Indiana University School of Dentistry: Advancing Oral Health Through Comprehensive Programs

The Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) has been a national leader in oral health since its founding as the Indiana Dental College in 1879. Located on the IU Indianapolis campus, the school offers a wide array of academic programs and patient care services, and conducts innovative research.

Academic Programs

The School of Dentistry offers 11 degree and certificate programs designed to prepare students for successful careers in dentistry and allied health professions. These programs cater to various career goals, ensuring students have the necessary skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields. Here's a look at some of the key programs:

Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.)

The traditional Doctor of Dental Surgery program prepares students for general dentistry practice. The curriculum provides a strong foundation in dental sciences, clinical skills, and patient management.

Dual Degree Program: D.D.S. and Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

In partnership with the Kelley School of Business, IUSD offers a dual degree program that allows dental students to earn both a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Business Administration. This program is designed for students interested in the business aspects of dentistry, such as practice management, healthcare administration, or entrepreneurship.

Students begin working toward their M.B.A. during their third year of the predoctoral program and complete both degrees simultaneously by the end of their fourth year. The M.B.A. program provides a strong foundation in business operations, marketing, finance, accounting, economics, and strategy, with a specific focus on the healthcare industry.

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Master of Science in Dentistry (M.S.D.)

For those holding a doctorate in dentistry (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), the Master of Science in Dentistry (M.S.D.) program offers advanced dental education. This program prepares students for clinical practice or teaching roles. The M.S.D. is a combined degree and certificate program.

To be admitted to the M.S.D. program, applicants must:

Hold a D.D.S. or D.M.D. from a U.S. or Canadian dental school or be a graduate of an international dental school with equivalent educational background and standing.
Have a cumulative dental school GPA of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
Demonstrate proficiency in the English language with a minimum score of 79 on the TOEFL iBT or 6.5 on the IELTS if English is not their native language.

Individual majors may have additional admission requirements.

Pathway to Dentistry Program

Set to begin in fall 2026, the Pathway to Dentistry program offers an innovative route for students to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Similar to the Bachelor’s/M.D. degree program established in 2023, this program allows students to gain foundational knowledge in dentistry through a specially designed undergraduate curriculum.

The Pathway to Dentistry program will follow a traditional 4+4 timeline, with the first four years of coursework through the School of Science and the remaining four years through the School of Dentistry. Applicable undergraduate majors include biology, chemistry, forensic and investigative sciences, neuroscience, physics, and psychology.

Patient Care

The Indiana University School of Dentistry provides a wide range of oral health care services to the community at an affordable cost. As a patient, individuals can receive quality dental care, including:

Cleanings
Fillings
Root canals
Braces
Dentures

To make an appointment, individuals can contact Patient Services at 317-274-7433.

Research

Researchers at the School of Dentistry have a long history of innovation, including playing a key role in the development of the first fluoride toothpaste. Today, researchers continue to make strides in areas such as:

Cariology
Dental informatics
Bone and tissue engineering

Location and Affiliations

The IU School of Dentistry is located on the IU Indianapolis campus in downtown Indianapolis. Its location provides close proximity to the IU School of Medicine, the IU School of Nursing, the IU Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health, several major hospitals, and the Roudebush VA Medical Center. IU Indy shares its location on the near west side of the city with the Indiana University Medical Center.

Alumni Network

The IU dental school has more than 11,000 living alumni pursuing careers throughout the United States and in more than 30 other countries. The IU Alumni Association counts dentistry among its most supportive groups. IU grads have been named to prestigious leadership posts in organized dentistry and in dental education throughout the world.

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