The Ohio State University College of Dentistry: A Comprehensive Overview
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry stands as a prominent institution for dental education, research, and patient care. As one of the graduate and professional schools of Ohio State University, it encompasses nine academic divisions, covering all major dental specialties. This article provides a detailed look into the college's programs, history, clinics, and the path to admission.
Academic Programs
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry offers a wide array of academic programs, catering to various career aspirations within the field of dentistry. These include:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.): The flagship program, providing comprehensive training to become a general dentist. The College of Dentistry has a really good program to become a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS). They teach you everything you need to know to be a great dentist.
- Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene: A program focused on the prevention and treatment of oral diseases, preparing students for careers as dental hygienists.
- Specialty Training Programs: Advanced programs in various dental specialties, such as orthodontics, periodontics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. At OSU College of Dentistry, you can learn about different areas like oral surgery and taking care of kids' teeth.
- Advanced Training Programs: Programs designed to enhance the skills and knowledge of practicing dentists.
- MS Programs: Formal graduate programs leading to a Master of Science degree in areas like oral biology and orthodontics. The College of Dentistry offers formal graduate programs leading to a Certificate, Masters (M.S.), and/or a Ph.D.
- Ph.D. Program in Oral Biology: A research-intensive program for students seeking careers in academic research and teaching. The Oral Biology Doctoral Program is an interdisciplinary program consisting of twenty-nine faculty from three health sciences colleges; Dentistry, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine, as well as the Comprehensive Cancer Center.
The Division of Orthodontics, for example, offers a program in specialty education at the graduate level, fulfilling eligibility requirements for The American Board of Orthodontics. This program, leading to a certificate and M.S. degree is accredited by the Council on Dental Education of the American Dental Association. Its intent is to provide the graduate student with a thorough education in clinical orthodontics. The program includes instruction and extensive experience in diagnosis and treatment planning, biomechanics, orthognathic surgery and other interdisciplinary procedures. The resident will have the opportunity of treating the full range of different malocclusions in children and adults. All residents obtain a M.S. degree by completing and defending a research project that meets the requirements of the Graduate School. The Division requires a publishable form of the thesis for submission to appropriate peer-reviewed journals.
Ohio State academic programs are designed to prepare students to sit for applicable licensure or certification in Ohio.
Research Opportunities
The College of Dentistry is a hub for cutting-edge research, receiving significant funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation. Students and faculty members actively engage in both clinical and laboratory research, contributing to advancements in the field. Faculty researchers possess expertise in diverse areas, including:
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- Gum disease (gingivitis and periodontitis)
- Tooth decay (caries)
- Tooth stain
- Plaque
- Dentin hypersensitivity (pain)
A research-focused combined D.D.S./Ph.D. program is also available for students interested in pursuing a career in academic dentistry. At OSU College of Dentistry, you can join research projects to learn new things about dentistry.
Clinical Facilities
The Ohio State Dental Clinics offer comprehensive primary care and a full range of specialty clinics all in one building. These clinics provide students with invaluable hands-on experience, allowing them to apply their knowledge under the supervision of experienced faculty members. The Dental Emergency Care Clinic is also available as a walk-in only service available to adult patients older than age 18. At OSU College of Dentistry, you'll learn in awesome classrooms and clinics. They have cool technology, like 3D printers, to help you practice. You'll also work with real patients. This helps you become a confident dentist.
A Historical Perspective
The roots of Ohio State's dental program trace back to 1825 when John Harris, a physician, began sharing his dental experiences with other physicians in southern Ohio. The Ohio Medical University (OMU), founded in 1890 in Columbus, opened its doors on September 7, 1892. It was located on Park Street across from Goodale Park. OMU flourished and in 1907 it merged with the Starling Medical College to become the STARLING OHIO MEDICAL COLLEGE (SOMC). In 1912, the Ohio General Assembly passed Senate Bill 120. In 1913, a proposal was made to merge the Starling Ohio Medical College with Ohio State University. On July 1 of 1914, The Ohio State University Board of Trustees officially acquired the properties of the SOMC.
When Ohio State acquired its dental school in 1914, four years of high school and a diploma were the only requirements for admission and the dental curriculum lasted just three years. For the entering class of 1916, the curriculum was expanded to four years. In 1925, the Colleges of Medicine and Dentistry moved on campus to Hamilton Hall. Dentistry was located on the third and fourth floors in the north wing. The fourth floor held the main clinic and was two stories high. The roof contained skylights to enhance the light in the clinic.
Notable Faculty
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry has been home to many distinguished faculty members who have made significant contributions to the field. These include:
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- Gerald M. Neil Luyk: Chair of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at Middlemore Hospital in New Zealand.
- Laurie McCauley: Chair of the Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.
- Joel Milton Weaver: OSU Professor Emeritus of Anesthesiology.
- Gordon J. McCarthy: D.D.S.
