Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

What Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC does

The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is a private, non-profit dental education institution operating as an academic unit within the University of Southern California since 1897 (renamed for Herman Ostrow in 2015). The school delivers a portfolio of degree and certificate programs including a four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), a two-year Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (ASPID), MS degrees in Biomaterials and Digital Dentistry and Biomedical Implants and Tissue Engineering (BITE), a PhD in Craniofacial Biology, post-graduate specialty certificates (orthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics), online programs for practicing professionals, the Dental Explorers pre-college camp, and Continuing Education courses. Its 250+ annual graduates collectively draw from 21 U.S. states and 24 countries.

Education is delivered through a digital dentistry workflow built on CAD/CAM, 3D printed dentures, and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging, alongside the Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB) research center. Clinical training occurs across faculty-supervised campus clinics (12,000+ patients annually), the nation's largest civilian mobile dental clinic fleet (17,500+ low-income individuals annually, 500,000+ over the past decade), specialized facilities including the Dr. Roseann Mulligan Special Patients Clinic, and rotations at major LA healthcare institutions (Children's Hospital Los Angeles, CHOC, LA General Medical Center, Miller Children's Hospital, Rancho Los Amigos).

The institution operates a multi-stream revenue model: tuition across degree and certificate programs, patient care fees from supervised clinics, continuing education and online program revenue, research grants (ranked #3 nationally by NIDCR), and philanthropic donations from alumni, individuals, and foundations (including the $2.5M Henry Schein gift, $3.4M Specialty Dental Clinic Grant, and a $115M campaign initiative). The school has been fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) most recently in 2023, with the next comprehensive site visit scheduled for 2030.

Name

Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

Legal name

Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC

Website

https://dentistry.usc.edu

Company type

Private

Founded year

1897

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

5,001–10,000 employees

Short description

The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is a private dental education institution within the University of Southern California, founded 1897, offering DDS, ASPID, master's, PhD, and post-graduate specialty programs while serving 12,000+ patients annually through campus clinics and the largest civilian mobile dental fleet in the United States.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Dental Education and Oral Healthcare Services

NAICS

Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Offices of Dentists (621210)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Dental Schools (EDAHAGAF)

akta.pro secondary industries

Comprehensive Family Dentistry (Multi-Disciplinary In-Office General Care) (HLABAAAE), Mobile/School-Based Pediatric Dental Clinics (HLABAGAK), School/Community-Based Preventive Dental Programs (HLABAHAM)

Keywords

• Dental education
• Dental surgery training
• Oral healthcare services
• Postgraduate dental certificates
• Community dental clinics

Headquarters

HQ city

Los Angeles

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Tuition: Tuition and fees from doctoral dental surgery program students
2. Post-Graduate Certificate Programs: Revenue from advanced dental education certificate programs in specialties such as orthodontics, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry
3. Online Programs: Master's degree programs and certificate programs for practicing professionals delivered online
4. Continuing Education: Professional development and continuing education courses for practicing dentists
5. International Student Tuition: ASPID program tuition for international dentists seeking DDS degrees ($93,000 per year for tuition and expenses)
6. Philanthropic Donations: Gifts from alumni, friends, and foundations supporting scholarships, faculty recruitment, patient care and community outreach, and facilities improvements

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is a dental education and clinical training institution offering accredited programs including the four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (ASPID), master's degrees in Biomaterials and Digital Dentistry and Biomedical Implants and Tissue Engineering, a PhD in Craniofacial Biology, post-graduate specialty certificates, online programs for practicing professionals, and continuing education. The school supplements classroom instruction with faculty-supervised patient care delivered through on-campus clinics, the nation's largest civilian mobile dental clinic fleet, and community partner sites serving underserved populations across Southern California.

