Arkansas has made significant strides in dental education, offering a variety of programs for those interested in pursuing careers in dentistry. From Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees to dental hygiene and assisting programs, the state provides diverse pathways for aspiring dental professionals. This guide highlights five prominent dental schools in Arkansas, detailing their programs, admissions criteria, and unique features.
Top 5 Dental Schools in Arkansas
1. Lyon College School of Dental Medicine – Little Rock
The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine (LCSDM), located in Little Rock’s Riverdale neighborhood, is Arkansas’s first dental school. Set to welcome its inaugural class in June 2025, LCSDM offers a three-year, year-round DMD program designed to integrate foundational biomedical sciences with early clinical exposure. Students will engage in over 4,000 hours of patient care experiences, preparing them for diverse dental practice environments. The school emphasizes a comprehensive approach to patient care, aiming to address the state’s oral health challenges by training competent dental professionals.
The program follows a continuous, three-year, six-semester model, with tuition and fees for each semester set at $51,000. Additional expenses such as housing, meals, transportation, and miscellaneous costs are not included in this amount and should be factored into a student’s overall budget. The school has received initial accreditation from the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), marking a historic milestone for Arkansas.
2. University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS) – Fort Smith
The University of Arkansas – Fort Smith (UAFS) offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene through its College of Health, Education, and Human Sciences. This 120-credit-hour program combines general education, biomedical sciences, and dental hygiene courses, culminating in didactic, laboratory, and clinical education experiences. Graduates are prepared to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination and the regional clinical examination, essential steps toward licensure. UAFS emphasizes a comprehensive education that prepares students to serve as advocates for oral health care.
Admission to the program is highly selective. Applicants must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 for all college coursework and be in good academic standing. Additionally, they must complete required prerequisite courses for the dental hygiene program with a minimum grade of C or higher in each course before the application deadline. The program also requires applicants to take the ATI-TEAS entrance exam.
3. University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC) – North Little Rock
UA-PTC offers a Dental Assisting program that provides both a certificate and an Associate of Applied Science degree. The program is designed to equip students with the skills necessary to work as dental assistants in various settings. The curriculum includes instruction in chairside assisting, radiography, dental materials, and office management. Graduates are prepared to take the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) examination, a critical step for certification.
The Dental Assisting program is a 9-month program that begins every August for students accepted into the program. It follows the regular school calendar with graduation in May. The program is daytime only, with class times Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and clinical hours in the spring following the clinical facility’s hours of operation.
4. University of Arkansas – Fayetteville – Fayetteville
While the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville does not have a dental school, it offers a robust pre-dental program through its Department of Anthropology. The program provides students with the necessary coursework and guidance to prepare for dental school admissions. Students are advised on course selection, Dental Admission Test (DAT) preparation, and the application process. The university also offers assistance with obtaining letters of recommendation and preparing for interviews.
The pre-dental program emphasizes the importance of academic performance, particularly in science courses, and encourages students to gain experience in the dental profession through observation and shadowing. The program provides resources and support to help students navigate the dental school application process, including information on the AADSAS application system and guidance on selecting appropriate dental schools.
5. University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) – Little Rock
UAMS offers a Dental Hygiene program through its College of Health Professions. The program provides students with comprehensive education and clinical experience in dental hygiene. Graduates are prepared to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination and the clinical licensing examination. UAMS emphasizes interprofessional education, allowing dental hygiene students to collaborate with students from other health professions.
The Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene program at UAMS is committed to student engagement, advancing the profession, and increasing oral health literacy in the state. The newly renovated Dental Hygiene Student Clinic, along with clinical rotation sites, offer students diverse clinical experiences to equip them with skills to become competent oral health care providers. The program continually seeks opportunities to serve underserved populations.
Guidance for Prospective Dental Students in Arkansas
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Early Preparation: Begin fulfilling prerequisite courses and gaining clinical experience well in advance.
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Personal Statement: Craft a compelling narrative that reflects your motivation and suitability for a dental career.
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Interview Readiness: Develop strong communication skills and familiarize yourself with common interview questions.
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Application Review: Ensure all components of your application are meticulously reviewed for accuracy and coherence.
Utilizing professional services like Dental School Personal Statement Editing and Dental School Primary Application Review from Code Blue Essays can significantly enhance your application quality and readiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there any DMD programs in Arkansas?
Yes, the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine in Little Rock offers a DMD program starting in June.
What are the options for dental hygiene education in Arkansas?
Both UAFS and UAMS offer accredited dental hygiene programs leading to licensure.
Can I pursue dental assisting education in Arkansas?
Yes, UA-PTC offers a Dental Assisting program with both certificate and associate degree options.
Does the University of Arkansas – Fayetteville offer a dental program?
While it doesn’t have a dental school, it provides a pre-dental program to prepare students for dental school admissions.
Conclusion
Arkansas offers a range of educational pathways for those interested in dental professions, from DMD programs to dental hygiene and assisting courses. With the establishment of the Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, the state has expanded its offerings, providing more opportunities for residents to pursue careers in dentistry. Prospective students should carefully consider each program’s offerings and requirements, and seek guidance to enhance their application process.