Admission to the College of Dentistry
The Ohio State University College of Dentistry is a top dental school. It's the only state-supported dental school in Ohio, and it's known for excellent patient care and teaching. Every year, many students apply, but only about 12.55% get in. Becoming a dentist takes hard work. Getting into OSU College of Dentistry takes even more!
Admission to the College of Dentistry is competitive, requiring a solid academic foundation and a demonstrated commitment to the field. Here's a breakdown of the key requirements:
Prerequisite Coursework: Before you apply, you need to take certain classes in college. These classes include biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Ohio State has a list of the exact courses you need. Students interested in careers in dentistry have a variety of undergraduate majors from which to choose as preparation for their chosen profession. The selected undergraduate major should prepare the student for a health care profession. Although a bachelor’s degree is not required for admission to the College of Dentistry, it is highly recommended. Students pursue an undergraduate major when they start as a freshman and integrate their dentistry prerequisite course work into their specific program. Admission to the College of Dentistry requires a solid science foundation.
Biology, chemistry, biohealth sciences, microbiology and biochemistry are some of the more common majors for our pre-dental students. The Biology and BioHealth Sciences majors have pre-dental options, however all majors in the college of science contain the majority of prerequisite coursework for dental school. Pre-requisite as well as upper-level and core coursework in science will give you a strong foundation to succeed in the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) and beyond.
Prerequisite course requirements for dental school generally include a year each of General Chemistry, General Biology, General Physics and Organic Chemistry; Human Anatomy & Physiology, and one course in Biochemistry. Students should research individual dental schools for specific prerequisite information.
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The College of Science at Oregon State University offers a wide variety of majors that will help you gain an excellent foundation in science and do well in prerequisite pre-dental courses. While not a major, you can choose any of our nine majors in the College and follow a pre-dentistry track. As a student in our College, you'll develop a strong background in basic sciences and have opportunities to work in our state-of-the-art research centers and facilities and conduct research.
Dental Admission Test (DAT): The DAT is a test that all dental schools use. It's important to do well on this test if you want to go to OSU College of Dentistry. The test has different parts, and you need to get a good score on each one. The DAT assesses a candidate's scientific knowledge, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.
Application Process: You will apply to OSU College of Dentistry through an application service called AADSAS. Make sure you complete your application before the deadline. Ask some of your teachers to write letters of recommendation for you. After you finish your AADSAS application, OSU will send you another application. This one has more questions about why you want to study at OSU. Admission to the College of Dentistry is based on completion of prerequisite course work, the cumulative grade point average, the score on the Dental Admission Test (DAT), participation in non-academic activities (i.e. volunteering, community service, work history, research, military service or sports) and a personal interview. In addition, applicants are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of unpaid observation in a general practice dental or specialist office. In the selection of students, preference is given to students who are residents of Ohio.
Interview: If OSU likes your applications, they will ask you to come for an interview. They will ask you questions about yourself and why you want to be a dentist.
Extracurricular Activities: Do more than just study. Join clubs, play sports, or volunteer in your community. These activities show that you are a well-rounded person. Show that you care about helping others. Volunteer at a hospital or soup kitchen. Students are not required to participate in research for admission to dental school, but it is encouraged. Pre-dentistry students at Ohio State are encouraged to participate in student organizations that engage in community service, advocacy and oral health care instruction, such as the Pre-Dental Club, American Student Dental Association and the Undergraduate Student National Dental Association (USNDA). This involvement enables prospective students to take advantage of a variety of educational activities to help familiarize them with the profession.
Observation Hours: Applicants are required to complete a minimum of 40 hours of unpaid observation in a general practice dental or specialist office.
Useful pre-dental links can provide more information.
Access to experienced pre-dental advisors is extremely important. A team of dedicated and highly experienced advisors will be available to help students and ensure that they are on track with their pre-dentistry preparation. Our experienced academic advisors meet with students and help them with all aspects of the preparation and application. Meet your pre-dental advisors. During winter quarter, OSU offers a helpful Pre-Dental Orientation Course, BHS 107, which can include local dentists, field trips, admissions officers, and information about coursework, majors, finances, etc. For those applying to dental school, there is an application seminar to assist with the application process.
The Importance of Dentistry
Dentistry is the only doctoral health profession that deals with the maintenance of health in the mouth and the prevention and treatment of oral disease. Dentistry is a specialized discipline of medical science but is not a specialty of the practice of medicine. Dentistry is a profession with its own traditions and governance. Dentists must have a basic understanding of human form and function and current medical therapy while having specialized knowledge and skills to provide an effective health service to their patients.
Upon graduation and licensure, dentists are prepared to begin general practice. Students are encouraged early on in their undergraduate years to participate in some type of volunteer and/or paid work experience within a dental setting.
About 75 percent of dentists practice general dentistry, primarily in private office settings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dental care will continue to increase as the population increases. Many established dentists are seeking associateships with recent dental school graduates to assist them in meeting the growing demand for services. There is also a similar need for dental specialists. The national expenditure for dental services rises each year based on increased demand. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, salaries for dentists range from $68,400 to $187,200 per year.
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