MBA & Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD/MBA)
Overview
The DMD/MBA dual degree at UNLV is a collaborative program between the UNLV School of Dental Medicine and Lee Business School. It is designed for students who wish to enhance their clinical expertise with advanced business acumen. This program equips future dental professionals with the knowledge to run efficient, patient-centered practices or take on leadership roles in healthcare organizations, public health policy, or academia.
5 Reasons to Get a Dual DMD/MBA Degree at UNLV:
- Top-Ranked Programs: The part-time Lee MBA ranks #77 nationally (2025 – U.S. News & World Report).
- Practice Ownership Preparedness: Gain the operational, financial, and leadership skills to run your own dental practice.
- Leadership in Healthcare: Position yourself for roles in dental education, nonprofit leadership, or healthcare system management.
- Faculty Expertise: Learn from award-winning professors in both clinical dentistry and business management.
- Expanded Network: Access two influential networks of healthcare and business professionals.
A Cross-Disciplinary Dual Degree To Make Yourself Stand Out
The delivery of dental care services has become increasingly complex and is best suited to professionally trained managers who understand ethical and responsible dental healthcare practices. The program prepares students to assume leadership positions in the dental care field with their interdisciplinary foundation in business skills and clinical expertise. Students in the MBA program come from a variety of business backgrounds, providing you with the opportunity to forge friendships beyond the dental school and build a broad professional network.
This unique cross-disciplinary program enhances clinical training with strategic business knowledge. Whether managing a private practice, leading a dental organization, or launching an innovative oral health startup, the DMD/MBA prepares students to think beyond the chair and into the boardroom.
Faculty
The program brings together faculty from UNLV's School of Dental Medicine and Lee Business School—leaders in clinical practice, research, and business strategy.
Career Options
Dentists today are not only clinicians—they’re also business leaders. Whether managing solo or group practices, serving as clinical directors, or leading nonprofits, DMD/MBA graduates bring a dual perspective to every decision.
There are numerous career opportunities available to graduates who hold a DMD/MBA degree. Students will have the knowledge and skills to succeed in a variety of roles, including:
- Dental Practice Owner
- Healthcare Administrator
- Public Health Director
- Clinical Educator
- Dental Consultant
- Nonprofit or NGO Executive
- Oral Health Policy Advocate
“The UNLV School of Dental Medicine is built on a foundation of clinical excellence, innovation, and leadership. We’re proud to offer a unique combined DMD/MBA program—empowering future dentists with the skills to not only deliver exceptional patient care, but also lead, manage and run a successful practice in today’s complex healthcare environment.”Christine C. Ancajas, Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Program Structure
It’s strongly recommended that you apply to the School of Dental Medicine first. Dental School students can apply for the MBA program in the summer of their first year and begin in the fall of their second year. This approach allows your dental application materials to be seamlessly transferred to the MBA application, making the process more efficient.
- Requires 216 credit hours, with 30 credit hours allocated to the MBA curriculum and 186 credit hours to the dental curriculum.
- Can be completed in 4 to 5 years as a full-time student (with full-time status defined as enrolling in 9 credit hours per semester).
- MBA courses are available in the evening or online, providing flexibility for both working professionals and full-time students.
The core MBA curriculum includes courses in:
- Accounting for Managers
- Leadership, Teams, and Individuals
- Financial Decision Making
- Market Opportunity Analysis
- Applied Economic Analysis
- Data Modeling and Analysis
The dental curriculum includes a breakdown of the following:
- The UNLV SDM education program is a four-year academic program consisting of eleven (11) full semesters and approximately 5,000 contact hours.
Ready to Apply?
The dual DMD/MBA is a combined credit-hour program in which students complete core DMD requirements alongside 30 credits of MBA coursework. Graduates earn both the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and Master of Business Administration (MBA) degrees.
Application Deadlines
Fall Term:
May 1 – International applicants
Aug. 1 – Domestic or permanent residence applicants
Spring Term:
This program does not admit students for this term
Summer Term:
This program does not admit students for this term
Program Advisors Contact
School of Dental Medicine
Dental Medicine Program
Christine Ancajas, DDS
Associate Dean for Admissions and Student Affairs
702-774-2520
christine.ancajas@unlv.edu
Lee Business School
MBA Programs
John Baur, Ph.D.
mba.director@unlv.edu
702-895-3675
Prospective Student Contact
Lee Business School
Graduate Student Services
702-895-3655
LEEogss@unlv.edu
Lee Business School
School of Dental Medicine
Catalog Information
Visit our Degrees Directory to view our catalog information: