LLU School of Dentistry offers the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in dental hygiene. Qualified DDS students at LLU looking to enter research or academic fields may elect to work toward a combined degree -- either a Master of Science (MS) degree or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree.
LLU School of Dentistry also offers advanced dental education programs in a variety of specializations. There are a total of eight programs that award graduates with a professional certificate and either an optional MS degree or a Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) degree as the following dental specialists:
- Endodontists (root canal therapy)
- Orthodontist (dental braces)
- Oral Surgeon (all forms of oral surgery, including wisdom teeth extractions)
- Pediatric dentist (specializes in working with children)
- Periodontist (gum disease treatment)
- Prosthodontist (dental crown, dental bridge, veneers, etc.)
- Dental anesthesiology
- Implant dentistry
The International Dentist Program at Loma Linda University prepares dentists who have been trained in countries outside of the United States to earn a DDS degree.
The Post-Baccalaureate Program at the LLU School of Dentistry provides academic support, guidance and clinical observation to academically and/or economically disadvantaged students who have not gained entry into a dental school. The hope is that the extra training and support will translate into successful admission into dental school.
LLU partners with the American Academy of Implant Dentistry to provide MaxiCourse®, which includes more than 300 hours of lectures, lab sessions, live surgical demos and clinic experience placing dental implants on real patients. This continuing education course is available to general dentists and specialists alike. The LLU School of Dentistry also offers several online and continuing dental education courses for established dental professionals.
