The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine, founded in 1896, is a top-20 US dental school and one of the most research-intensive dental programs in the country. Located in Pittsburgh on Pitt's health sciences campus, the school conducts leading research in oral biology, biomaterials, and craniofacial development through affiliation with the McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine and other University of Pittsburgh research centers. Pitt Dental produces graduates who are competitive for both clinical practice and academic careers.
What makes it different
Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Pitt Dental's integration with the University of Pittsburgh's research infrastructure — including the McGowan Institute and UPMC's hospital network — is a genuine academic differentiator. Combined DMD/PhD and DMD/MS research tracks are available, making Pitt Dental one of the best options for aspiring dental academics or researchers.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year DMD curriculum with integrated biomedical sciences and early patient contact. Patient care begins in Year 2 at Pitt's on-campus dental clinic. Years 3–4 include comprehensive patient management and elective specialty rotations. Combined DMD/PhD and DMD/MS research tracks are available for students with strong research interest.
Research strengths
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine (DMD) has notable research strength in Oral biology, Biomaterials, Craniofacial development, Tissue engineering, Salivary diagnostics.
Interview
University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine (DMD) interviews via Traditional one-on-one faculty interview. University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine conducts traditional one-on-one faculty interviews at its Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania campus, typically October through February. Interview days include one or two faculty sessions of 30–45 minutes each assessing motivation for dentistry, oral-systemic health knowledge, ADA ethics, manual dexterity, and community awareness. Candidates tour Pitt Dental's clinic and simulation facilities and interact with current DMD students. The school values academic excellence, research interest, and diversity; interviewers often probe candidates' research or service narratives in depth. Post-interview rolling decisions are typically issued within 4–8 weeks.
Intake
Approximately 80–90 students per year.
At a glance
Founded in 1896, based in Pittsburgh, PA. Programmes offered: Orthodontics, Periodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Endodontics, Prosthodontics.
