Master of Dental Sciences

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MSDS Student Financial Aid Process

The Master of Dental Sciences program’s primary objective is to provide instruction in dental science that enhances the student’s scholarly ability to instruct and undertake research.  Students of this program may also move forward and utilize it to serve as preparation for careers in dental academia. The Master of Dental Sciences degree program is only offered to individuals who are concurrently pursuing advanced dental education in one of the residency certificate programs offered by the School of Dental Medicine.

The Student Financial Aid Services staff at UConn Health administer financial aid for Master of Dental Science (MSDS) program students.

MSDS students who are interested in applying for Federal Direct Loans will need to complete each of the following action items:

    • Complete a 2025-2026 FAFSA before June 30.  Remember to use the federal school ID 001417-UConn All Campuses.
    • Complete a 2026-2027 FAFSA.  Remember to use the federal school ID 001417-UConn All Campuses.
    • Students must register for a minimum of 3 credits AS WELL AS DENT 6000 for both the summer 2026 and fall 2026 terms.  Failure to meet both of these requirements will prevent a student from receiving federal financial aid.
    • After completion of these steps a student will receive an e-mail notification from the Office of Student Financial Aid Services, directing them to log into their student portal to review and take action on their financial aid.  Students must either accept or decline loans offered to them.
    • New students who are Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan borrowers will need to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Loan Entrance Counseling. List the UConn school code (001417).
    • If you are expecting to receive a refund check for living expenses, it is advisable to sign up for Direct Deposit.
    • When spring 2027 semester registration opens, register for a minimum of three graduate credits and DENT 6000.
    • When summer 2027 semester registration opens, register for a minimum of three graduate credits and DENT 6000.

Student Enrollment Requirements:

MSDS students who are interested in applying for financial aid (Federal Loans or Private (Alternative) Loans) are required to register as follows:

  • A minimum of three graduate credits and DENT 6000 for the summer, fall, and the spring semesters.

DENT 6000:

  • All MSDS students (financial aid applicants as well as non-financial aid applicants) must register for DENT 6000 for each semester (summer, fall, and spring). DENT 6000 represents the clinical/practicum component for the certificate portion of the MSDS program. This registration requirement applies to all MSDS students even when registering for continuous registration.
  • IMPORTANT: Register for your graduate level coursework first, and DENT 6000 second.

Continuous Registration:

MSDS students are required to register for continuous registration, (GRAD 5998 or 5999) based on their enrollment plans as follows:

  • Financial Aid recipients:
    • MSDS will need to register for continuous registration (GRAD 5998 or 5999) in the fall and /or spring semesters if the student will not enroll in any other credit-based graduate coursework for their master’s degree during that semester. (Continuous registration is not required in the summer, although DENT 6000 is required.)

If you have any questions about Financial Aid for MSDS students, please contact the Office of Student Financial Aid Services at UConn Health via email at sfada@uchc.edu, or by phone at 860-679-1364.