Accelerated Dental Programs

Accelerated dental degree programs offer a unique opportunity for aspiring dental professionals to fast-track their education and enter the workforce sooner than traditional programs allow. These programs are particularly beneficial for students who are committed to pursuing a dental career with determination and efficiency. Several prestigious universities and institutions offer such programs, designed to combine undergraduate and dental education, shorten the duration of dental training, and provide a rigorous, comprehensive education. Among the top schools offering accelerated dental degree programs are Boston University, the University of Detroit Mercy, the University of Minnesota, and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS). These institutions provide accelerated pathways that not only shorten the timeline for earning a dental degree but also equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in the dynamic field of dentistry.

Boston University’s Seven-Year Liberal Arts/Dental Education Program is one of the most distinguished accelerated dental programs in the United States. This program allows students to complete both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree from the College of Arts & Sciences and a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine in just seven years. Traditionally, obtaining a dental degree would take eight years—four years of undergraduate study followed by four years of dental school—but this innovative program condenses that timeline by integrating the two educational stages.

The Boston University program is highly selective, admitting only a limited number of students each year, and is designed for those who are committed to pursuing a dental career from the outset of their academic journey. Students begin with a solid foundation in the liberal arts, which provides them with a well-rounded education before moving on to the specialized dental coursework required in the second phase of the program. This structure allows students to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential for success in dental practice. Additionally, Boston University is home to the only dental school in the nation with a department of molecular and cell biology, giving students access to cutting-edge research in the field of oral health. The predoctoral and advanced education programs at the Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine are approved by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), ensuring that graduates are equipped with the highest quality education in dental medicine.

Another prominent institution offering an accelerated dental program is the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM), which offers the Accelerated Dental Program (ADP). This program is unique because it is tailored and individualized to meet the specific educational needs of each student. The ADP is designed for students who already have a strong academic background and who are seeking to accelerate their path to a dental degree. Acceptance into the ADP is based on the credentials and educational needs of the applicant, and the program is carefully coordinated to ensure that students receive the necessary foundational knowledge before advancing to the professional training phase. The individualized nature of the program allows students to move at a pace that aligns with their academic strengths and career goals, while also ensuring that they meet the standards of the School of Dentistry.

UDM’s dental program is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), one of the six regional accrediting bodies in the United States. The NCA accreditation ensures that the university’s dental program meets rigorous academic and institutional standards. UDM’s Accelerated Dental Program provides students with a comprehensive education that covers all the essential aspects of dental practice, preparing them to become proficient dental professionals upon graduation. This program is especially ideal for students who are eager to enter the workforce sooner and for those who have demonstrated academic excellence in their previous studies.

The University of Minnesota also offers an accelerated dental program, specifically for dental hygiene students. The School of Dentistry’s accelerated Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene (BSDH) program allows students to complete their degree in just three years, rather than the traditional four-year timeline. This accelerated program is designed for students who have a strong academic background and are committed to advancing their careers in dental hygiene. The curriculum is rigorous, providing students with both theoretical knowledge and hands-on clinical experience, which are essential for success in the field.

One of the key advantages of the University of Minnesota’s accelerated BSDH program is its recognition as one of the first schools in the nation to create an educational program for dental therapists. This pioneering spirit extends to its dental hygiene program, where students are prepared not only to provide high-quality care but also to engage in leadership roles within the dental healthcare community. The program's strong focus on public health and patient care makes it an ideal choice for students who wish to work in diverse settings, including private practices, community clinics, and public health organizations. Moreover, the University of Minnesota is known for its commitment to innovative research and its integration of dental therapy and dental hygiene, which ensures that graduates are prepared for the changing demands of the dental profession.

The Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) offers an accelerated Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program that allows students to complete their education in just 33 months, significantly shortening the typical four-year duration. This program is designed for students who are interested in a scientifically oriented curriculum that integrates both academic and clinical experiences. MCPHS’s accelerated dental hygiene program is ideal for students who are highly motivated and eager to enter the workforce as dental hygienists as quickly as possible. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for licensing exams in their third year, further expediting their transition into the professional world.

MCPHS is chartered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is authorized to grant undergraduate and graduate degrees in health sciences and related fields. The institution is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education, ensuring that the educational programs offered meet the highest standards of quality. The accelerated Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at MCPHS is designed to prepare students for success in a variety of settings, whether in private practice, public health, or educational roles. With its strong focus on both clinical skills and scientific understanding, MCPHS provides students with a well-rounded education that equips them for a fulfilling career in dental hygiene.

Each of these institutions—Boston University, the University of Detroit Mercy, the University of Minnesota, and the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences—offers exceptional accelerated dental degree programs that cater to students who are ready to commit to an intensive and fast-paced education in dental medicine. These programs provide a clear and efficient pathway to a dental career, while also ensuring that students receive the knowledge, clinical training, and professional development necessary to succeed in the field. Whether through an accelerated dental hygiene program at MCPHS or an integrated seven-year dental education program at Boston University, these institutions are leading the way in offering innovative and fast-tracked dental degree options that align with the needs of today’s motivated students. With a combination of rigorous academic standards, innovative curricula, and strong professional training, these accelerated programs are helping to shape the next generation of dental professionals.