The University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine, founded in 2002, is Nevada's only public dental school. Located in Las Vegas, the school trains dentists for a state with historically low dentist-to-population ratios and significant dental access disparities. UNLV SDM operates a large patient-care clinic and community outreach programs serving Las Vegas's diverse working-class and underserved communities.
The school benefits from UNLV's growing health sciences enterprise and Las Vegas's large, ethnically diverse patient population.
What makes University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (DMD) different
Applications via ADEA AADSAS. UNLV School of Dental Medicine, founded in 2002, is the only public dental school in Nevada. Las Vegas's unique demographics — a large hospitality-sector workforce with limited dental coverage, a rapidly growing immigrant population, and significant oral health disparities — create a distinctive clinical training environment. Nevada residents have a strong admissions advantage.
University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (DMD) course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year DMD curriculum. Early clinical contact through simulation labs and patient care from Year 2. UNLV SDM's large Las Vegas clinic provides significant case volume with a diverse urban patient population. Community outreach clinics and school dental programs serving Las Vegas's underserved communities are embedded in the curriculum.
University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (DMD) research strengths
University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (DMD) is strong in these research areas:
- Community oral health
- Oral health disparities
- Craniofacial biology
- Dental biomaterials
- Paediatric oral health
How the University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (DMD) interview runs
Format: Traditional one-on-one or panel interview with faculty
Invited applicants attend an interview day at the UNLV School of Dental Medicine in Las Vegas. The day includes a faculty interview (one-on-one or small panel), a tour of the clinic and simulation facilities, and informal sessions with current students.
UNLV SDM is Nevada's only public dental school — interviewers frequently probe Nevada community ties, commitment to serving Las Vegas's diverse and underserved population, and awareness of the state's dental access challenges. The interview is conversational and evaluates communication skills, professionalism, and readiness for the clinical program.
University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (DMD) intake
Approximately 70–80 students per year.
University of Nevada Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (DMD) at a glance
Founded in 2002. Based in Las Vegas, NV.
Programmes offered:
- General Dentistry
- Community Dentistry
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics