Top Dental Schools In The Us

The University of California in San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry provides students with clinical education and research opportunities. It produces more than 100 graduates each year.

Best Dental Schools in the U.S. [2023 Ranking]

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In this article

Quick Overview

It takes around 8 years of education to become a dentist. You need a bachelor’s degree in any field, preferably in the sciences. Then, you must obtain a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree from a dental school.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that dentist jobs will grow 6% by 2031. Dentistry is a popular career choice, thanks to a consistent need for clinicians and a median annual salary of around $160,000. 2

Most dental schools are highly competitive. These programs offer the foundation of academic learning and hands-on experience needed to pass national and state examinations.

The top 10 dental schools in the U.S. are:

1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
3. Harvard University
4. University of California, Los Angeles
5. University of California, San Francisco
6. University of Washington
7. University of Pennsylvania
8. University at Buffalo, the State University of New York
9. University of Iowa
10. New York University

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental School

You’ll need to consider several factors when choosing a dental school. These can help you determine the program’s quality and if it fits your needs.

Major factors to consider include:

Student Body

It’s best to go to a dental school with students who have graduated and are already practicing dentistry. If a program is too new to have graduates, it can be more difficult to evaluate its quality.

You may consider contacting alumni from each of your potential dental schools to discuss their experience and whether they recommend the school.

Location

Location may be important if you want to stay in a certain region. If you must commute, consider the time it takes to travel from home to school. If you plan to live on or near campus, research dental schools that offer student housing.

You may also want to consider whether you’d enjoy living in the school’s town before selecting it. Dental schools often have strong ties to their community, so you’ll be interacting with the local population.

Curriculum Type

The curriculum each school offers will determine what kind of education you’ll receive. For example, some dental schools only focus on basic science courses first, while others blend them into clinical rotations. Others may also require pre-clinical training before starting clinical work.

Dental Experiences Provided

Some schools provide more hands-on training than others. This could mean that the dental experiences are clinical or community-centric. If you learn by doing, consider schools with more robust hands-on training.

Clinical experiences will differ at each dental school. Explore program options if you have an interest in working with a certain population or niche.

Research or Clinical Focus

Some schools specialize in research, while others focus on patient care. You might find yourself doing more lab work at one school than another.

If you have a strong interest in research, check to see how much funding each program receives. Research funding adds credibility to a dental school and may improve its ranking. It also indicates how much research opportunity there may be for students.

Facilities

Schools vary widely in terms of facilities. In some cases, other schools may require you to pay extra money to use certain equipment or labs.

Specializations

Some schools offer a generalist dental program. Others may offer different concentrations.

Specializations may include oral and craniofacial medicine, pediatric dentistry, and oral and maxillofacial surgery.

Accreditation

The American Dental Association (ADA) reviews dental school programs and determines their accreditation status. Accreditation from the ADA indicates a program meets a rigorous quality standard.

Attending an accredited dental school is essential for a successful career. If your school isn’t ADA-accredited, you may receive a lower quality education or be ineligible to pass national and state examinations.

Dental School Statistics

The past 20 years have shown fluctuations in dental school enrollments. For example, the first 3 years of the 2000s showed a steady increase in enrollments, followed by a decline the following 4 years. 4

The good news is that, since 2008, the numbers have risen steadily. 4 With a projected 6% growth in dentist jobs in the next 10 years—an average of 5,100 dentists yearly—enrollment numbers are expected to increase. 2

Here are some important dental school applicant statistics from the ADA and the American Dental Education Association (ADEA): 4,5

• For the 2021 to 2022 academic year, there were 74,158 dental school applications submitted to 67 dental schools.
• From these applications, 11,756 applicants were screened, averaging at 1,123.6 per dental school.
• From these applicants, there were 6,360 first-year enrollees.
• In 2021, there were 6,665 dental school graduates.
• The number of dental school graduates increased by 0.85% from 2020 to 2021.

