The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, founded in 1897, is one of the oldest and largest dental schools in the western United States, located on the USC Health Sciences campus in Los Angeles. USC Ostrow is a private dental school known for its state-of-the-art simulation facilities, strong specialty residency placements, large clinical volume, and active research enterprise. The school benefits from its position within USC's major research university ecosystem and its Los Angeles location, which provides access to one of the most diverse patient populations in the country.
What makes it different
Applications via ADEA AADSAS. USC Ostrow's Los Angeles location provides extraordinary clinical diversity — students treat patients across all socioeconomic groups in one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse cities in the world. The school's simulation technology investment is among the most significant in the US. Strong specialty program placement record for graduates.
Course & teaching
Integrated curriculum. 4-year DDS curriculum integrating biomedical sciences and clinical training. USC Ostrow operates one of the country's largest dental simulation laboratories. Patient care begins in Year 2 at the USC dental clinics, which see high volumes of diverse Los Angeles patients. Elective research and specialty exposure opportunities available through USC's affiliated health system and research centers.
Research strengths
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC (DDS) has notable research strength in Craniofacial biology, Oral cancer research, Biomaterials, Digital dentistry, Implantology.
Interview
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC (DDS) interviews via Traditional one-on-one or panel interview at USC Health Sciences campus, Los Angeles. USC Ostrow conducts traditional faculty interviews at its Health Sciences campus in Los Angeles, typically one or two sessions of 30–45 minutes. Interview day includes a tour of the dental clinic and the dental simulation lab — one of the most advanced in the United States. Interviewers probe motivation for dentistry, dental shadowing experience, manual dexterity evidence, the oral-systemic health connection, and interest in USC's research and specialty programs. USC's large class size and diverse Los Angeles patient population are key discussion points — interviewers look for candidates who will thrive in a high-volume urban clinical environment.
Intake
Approximately 144 students per year.
At a glance
Founded in 1897, based in Los Angeles, CA. Programmes offered: Orthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Periodontics, Prosthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry.