Product overview

The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is a comprehensive dental education institution offering a portfolio of academic programs and patient care services. Its core educational offerings include the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program, the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (ASPID), master's programs in Biomaterials and Digital Dentistry and Biomedical Implants and Tissue Engineering, a PhD in Craniofacial Biology, and post-graduate certificate programs in clinical specialties. The school also provides online programs for practicing professionals and a Dental Explorers Program for aspiring students. Patient care services include faculty-supervised student clinics, the nation's largest civilian mobile dental clinic fleet, and specialized care for special needs patients. These programs and services work together to fulfill the school's mission of educating dental professionals and providing community oral healthcare.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Center for Craniofacial Molecular Biology (CCMB): Ostrow's research center funded by numerous federal- and organization-sponsored research grants
• TroDent Alumni Magazine
• Ostrow Connect
• Century Club Alumni Association

Products and services

• Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) A four-year doctoral program combining basic science and clinical content that trains students to become oral health professionals with competencies in patient care, communication, practice management, and lifelong learning. For aspiring dentists seeking U.S. licensure.
• Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists (ASPID) A two-year tailored program for dentists trained outside the U.S. to earn a DDS degree, beginning with eight months of fundamental training followed by clinical training. For internationally trained dentists seeking U.S. licensure.
• Master of Science in Biomaterials and Digital Dentistry A two-year full-time master's program providing in-depth knowledge in dental material properties, composite resins, implants, 3-D printing, and computer-aided design and manufacturing. For graduates seeking research and industry roles in dental materials.
• Master of Science in Biomedical Implants and Tissue Engineering (BITE) A graduate program enhancing knowledge and critical thinking for students interested in the biological and clinical aspects of osseointegration and clinical applications of tissue engineering. For graduates pursuing dental implant research and clinical practice.
• Craniofacial Biology PhD Program A doctoral program preparing students for careers in academic environments as clinical scholars or members of multidisciplinary teams in academic research centers. For aspiring dental scientists and academic researchers.
• Post-Graduate Education Certificate Programs Advanced dental education programs leading to certificates in clinical specialties such as orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, and prosthodontics. For dentists pursuing specialty board certification.
• Online Programs Online master's and certificate programs designed for practicing professionals, including geriatric dentistry and orofacial pain programs delivered via distance learning and telehealth. For working dentists needing flexible advanced credentials.
• Dental Explorers Program A one-week dental camp for undergraduate students offering hands-on learning and workshops about dentistry and dental school admissions. For pre-dental undergraduates exploring dental careers.
• Patient Care Services Faculty-supervised student dental clinics providing comprehensive oral healthcare services, including urgent care, pediatric dentistry, and special needs dentistry. For patients seeking affordable dental care in Los Angeles.
• Mobile Dental Clinics The largest civilian mobile dental clinic fleet in the nation, providing treatment to underserved communities from California's Central Coast to the Mexican border. For low-income children, homeless individuals, and rural populations.
• Dr. Roseann Mulligan Special Patients Clinic Comprehensive oral healthcare for patients who are medically compromised, developmentally delayed, physically disabled, or frail elderly. For special-needs populations and their caregivers.
• Continuing Education Professional development and continuing education courses for dental professionals. For practicing dentists and hygienists fulfilling CE requirements and skill development.

