Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
General Information: Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Overview
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the the University of Southern California stands as one of the distinguished dental schools in the United States with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1897. As USC’s dedicated dental school, Ostrow offers rigorous training in clinical practice, research, and community service across a range of specialties. Students in the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program benefit from a learner-centered curriculum where early exposure to simulation labs and problem-based learning helps bridge theory and clinical practice.
Beyond DDS, the school provides advanced degrees and certificate options in areas such as craniofacial biology, biomaterials, oral pathology, orofacial pain, community oral health and other specialties. The institution is committed to serving local communities through mobile clinics and outreach efforts, enabling students to gain real-world clinical experience while delivering care to underserved populations. Through research in craniofacial molecular biology, biomaterials, and dental innovation, the school strives to push boundaries in oral health. The environment attracts students who value the interplay of science, clinical work, and public health, all within the broader setting of USC’s research ecosystem and Los Angeles’s diverse patient population.
Contact Information
Address: 925 West 34th Street, Los Angeles, California 90089-0641
Phone (Main): (213) 740-2800
Academic Affairs Office Phone: (213) 740-1001
Academic Affairs Email: dental.oaa@usc.edu
Admissions Office Phone: (213) 740-2851
Admissions Email: uscsdadm@usc.edu
School Facts (Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry)
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1897 |
| Type | Private, professional dental school |
| Affiliation | University of Southern California (USC) |
| Dean | Yang Chai, DDS, PhD (Interim) |
| Academic Staff | Approximately 726 |
| Student Levels | DDS, MS, PhD, certificate/continuing education |
| Campus Setting | Urban, integrated with USC health sciences campus |
| Clinic Volume | Serves over 12,000 patients annually in school-supervised clinics |
| Mobile / Community Outreach | Free dental care to more than 17,500 individuals annually via mobile clinics |
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Rankings
| Ranking Metric | Position / Note |
|---|---|
| National Dental School Reputation | Considered among leading U.S. dental schools (selectivity, research activity) |
| Acceptance / Selectivity Ranking | Very selective; overall acceptance ~4–6 % in recent cycles |
| Specialty / Research Strengths | Recognized for strength in biomaterials, craniofacial biology, oral medicine, and community health |
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Academics
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Faculties / Departments
The school is structured into divisions or departments that reflect its professional and research mission. Key departments/divisions include:
- Department of Craniofacial Biology
- Division of Biokinesiology & Physical Therapy
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
- Department of Orthodontics
- Department of Restorative Dentistry / Prosthodontics
- Department of Periodontology
- Department of Endodontics
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry
- Department of Oral Biology / Pathology
- Community Oral Health / Public Health Dentistry
- Continuing Education & Certificate Programs
- Clinical Affairs & Hospital / Patient Care Services
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Courses and Programs / Majors
Programs and offerings include (not exhaustive):
• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
• Master of Science in Biomaterials and Digital Dentistry
• MS in Biomedical Implants and Tissue Engineering
• PhD in Craniofacial Biology
• Online or hybrid certificates / MS in Orofacial Pain & Oral Medicine
• Certificate in Oral Pathology & Radiology
• Certificate / MS in Community Oral Health
• Certificate / programs in Geriatric Dentistry
• Advanced specialty residencies (e.g. Oral Surgery, Endodontics, Orthodontics)
• Continuing education courses for practicing dentists
Online Learning
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry offers online and hybrid master’s and certificate programs geared toward practicing professionals. These options allow oral health professionals to further specialize (e.g. in orofacial pain, oral pathology, community oral health) without full relocation. The school does not currently offer the DDS program entirely online, given its necessity for hands-on clinical training, but the advanced and continuing education offerings make flexible learning feasible for working clinicians.
Average Test Scores (DAT, GPA etc.)
| Indicator | Average / Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DAT Academic Average | ~ 20.7 – 20.9 | Typical accepted class average |
| Cumulative GPA | ~ 3.67 – 3.78 | Science GPA often similar or slightly lower |
| Science GPA | ~ 3.70 | Many accepted students cluster around these figures |
Retention and Graduation Rates
Because the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry is a professional school with a fixed cohort size and rigorous progression standards, retention rates tend to be high, with most students who matriculate completing the program. Graduation (completion) rates approach near 100 % over the four-year DDS curriculum, barring attrition for academic or personal reasons. The sequential and cohort-based structure ensures strong continuity and support to maintain student progress.
