If you already know you want to be a dentist, a combined program can sound like a shortcut. You earn a bachelor's degree and a dental degree in one connected path, sometimes in fewer years than usual. Many high school students and their families start researching these options early.
BS/DDS programs, also called BS/DMD or combined baccalaureate and dental degree programs, link your undergraduate studies with dental school. In this guide, you will learn how these programs work, how long they take, and what it usually takes to stay in one. You will also find questions to help you decide whether a combined path fits you, or whether a traditional route makes more sense. Program rules vary widely, so always confirm details with each school.
According to ADEA, numerous dental schools offer formal combined baccalaureate and dental degree programs. In some, both parts take place at the same university. Others come from agreements between a dental school and separate undergraduate colleges. ADEA notes that some programs can shorten the length of training, and it advises contacting schools directly for details.
The ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools lists schools with combined degree programs. Use it as a starting point for your research.
Length depends on the program. Two real examples show the range:
Timing differs too. Some programs admit students during their first years of college. UF asks high school students to wait until the end of their freshman year at UF to apply. Howard limits its program to current Howard students, with freshmen and sophomores eligible to join. Read each program's eligibility page closely.
Admission to a combined program usually comes with conditions. UF, for example, lists requirements students must meet before they enroll in dental school, including:
These standards are demanding. They also mean your place in dental school depends on your performance along the way. Ask every program what happens if a student does not meet a requirement.
Combined programs can save time and give you a clear path. They also ask you to commit early, often before you have spent much time in dental settings. Ask yourself:
A traditional four-year degree followed by dental school remains a strong path. Our guide to the best pre-dental majors explains how to plan prerequisites in any field, and our pre-dental timeline shows the steps year by year.
Whichever path you choose, early experience helps you decide with confidence. High school students can start with shadowing, health fairs or structured programs. Our article on high school volunteer abroad programs explains what to look for in a safe, ethical option. A dental service learning trip is one way to see dental care in community settings. On Smiles Movement trips, students shadow local dental professionals at mobile clinics and help with oral health education for children in partner communities.
A combined program can be a great fit for students who are sure about dentistry and ready for a fast pace. Either way, real experience helps you choose well. Fill out the form or download our brochure to get more information about upcoming programs and trip dates.
It depends on the program. Some take six or seven years instead of the usual eight, such as Howard's six-year program and UF's seven-year program.
Programs usually set conditions, such as minimum GPAs, DAT scores and interviews. Your place depends on meeting those requirements.
Some programs admit students early in college instead of directly from high school. Check each program's eligibility rules and application timeline.