TAMIU, UTHSCSA Launch Early Admission Dentistry Program

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) students considering a career in dentistry will soon benefit from the launching of 3+4 Dual Degree and Dental Early Admission Program (DEAP) program between TAMIU and The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UTHSCSA).

The joint agreement was signed by representatives of the UTHSCSA program and TAMIU in special ceremonies at the Student Center Rotunda on Monday, Feb. 2 at 11 a.m.

Dr. Dan Jones, TAMIU provost and vice president for Academic Affairs, said the innovative agreement will provide TAMIU students with an opportunity to receive both a Bachelors degree in Biology from TAMIU and a Doctor of Dental Surgery from UTHSCSA within seven years.

"This is a remarkable opportunity for our students and one we feel will generate great interest for students in our region," Dr. Jones said.

Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, UTHSCSA president, and Laredo native, said that this is an example of outstanding collaboration, with students being the beneficiaries.

"We are excited about this partnership with TAMIU and are looking forward to expanding the opportunities available to South Texas students." Dr. Cigarroa said.

Briefly, accepted students complete a curriculum of 103 hours at TAMIU, completing summer research opportunities in San Antonio between the second and third undergraduate years. The student must take the Dental Admission Test (DAT) before the third undergraduate year and enroll at UTHSCSA contingent upon a variety of criteria related to GPA, DAT score, and positive recommendations.

Following successful completion of the freshman academic year at the Dental School, the students will be granted a B.S. degree in Biology from TAMIU. Following successful completion of the four-year curriculum of the Dental School, the students will be granted a D.D.S. degree by the UTHSCSA Dental School.

This is the first dual degree, DEAP dental program to be offered at TAMIU. A second, similar program will also be delivered with The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston on behalf of its Dental Branch.

The UTHSCSA Dental School mission and goals (education, research, patient care, and service) have traditionally focused on South Texas. The School's provision of dental education programs includes community-based clinical training at affiliated sites in South Texas, which are located in Dental Health Profession Shortage Areas (Dental HPSAs).

For additional information on the TAMIU- UTHSCSA Dual Degree-DEAP Program Acceptance Program, please contact Dr. Dan Mott, associate dean of the TAMIU College of Arts and Sciences, at 956.326.2583.

lnformation on UTHSCSA is also available by visiting www.dental.uthscsa.edu/