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Admissions
GPA Range and DAT Range
Admission is highly competitive. Successful applicants typically present cumulative GPAs in the range of approximately 3.60 to 3.90 or higher, with science GPAs close to or exceeding that range. DAT academic averages generally hover around 20.7 to 20.9, with accepted students demonstrating strong performance in natural sciences and perceptual ability subsections. Because of the competition, many applicants target GPA and DAT numbers above the average to stand out.
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Acceptance Rate | ~ 4.0 % to 6.1 % depending on cycle |
| In-State / Resident Acceptance Rate | ~ 9.9 % in some reports |
| Out-of-State / International | Much more competitive, lower acceptance share |
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Application Requirements
Applicants to the DDS program must hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution before matriculation. They must complete prerequisite science courses (biology, chemistry, physics, organic chemistry, biochemistry) with labs, often include coursework in English composition, statistics, humanities or social sciences. Applicants must submit DAT scores, transcripts, letters of recommendation (often including from dentists), and a personal statement. Shadowing experiences, extracurricular involvement, research, and community service strengthen an application. Some advanced or international dentist pathway programs may also consider GRE or ADAT scores and work or clinical portfolios. The admissions committee reviews each candidate holistically, considering academic metrics, life experience, communication skills, and motivation for dentistry.
Application Process
- Complete the online dental school application (e.g. ADEA AADSAS or CAAPID for international dentists)
- Submit prerequisite transcripts and official college credentials
- Provide DAT (or ADAT / GRE, if required for certain pathways) scores
- Submit letters of recommendation and personal statement
- Possibly complete interviews, often on campus or virtually
- Await acceptance decision, then finalize enrollment, licensing checks, and orientation
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Cycle / Program | Deadline / Time | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Regular DDS Application | Typically early year deadline (e.g. fall or winter preceding matriculation) | Exact date varies by cycle |
| International Dentist Pathway / CAAPID | Typically aligned with CAAPID timeline (early spring) | May have separate earlier deadlines |
| Advanced / Certificate Programs | Varies by specialty or track | Each program often specifies its own deadline |
Essay Prompt
While the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry does not publish a single universal prompt, applicants are often asked to write a personal statement describing their motivation for dentistry, how their experiences and background have prepared them for this path, and how they envision contributing to their community or the profession. They may also be asked about diversity, challenges overcome, or research or service goals.
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Scholarships
The school offers limited institutional scholarships and fellowships to outstanding students, particularly in advanced degree tracks or specialty training. Many students also obtain external scholarships, federal or state grants, and loan programs specifically for health professions. Because of the cost and competitiveness of dental education, financial aid offices advise applicants to explore all relevant national, regional, and professional dental scholarships in addition to institutional support.
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program / Year | Approximate Tuition / Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DDS (per year) | ~$81,180 | Same rate for in-state and out-of-state (professional school) |
| Total DDS 4-year cost | Sum of four years of tuition + fees + living expenses | May exceed $300,000 in total cost of attendance |
| MS / Certificate Programs | Varies by program | Some are part-time or online, costs depend on specialization |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
Within the DDS student body, recent classes have shown a gender distribution of roughly 58 % female and 42 % male. In some incoming classes, the female proportion is slightly higher. Ethnic composition among graduate and professional students includes approximately 41 % White (Caucasian), about 32 % Asian, and smaller percentages representing Hispanic/Latino, Black or African American, and other racial/ethnic identities. Because the school is located in Los Angeles, the student population reflects considerable geographic and cultural diversity.
