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Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

New York, NY / School Detail
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School Detail Interview Feedback Secondary Essays
APPLICATION FEE
$125
Tuition In State
$120,364
Tuition Out of State
$120,364
Average GPA
3.82
AVERAGE DAT
25.7

School Overview

Degrees
DDS
Ownership
Private Non-Profit
Program Length
4 years
Total Enrollment
84
Accreditation Status
Approval
Founding Year
1852
Accreditation Year
N/A
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SDN Insights

Cost of Attendance: $706,526
Estimate repayment

Estimated loan burden for CDM using 4 years of in-state tuition, $1,500 annual fees, $3,000 monthly living expenses, government-derived local cost-of-living adjustment, $1,000 loan fees, and an 8.5% interest assumption.

Cost of Living: Above national average cost of living

New York, NY is about 1.13x higher than the national average for cost of living. In the debt estimate, the government-derived local cost adjustment raises the living allowance from $3,000 to about $3,390 per month, mainly reflecting rent, food, transportation, and day-to-day expenses. Compare this with your own housing plan before treating it as exact.

Environment: Urban

With top-tier walkability and great biking infrastructure, the neighborhood around CDM offers true versatility. Whether on foot or on wheels, students have a range of options to navigate their surroundings comfortably.

Interview Feedback

Overall, applicants ranked the school in the top 15% of interviews, indicating it is highly regarded. They found the interview generally impressive with a moderate stress level and felt they did okay.

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Secondary Essays for CDM

1. Academic and Research Experiences
Have you participated in SMDEP/SHPEP? If yes, please indicate the site and year of your SMDEP/SHPEP program.
2. Other
Has any one in your immediate family graduated from the College of Dental Medicine? If so, please indicate their name, degree, and year of graduation.
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About the School

The generation of new knowledge through research is an integral and highly-valued activity at Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine. The school's history is rich with significant connections to the evolution of modern dental research - both the American Association for Dental Research (AADR) and the Journal of Dental Research were founded by CDM faculty member Dr. William Gies - and this tradition has been reflected in the student research program. The strength and constancy of the dental student research tradition at CDM is demonstrated by the 50 year history of the William Jarvie Research Honor Society (the dental student research group) and the Birnberg Student Research Day, both established at Columbia in the 1950's and continuing vigorously to this day. The school continues to be a supportive environment for student participation in the exciting discoveries of biomedical research both at the University and beyond.

Curriculum

Many departments of the University contribute to and collaborate in the education of dental and postdoctoral students, assuring them a broad foundation for sound professional development. The guiding educational policy of Columbia University is the pursuit of excellence, and the primary goal of the School of Dental and Oral Surgery is the preparation of graduates equipped to fulfill their obligations to the individual, to society, and to the profession. The School, recognizing the need for greater emphasis on the prevention of dental disease, constantly strives to revise the academic program. The curriculum is designed to increase a student's appreciation for the conceptual basis of dentistry. Adequate preparation for the demands of dentistry requires an understanding of broad biological principles integrated with a continually evolving body of scientific information in clinical dentistry and basic dental research. Predoctoral students, as directed observers, are exposed to a full spectrum of dental problems. They are then introduced to surgical and manipulative procedures as well as to methods of diagnosis and the prevention of disease. Emphasis is on the close relationship between health and disease, both systemic and oral; on diseases of the face and mouth that may affect other organ systems; and on oral health as an essential component in total health.

Last Updated: Sep 04, 2026