DDS
The Doctor of Dental Surgery program offers a strong foundation in biomedical and behavioral sciences alongside an outstanding clinical education. Students participate in traditional classroom learning but also experience the structure of a dental practice as they learn on live and virtual patients.
Dental Hygiene
The Dental Hygiene Program provides exceptional clinical and academic opportunities for students interested in preventive oral health and the promotion of good health habits. The School of Dentistry is the only Houston-area school offering a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene degree.
Advanced Education
Our Advanced Education Programs begin with competent dentists and broaden their knowledge of specialized areas of study. We offer two types of programs: Degree and Certificate.
Continuing Dental Education
We offer numerous courses for general dentists, specialists, dental hygienists, dental assistants and other dental professionals. Our world-renowned instructors, as well as guest lecturers and clinicians, offer cutting-edge, hands-on sessions.
Dentistry is an exciting profession with an abundance of opportunities. We strive to enroll the highest quality students who will become exemplary health-care professionals. Critical thinking, independence and time-management skills are crucial for success. We select 100 predoctoral dental students and 40 undergraduate dental hygiene students each year. The school year consists of two 18-week semesters and one eight-week summer session.
To support our students, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry provides a state-of-the-art facility with a clinical simulation and learning center, multipurpose labs, lecture rooms, television studio, faculty and administration offices, student lounge, clinical treatment areas, and a library. We also offer the latest in technology in education and patient care. All of our offered programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.
The 2024 School of Dentistry Commencement Ceremony will be held at 3 p.m. CDT Friday, May 10, 2024, at NRG Arena (One NRG Park, Houston, TX 77054).
Note: All spring 2024 and summer 2024 graduates are eligible to participate. Commencement ceremonies have returned to school-hosted events and are no longer combined with other UTHealth Houston schools.
As they work, study and play in Houston, the fourth largest city in the U.S., students can enjoy all aspects of a diverse city and campus. UTHealth Houston offers several amenities for students, and with Houston's year-round events, festivals, theaters, museums, and sports teams, fun is never far away.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, masters, doctoral, and professional degrees. Degree-granting institutions also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website.
Last SACS Accreditation: 2021
UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. The commission is granted accreditation authority for dental and dental-related education by the U.S. Department of Education.
Commission on Dental Accreditation
American Dental Association
211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1900
Chicago, Illinois, 60611
Telephone 312-440-4653
CODA Accreditation: All programs approved
without reporting requirements in 2020
Established by the ROBERT WOOD JOHNSON FOUNDATION (RWJF), the SUMMER HEALTH PROFESSIONS EDUCATION PROGRAM (SHPEP) is a free, six-week career-enrichment program for college freshman and sophomore students, interested in a career within the health professions. The program has been shaping careers and changing the lives of premedical and predental college students for 30 years, formerly as the Summer Medical and Dental Education Program (SMDEP). Today, the SHPEP initiative has expanded to include other health careers, such as nursing, pharmacy, physician assistant and public health.
At UTHealth Houston, the McGovern Medical School, School of Dentistry and Cizik School of Nursing are partners in offering the SHPEP. Undergraduate students interested in any of these health professions are encouraged to apply.
In order to apply to the SHPEP program at UTHealth Houston, please visit www.shpep.org. Make sure to choose UTHealth Houston as one of your schools of choice, when prompted. All applications must first go through the national SHPEP website and are then directed to individual program sites. If you have questions about your application and/or the process, contact the SHPEP National Program Office directly for assistance.
The SHPEP online application will be available starting November 1st – February 5th. Interested students are encouraged to apply early as the review of complete applicants for decision will begin in February.