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry recruits from a wide cross-section of applicants, including those from underrepresented and disadvantaged backgrounds. Many students receive need-based financial aid, scholarships, or loan support. The school provides accommodations for students with documented disabilities through the USC disability services infrastructure, enabling adjustments such as exam accommodations, modified lab access, or assistive technologies when appropriate. While specific published data about low-income or disabled student percentages is limited, the professional environment values access, mentorship, and support to promote equity.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Category | Estimate or Share | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DDS Enrollment (per entering class) | ~ 144 students | Approximate cohort size |
| Academic / Graduate Students | MS, PhD, certificate students in addition to DDS | Adds to total student population |
| International Students | Smaller share, especially in advanced or specialized tracks | International dentists may apply via CAAPID |
University Diversity
Diversity is central to the mission of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. Students represent multiple socio-cultural, geographic, and ethnic backgrounds, creating a rich educational climate where varied perspectives intersect. The school’s location in Los Angeles — a major global, multicultural city — further ensures that students engage with communities of different socioeconomic and cultural contexts. This exposure helps future dentists develop cultural competence, communication skills, and sensitivity to patient populations across language, health access, and backgrounds. The admissions and educational practices encourage inclusion of underrepresented minorities in dentistry, mentoring programs, and community outreach in underserved areas. Through mobile dental clinics and community programs, students both learn from and serve diverse populations, reinforcing a social equity ethos. Faculty and staff likewise come from varied backgrounds, contributing to a culture where diversity is not only celebrated but embedded in the professional and academic mission.
Average Earnings
Graduates of the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry entering private practice, academic careers, or hospital/dental systems generally command salaries commensurate with national dentist benchmarks. Early-career general dentists in California may expect incomes well above median regional wages, with ongoing increases through specialization, practice ownership, or academic advancement. Specialists in areas such as oral surgery, orthodontics, or prosthodontics often earn significantly more, reflecting advanced training, demand, and complexity. Faculty and research positions may begin at somewhat lower salaries but often include benefits, research support, and progression potential. Because dental education is capital intensive, many graduates incur educational debt; thus, earnings are critical for loan repayment. The school’s strong reputation, clinical training, and alumni network can assist graduates in securing favorable positions and income trajectories.
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry employs a robust team of academic, clinical, administrative, and support faculty. There are approximately 726 academic staff across faculty ranks and supporting roles. Faculty include full professors, associate and assistant professors, clinical instructors, adjunct faculty, and research scientists. Beyond purely academic roles, the staff includes clinical staff, laboratory technicians, administrative personnel, and community outreach coordinators. The faculty-to-student structure ensures mentorship, clinical supervision, and continuity across the DDS, graduate, and continuing education programs.
Faculty Profiles
Ostrow’s faculty are distinguished by a blend of academic credentials and clinical expertise. Many hold DDS or DMD degrees along with PhDs, and many maintain active dental practices, research programs, or leadership roles in professional dentistry. Faculty members publish in peer-reviewed journals, secure research grants in biomaterials and craniofacial biology, and serve on national or international advisory boards. Some lead innovations in digital dentistry, tissue engineering, implantology, or regenerative oral health. They often supervise student clinics, laboratory research, and community outreach initiatives, integrating teaching, research, and patient care. The school encourages continual professional development and partnerships with industry and health systems, helping faculty stay at the frontiers of dental science and practice.
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Because the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry is part of the USC health sciences campus in Los Angeles, students often live in USC’s general housing, graduate housing, or private apartments in the surrounding neighborhoods. Housing costs in Los Angeles are high, and students should expect to budget accordingly for rent, utilities, and commuting. On-campus life includes access to student lounges, study rooms, dental simulation labs, library facilities, research labs, clinic spaces, and collaborative breakout rooms. Though dental students spend significant hours in clinic and lab, extracurricular organizations, student interest groups, academic societies, and social events support peer interaction, professional development, wellness, and community building. The proximity to USC’s central campus and amenities gives students access to broader university life, dining, athletics, libraries, and arts opportunities in Los Angeles.
Transportation
Access to the Ostrow facility is enabled by Los Angeles’s urban infrastructure—public transportation (buses, light rail), campus shuttles, and bicycle or pedestrian routes. Many students commute using public transit, rideshare, or carpooling. Parking is available at or near the campus, though limited and often regulated. The dense urban setting allows students to access restaurants, services, and resources in stride. Within the health sciences campus, mobility between buildings, labs, and clinics is walkable, often supplemented by internal shuttles or pedestrian paths. The location in central Los Angeles also provides connectivity to broader metropolitan transit for those living farther afield.