Kentucky's premier dental school, training competent, community-minded dentists since 1962.
The college offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and six postdoctoral specialty programs: General Practice Dentistry, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, and Periodontics. Graduate students in Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics, and Periodontics earn a Master of Science degree from the University of Kentucky Graduate School alongside their specialty certificate. All seven programs hold full accreditation by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The college also offers a 6-month Dental Assisting Training program and continuing education options.
Located in Lexington, a top-ranked college town within a day's drive of two-thirds of the U.S. population, UKCD provides a suburban setting with modern instructional technologies and a low student-to-teacher ratio. The college emphasizes a collegial atmosphere between faculty and students, fostering a unique educational environment. Students are engaged in community service, philanthropy, and international service trips. The college is one of the smaller dental schools in the country, supporting personalized learning experiences for its ~315 students.
UKCD seeks well-rounded, service-minded dental professionals committed to community engagement. The college offers DMD admissions with pre-dental requirements and technical standards for admission. Prospective students can participate in tours and advising sessions. The college also accepts postdoctoral and dental assistant training applicants. Financial aid is available for DMD students.
The college maintains active research programs including studies on alternatives to dental opioid prescribing, the Kentucky Oral Health Innovation Initiative, and surveillance of oral health in opioid use disorder (SCOPE). Faculty members are recognized with University Research Professorships for outstanding research achievements. Students are encouraged to engage in research and present findings at national conferences.