Earn Your Doctor of Dental Medicine at Maine’s Leading Health University
As a student in the UNE College of Dental Medicine’s Doctor of Dental Medicine program, you’ll receive a dental education that is comprehensive and innovative. The only dental school in Maine and all of Northern New England, UNE has become a national leader in preparing oral health professionals. Our curriculum is grounded in the latest principles of evidence-based dentistry, and students learn through a wide variety of engaging methods.
The Doctor of Dental Medicine program is centered around UNE’s Oral Health Center in picturesque Portland, Maine. This expansive facility receives some 17,000 patient visits each year, and is equipped with state-of-the-art clinical and simulation equipment.
Study Dental Medicine at UNE in Portland, Maine
Why UNE for Your Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Learn within a uniquely supportive community of students and faculty, who all value collaboration, camaraderie, and shared success.
- Immediate development of hands-on clinical skills using state-of-the-art instruments and simulation equipment.
- Early direct patient care experiences in our public clinic — helping people in your community while you earn your degree.
- Team-based learning that enhances your ability to work collaboratively with other members of the dental practice.
- The opportunity to learn alongside students in other health professions programs, including future doctors, dental hygienists, physician assistants, and more.
- A strong emphasis on the biomedical sciences and principles of clinical medicine.
- Live and study in Portland, Maine — consistently ranked on national “Best Places to Live” lists.
Emily Richard '21
Why UNE
I chose UNE because of the small class size — if you’re looking for small classes and a tight-knit community, UNE is for you. There is a lot of hands-on experience early on. We had drills in our hands on the first day of clinic. The experience that we get with hand skills as students is unbeatable.
[Because UNE does not have post-graduate students], in our third and fourth years, we got to do more challenging cases, whereas at other schools, those get handed off to residents. It allowed us to feel more confident so we were more prepared when we graduated.
Another thing that I saw as a huge plus is that all of our courses are pass or fail. That’s a really great thing because it fostered a community learning environment versus a competitive one. It was a group learning environment, and we were all trying to help each other learn and succeed.
Hands-On Learning
I worked on challenging cases that I’m sure at other schools would have been referred to specialists. It was a steep learning curve, but we were set up to be ready for it. Being challenged like that made us much more independent in our fourth year when we had 12-week rotations at our externships. At externship, you are the dentist. You’re making treatment decisions and plans. You have doctors who are overseeing and always able and willing to answer questions, but you are really gaining a level of independence that makes you feel confident for when you graduate.
My externship helped me realize my own abilities in diagnosing and treating patients. I knew I could do it on my own. I came back a lot more confident in my skills and my decisions as a clinician. At school, you have the safety net of always asking faculty, on rotation you really start to do things on your own and make the tough decisions. It was so valuable to have that experience.
We also get a lot of oral surgery experience that at other schools, you probably aren't getting — the biggest one being implant placement as dental students. I know some people that were placing them in their third year. I had classmates that placed probably almost twenty implants in their two years. It all varies provider to provider just based on your patient pool and who needs implants, but our oral surgeons are fantastic and helped us learn the implant placement process. I got to place two implants while I was at UNE, and I restored a few implants that my partner ahead of me had placed. It’s a huge benefit to be able to have that experience and feel more confident in continuing learning how to do implants once you've graduated rather than starting for the first time.
UNE does a really good job in preparing you to be an independent clinician as a first-year dentist right out of the program.
There is a lot of hands-on experience early on. We had drills in our hands on the first day of clinic. UNE does a really good job in preparing you to be an independent clinician as a first-year dentist right out of the program.
What will you study? D.M.D. Curriculum Overview
The College of Dental Medicine offers a unique community-based education program, which begins with service learning and public health coursework during your first three years at the College and culminates with extensive clinical rotations in your fourth year. You directly contribute to our mission of improving the health of New England by practicing the full scope of general dentistry at a network of sites throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Your community-based faculty preceptors are trained to provide mentorship and supervision while you continue your development as a dental professional who is capable of delivering patient-centered comprehensive care in a variety of settings.
Our comprehensive group practice model features groups of practicing “dental associates,” who are students at all stages of their education. Faculty mentors help you and your group manage your practice effectively, resulting in exceptionally valuable clinical experiences for you, top-quality oral health care for patients, and development of your competency.
Curriculum
| Program Required Courses* | Credits |
|---|---|
| DMD 5101 – Foundations of Biomedical Sciences | 6 |
| DMD 5141 – Clinical Dentistry 1 | 10 |
| DMD 5155 – Foundations of Patient Care 1 | 8 |
| DMD 5165 – Introduction to Dental Sciences | 6 |
| DMD 5170 – Principles of Epidemiology | 2 |
| DMD 5195 – Professional Development 1 | 1 |
| DMD 5201 – Biomedical Systems 1 | 6 |
| DMD 5241 – Clinical Dentistry 2 | 10 |
| DMD 5265 – Foundations of Patient Care 2 | 12 |
| DMD 5285 – Principles of Public Health | 2 |
| DMD 5295 – Professional Development 2 | 1 |
| DMD 6100 – Prosthodontics 1 | 8 |
| DMD 6101 – Biomedical Systems 2 | 3 |
| DMD 6160 – Clinical Dentistry 3 | 12 |
| DMD 6165 – Foundations of Patient Care 3 | 12 |
| DMD 6190 – Patient Care 1 | 4 |
| DMD 6195 – Professional Development 3 | 1 |
| DMD 6200 – Prosthodontics 2 | 8 |
| DMD 6201 – Biomedical Systems 3 | 4 |
| DMD 6260 – Clinical Dentistry 4 | 8 |
| DMD 6265 – Foundations of Patient Care 4 | 7 |
| DMD 6285 – Patient Care 2 | 4 |
| DMD 6295 – Professional Development 4 | 1 |
| DMD 6300 – Prosthodontics 3 | 8 |
| DMD 6302 – Biomedical Systems 4 | 2 |
| DMD 6340 – Clinical Dentistry 5 | 8 |
| DMD 6375 – Social and Behavioral Health | 4 |
| DMD 6389 – Patient Care 3 | 16 |
| DMD 6395 – Professional Development 5 | 1 |
| DMD 7110 – Professional Development 6 | 1 |
| DMD 7125 – Orthodontics | 3 |
| DMD 7130 – Patient Care 4 | 36 |
| DMD 7210 – Professional Development 7 | 1 |
| DMD 7230 – Patient Care 5 | 36 |
| DMD 725x – Elective Seminar | 2 |
| DMD 7310 – Professional Development 8 | 1 |
| DMD 7330 – Patient Care 6 | 36 |
| DMD 735x – Elective Seminar | 2 |
| DMD 8100 – Patient Care 7 | 39 |
| DMD 8110 – Professional Development 9 | 1 |
| DMD 8200 – Patient Care 8 | 39 |
| DMD 8210 – Professional Development 10 | 1 |
| DMD 8300 – Patient Care 9 | 39 |
| DMD 8310 – Professional Development 11 | 1 |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 413 |
|---|
*The purpose of the catalog is to provide a comprehensive list of required courses. The College of Dental Medicine can provide a degree map listing which courses should be taken in each stage of this timeline.
The D.M.D. curriculum is Pass/Fail. Students must earn a Pass for every course to earn the D.M.D. degree.
Academic and Technical Standards
Academic Program Standards
Complete confidence in the honor and integrity of the health professions student and health care professional is essential. Such confidence depends entirely on the exemplary behavior of the individual health care provider in their relations with patients, faculty, and colleagues. Strict honesty as a personal way of life should be nurtured during the period of education for professional service. The dental student shall conduct all aspects of their life with honor and integrity. This includes accountability to oneself and to relationships with fellow students, future colleagues, faculty, and patients who come under the student’s care or contribute to their training and growth, as well as members of the general public. This applies to personal conduct that reflects on the student’s honesty and integrity in both academic and non-academic settings, whether or not involving a University-sponsored activity. Upon accepting admission to the University, each student subscribes to and pledges complete observance to the University Conduct Policies as outlined in the University of New England Student Handbook program. A violation of these standards is an abuse of the trust placed in every student and could lead to suspension or dismissal.
Technical Standards
Abilities and Skills
Candidates for the Doctor of Dental Medicine program must have the intellectual, emotional, and physical abilities, with or without accommodations, to acquire the knowledge, technical, and clinical skills needed to successfully complete the curriculum in order to pursue a career in dentistry. The essential academic standards presented in this document are pre-requisite for matriculation, subsequent promotion from year to year, and ultimately graduation from the University of New England College of Dental Medicine. These standards pertain to all matriculated students. All required courses in the curriculum are necessary in order to develop essential skills required to become a competent Dentist.
Students, including students with disabilities, must have the capacity to manage their lives and anticipate their own needs. Students must be able to demonstrate the following abilities and skills with or without reasonable accommodation(s):
Observation
A student must be able to observe a patient accurately, at a distance and close up, interpreting non-verbal communications while performing dental operations or administering medications. A student must be able to perform dental examinations and treatments that require the use of sight and touch. A student must be able to see fine detail, focus at a variety of distances, and discern differences and variations in color, shape, and texture that are necessary to differentiate normal and abnormal soft and hard tissues. A student must be able to use tactile senses to diagnose directly by palpation and indirectly by sensations transmitted through instruments. A student must also possess the visual acuity to read charts, records, radiographs, small print, and handwritten notation.
Communication
A student must be able to: communicate effectively and sensitively with patients; convey and exchange information at a level allowing development of a health history; identify problems; explain alternative solutions; and give directions during treatment and post-treatment. A student must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently with all members of the healthcare team. A student must have sufficient facility with English to: retrieve information from texts and lectures and communicate concepts on written exams and patient charts; elicit patient backgrounds; describe patient changes in moods, activity, and posture; and coordinate patient care with all members of the health care team. A student must be able to communicate in lay language so that patients and their families can understand the patient’s conditions and, thereby, be more likely to comply with treatment and preventative regimes.
Motor, Strength, and Mobility
A student must possess sufficient motor functioning to execute movements essential to providing oral health care to patients. A student must possess the motor skills to perform palpation, auscultation, and other diagnostic maneuvers; basic laboratory tests; and diagnostic and restorative procedures. Such actions require coordination of gross and fine muscular movements, equilibrium, and functional uses of the senses of touch and vision. A student must be able to perform basic life support including CPR, to transfer and position patients with disabilities, to physically restrain themselves around the patient and chair in a sitting or standing position. A student must promote and support the ability of coworkers to perform prompt care. A student must be able to operate controls, use high-speed or low-speed dental handpieces for tooth preparation, and use hand instrumentation including scalpels for surgical procedures. A student must be able to maintain strength and posture and to reach and manipulate equipment to all positions in order to control the operating environment.
Sensory
A student must be able to acquire a predetermined level of required information through demonstrations and experiences in basic and dental science courses. Such information includes, but is not limited to, information conveyed through: a) physiologic and pharmacologic demonstrations, b) microscopic images of microorganisms and tissues in normal and pathologic states; and c) demonstration of techniques using dental models. A student must be able to acquire information from written documents, and to evaluate information presented as images from paper, films, slides, or video. A student must be able to benefit from electronic and other instrumentation that enhances visual, auditory, and somatic sensations needed for examination or treatment.
Cognitive
A student must be able to measure, calculate, reason, analyze, integrate, and synthesize. A student must be able to comprehend three (3)-dimensional relationships and understand the spatial relationships of structures. Problem solving requires all of these intellectual abilities. A student must be able to perform these problem-solving skills in a timely manner.
Behavioral and Social
A student must possess the emotional health required for full use of their intellectual skills, the exercise of good judgment, the prompt completion of all responsibilities attendant to the diagnosis and care of patients, and the development of mature, sensitive, and effective relationships with patients. A student must be able to endure physically-taxing workloads and to function effectively under stress. They must be able to adapt to changing environments, display flexibility, and learn to function in the face of uncertainties inherent in the clinical problems of patients. Compassion, integrity, concern for others, interpersonal skills, interests, and motivations are all personal qualities that will be assessed during the admissions and educational processes. A student must be able to manage apprehensive patients with a range of moods and behaviors in a tactful, congenial, personal manner so as not to alienate or antagonize them. A student must be able to interrelate among colleagues, staff, and patients with honesty, integrity, respect, and nondiscrimination.
Disabilities
Graduates of the D.M.D. program must have the knowledge and skills to function in a broad variety of clinical, administrative, and leadership situations and to render a wide spectrum of patient care.
The University of New England College of Dental Medicine acknowledges and complies with Section 504 of the 1973 Rehabilitation Act and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) 1990, as amended, and requires minimum technical standards be present in students accepted into the Doctor of Dental Medicine program. The college will engage in an interactive process with applicants with disabilities, but the College reserves the right not to matriculate any applicant who cannot meet the technical standards set forth in this section, with reasonable accommodations.
Reasonable accommodation for persons with documented disabilities will be considered on an individual basis, but a student in the Doctor of Dental Medicine program must be able to perform in an independent manner. Every applicant is considered without regard to disability. Once accepted, students must complete all elements of the curriculum with or without reasonable accommodations. In the case of a documented disability, the College must be fully satisfied that the applicant can make progress throughout the curriculum.
Throughout the D.M.D. program, a student will be expected to maintain the technical standards and demonstrate them through their coursework, interaction with peers and faculty, and in their professional experiences. Students who fail to demonstrate the technical standards while in the program will be evaluated and appropriate action (e.g., remediation, counseling, or dismissal) will be taken. Because this expectation is separate from the academic achievement, simply maintaining a passing grade is not sufficient. Additionally, individuals who would constitute a direct threat to the health or safety of others are not considered suitable candidates for continued matriculation.
Applicants are not required to disclose the nature of their disability(ies), if any, to the Admissions Committee. However, any applicant with questions about these technical standards is strongly encouraged to discuss their specific issues(s) with the Student Access Center prior to the interview process. If appropriate, and only upon the request of the applicant, reasonable accommodations will be provided.
When a letter of acceptance to the D.M.D. program is emailed, a web link to the technical standards for completion of the curriculum will be included. Academic and technical standards are also included in the CDM Student Handbook, and students sign a document acknowledging receipt of the Student Handbook during first-year orientation. The provision of or request for an accommodation for a disability is always voluntary for the student. An applicant should be able to evaluate themselves for compliance with these technical standards. In the event that accommodation is requested, the student must submit documentation of disability with the proposed accommodation from a certified specialist to UNE’s Student Access Center. A continuing student who develops a disability should request accommodations based on the limitations of the disability through the Student Access Center. Individuals unable to meet the technical standards for the D.M.D. program may be unable to progress and/or complete the D.M.D. program.
The College’s Admissions Committee will consider the applicant based on the criteria for admission of all applicants. An applicant who discloses a disability and requests accommodation in the admission process may be required to submit, in writing, the request for accommodation and pertinent supporting documentation. The pertinent information may include a history of accommodations granted previously in other education programs. Request for accommodation may be initiated with UNE’s Student Access Center.
For more information on disabilities and accommodations, please contact the UNE Student Access Center.
To learn more about the program see the Academic Catalog.
To learn more about our Accelerated 3-4 Option Medical Biology-Dental Medicine track for pre-dental students, see the Medical Biology (Medical Sciences) Curriculum.
Competency Statements
(Adopted from the American Dental Association “Competencies for the New General Dentist”)
The general dentist is the primary oral health care provider supported by dental specialists, allied dental professionals, and other health care providers. The practice of general dentistry requires a dentist to incorporate understanding, skills, and values in an integrated response to clinical and other professional situations. The competency statements describe the performance of UNE College of Dental Medicine graduates as they enter practice settings rather than that of students in individual courses. This document is viewed by the College as dynamic, as the practice of dentistry evolves, the College will revisit its competence.
Domains
Graduates must be competent to:
1.1. Evaluate and integrate emerging trends in health care as appropriate
1.2. Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills
1.3. Evaluate and integrate best research outcomes with clinical expertise and patient values for evidence-based practice
Graduates must be competent to:
2.1. Apply ethical and legal standards in the provision of dental care
2.2. Practice within one’s scope of competence and consult with or refer to professional colleagues when indicated
Graduates must be competent to:
3.1. Apply appropriate interpersonal and communication skills
3.2. Apply psychosocial and behavior principles in patient-centered health care
3.3. Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse populations
Graduates must be competent to:
4.1. Provide prevention, intervention and educational strategies
4.2. Participate with dental team members and other health care professionals in the management and health promotion for all patients
4.3. Recognize and appreciate the need to contribute to the improvement of oral health beyond those served in traditional practice settings
Graduates must be competent to:
5.1. Evaluate and apply contemporary and emerging information including clinical and practice management technology resources
5.2. Evaluate and manage current models of oral health care management and delivery
5.3. Apply principles of risk management, including informed consent and appropriate record keeping in patient care
5.4. Demonstrate effective business, financial management, and human resource skills
5.5. Apply quality assurance, assessment and improvement concepts
5.6. Comply with local, state, and federal regulations including OSHA and HIPAA
5.7. Develop a catastrophe preparedness plan for the dental practice
a. Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Graduates must be competent to:
6.1. Manage the oral health care of the infant, child, adolescent, and adult, as well as the unique needs of women, geriatric, and special needs patients
6.2. Prevent, identify, and manage trauma, oral diseases, and other disorders
6.3. Obtain and interpret patient/medical data, including a thorough intra/extra oral examination, and use these findings to accurately assess and manage all patients
6.4. Select, obtain, and interpret diagnostic images for the individual patient
6.5. Recognize the manifestations of systemic disease and how the disease and its management may affect the delivery of dental care
6.6. Formulate a comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and/or referral plan for the management of patients
b. Establishment and Maintenance of Oral Health
Graduates must be competent to:
6.7. Utilize universal infection control guidelines for all clinical procedures
6.8. Prevent, diagnose, and manage pain and anxiety in the dental patient
6.9. Prevent, diagnose, and manage temporomandibular disorders
6.10. Prevent, diagnose and manage periodontal diseases
6.11. Develop and implement strategies for the clinical assessment and management of caries
6.12. Manage restorative procedures that preserve tooth structure, replace missing or defective tooth structure, maintain function, are esthetic and promote soft and hard tissue health
6.13. Diagnose and manage developmental or acquired occlusal abnormalities
6.14. Manage the replacement of teeth for the partially or completely edentulous patient
6.15. Diagnose, identify, and manage pulpal and periradicular diseases
6.16. Diagnose and manage oral surgical treatment needs
6.17. Prevent, recognize, and manage medical and dental emergencies
6.18. Recognize and manage patient abuse and/or neglect
6.19. Recognize and manage substance abuse
6.20. Evaluate outcomes of comprehensive dental care
6.21. Diagnose, identify, and manage oral mucosal and osseous diseases
Career Paths for Dental Medicine Grads
Obtaining your D.M.D. degree in Maine from UNE will prepare you for a dynamic career in dental medicine, as part of an existing practice, within your own practice, in higher education or research, and beyond. Graduates from UNE’s dentistry degree program are trained to diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and impairments of the hard and soft tissues of the mouth and jaw. In addition to learning to fix issues, you’ll be trained to help prevent future problems and educate patients on wellness. Through a focus on whole-body health and comprehensive oral health, we’ll empower you to teach others to take good care of their teeth, gums, and general health.
General dentists use their diagnostic, rehabilitative, and surgical skills to treat damaged or missing tooth structures. D.M.D.s can also remove tooth decay and fill cavities, examine x-rays, and perform corrective surgeries. Some seek postgraduate training for careers as dental specialists — there are a variety of dental specialties in areas such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and dental public health.
UNE Dental Medicine Alumni Making an Impact
Meet Lyric, D.M.D. ’22
Meet Sean, D.M.D. ’22
Oral Health Center
The Oral Health Center (OHC) is the clinical home of UNE’s Dental Medicine teaching clinic and simulation facility. There are about 17,000 patient visits in the OHC annually. As a Dental student, you deliver patient care under the supervision of clinical faculty and staff in a team-oriented approach to meet the health care needs of patients. The OHC also serves as a space for you to engage in interprofessional education opportunities with Osteopathic Medicine and Physician Assistant students.
Tour the Oral Health Center
Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center
As a UNE Dental student, you utilize the Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center (ISIC) to apply knowledge from the classroom to clinical situations. Guided by skilled instructors, you participate in simulations to enhance your clinical aptitudes. Rather than just hearing and reading about difficult or unusual cases, you experience them by treating high-fidelity patient simulators in real-life scenarios.
Emergency Medical Training in the ISIC
Dental Medicine: Team-Based Learning
When students from different health professions disciplines learn with, from, and about each other to better understand different professional roles and expertise, great things can happen. In UNE’s D.M.D. program, you’ll study alongside students from other programs, including the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Physician Assistant program, gaining the skills to collaborate in today’s team-based care. UNE is the only institution in New England that is part of the National Center for Interprofessional Education and Practice’s prestigious Innovation Network.
You also have the opportunity to apply this collaborative participation toward your Interprofessional Honors Distinction.
Hear what our students have to say about Interprofessional Education at UNE
Hands-On Learning in your Dental Medicine Program
Students at UNE’s College of Dental Medicine in Maine participate in exceptional experiential learning opportunities:
- Abundant clinical practice time in UNE’s dental simulation lab
- Hands-on patient care in our Oral Health Center and on rotations
- Community service engagements with veterans and other underserved communities
- Pediatric clinics and school visits with children to teach about the importance of oral care
- Dental education resource fairs at local hospitals and community clinics
Research
The UNE College of Dental Medicine engages in scholarly activity to add to the body of knowledge in dentistry and related disciplines, and D.M.D. students have the opportunity to support this work. Specific focus areas include:
- Oral Disease Prevention
- Health Professions Education
- Health Care Delivery/Clinical Practice Models
- Population Health (Public Health)
Meet UNE D.M.D. Students
A Health Care Education Campus in Portland, Maine
UNE D.M.D. students study on the Portland Campus for the Health Sciences, a quintessential New England quad that has been welcoming students for more than a century. Lined with lush trees and brick buildings, the campus sits in a quiet neighborhood just a short drive from the downtown waterfront. Portland, named “America’s Most Livable City” by Forbes and “Foodiest Small Town in America” by Bon Appetit, is about 100 miles from downtown Boston.
Take a Virtual Tour of our Portland Campus
Who Can Apply to the Doctor of Dental Medicine program?
To apply to our D.M.D. program, you must complete a minimum of 90 semester (135 quarter) credits at a U.S. regionally accredited institution or international equivalent. However, a baccalaureate degree is preferred.
Financial Aid at UNE
We are committed to making our dental medicine degree program as affordable as possible and are here to help you finance your education so that you can earn a degree that's convenient, affordable, and still allows you to balance all of the other important aspects of your life. Several options exist to help you meet your educational costs. Student Financial Services has also created a step-by-step process for applying for aid.
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s D.M.D. program?
Accreditation
Professional Accreditation
The program in dental education is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements." The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: http://www.ada.org/en/coda.
Accreditation Standards
CODA Accreditation Standards for Predoctoral Dental Education Programs
The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for treatment received by patients or individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students.
A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission’s policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission on Dental Accreditation at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60611-2678 or by calling 1 (800) 621-8099 extension 4653. You may also visit http://www.ada.org/en/coda/policies-and-guidelines/file-a-complaint for more information.
Regional Accreditation
UNE is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and College, Inc., a regional accrediting body recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The University has been continuously accredited since 1966 and its accreditation was last reaffirmed in 2007.
Doctor of Dental Medicine FAQ
What is a dental medicine degree?
To become a dentist, you typically need three or more years of undergraduate education and four years of dental school. There are two common types of dental degrees: D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and D.M.D. (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine). These degrees are essentially the same, sharing accreditation from the same body and adhering to identical curriculum requirements. The university where a dentist completes their degree determines whether they receive a D.D.S. or D.M.D.
UNE’s College of Dental Medicine in Portland, Maine provides a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) program to train students for careers as general dentists. To enroll, students need at least three years of undergraduate education (preferably with a Bachelor’s degree). The D.M.D. degree is earned after successfully completing four years of professional study in the College of Dental Medicine.
Learn more about UNE’s Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree program
Explore UNE’s Accelerated 3+4 Medical Biology-Dental Medicine track
What can you do with a dental medicine degree?
Dentists have either a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree. Once they complete their dental education and pass licensing exams, they can practice general dentistry, which encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of oral conditions. Dentists wanting advanced training in general dentistry or to specialize (oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, etc.) will need to complete a dental residency. Residencies usually last two to three years, while oral and maxillofacial surgery programs typically extend from four to six years. Some general dentists or specialists become small business owners by opening their own practices.
Earning your D.M.D. degree at UNE’s College of Dental Medicine in Portland, Maine prepares you for a dynamic career in dental medicine. Whether you join an existing practice, start your own practice, engage in public health dentistry, pursue post-doctoral education, or follow another career path (dental academia, research, military dentistry, consulting, etc.), you will be equipped for success. UNE CDM’s graduates are skilled in diagnosing and treating various oral diseases and conditions, thinking critically to solve problems, practicing evidence-based dentistry, and educating patients on good oral hygiene practices and disease prevention measures. Our alumni are ethical, caring, competent dentists who improve the oral health, overall health, and quality of life of people in their communities, including society’s most vulnerable and underserved populations. They are leaders of their own oral health care teams and partners in the interprofessional health care delivery systems of the future.
How much will I earn as a dentist?
The American Dental Association Dental Workforce Wages and Job Count Dashboard shows the average annual wage for a general dentist to be $172,290. A dentist’s salary is influenced by a variety of factors including geographical location, professional experience, post-graduate training, specialization, and type of practice.
What are the admissions requirements for dental school?
Make sure to check the admissions requirements of the dental school you are looking to apply for.