Other highlights from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data include: 2,3

• There are currently 146,200 dentists in the country.
• From 2021 to 2031, there’s a projected 6% growth in job outlook.
• From 2021 to 2031, about 8,400 dentist jobs are expected to open up each year.
• The average annual salary for dentists is $163,220.

Top 10 Dental Schools in the United States

Here are the top 10 dental schools in the U.S., according to ShanghaiRanking’s 2022 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects: 1

1. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

The University of Michigan in Ann Arbor has a wide network of affiliated clinics that provide extensive opportunities and exposure for dentistry students.

The school has 120 full-time faculty members handling 15 different programs. You can pursue an MBA or PhD while getting your DDS. You can also pursue a Master’s degree in an advanced specialization such as:

• Endodontics
• Oral health sciences
• Orthodontics
• Pediatric dentistry
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Restorative dentistry

The school also provides community dental care and oral health services.

2. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry has consistently been on the list of the best dental schools in the U.S.

Its DDS Program boasts a curriculum that follows the Advocate-Clinician-Thinker (ACT) premise. Dentistry students are trained to be problem-solvers and act as their patients’ advocates.

Students gain clinical experience through 50 rotation sites in North Carolina, with two free student-led dental clinics. These clinics provide dental and oral care to more than 90,000 patients annually.

3. Harvard University

Regarding top dental school rankings, Harvard University never falls off the list — both in the country and in dental schools worldwide. This Ivy League school houses one of the best dental schools in the U.S.

The Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) is located in the Longwood Medical Area in Boston. For a portion of their coursework, HSDM students typically study together with Harvard medical students.

HDSM has a robust research component, with nine research labs where students can work.

Students gain hands-on experiences through clinical rotations at the Harvard Dental Center, which caters to more than 25,000 patients yearly.

4. University of California, Los Angeles

The University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry admits 88 students yearly to its Doctor of Dental Surgery degree program.

Most of this school’s graduates either go on to obtain post-graduate training or earn advanced degrees in oral biology. During their second year, UCLA students start their hands-on patient care.

They continue to gain clinical experiences through rotations in various community service projects and specialty clinics.

After graduation, UCLA students can participate in a dental residency program offered by the school. Students pursuing specialized residencies can choose from fields such as:

• Maxillofacial prosthetics
• Oral and maxillofacial radiology
• Orofacial pain and dysfunction
• General practice

5. University of California, San Francisco

The University of California in San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry provides students with clinical education and research opportunities. It produces more than 100 graduates each year.

Hands-on experiences happen at the school’s dental center, which sees more than 120,000 patients annually.

The UCSF School of Dentistry also scores high points for research. It has been the number one U.S. dental school based on funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). They have a Center to Address Disparities in Children’s Oral Health that studies ways to improve the overall oral health in children where tooth decay is more frequent.

6. University of Washington

The University of Washington’s School of Dentistry ranked second in last year’s Academic Ranking of World Universities by the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy.

Dentistry students gain experiences through a:

• Mobile geriatric clinic
• Specialty clinic for persons with disabilities
• Specialty clinic for people with psychological conditions and significant dental fears

Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities to gain clinical experiences in places such as Seattle Children’s Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, and the School of Dentistry’s specialty clinics.

UW students can go on to pursue advanced degrees in specialties like endodontics and periodontics, or go further with a PhD.

7. University of Pennsylvania

Another Ivy League school, the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine, was established in 1878.

The University of Pennsylvania provides DMD students with various dual-degree options:

• Bioethics
• Nutrition Science
• Translational Research
• Law
• Public Health

Students can pursue additional advanced degrees or residencies.

The school also provides students a wide range of clinical opportunities, with outreach programs for the community. Its Primary Care Unit provides dental care and services to approximately 22,000 patients annually.

8. University at Buffalo, the State University of New York

The University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (UBDM) provides comprehensive study programs to its dentistry students, focusing on research and clinical practice.

