| ORTH 521 | Preclinical Orthodontics | 2 |
| ORTH 561abcdef | Clinic: Orthodontic Therapy | 0-0-0-0-0-2 |
| PEDO 501 | Clinical Pediatric Dentistry | 1 |
| PEDO 521 | Preclinical Pediatric Dentistry | 2 |
| PEDO 551abc | Clinic: Dentistry for Children I | 0-0-2 |
| PEDO 561abc | Clinic: Dentistry for Children II | 0-0-1 |
| PERI 502 | Periodontal Diseases and Elements of Therapeutic Judgment | 2 |
| PERI 504 | Advanced Periodontics | 1 |
| PERI 521 | Periodontal Surgery | 2 |
| PERI 550ab | Clinic: Introductory Periodontal Therapy | 1-1 |
| PERI 561abcd | Clinic: Periodontal Therapy I | 0-0-0-1 |
| PERI 562ab | Clinic: Periodontal Therapy II | 0-2 |
| PTHL 501 | Oral Pathology | 4 |
| PTHL 504ab | Seminar: Oral Pathology | 0-0 |
| REST 501 | Preclinical Operative and Fixed Prosthodontics (Conjoint) | 2 |
| REST 503ab | Clinical Restorative Dentistry | 1-1 |
| REST 504 | Diagnosis and Treatment Planning | 1 |
| REST 521 | Preclinical Operative/Fixed Prosthodontics Laboratory | 3 |
| REST 522 | Aesthetics in Dentistry | 1 |
| RPRO 502 | Removable Complete Prosthodontics | 1 |
| RPRO 503ab | Preclinical Removable Prosthodontics and Implants | 2-1 |
| RPRO 510 | Implant Dentistry | 1 |
| RPRO 513 | Removable Partial Prosthodontics | 1 |
| RPRO 523ab | Preclinical Removable Prosthodontics and Implants Laboratory | 1-1 |
| RPRO 550 | Removable Complete Prosthodontics Clinic I | 1 |
| RPRO 561abcd | Clinic: Removable Complete Prosthodontics I | 0-0-0-2 |
| RPRO 562ab | Clinic: Removable Complete Prosthodontics II | 0-3 |
| RPRO 571abcdef | Clinic: Removable Partial Prosthodontics | 0-0-0-0-0-2 |
| SURG 501 | Oral Surgery | 2 |
| SURG 562abc | Clinic: Oral Surgery I | 0-0-1 |
| SURG 563abc | Clinic: Oral Surgery II | 0-0-1 |
| SURG 564abcd | Clinic: Hospital Oral Surgery | 0-0-0-1 |
Five units of selective courses are required in addition to the above.
Advanced Placement Doctoral Dental Degree
The Advanced Placement DDS program allows the outstanding student who has completed a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene to waive several courses in order to complete the doctoral dental degree in 151 units rather than the 185 units for the regular program.
Admission Requirements
In addition to the entrance requirements to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, the following additional requirements must be met: (1) bachelor’s degree from the USC dental hygiene program completed within five years of the projected date of entry into the doctoral dental program; (2) a minimum grade point average of 3.0 (A = 4.0) in the dental hygiene program and a minimum “C” grade in each of the courses waived; (3) two letters of recommendation from faculty in the dental hygiene program.
Degree Requirements
The student in the Advanced Placement DDS program must complete all the DDS required courses except for the following: DPBL 501ab, DPBL 502ab, DPBL 503ab and DPBL 504ab.
Six-Year Program
The School of Dentistry offers a six-year predental/dental program.
The main purposes of the Accelerated Dental Acceptance Program Track (ADAPT) are (1) to continue to attract high quality applicants to the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, (2) to encourage students interested in dentistry to take their predental education at USC, and (3) to offer an opportunity for quality students to complete their education at an outstanding private university. Only students who are completing their senior year in high school are eligible to apply.
Application Procedures
(1) Complete and submit the USC undergraduate admissions application by the priority deadline of December 15. (2) Complete and submit the ADAPT application and essay to the Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC by February 1. (3) In addition, forward the following items directly to the School of Dentistry: (a) $85 application fee, (b) 2″ x 2″ passport-style photograph, (c) two letters of recommendation from high school science teachers, (d) copies of SAT scores and high school transcripts, and copy of acceptance letter from USC.
For additional information and an application, contact: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Office of Admission and Student Affairs, 925 W. 34th Street, Room 201, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, (213) 740-2841, email: uscsdadm@usc.edu or access the school’s Website at dentistry.usc.edu.
Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists
This program is designed to teach qualified dentists from other countries the knowledge and skills available in the United States. Time necessary to complete the program depends upon the doctor’s ability; a minimum of two years is usually required. About eight months will be devoted to fundamental, technical and academic procedures. The remaining time is devoted to clinical training as necessary to achieve graduation qualifications. Graduation from the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists leads to a DDS degree but does not give automatic licensure to practice dentistry. However, graduates are eligible to take the State Board Dental Examinations in most of the United States. (A few states still require U.S. citizenship.)
Additional information may be requested from the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Office of Admissions and Student Affairs, 925 W. 34th Street, Room 201, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, (213) 740-2841, email: uscsdadm@usc.edu or access the school’s Website at dentistry.usc.edu.
Admission
Prospective students must apply to the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists through the ADEA Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (ADEA CAAPID℠). The application is available online only. You can access the ADEA CAAPID℠ application at https://portal.caapid.org.
Selected applicants will be interviewed and tested in October and accepted based on the following requirements: (1) completion of the formal application (before August 15 for admission to the program in April). A $145 processing fee must accompany the application. (2) Successful completion of the National Board Part I examination of the American Dental Association (ADA). A score of 75 percent must be attained in each category. Higher scores are advantageous in evaluation of the candidate’s academic level. (3) Applicants are strongly encouraged to submit scores from the National Board Part II and competitive scores on both the quantitative and verbal sections of the Graduate Record Examinations. For information about the GRE test visit ets.org/gre. (4) Applicants for the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists must demonstrate English-language proficiency by submitting either Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS) scores. Competitive applicants should submit an Internet Based TOEFL (iBT) score of 100, with no less than 20 on each section, or an IELTS score of 7, with at least 6 on each band. Official scores must be received directly from the testing service and dated no earlier than two years (24 months) prior to the start of the student’s intended first term at USC. For TOEFL, the institution code for USC is 4852 (no department code is required). To submit IELTS scores, please choose USC from the list of available institutions. Additional information about these exams can be found at ets.org for the TOEFL and at ielts.org for the IELTS. (5) A small group problem-based interview evaluation session with members of the School of Dentistry. (6) Two letters of recommendation from dental school faculty submitted with the CAAPID application. (7) A brief but accurate account of clinical experience and a personal statement submitted with the CAAPID application. (8) Documentary proof of license to practice from a Ministry of Health or proper governing body. (9) Satisfactory completion of and competence in the following academic and artistic entrance examinations to be given to invited applicants in October: (a) fixed prosthodontics (practical); (b) operative dentistry (practical). In addition, a separate written examination may be administered. (10) Complete official documents (transcripts) of all college and university course work, including dental education in the original language accompanied by certified English translation when necessary. (11) Certification of dental degree. Candidates chosen will be those who demonstrate the best qualifications in all academic and practical skills. (12) Submit a course-by-course World Education Services evaluation. (13) As a precondition of enrollment, accepted students must undergo a background screening conducted by Certiphi Screening, Inc. to help ensure patient safety and compliance with state laws and regulations and all students must provide evidence of sound health and meet the school’s health requirements.
Student Visas
The I-20 Student Visa is issued to the applicant only after complete admission and acceptance has been granted. Before the papers can be processed, the applicant must present a copy of the I-94 form (white sheet in the passport) and a notarized statement of financial support for tuition and expenses for one year ($120,000) to the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists. These materials must be submitted at the time of application. The International Admission Office will issue the I-20 visa upon receipt and approval of these documents.
Financial Assistance
The United States government requires all international applicants to provide proof of ability to pay tuition and living expenses before a formal letter of admission or the forms needed to obtain a visa will be issued.
International students are not eligible to participate in U.S. federal financial aid programs. Please contact the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC Office of Financial Aid to discuss other financing options at (213) 740-2841, uscsdfa@usc.edu or visit usc.edu/admission/fa/loans/private.html.
Curriculum
Each candidate for the DDS degree should complete the course of instruction in two years, however, some individuals may need more time. The first four to eight months will be spent in preclinical exercises to acquaint the student with the fundamental technical procedures used at USC. The balance will be used for clinical procedures related to diagnosis and treatment of patients.
Grade Point Average Standards
Since this is a short program and highly concentrated, a GPA of 2.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained each trimester. Therefore, each applicant will be provisionally accepted. If a doctor is unable to maintain an average GPA of 2.0, he or she will be asked to resign.
Each trimester Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists students are evaluated by the student professional performance evaluation committee. From these meetings, recommendations are made regarding advancement, special programs and disqualification.
Graduation Requirements
In order to receive the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree, students in the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists must: (1) successfully complete all the required courses and clinical patient care assigned in trimesters VI, VII, VIII, IX, X and XI of the Problem Based Learning DDS curriculum; (2) pass Part I and Part II of the National Dental Board Examinations; and (3) achieve all of the competencies defined for the DDS curriculum and complete all required clinical performance evaluations. All assessments of progress to degree completion will be equivalent for all students seeking the DDS degree.
In addition to meeting the academic requirements indicated above, students must have a completed administrative clearance form on file in the Office of Academic Affairs before a degree can be conferred. This administrative clearance indicates that the student has met financial and other obligations to the university and to the student’s patients.
Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists Curriculum
| Required courses | Units | |
|---|---|---|
| DPBL 511c | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Structure II | 2 |
| DPBL 512c | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Function II | 5 |
| DPBL 513c | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Behavior II | 2 |
| DPBL 514c | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Clinical Dentistry II | 8 |
| DPBL 521abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Structure III | 1-1-1 |
| DPBL 522abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Function III | 1-1-1 |
| DPBL 523abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Behavior III | 1-1-1 |
| DPBL 524abc | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Clinical Dentistry III | 14-14-14 |
| DPBL 531ab | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Structure IV | 1-1 |
| DPBL 532ab | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Function IV | 1-1 |
| DPBL 533ab | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Behavior IV | 1-1 |
| DPBL 534ab | Dental Problem Based Learning — Human Clinical Dentistry IV | 13-13 |
| 100 | ||