UNE CDM participates in the American Dental Education Association Centralized Application Service (ADEA AADSAS). All applicants are required to apply online through this service.
Learn more about UNE’s Doctor of Dental Medicine admissions requirements
What is the best dental school for me?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a dental school. Below are some of the primary factors to consider when looking for a dental school.
Dental school community
The UNE College of Dental Medicine (UNE CDM) is a tight-knit community. As a dental student here, you will be treated as a professional colleague from your first day on campus and will be surrounded by students, faculty, and staff who value collaboration, camaraderie, and shared success. Within our small D.M.D. class size of 70 students, you will make meaningful and lasting personal and professional connections with your peers. Your faculty members will get to know you as an individual and will provide personalized mentorship and guidance in both the classroom and clinic.
Watch video testimonials from dental students at UNE
Meet the College of Dental Medicine faculty and professional staff at UNE
Curriculum
UNE’s D.M.D. curriculum is grounded in the latest principles of evidence-based dentistry and emphasizes professionalism, ethics, critical thinking skills, self-assessment, and public health knowledge. Curricular highlights include:
- Immediate and extensive hands-on learning in our Simulation Clinic
- Use of current and innovative equipment and technology
- Integrated biomedical science, clinical science, and behavioral science content
- Direct patient care experiences early on in our Oral Health Center
- Learning experiences alongside students from various health professions programs, such as future physicians, dental hygienists, physical assistants, and more
- Community outreach opportunities
- Extensive community-based externship rotations for fourth-year students
Learn more about UNE’s Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) curriculum
Student support services
The dental school you select should provide ample resources to help you succeed in the program and plan for the future. UNE’s Student Academic Success Center provides a comprehensive array of free academic support services including tutoring, writing support, learning specialist consultations, digital project support, group workshops, and courses.
Learn more about tutoring services in UNE’s Student Academic Success Center
The UNE College of Dental Medicine’s Simulation Clinic is open after-hours for students to complete assignments and practice their hand skills, and current dental students are hired as Teaching Assistants who provide guidance and support to peers in the evenings and on weekends.
Academic and career advising is also available to all graduate students at UNE, no matter which program you choose. Career Advising provides a mix of career and personal interest exploration, resume and cover letter help, and support in transitioning to employment. We also organize yearly career fairs and act as a bridge between campus communities and local employers.
Learn more about Career Advising at UNE
Location, environment, and facilities
Look beyond name and reputation. Where you go for dental school will be your home for four years. Consider the geographic location of each dental school, plus the look and feel of the campus.
Students at UNE’s College of Dental Medicine (UNE CDM) study on the Portland Campus for the Health Sciences with students from other health professions programs in an interprofessional learning community. The campus, adorned with trees and brick buildings, is located in a tranquil neighborhood, a brief drive from Portland’s Old Port and waterfront. Portland, recognized as "America’s Most Livable City" by Forbes and the "Foodiest Small Town in America" by Bon Appetit, is approximately 100 miles from downtown Boston.
Take a virtual tour of UNE’s Portland Campus
Dental students at UNE CDM have the unique experience of providing care for their own patients in the Oral Health Center (OHC), the clinical home of UNE’s Dental Medicine teaching clinic and simulation facility. This facility gives dental students access to the tools and state-of-the-art technology in a team-oriented environment.
Learn more about UNE’s Oral Health Center in New England
UNE CDM students utilize the Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center (ISIC) to apply knowledge from the classroom to clinical situations. Guided by skilled instructors, students participate in simulations to enhance their clinical aptitudes. Rather than just hearing and reading about difficult or unusual cases, students experience them by treating high-fidelity patient simulators in real-life scenarios.
Watch Emergency Medical Training in the ISIC
Financial aid
Financial aid for graduate school and professional programs includes grants, scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and loans. Check to see how the dental school you’re interested in can work with you on financing your education.
Getting a graduate or professional degree is a big financial decision. UNE recognizes that you want a university that provides lasting value and a solid return on your investment. UNE’s Student Financial Services Office works with graduate students to help you find the best way to finance a UNE education.
Learn more about graduate and professional student financial services at UNE
Loan repayment and forgiveness options are available to alumni of the CDM program. Notably, the Delta Dental Plan of Maine has generously committed over $1 million to the University of New England College of Dental Medicine to establish a scholarship and loan repayment program, the UNE Dental Education Loan Repayment Program (PDF).
More information about this program and others can be found here