What Dental Education Programs Does the UF College of Dentistry Offer?

Updated

The UF College of Dentistry offers four main paths for dental education: the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program, advanced and graduate programs covering all nine American Dental Association (ADA) specialties, Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) programs in Miami/Hialeah and St. Petersburg, and continuing dental education for practicing professionals. Which one fits you depends on whether you are starting your dental training, pursuing a specialty, or maintaining an existing license.

Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

The DMD is the entry-level professional degree for dentists. UF describes it as an excellent education "guided by and grounded in sound scientific evidence," which signals an evidence-based curriculum rather than a technique-only approach.

This path suits you if you do not yet hold a dental degree and want to become a practicing dentist. The site's news section also notes that first-year DMD students take part in oral health research, so research exposure appears early in the program rather than being reserved for graduate students.

Advanced and Graduate Education

For dentists who already hold a DMD or DDS and want to specialize, UFCD states that it offers all nine ADA-recognized dental specialties. That is a useful benchmark: rather than checking specialty by specialty, you can treat "all nine" as the coverage claim and then confirm the specific program you want.

This track fits you if you are choosing a residency or graduate program and want a single institution that spans the full range of recognized specialties.

AEGD Programs

UFCD lists AEGD programs in two locations:

  • Miami/Hialeah
  • St. Petersburg

AEGD is general dentistry training beyond the initial degree, so it suits graduates who want broader clinical experience before committing to a specialty. The two locations matter if geography affects your choice.

Continuing Dental Education

UFCD states it is "committed to dental excellence and your Continuing Education needs." This path is for practicing professionals who need to maintain or expand skills rather than earn a new degree.

Quick Comparison

Program Best for Notes from UFCD
DMD Becoming a dentist Evidence-based; first-year students involved in research
Advanced & Graduate Specializing after DMD/DDS Covers all nine ADA specialties
AEGD Broad general dentistry training Miami/Hialeah and St. Petersburg
Continuing Education Practicing professionals Focused on ongoing professional needs

How to Decide

  • No dental degree yet → DMD.
  • Dental degree, want a specialty → Advanced and graduate programs; confirm your specialty is among the nine.
  • Dental degree, want general practice depth → AEGD in Miami/Hialeah or St. Petersburg.
  • Already practicing → Continuing dental education.

One practical note: the site's news mentions the main entrance to the UF College of Dentistry closed for construction for two years, so if you plan to visit in person, check current access before traveling.