Study Smarter for a Seamless Entry to Dental School
Join Nova Southeastern University’s Master of Dental Science Certificate program. Designed to provide prospective dental students strong foundational knowledge in upper-level human biological sciences, the certificate makes them a more competitive dental school applicant and well prepared for entry into dental school.
This unique one-year certificate program not only prepares you academically for entry into dental school, but it may also reserve your seat into the Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) program. Successful completion of the MDS program with an overall 3.6 GPA provides students a reserved seat in the next class of the D.M.D. program. The College of Dental Medicine will guarantee applicants an interview with a minimum overall 3.3 GPA from the M.D.S. program.
To earn the MDS certificate, students must successfully complete all courses in the program with a grade of C or better.
Why Earn Your Masters Degree at NSU's College of Dental Medicine?
Get the NSU Edge by Reserving Your Seat in our D.M.D. Program
As a student at NSU, you’re not just supported by faculty—you’re propelled forward. It’s part of the NSU Edge and what makes us all Sharks. Our innovative Master of Dental Science certificate program is unique in that it offers direct entry into the D.M.D. program. Students who achieve pre-established academic benchmarks in the M.D.S. program will be offered a reserved seat in the CDM; those who do not achieve these benchmarks will be evaluated to see if they meet criteria for the guaranteed interview.
Quick Facts
Tuition
Curriculum
The program curriculum is 22 total credits and can be completed in one year, beginning in the fall.
Application Deadlines
AADSAS Application Due: November 15
NSU Application Due: April 1st, 2024.
Delivery Options
The College of Dental Medicine M.D.S. program is delivered by a combination of videoconferencing, lecture capture, and onsite lectures at our Ft. Lauderdale/Davie campus.
Program Curriculum
Fall Semester
Winter Semester
* Students who earn an “A’ in Anatomy will be eligible for an Honors Anatomy Dissection course during the summer semester.
Admission Requirements
Required Courses
Students must also have earned a grade of 2.0 or better in each of the following required courses.
| Required Courses | Semester Hours |
| Biology with lab | 8 |
| Chemistry with lab | 8 |
| Organic Chemistry with lab | 8 |
| Physics with lab | 8 |
| Biochemistry | 3 |
| Microbiology | 3 |
| English | 6 |
Ready for the Next Step?
Great! The first step is to complete your application and submit supporting documents through ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS).
Step One: AADSAS Application
NSU participates in the ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS) which provides an interactive, web-based application for the receipt and processing of all applications. AADSAS takes no part in the selection of students.
Go to the AADSAS Application
Complete your application
Send supporting documents listed below to AADSAS by November 15th
- AADSAS application
- DAT Test Scores
- Official transcript from each college, professional school, or university attended.
- Three professional letters of recommendation. Two from science professors and one from a liberal arts professor or by individuals who can provide information relevant to the applicant's potential.
Step Two: NSU Online Application
Please fill out the NSU application electronically and submit a nonrefundable, $50 application fee to NSU’s Enrollment Processing Services (EPS) at the address below when notified by NSU that your application has been verified by AADSAS. NSU application deadline is April 1st, 2024.
Submitting Your Materials
Please mail all documents to:
Mailing Address
Nova Southeastern University Enrollment Processing Services (EPS)
College of Dental Medicine, Office of Admissions
3301 College Avenue
P.O. Box 299000
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33329-9905
Inquiries Only
Nova Southeastern University
College of Dental Medicine, Office of Admissions
3301 College Avenue
Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33328-2018
Phone: (954) 262-1101 or 800-356-0026, ext. 21101