Advanced Standing (DMD) Program

Return to: School of Dental Medicine

The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine is committed to diversity within the dental profession. We have recruited students from more than 20 countries around the globe. Our Advanced Standing students are integrated seamlessly into the predoctoral DMD program and are provided with the same opportunities and incentives as our regular class. We believe in embracing and learning from each other’s diverse backgrounds. Our program also provides numerous possibilities for research, community outreach and a personalized educational experience apart from the already rich, holistic and innovative clinical experience that we provide to our students.

Our Advanced Standing Program for dentists holding a dental degree from other countries employs a mandatory two-year curriculum. Qualified Advanced Standing Program students are placed in the First Professional Program (DMD) as third-year dental students following a mandatory summer program, and must complete the third- and fourth-year curriculum as prescribed. No waiver of classes is granted.

Education and Clinical Care

Our comprehensive clinical care model, coupled with evidence-based practice, allows for limitless student experiences. Utilizing advanced technologies, such as simulation patient labs, CBCT imaging, CAD/CAM, implants, 3D printing and more, provides unlimited opportunities which are student driven and faculty guided. With all eight specialty training programs, plus the country’s flagship dental anesthesiology program, students are trained by experts in these specific fields while enjoying a low student to faculty ratio and a collaborative Pitt Dental Family atmosphere. Additionally,  students gain valuable experience in our renowned Center for Patients with Special Needs and Multidisciplinary Implant Center. Students also may choose to pursue various certificates ranging from dental public health to academic dentistry. Being a part of one of the oldest programs in the country with a strong alumni base and support, students have the prerogative to participate in mentoring experiences, leadership possibilities, and many other social activities. 

The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine participates in the Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (CAAPID) program. The deadline for application is July 5 of the year prior to starting the program. Applications for the Advanced Standing Program that are sent directly to the University of Pittsburgh will not be accepted. Please visit the CAAPID website for specific information.

For detailed information about the program and application requirements and processes, please visit our website. If you have questions, please email us at kaa77@pitt.edu.

About the School

Established in 1896, the University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine has been educating students to take their places among the best dental practitioners, researchers and educators in our region, across the country, and even around the world. We are one of six Schools of Health Sciences at the University and are the only school to manage our own clinic. Our accomplishments reflect the dedication and success of each member of the School of Dental Medicine family. 

We are proud of our long tradition as innovators in dental medicine. Our first female student was admitted 117 years ago, and today more than half of our vibrant and diverse first-year pre-doctoral class are women. We nurture in our students a strong foundation in the biological, behavioral and clinical sciences 
and a belief in the importance of professionalism and life-long learning.
Half a century ago we pioneered the specialty dental care that we now deliver in our fully equipped Center for Patients with Special Needs. The School’s general dental clinics and 11 specialty clinics play an integral role in improving the oral health of the patient population of southwestern Pennsylvania and beyond. Some patients travel hundreds of miles to access the high-quality care our clinics provide every day.

Our researchers expand the horizons of knowledge and are internationally renowned for their groundbreaking developments in the areas of craniofacial genetics and craniofacial regeneration. We are identifying genes that contribute to complex human phenotypes, and are using tissue engineering to heal wounds and restore function and appearance to defects of the face and skull.
Every day, the positive contributions of our faculty, staff, residents and students-the Pitt Dental Medicine family-demonstrate their commitment to our mission of advancing the future of dental medicine through teaching, research and service.

Other Degree Programs

Along with several specialized degree programs, degrees offered at the School of Dental Medicine include the doctor of dental medicine (DMD); doctor of philosophy (PhD); master of science (MS); master of public health (MPH) offered in conjunction with the Graduate School of Public Health; and bachelor of science (BS).

The four-year Predoctoral (DMD) Program   prepares students to provide comprehensive care to a diverse patient population. The competency-based curriculum emphasizes health promotion and disease prevention, and prepares students to provide individualized treatments using the best scientific evidence available. Graduates are equipped to practice as independent, entry-level general practitioners. 

The Oral Biology Program (MS and PhD)   encompasses the study of fundamental biological phenomena related to the development, structure, and function of the craniofacial region as well as the development of new therapies, biomaterials, and diagnostic tools for the treatment of diseases and disorders in the craniofacial area with the aim of improving health. Current research focuses involve craniofacial regeneration and genetics. 

In collaboration with Pitt Public Health, the four-year DMD/MPH in dental public health offers customizable course selection with a special emphasis on oral health-specific public health issues. 

The University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine’s Dental Hygiene Program provides students a unique academic environment where they can earn either an Associate of Science or a Bachelors Degree in Dental Hygiene.   The intreprofessional educational experiences within the school’s specialty dental clinics and the University-based hospitals, in conjunction with didactic, community outreach, and research activities, affords the delivery of high-quality education.

Research Strengths

Pitt Dental Medicine is ranked 7th nationally for NIDCR research funding. Students have the opportunity to participate in innovative research involving craniofacial and dental genetics, craniofacial regeneration, informatics, caries research, the county’s first DNA registry and repository obtained from saliva samples, and many clinical and translational projects.

Research efforts include dental and craniofacial genetics, craniofacial anomalies, caries, periodontal disease, pharmacology, pain control, tissue engineering, craniofacial regeneration, educational research, informatics, and implantology.
Identification 
The School of Dental Medicine is undertaking investigations to identify genes that contribute to complex human phenotypes, primarily those involved in dental and craniofacial disorders, including behavioral and epidemiological factors. New territory is being charted to develop the first-known collection of DNA samples paired with anonymized dental records to support genetics research. 
Treatment 
Tissue engineering-based approaches are being developed to treat complex multi-structural wounds and defects of the face and skull in a way that restores both function and appearance. The school is at the forefront of research to develop relevant translational treatment solutions usable by practicing dentists. 
Application 
The School of Dental Medicine is identifying factors that lead to oral health disparities in children and families in Appalachia. Oral public health research leads to improved interventions, understanding, and advancements for the future of oral health education and treatment. 

Advanced Standing Curriculum

Advanced Standing students are required to take a summer course before they join other DMD students in their third and fourth years. Learn more about the third- and fourth-year curriculum for Predoctoral DMD  students.