The Dental College of Georgia

In 1965, the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia approved the establishment of a School of Dentistry on the campus of what was then known as the Medical College of Georgia (MCG) in Augusta, Georgia. In February 2011, the Board of Regents approved the institution’s proposal to change its name to Georgia Health Sciences University (GHSU) and to change the name of the dental school to the College of Dental Medicine. In January 2013, Georgia Health Sciences University and Augusta State University officially merged as mandated by the Board of Regents and we are now called Augusta University. As the newly merged institution, we offer more than 110 degree programs and has more than 9,000 students in nine colleges. The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University is the state’s only dental school.
The first dental students were accepted into the dental program in 1969, earning their Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees in June 1973. Since that first class, the college has awarded 2,060 DMD degrees, and more than 600 certificates of training in advanced dental education programs. The College of Dental Medicine offers a four-year program leading to a doctor of dental medicine degree. Dual programs in oral biology also are available.
A DCG dental education emphasizes early exposure to patients. Students begin treating patients as early as sophomore year, enjoying a seamless transition from lecture halls and laboratories to clinics. The fourth year of education is devoted almost solely to patient care. Senior students also practice their skills in clinics and facilities for eight week rotations throughout the state.