Why ECU?
In ECU’s School of Dental Medicine, we use a nationally unique model of education and patient care. We are not only preparing new dentists for North Carolina, but we are also finding solutions to the lack of access to dental care for many people in our state.
We’ve literally opened doors to access through our eight community service learning centers (CSLCs) run by our faculty directors and staffed by faculty, students and residents. The CSLCs are considered the “fifth floor” of Ross Hall, the on-campus home of the School of Dental Medicine, because of the hands-on learning experience they provide students. Beyond the vital education setting they provide, the CSLCs and Ross Hall clinics have allowed us to treat patients from all 100 North Carolina counties.
Our students receive classroom instruction and hands-on training in Ledyard E. Ross Hall on ECU’s Health Sciences Campus, using the latest state-of-the-art technology and equipment and the most modern methods of treatment and care. During their fourth year, students complete three nine-week rotations at the CSLCs, giving them a well-rounded and diverse experience serving patient populations in different parts of North Carolina.
In addition to a unique educational structure, you’ll have opportunities to pursue leadership and advocacy experiences that will prepare you for a future in the field of dental medicine. Our students have served in student dental organizations at the state and national levels and participated in advocacy activities that enabled them to keep tabs on big issues facing dentists and their patients.
As a student in ECU’s School of Dental Medicine, you will have opportunities to challenge yourself, grow as a future dental professional and receive an education rivaled by no other curriculum in the nation.
A Mission to Serve
If you have a passion for improving the quality of life of North Carolinians, especially the underserved, the ECU School of Dental Medicine may be a great choice for you. As a pre-doctoral dental student, you will join faculty and students who encourage your success every step of the way. Our program embraces a humanistic culture in which collaboration, creativity, respect and professionalism are essential.
The dental profession offers exciting opportunities for highly motivated individuals to serve others by improving their quality of life. At the ECU School of Dental Medicine, we offer rich and rewarding opportunities for students.
As our mission statement says, our school is addressing North Carolina’s shortage of dentists. Accordingly, admission to the dental program is limited to residents of the State of North Carolina.
We are proud to recruit, admit, enroll and graduate talented individuals who will serve as leaders in their profession and in their communities across the state of North Carolina.
Programs
Our pre-doctoral program leads to a doctor of dental medicine degree (DMD). We also offer post-doctoral programs in advanced education in general dentistry, general practice residency and pediatric dentistry.
First Things First
Your first step is to earn a college degree from a four-year institution in the US or Canada. You can choose any major you wish, as long as you meet the course prerequisites for dental school.
The Experience
Dental school is a four-year commitment. For the first three years of the program, you will attend classes, labs and clinics in Ledyard E. Ross Hall, our state-of-the-art facility on ECU’s Health Sciences Campus. Ross Hall offers the latest in educational technology, patient care simulation, patient care clinics and teledentistry.
During your second year, you will begin the clinical phase of your education gaining hands-on experience providing patient care. You will continue to develop your patient care skills throughout your third year, and you will learn how to be a leader of the dental team.
During your fourth year, you will have the opportunity to provide patient care as you work alongside dental faculty, residents and other professionals in our CSLCs across North Carolina. You will play an important role in reaching out to the communities, promoting oral health and encouraging younger people to consider dental medicine as a profession.
For a more detailed look at the various course descriptions throughout the program, we invite you to review the ECU SoDM Course Map with Hours.
Accreditation
The School of Dental Medicine has completed the requirements for initial accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Contact Us
Contact us with your questions at sodmadmissions@ecu.edu.