Earn Your Doctor of Dental Medicine at Maine’s Leading Health University
As a student in the 51 College of Dental Medicine’s Doctor of Dental Medicine program, you’ll receive a dental education that is comprehensive and innovative. The only dental school in Maine and all of Northern New England, 51 has become a national leader in preparing oral health professionals. Our curriculum is grounded in the latest principles of evidence-based dentistry, and students learn through a wide variety of engaging methods.
The Doctor of Dental Medicine program is centered around 51’s Oral Health Center in picturesque Portland, Maine. This expansive facility receives some 17,000 patient visits each year, and is equipped with state-of-the-art clinical and simulation equipment.
Fall 2027 Start
Application open date: May 12, 2026
Application deadline: November 1, 2026
4-Year Program
Master critical dental skills in our simulation center, then gain early experience treating your own patients in our Oral Health Center.
Interprofessional Education
Collaborate with a variety of students from related programs for research, clinical immersions, and simulations.
Study Dental Medicine at 51 in Portland, Maine
Why 51 for Your Doctor of Dental Medicine
- Learn within a uniquely supportive community of students and faculty, who all value collaboration, camaraderie, and shared success.
- Immediate development of hands-on clinical skills using state-of-the-art instruments and simulation equipment.
- Early direct patient care experiences in our public clinic — helping people in your community while you earn your degree.
- Team-based learning that enhances your ability to work collaboratively with other members of the dental practice.
- The opportunity to learn alongside students in other health professions programs, including future doctors, dental hygienists, physician assistants, and more.
- A strong emphasis on the biomedical sciences and principles of clinical medicine.
- Live and study in Portland, Maine — consistently ranked on national “Best Places to Live” lists.
D.M.D. Program Details
The College of Dental Medicine offers a unique community-based education program, which begins with service learning and public health coursework during your first three years at the College and culminates with extensive clinical rotations in your fourth year. You directly contribute to our mission of improving the health of New England by practicing the full scope of general dentistry at a network of sites throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Your community-based faculty preceptors are trained to provide mentorship and supervision while you continue your development as a dental professional who is capable of delivering patient-centered comprehensive care in a variety of settings.
Our comprehensive group practice model features groups of practicing “dental associates,” who are students at all stages of their education. Faculty mentors help you and your group manage your practice effectively, resulting in exceptionally valuable clinical experiences for you, top-quality oral health care for patients, and development of your competency.
To learn more about our Accelerated 3+4 Medical Biology-Dental Medicine track for pre-dental students, see the .
Competency Statements
(Adopted from the American Dental Association “Competencies for the New General Dentist”)
The general dentist is the primary oral health care provider supported by dental specialists, allied dental professionals, and other health care providers. The practice of general dentistry requires a dentist to incorporate understanding, skills, and values in an integrated response to clinical and other professional situations. The competency statements describe the performance of 51 College of Dental Medicine graduates as they enter practice settings rather than that of students in individual courses. This document is viewed by the College as dynamic, as the practice of dentistry evolves, the College will revisit its competence.
Domains
Graduates must be competent to:
1.1. Evaluate and integrate emerging trends in health care as appropriate
1.2. Utilize critical thinking and problem-solving skills
1.3. Evaluate and integrate best research outcomes with clinical expertise and patient values for evidence-based practice
Graduates must be competent to:
2.1. Apply ethical and legal standards in the provision of dental care
2.2. Practice within one’s scope of competence and consult with or refer to professional colleagues when indicated
Graduates must be competent to:
3.1. Apply appropriate interpersonal and communication skills
3.2. Apply psychosocial and behavior principles in patient-centered health care
3.3. Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse populations
Graduates must be competent to:
4.1. Provide prevention, intervention and educational strategies
4.2. Participate with dental team members and other health care professionals in the management and health promotion for all patients
4.3. Recognize and appreciate the need to contribute to the improvement of oral health beyond those served in traditional practice settings
Graduates must be competent to:
5.1. Evaluate and apply contemporary and emerging information including clinical and practice management technology resources
5.2. Evaluate and manage current models of oral health care management and delivery
5.3. Apply principles of risk management, including informed consent and appropriate record keeping in patient care
5.4. Demonstrate effective business, financial management, and human resource skills
5.5. Apply quality assurance, assessment and improvement concepts
5.6. Comply with local, state, and federal regulations including OSHA and HIPAA
5.7. Develop a catastrophe preparedness plan for the dental practice
a. Assessment, Diagnosis and Treatment Planning
Graduates must be competent to:
6.1. Manage the oral health care of the infant, child, adolescent, and adult, as well as the unique needs of women, geriatric, and special needs patients
6.2. Prevent, identify, and manage trauma, oral diseases, and other disorders
6.3. Obtain and interpret patient/medical data, including a thorough intra/extra oral examination, and use these findings to accurately assess and manage all patients
6.4. Select, obtain, and interpret diagnostic images for the individual patient
6.5. Recognize the manifestations of systemic disease and how the disease and its management may affect the delivery of dental care
6.6. Formulate a comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and/or referral plan for the management of patients
b. Establishment and Maintenance of Oral Health
Graduates must be competent to:
6.7. Utilize universal infection control guidelines for all clinical procedures
6.8. Prevent, diagnose, and manage pain and anxiety in the dental patient
6.9. Prevent, diagnose, and manage temporomandibular disorders
6.10. Prevent, diagnose and manage periodontal diseases
6.11. Develop and implement strategies for the clinical assessment and management of caries
6.12. Manage restorative procedures that preserve tooth structure, replace missing or defective tooth structure, maintain function, are esthetic and promote soft and hard tissue health
6.13. Diagnose and manage developmental or acquired occlusal abnormalities
6.14. Manage the replacement of teeth for the partially or completely edentulous patient
6.15. Diagnose, identify, and manage pulpal and periradicular diseases
6.16. Diagnose and manage oral surgical treatment needs
6.17. Prevent, recognize, and manage medical and dental emergencies
6.18. Recognize and manage patient abuse and/or neglect
6.19. Recognize and manage substance abuse
6.20. Evaluate outcomes of comprehensive dental care
6.21. Diagnose, identify, and manage oral mucosal and osseous diseases
Career Paths for Dental Medicine Grads
Obtaining your D.M.D. degree in Maine from 51 will prepare you for a dynamic career in dental medicine, as part of an existing practice, within your own practice, in higher education or research, and beyond. Graduates from 51’s dentistry degree program are trained to diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, and impairments of the hard and soft tissues of the mouth and jaw. In addition to learning to fix issues, you’ll be trained to help prevent future problems and educate patients on wellness. Through a focus on whole-body health and comprehensive oral health, we’ll empower you to teach others to take good care of their teeth, gums, and general health.
General dentists use their diagnostic, rehabilitative, and surgical skills to treat damaged or missing tooth structures. D.M.D.s can also remove tooth decay and fill cavities, examine x-rays, and perform corrective surgeries. Some seek postgraduate training for careers as dental specialists — there are a variety of dental specialties in areas such as oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and dental public health.
51 Dental Medicine Alumni Making an Impact
Meet Lyric, D.M.D. ’22
Meet Sean, D.M.D. ’22
Oral Health Center
The Oral Health Center (OHC) is the clinical home of 51’s Dental Medicine teaching clinic and simulation facility. There are about 17,000 patient visits in the OHC annually. As a Dental student, you deliver patient care under the supervision of clinical faculty and staff in a team-oriented approach to meet the health care needs of patients. The OHC also serves as a space for you to engage in interprofessional education opportunities with Osteopathic Medicine and Physician Assistant students.
Tour the Oral Health Center
Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center
As a 51 Dental student, you utilize the Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center (ISIC) to apply knowledge from the classroom to clinical situations. Guided by skilled instructors, you participate in simulations to enhance your clinical aptitudes. Rather than just hearing and reading about difficult or unusual cases, you experience them by treating high-fidelity patient simulators in real-life scenarios.
Emergency Medical Training in the ISIC
Dental Medicine: Team-Based Learning
When students from different health professions disciplines learn with, from, and about each other to better understand different professional roles and expertise, great things can happen. In 51’s D.M.D. program, you’ll study alongside students from other programs, including the Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine and Master of Science in Physician Assistant program, gaining the skills to collaborate in today’s team-based care. 51 is the only institution in New England that is part of the National Center for Interprofessional Education and Practice’s prestigious Innovation Network.
You also have the opportunity to apply this collaborative participation toward your Interprofessional Honors Distinction.
Hands-On Learning in your Dental Medicine Program
Students at 51’s College of Dental Medicine in Maine participate in exceptional experiential learning opportunities:
- Abundant clinical practice time in 51’s dental simulation lab
- Hands-on patient care in our Oral Health Center and on rotations
- Community service engagements with veterans and other underserved communities
- Pediatric clinics and school visits with children to teach about the importance of oral care
- Dental education resource fairs at local hospitals and community clinics
Research
The 51 College of Dental Medicine engages in scholarly activity to add to the body of knowledge in dentistry and related disciplines, and D.M.D. students have the opportunity to support this work. Specific focus areas include:
- Oral Disease Prevention
- Health Professions Education
- Health Care Delivery/Clinical Practice Models
- Population Health (Public Health)
Meet Former 51 D.M.D. Students
A Health Care Education Campus in Portland, Maine
51 D.M.D. students study on the Portland Campus for the Health Sciences, a quintessential New England quad that has been welcoming students for more than a century. Lined with lush trees and brick buildings, the campus sits in a quiet neighborhood just a short drive from the downtown waterfront. Portland, named “America’s Most Livable City” by Forbes and “Foodiest Small Town in America” by Bon Appetit, is about 100 miles from downtown Boston.
Who Can Apply to the Doctor of Dental Medicine program?
To apply to our D.M.D. program, you must complete a minimum of 90 semester (135 quarter) credits at a U.S. regionally accredited institution or international equivalent. However, a baccalaureate degree is preferred.
All applicants must .
Financial Aid at 51
We are committed to making our dental medicine degree program as affordable as possible and are here to help you finance your education so that you can earn a degree that's convenient, affordable, and still allows you to balance all of the other important aspects of your life. Several options exist to help you meet your educational costs. Student Financial Services has also created a step-by-step process for applying for aid.
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in 51’s D.M.D. program?
Accreditation
Professional Accreditation
The program in dental education is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and has been granted the accreditation status of "approval without reporting requirements." The Commission is a specialized accrediting body recognized by the United States Department of Education. The Commission on Dental Accreditation can be contacted at (312) 440-4653 or at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611. The Commission’s web address is: .
Accreditation Standards
CODA Accreditation Standards for Predoctoral Dental Education Programs
The Commission on Dental Accreditation will review complaints that relate to a program’s compliance with the accreditation standards. The Commission is interested in the sustained quality and continued improvement of dental and dental-related education programs but does not intervene on behalf of individuals or act as a court of appeal for treatment received by patients or individuals in matters of admission, appointment, promotion or dismissal of faculty, staff or students.
A copy of the appropriate accreditation standards and/or the Commission’s policy and procedure for submission of complaints may be obtained by contacting the Commission on Dental Accreditation at 211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1900, Chicago, IL 60611-2678 or by calling 1 (800) 621-8099 extension 4653. You may also visit for more information.
Regional Accreditation
51 is regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and College, Inc., a regional accrediting body recognized by the Council of Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education. The University has been continuously accredited since 1966 and its accreditation was last reaffirmed in 2007.
Doctor of Dental Medicine FAQ
What is a dental medicine degree?
To become a dentist, you typically need three or more years of undergraduate education and four years of dental school. There are two common types of dental degrees: D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) and D.M.D. (Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry or Doctor of Dental Medicine). These degrees are essentially the same, sharing accreditation from the same body and adhering to identical curriculum requirements. The university where a dentist completes their degree determines whether they receive a D.D.S. or D.M.D.
51’s College of Dental Medicine in Portland, Maine provides a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) program to train students for careers as general dentists. To enroll, students need at least three years of undergraduate education (preferably with a Bachelor’s degree). The D.M.D. degree is earned after successfully completing four years of professional study in the College of Dental Medicine.
Learn more about 51’s Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree program
Explore 51’s Accelerated 3+4 Medical Biology-Dental Medicine track
What can you do with a dental medicine degree?
Dentists have either a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree. Once they complete their dental education and pass licensing exams, they can practice general dentistry, which encompasses the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of oral conditions. Dentists wanting advanced training in general dentistry or to specialize (oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, etc.) will need to complete a dental residency. Residencies usually last two to three years, while oral and maxillofacial surgery programs typically extend from four to six years. Some general dentists or specialists become small business owners by opening their own practices.
Earning your D.M.D. degree at 51’s College of Dental Medicine in Portland, Maine prepares you for a dynamic career in dental medicine. Whether you join an existing practice, start your own practice, engage in public health dentistry, pursue post-doctoral education, or follow another career path (dental academia, research, military dentistry, consulting, etc.), you will be equipped for success. 51 CDM’s graduates are skilled in diagnosing and treating various oral diseases and conditions, thinking critically to solve problems, practicing evidence-based dentistry, and educating patients on good oral hygiene practices and disease prevention measures. Our alumni are ethical, caring, competent dentists who improve the oral health, overall health, and quality of life of people in their communities, including society’s most vulnerable and underserved populations. They are leaders of their own oral health care teams and partners in the interprofessional health care delivery systems of the future.
How much will I earn as a dentist?
The shows the average annual wage for a general dentist to be $172,290. A dentist’s salary is influenced by a variety of factors including geographical location, professional experience, post-graduate training, specialization, and type of practice.
