Last updated on March 19, 2026.

Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC (Operative and Adhesive Dentistry)

Program Size
4
Program Length
26 months
Application Deadline
December 1
Program Start
June 14

Program Contact

Sillas Duarte Director of the Advanced Dental Education Program in Operative Dentistry
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, Restorative Sciences, 925 West 34th Street DEN201, Los Angeles, California, 90089
Corey Berry Assistant Manager of Admissions
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The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry offers a 26-month program leading to a Certificate in Advanced Operative and Adhesive Dentistry.

The program provides students with in-depth scientific knowledge and clinical experience in Operative and Adhesive Dentistry, including:

  • Minimally-Invasive Adhesive Dentistry
  • Esthetic and Functional Rehabilitation
  • Digital Dentistry (CAD/CAM)
  • Cariology
  • Dental Biomaterials
  • Implant Dentistry
  • Advanced Esthetic Treatment Planning

In addition, the program offers students teaching experience through assisting the learning activities of the Doctor of Dental Surgery Program.

Biomaterials research is an integral part of the curriculum of the programs. Students enrolled in the Certificate in Operative and Adhesive Dentistry have an opportunity to apply for the Master of Science in Biomaterials and Digital Dentistry.

The clinical, research and teaching experiences will prepare graduates for future academic careers in dental education, private practice, as well as career options in dental related public and private organizations.

Application Information

Admission Requirements:

  • DDS, DMD or equivalent degree (for international dentist applicants)
  • A minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 is required for admission

Materials Required for All Applicants:

  • Statement of Purpose
  • Curriculum Vitæ
  • Three letters of recommendation addressed to the Program Director
  • Official Dental School Transcripts including a year-by-year record

Additional Materials Required for International Applicants:

  • For non-native English speakers, an Internet-based TOFEL (iBT) test score of 90 or above is required, with 20 or above on each section (reading, listening, speaking, and writing). The exam score should be less than two years old.
  • Non-US obtained Dental School Transcripts must be translated and certified by Educational Credential Evaluators Report (ECE)

 

Program Information

Accreditation This program is offered by a CODA-accredited institution
Program Type Operative Dentistry
Program Code OP4
Degrees Offered Certificate
Program Size 4
Program Length 26 months
Application Deadline December 1
Program Start Date June 14
Supplemental Application No
Supplemental Fee Yes
Stipend Offered No
Match Participating No
Program Website dentistry.usc.edu

Application Requirements

Required Standardized Tests

  • TOEFL

Supplemental Requirements

  • Requires supplemental fee

Transcript Evaluation and Instructions

Official Dental School Transcripts
Applicants must submit official dental school transcripts through ADEA PASS. Transcripts must be sent directly to the PASS Transcript Processing Center either through an approved electronic service (e.g., Parchment or National Student Clearinghouse) or by mail using the PASS Transcript ID Form.

To generate the Transcript ID Form, applicants must first enter their dental school information in the “Colleges Attended” section of the PASS application.

Foreign Education
Applicants who attended a dental school outside the United States or Canada must submit a foreign credential evaluation from either World Education Services (WES) or Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE). The evaluation must be sent directly to ADEA PASS.

 

TOEFL Requirement Instructions

English Proficiency Requirement (TOEFL) for International Applicants

  • Only the TOEFL iBT is accepted for international applicants, regardless of prior English instruction or residency.

  • Minimum required score: 5 or above (equivalent to a legacy score of 94 or higher).

  • Scores must be valid within two years of the test date.

  • Not accepted: TOEFL iBT Home Edition or MyBest™ scores.

International Student Eligibility

This program will consider applicants who graduated, or plan to graduate, from a non-CODA accredited dental school: Yes

Applicants are eligible to enroll if they are:

  • US Citizen
  • US Permanent Resident
  • Canadian Citizen
  • Canadian Permanent Resident
  • Non-US Citizen/Resident (program offers sponsorship)

Additional Information

Fee Waiver for USC alumni or students currently enrolled in a USC degree program

Eligibility Requirements: You must already hold a degree from USC (bachelor’s, master’s, PhD, M.D., etc.) or be currently enrolled in a degree program at the university. Please email Corey Berry at cberry@ostrow.usc.edu to request the fee waiver.