BS/DMD Accelerated Dental Program (Rutgers University)
Montclair State University partners with Rutgers School of Dental Medicine (RSDM) to offer an accelerated, seven-year BS/DMD pathway for highly qualified students committed to pursuing a career in dentistry.
Through this pathway, students complete their bachelor's degree in three years at Montclair and continue with four years of study at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine to earn their Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
Designed for students who are prepared for a rigorous academic experience, the BS/DMD pathway provides early opportunities to plan for dental school, complete required coursework, and receive guidance throughout the transition from undergraduate study to professional education.
Please note: Transfer students are not eligible for this program. All bachelors coursework must be completed at Montclair State University.
Is this Pathway right for you?
The BS/DMD pathway may be a good fit if you:
- Are interested in becoming a dentist
- Are prepared to complete an intensive science-focused curriculum
- Want to begin exploring dental school preparation early in your undergraduate career
- Are comfortable following a structured academic plan
- Are committed to gaining the experiences needed for a future in dentistry
Interested students are encouraged to contact the BS/DMD program committee director, Charlotte Cuss Bracchitta, as soon as possible upon admission to Montclair. Early planning is essential due to the structured course sequence and academic requirements of this accelerated pathway.
Meeting with an advisor early will help you understand program expectations, plan your coursework, and identify the steps needed to prepare for the application process.
How the Seven-Year Pathway Works
Years 1 and 2: Undergraduate Study at Montclair
Students complete required undergraduate coursework, including prerequisite science courses and major requirements. To be considered for the program, students must successfully complete required foundation courses, including:
- Two semesters of College English (at least 6 credits)
- General Biology I and II with labs (8 credits)
- General Chemistry I and II with labs (8 credits)
- Organic Chemistry I and II with labs (8 credits)
- Physics I and II with labs (8 credits)
These courses must be completed with no withdrawals or incomplete grades, and with a cumulative science GPA of 3.50 or higher.
All of the prerequisite courses above must be completed at Montclair State University during your first two years.
Preliminary Evaluation and Interviews
Qualified students apply for admission to the undergraduate phase of the BS/DMD pathway during their fourth semester at Montclair. Students submit materials that help the program committee understand their academic preparation, experiences, and interest in dentistry, including:
- Completed program application
- Personal statement
- Official transcript
- A minimum of three letters of recommendation from science faculty who can speak to the applicant's potential to succeed in advanced coursework at RSDM
Applications can be submitted to Montclair's BS-DMD program committee director, Charlotte Cuss Bracchitta.
After an initial review, selected students may be invited to interview with the Montclair BS/DMD Program Committee. Recommended candidates may then be considered for an additional interview with Rutgers School of Dental Medicine. Final admission decisions are made through the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine admissions process.
Year 3: Preparation for RSDM Admissions Application
During their third year of study at Montclair, students work closely with Montclair's BS-DMD program committee director, Charlotte Cuss Bracchitta, and their academic or faculty advisor to ensure all degree requirements for eligibility are met.
Years 4 - 7: Dental Education at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
After three years of study at Montclair, students who are admitted to the Rutgers School of Dental Medicine will enroll in their first year dental school courses. These first year courses may be applied towards elective credits for the your undergraduate degree at Montclair State University.
Students' undergraduate Montclair degree will be conferred after successful completion of the first year of the Dental Program, after earning 120 credits, and satisfying all Montclair graduation requirements.
Students should regularly meet with their academic advisor and Department Chair to ensure that all RSDM credits will be applied to the undergraduate Montclair degree.
At the beginning of their fifth year, students will have officially earned their undergraduate degree from Montclair State University and will finish the program requirements through their final years at Rutgers School of Dental Medicine.
Maintaining Progress in the Program
Students admitted to the pathway must continue meeting program expectations throughout their undergraduate experience, including academic performance requirements, completion of required coursework, and preparation for the dental school transition.
Students should work closely with their advisors and the BS/DMD Program Committee throughout the program to understand requirements for continued participation and progression.