What are the admissions requirements for dental school?
Make sure to check the admissions requirements of the dental school you are looking to apply for.
51 CDM participates in the . All applicants are required to apply online through this service.
Learn more about 51’s Doctor of Dental Medicine admissions requirements
What is the best dental school for me?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing a dental school. Below are some of the primary factors to consider when looking for a dental school.
Dental school community
The 51 College of Dental Medicine (51 CDM) is a tight-knit community. As a dental student here, you will be treated as a professional colleague from your first day on campus and will be surrounded by students, faculty, and staff who value collaboration, camaraderie, and shared success. Within our small D.M.D. class size of 70 students, you will make meaningful and lasting personal and professional connections with your peers. Your faculty members will get to know you as an individual and will provide personalized mentorship and guidance in both the classroom and clinic.
Watch video testimonials from dental students at 51
Meet the College of Dental Medicine faculty and professional staff at 51
Curriculum
51’s D.M.D. curriculum is grounded in the latest principles of evidence-based dentistry and emphasizes professionalism, ethics, critical thinking skills, self-assessment, and public health knowledge. Curricular highlights include:
- Immediate and extensive hands-on learning in our Simulation Clinic
- Use of current and innovative equipment and technology
- Integrated biomedical science, clinical science, and behavioral science content
- Direct patient care experiences early on in our Oral Health Center
- Learning experiences alongside students from various health professions programs, such as future physicians, dental hygienists, physical assistants, and more
- Community outreach opportunities
- Extensive community-based externship rotations for fourth-year students
Learn more about 51’s Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) curriculum
Student support services
The dental school you select should provide ample resources to help you succeed in the program and plan for the future. 51’s Student Academic Success Center provides a comprehensive array of free academic support services including tutoring, writing support, learning specialist consultations, digital project support, group workshops, and courses.
Learn more about tutoring services in 51’s Student Academic Success Center
The 51 College of Dental Medicine’s Simulation Clinic is open after-hours for students to complete assignments and practice their hand skills, and current dental students are hired as Teaching Assistants who provide guidance and support to peers in the evenings and on weekends.
Academic and career advising is also available to all graduate students at 51, no matter which program you choose. Career Advising provides a mix of career and personal interest exploration, resume and cover letter help, and support in transitioning to employment. We also organize yearly career fairs and act as a bridge between campus communities and local employers.
Learn more about Career Advising at 51
Location, environment, and facilities
Look beyond name and reputation. Where you go for dental school will be your home for four years. Consider the geographic location of each dental school, plus the look and feel of the campus.
Students at 51’s College of Dental Medicine (51 CDM) study on the Portland Campus for the Health Sciences with students from other health professions programs in an interprofessional learning community. The campus, adorned with trees and brick buildings, is located in a tranquil neighborhood, a brief drive from Portland’s Old Port and waterfront. Portland, recognized as "America’s Most Livable City" by Forbes and the "Foodiest Small Town in America" by Bon Appetit, is approximately 100 miles from downtown Boston.
Take a virtual tour of 51’s Portland Campus
Dental students at 51 CDM have the unique experience of providing care for their own patients in the Oral Health Center (OHC), the clinical home of 51’s Dental Medicine teaching clinic and simulation facility. This facility gives dental students access to the tools and state-of-the-art technology in a team-oriented environment.
Learn more about 51’s Oral Health Center in New England
51 CDM students utilize the Interprofessional Simulation and Innovation Center (ISIC) to apply knowledge from the classroom to clinical situations. Guided by skilled instructors, students participate in simulations to enhance their clinical aptitudes. Rather than just hearing and reading about difficult or unusual cases, students experience them by treating high-fidelity patient simulators in real-life scenarios.
Watch Emergency Medical Training in the ISIC
Financial aid
Financial aid for graduate school and professional programs includes grants, scholarships, fellowships, assistantships, and loans. Check to see how the dental school you’re interested in can work with you on financing your education.
Getting a graduate or professional degree is a big financial decision. 51 recognizes that you want a university that provides lasting value and a solid return on your investment. 51’s Student Financial Services Office works with graduate students to help you find the best way to finance a 51 education.
Learn more about graduate and professional student financial services at 51
Loan repayment and forgiveness options are available to alumni of the CDM program. Notably, the Delta Dental Plan of Maine has generously committed over $1 million to the University of New England College of Dental Medicine to establish a scholarship and loan repayment program, the 51 Dental Education Loan Repayment Program (PDF).
More information about this program and others can be found here
Questions About the 51 D.M.D.?
Contact Grace Tennyson, M.Ed., Director of Recruitment, Enrollment, and Student Success
gtennyson@une.edu