Quantifiable outcome

• Third top-funded dental institution by NIDCR in the nation
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• USC/QueensCare Mobile Dental ProgramcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with QueensCare Foundation to provide comprehensive dental care to low-income children in grades 2-5 in Hollywood-area elementary schools. Program cares for more than 5,000 children each year with two mobile dentistry vehicles.
• Union Rescue MissioncoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide emergency and comprehensive dental services to homeless individuals at the USC-URM Dental Clinic in Downtown Los Angeles' Skid Row area.
• Hollenbeck PalmscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with nonprofit retirement community in Boyle Heights to provide dental care specially tailored for elderly residents. Fourth-year DDS students complete required clinic rotations here.
• Community Health Centers of the Central CoastminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerStudent rotation sites serving patients of all ages and diverse cultural backgrounds in rural community health clinics spanning the Central Coast region.
• Young & Healthy (Pasadena)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide free dental services to low-income, uninsured children using the First Smiles curriculum to train school nurses, plus oral screenings and educational programs.
• Head StartminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOstrow faculty and students provide oral health screenings to children and train early childhood educators through Head Start programs throughout Los Angeles.
• WIC Centers (Women, Infants and Children)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with WIC Centers in Los Angeles County to provide oral health screenings for babies and at-risk children and information for parents about nutrition and oral health.
• Children's Hospital Los AngelescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with major pediatric hospital to provide treatment for low-income patients in the Los Angeles region.
• Children's Hospital of Orange County (CHOC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with pediatric hospital to provide oral healthcare services for children in Orange County.
• Los Angeles General Medical CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerHome to Ostrow's Pediatric Dental Clinic and the General Practice Residency and Oral Maxillofacial Surgery programs. Doctoral dental students provide oral surgical services and general dentistry procedures.
• Miller Children's and Women's Hospital Long BeachminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide oral healthcare services for low-income mothers and children in Long Beach area.
• Rancho Los Amigos Medical CenterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to provide oral healthcare services for patients in rehabilitation care.
• Neighborhood Mobile Dental Clinic / USC Good Neighbors CampaignminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaboration providing dental treatment to children from kindergarten through third grade at USC partner schools. Signature program of university's Good Neighbors Campaign serving 10,000 children at 15 local elementary schools.
• Korean American Dental Association (KADA)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerKADA founded in Los Angeles in 1969, providing community for Korean-born dentists. Many KADA members completed the ISP/ASPID program at USC; majority of KADA presidents have been USC graduates. KADA established a scholarship at the school.
• Latinos for Dental CareersminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVolunteer group of dentists supporting Hispanic students and participating in community outreach activities, raising scholarship money for disadvantaged students.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• UCLA School of Dentistry: Another California-based dental school within a major research university (UCLA), offering DDS, post-graduate specialty, and PhD programs with comparable research funding and clinical training scale. Direct competitor for California applicants and faculty.
• University of Michigan School of Dentistry: One of the largest and most research-intensive U.S. dental schools, consistently among the top NIDCR-funded institutions. Direct competitor for top faculty, research dollars, and high-caliber students.
• Tufts University School of Dental Medicine: Private Boston-area dental school with DDS, international dentist, and specialty programs. Direct competitor for international applicants and a comparable private nonprofit funding model.
• UCSF School of Dentistry: Top-tier California dental school and a direct NIDCR funding competitor. Offers DDS, international dentist programs, PhD, and specialty certificates with a comparable academic medical center affiliation model.
• Columbia University College of Dental Medicine: Private, research-intensive dental school in NYC with similar DDS, post-graduate, and international dentist pathways. Direct competitor for ASPID-style applicants and East Coast talent.
• University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry: Urban research dental school with similar patient care mission serving underserved populations. Comparable operating model with strong specialty training programs.
• NYU College of Dentistry: The largest dental school in the U.S. with very high DDS and international dentist enrollment. Competitor in international dentist training market and clinical training scale.
• Harvard School of Dental Medicine: Elite private dental school with strong research portfolio and hospital affiliations (through Harvard medical ecosystem). Competes with Ostrow for international applicants, faculty, and research prestige.
• Ohio State University College of Dentistry: Major public dental school with comprehensive programs and significant research funding. Competes for applicants, faculty, and NIDCR research dollars at a national level.
• University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine: Ivy League dental school with comprehensive DDS, specialty, and PhD programs; comparable private-university operating model and donor-supported funding structure.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/ostrowusc?lang=en
• Facebookfacebook.com/ostrowdent
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/herman-ostrow-school-of-dentistry-of-usc
• Instagraminstagram.com/uscdentistry/?hl=en

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles30 records

Subsidiaries1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC