College of Dentistry

- Programs & Admissions Overview
- - DDS and Dual Degree
    Learn about the application process for our dentistry and dual-degree programs.
  - Dental Hygiene
    Find information about applying for our bachelor's program in dental hygiene.
  - Advanced Standing Dentistry
    Find details on the process of applying for our Advanced Standing Dentistry Program.
  - Residency Programs
    Find admissions details for our six postgraduate programs.
- - Academic Programs
    Find an overview of our academic programs and links to more detail.
  - Learning Spaces & Technology
    Technology is fully integrated into student education, with repeated hands-on access to the tools of modern dentistry.
  - Wellness
    Wellness is an imiportant aspect of the student experience at the College of Dentistry.
  - Student Resources
    Find links to resources within our college and across the university.
- Research Overview
- - Biomaterials
    Biomaterials research is one of the fastest growing areas at the College of Dentistry and actively collaborates with a multidisciplinary group of partners across UNMC.
  - Bioregulation
    Our Bioregulation Research Group is working to understand and manipulate the immune system, inflammation and bone physiology to lead to more effective treatment of numerous conditions.
  - Oral Cancer
    Researchers in our college are focused on oral cancer, one of the most common forms of cancer, with a goal of significantly advancing our understandingor oral cancer progression and drug resistance.
  - Clinical Research
    The Cruzan Center for Dental Research was established to conduct well-designed clinical trials and clinical studies. It receives funding from the NIH, private foundations and industry.
- - Research Tools
    Students and faculty in our college have access to resources to aid cutting-edge research.
  - Student Research
    Every student in our college completes does research with guidance from our faculty, gaining insight into how they can help shape the future of oral health.
  - About Our Research
    Our research team is collaborating across UNMC to strengthen the college's research portfolio and expand opportunities for innovation in biomaterials, regenerative therapies and drug delivery.
Patient Care
- Engagement Overview
- Patient Care Engagement
  We are part of the dental safety net for Nebraska, with outreach that allows our students, faculty and staff to provide care for underserved populations across the state.
- Educational Engagement
  From providing children's dental health starter kits to our Special Olympics Special Smiles Program, we provide community education about dental health.
- Extramural Rotations
  Our fourth-year dental students rotate to established dental practices with established dentists who serve as preceptors and mentors.
- Biomonitoring
  Dental practices rely on this service through our college to document the effectiveness of sterilization equipment.
- Vet Smiles Clinic
  The VETSmile Dental Clinic at the UNMC College of Dentistry addresses the urgent need for accessible dental services within the veteran community.
- Continuing Education
  We provide engaging courses that education dental professionals on the latest techniques and advancements in the field.
Our Faculty
News

Student Wellness

Two students play foosball in the College of Dentistry.

Our students’ wellness needs change as they progress through training, so our program continually evolves based on student feedback and participation.

At the College of Dentistry, wellness is a priority – not an afterthought. We believe students learn best when they feel supported, connected and healthy, which is why our approach focuses on the whole person: mind, body and life outside the classroom.

Our growing wellness program is designed to help students manage stress, build resilience and develop habits that support long, sustainable careers in dentistry.

Resources on Site

Fruit available in the wellness area of the College of Dentistry.

Spaces to Recharge and Reflect

Mindfulness and reflection room.
Wellness room with active and relaxation zones.
Outdoor recreation equipment, such as football and Frisbees.
Lactation space.

Programs for Support

Yoga led by faculty instructor.
Speaker panels based on student needs.
De-stress week programming.
Student-led book club.

Community Connections

Cross-class “family” mentoring groups.
Student-driven event planning.
Peer mentoring.
Class wellness representatives.
30+ faculty trained in mental health first aid.

The College of Dentistry includes a dedicated wellness space, with a mindfulness and meditation room, active and relaxation spaces, and healthy snacks.

Fitness and recreation

Campus recreation, UNL

Intramural sports, UNL

UNMC Center for Healthy Living

Student health and counseling services

UNL Counseling and Psychological Services

Counseling and Psychological Services offers in-person and virtual appointments to help students address concerns and achieve personal ad academic goals. Crisis support coordination also is offered.

UNMC Counseling and Psychological Services

Counseling and Psychological Services offers in-person and virtual appointments to help students address concerns and achieve personal ad academic goals. Crisis support coordination also is offered.

University Health Center, UNL

Student Health, UNMC

Locations and Access

Lincoln: Primary wellness spaces, programs and student support.
Omaha rotations: Access to campus counseling, health and fitness centers. Additional resources are available through UNMC Division of Student Success and UNMC Wellness.
West division-Scottsbluff: Expanding wellness offerings for dental hygiene students.