Health Professions And Related Programs

Best institutions to study Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences

Compare 64 U.S. colleges offering Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 36 states.

Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences programs report a median of $220,594 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 51.05 and the Dentists, General occupation (BLS SOC).

Institutions
64
offering CIP 51.05
States & territories
36
with a program page
With earnings data
2
College Scorecard
Degrees / yr
2,040
IPEDS completions 2024–25
Median grad earnings
$220,594
1 year after graduation
US pay · Dentists, General
$191,350
BLS OEWS May 2025

About Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences programs

The Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences program is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their knowledge and expertise in the field of dentistry. This program encompasses various specializations, including Dental Clinical Sciences, Oral Biology, and Orthodontics, making it suitable for those aiming to advance their careers in dental medicine and oral health management. Students in this program will engage in comprehensive studies focused on the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases and conditions. It is ideal for dental professionals looking to enhance their skills and contribute significantly to patient care and public health in dentistry.

Learn more about Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences

What you'll learn

Core coursework in this program covers critical skills such as critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Students will gain knowledge in medicine and dentistry, biology, and psychology, preparing them for the complexities of dental practice and enhancing their ability to formulate effective treatment plans.

Top 2 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings

Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).

#InstitutionGrad earnings (1 yr)CompletionsGrad rateNet priceMedian debt
1University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA Private not-for-profit · Certificate degree
$220,5946897%$22,055
2University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh Campus
Pittsburgh, PA Public · Graduate degree
$170,7053285%

Offered across 36 states & territories

The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.

StateInstitutionsMedian earningsTop institution by earnings
Pennsylvania4$220,594University of Pennsylvania
Alabamalimited1
California5
Coloradolimited1
Connecticutlimited1
District of Columbialimited1
Florida4
Illinoislimited2
Indianalimited1
Iowalimited1
Kentuckylimited2
Louisianalimited1
Marylandlimited1
Massachusetts3
Michiganlimited2
Minnesota3
Missouri3
Nebraskalimited2
Nevadalimited2
New Jerseylimited1
New York5
North Carolinalimited1
Ohiolimited2
Oklahomalimited1
Oregonlimited1
South Carolinalimited1
Texas3
Utahlimited1
Virginialimited1
Washingtonlimited1
West Virginialimited1
Wisconsinlimited1
Puerto Ricolimited1
Alaskalimited1
Georgialimited1
Tennesseelimited1

Careers & outlook

The payoff after graduation: occupation 29-1021, Dentists, General, and its national outlook.

Graduates of the Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences program can pursue various careers in dentistry, including roles in specialized fields like Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery and Endodontics. The job outlook for dental professionals is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 4.1% and approximately 3,900 annual openings. The median wage for dentists is $172,790, typically requiring a doctoral or professional degree.

Projected growth (2024–2034)
+4.1%
About as fast as average
Openings / yr (US)
~3,900
BLS Employment Projections
US median wage
$172,790
typically Doctoral or professional degree
National employment
124,390
Dentists, General
US average pay
$191,350
annual, BLS OEWS May 2025
US median pay
$170,950
annual

Top-paying metros

St. Louis, MO-IL
$261,250avg
Portland-South Portland, ME
$261,230avg
St. Cloud, MN
$249,890avg
Macon-Bibb County, GA
$244,000avg
Mankato, MN
$242,180avg

Related careers

Dentists, General
$191,350 avg · 124,390 jobs
Health Education Specialists
$73,280 avg · 65,690 jobs
Orthodontists
$259,400 avg · 6,210 jobs
Dentists, All Other Specialists
$247,930 avg · 5,230 jobs
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
$346,490 avg · 4,910 jobs

CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences

The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 51.05.

Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 51.05 (Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences) maps to 7 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.

SOC codeOccupation
21-1091Health Education Specialists
25-1071Health Specialties Teachers, Postsecondary
29-1021Dentists, Generalprimary
29-1022Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
29-1023Orthodontists
29-1024Prosthodontists
29-1029Dentists, All Other Specialists

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.

Skills & knowledge in Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences programs

From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.

Skills you'll build

Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Monitoring
Active Learning
Science
Writing

Knowledge areas

Medicine and Dentistry
Customer and Personal Service
English Language
Biology
Psychology
Education and Training

What graduates do on the job

  • Use masks, gloves, and safety glasses to protect patients and self from infectious diseases.
  • Examine teeth, gums, and related tissues, using dental instruments, x-rays, or other diagnostic equipment, to evaluate dental health, diagnose diseases or abnormalities, and plan appropriate treatments.
  • Administer anesthetics to limit the amount of pain experienced by patients during procedures.
  • Use dental air turbines, hand instruments, dental appliances, or surgical implements.
  • Formulate plan of treatment for patient's teeth and mouth tissue.
  • Diagnose and treat diseases, injuries, or malformations of teeth, gums, or related oral structures and provide preventive or corrective services.

Concentrations within Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences

Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).

  • Dental Clinical Sciences, General
    CIP 51.0501

    An integrated or undifferentiated program that generally prepares dentists in one or more of the oral sciences and advanced/graduate dentistry specialties.

  • Advanced General Dentistry
    CIP 51.0502

    A program that focuses on the advanced study of dental clinical techniques and dental practice issues

  • Oral Biology and Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
    CIP 51.0503

    A program that focuses on the scientific study of the growth, development, diseases, healing properties, and neurological components of the oral cavity, related tissues and organs, and associated cran

  • Dental Public Health and Education
    CIP 51.0504

    A program that focuses on the scientific study of dental disease prevention and control, community dental health promotion, and prepares dentists and public health professionals to function as dental

  • Dental Materials
    CIP 51.0505

    A program that focuses on the scientific study of the biomaterials and inert and active compounds used in dental procedures; the development of dental materials; and their effects on the living tissue

  • Endodontics/Endodontology
    CIP 51.0506

    A program that focuses on the advanced study of the morphology, physiology, and pathology of human dental pulp and periradicular tissues, and prepares dentists to diagnose and treat internal diseases

  • Oral/Maxillofacial Surgery
    CIP 51.0507

    A program that focuses on the advanced study of the diagnosis and intrusive and adjunctive treatment of diseases, injuries, and defects of the oral and maxillofacial regions, including functional and

  • Orthodontics/Orthodontology
    CIP 51.0508

    A program that focuses on the advanced study of the guidance of growing dental structures and the correction of misalignments, disproportionate growth, and traumas caused by genetics, disease, injurie

  • Pediatric Dentistry/Pedodontics
    CIP 51.0509

    A program that focuses on the advanced study of the therapeutic and preventive care of the oral health of children from birth through adolescence, and the care of adults with physical, mental, and emo

  • Periodontics/Periodontology
    CIP 51.0510

    A program that focuses on the advanced study of the etiology and treatment of diseases of the gingivae (gum tissue) and supporting bone, nerve, and vascular structures

  • Prosthodontics/Prosthodontology
    CIP 51.0511

    A program that focuses on the advanced study of the restoration and maintenance of teeth, oral function, and aesthetic form through the use of single or compound materials, structures, and artificial

  • Digital Dentistry
    CIP 51.0512

    A program that focuses on the use of digital and CAD/CAM technology in dental treatment

Common questions

What is the focus of the Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences program?+

The program focuses on advanced studies in dentistry, including diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of oral diseases.

What specializations are available in this program?+

Specializations include Advanced General Dentistry, Oral Biology, Dental Public Health, and more.

What skills will I develop in this program?+

Students will develop skills in critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication, along with knowledge in medicine and dentistry.

What is the job outlook for graduates?+

The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.1% and a median wage of $172,790.

How much do Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences graduates earn?+

Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences graduates report median earnings of $220,594 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Dentists, General occupation pays about $191,350 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).

What is the CIP code for Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences?+

Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences maps to CIP 51.05 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.

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About the data on this page

Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.

IPEDSFall 2025–26 release, published July 28, 2026
Enrollment, completions, graduation rates, tuition, financial aid, staffing, and finance for every U.S. institution in federal student aid programs.
College ScorecardJune 10, 2026 release (merged 2025–26 files)
Institution and field-of-study costs, graduate earnings, debt, completion, and admissions outcomes compiled from federal aid records, tax data, and IPEDS.
PSEO graduate earnings2019–21 graduation cohorts (release V4.13.0)
Earnings and employment outcomes of graduates by institution, degree level, and field of study, measured from state wage records.
BLS wages & outlookOEWS May 2025 release
Occupational employment and wage estimates plus 10-year job outlook, used to connect programs to real-world earnings.
FVT/GE program performanceProvisional preview, May 18, 2026 release
Program-level debt-to-earnings and earnings-premium measures behind the FVT/GE and STATS accountability frameworks.

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