UBDM has multiple departments that specialize in various areas of dentistry, including:

• Oral biology
• Oral diagnostic sciences
• Pediatric and community dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Restorative dentistry

Students start their clinical training during the first year. Approximately 500 students are pursuing either a DDS degree or a dual degree program of DDS with a Master of Business Administration degree.

9. University of Iowa

Since its establishment in 1882, the University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics has been a leading institution in patient care, dental education, and oral science research. It is the only dental school in Iowa, with 78% of the state’s dentists graduating from this university.

Their dental program is comprehensive and competitive. It focuses on teaching its students the importance of critical thinking and problem-based learning. Their dental clinics see over 170,000 patients annually.

The university offers several unique specializations in the form of advanced degrees or residencies. Some standouts from their program are:

• Dental public health
• Geriatric and special needs
• Operative dentistry residency
• Oral pathology, radiology, and medicine

10. New York University

New York University (NYU) dental school is considered the largest in the U.S. Nearly 10% of U.S. dentists have earned their degrees at NYU. Its College of Dentistry graduates nearly 400 DDS students each year.

Dentistry students take courses in different clinical, behavioral, and biomedical areas. NYU provides extensive clinical experiences involving diverse patients.

Real-world experiences are prominent at NYU. Students work closely with the faculty, their group, and practice directors. NYU’s dental school cares for approximately 300,000 patients annually.

Full List of Accredited Dental Schools in the United States

Here is a list of all the dental schools in the U.S. accredited by the American Dental Education Association: 7

State	School	Address	Contact No.
Alabama	University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry	Rm. 406 1919 7th Avenue South Birmingham, AL 35233	(205) 934-3000
Arizona	A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health	5850 E. Still Cir. Mesa, AZ 85206	(480) 219-6000
Arizona	Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine – Arizona	19555 N 59th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85308	(623) 572-3200
California	Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC	925 West 34th St. Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641	(909) 558-4222
California	Loma Linda University School of Dentistry	11092 Anderson St., Loma Linda, CA 92350	(213) 740-2800
California	University of California, Los Angeles, School of Dentistry	714 Tiverton Los Angeles, CA 90095	(310) 825-9789
California	University of California, San Francisco, School of Dentistry	707 Parnassus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94143, United States	(415) 502-5800
California	University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry	155 5th St, San Francisco, CA 94103, United States	(415) 929-6501
California	Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine	309 E. Second St. Pomona, CA 91766-1854	(909) 623-6116
Colorado	The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine	13065 East 17th Avenue Aurora, CO 80045	(303) 724-6900
Connecticut	University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine	263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT 06030, United States	(844) 388-2666
District of Columbia	Howard University College of Dentistry	600 W St NW #2005, Washington, DC 20059, United States	(202) 806-6100
Florida	Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dental Medicine	4800 Lakewood Ranch Boulevard Bradenton FL 34211-4909	(941) 405-1600
Florida	Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine	3301 College Avenue Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33314-7796	(800) 541-6682
Florida	University of Florida College of Dentistry	1395 Center Drive Gainesville, FL 32610	(352) 273-6700
Georgia	Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University	1430 John Wesley Gilbert Drive, Augusta, GA 30912, United States	(706) 721-2371
Illinois	Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois	555 31st Street Downers Grove, IL 60515	(630) 971-6080
Illinois	Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine	2800 College Ave, Alton, IL 62002, United States	(618) 474-7000
Illinois	University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry	801 S Paulina St. Chicago, IL 60612 United States	(312) 996-7555
Indiana	Indiana University School of Dentistry	1121 W Michigan St, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States	(317) 274-7957
Iowa	The University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics	801 Newton Rd, Iowa City, IA 52242, United States	(319) 335-7499
Kentucky	University of Kentucky College of Dentistry	800 Rose St, Lexington, KY 40536, United States	(859) 323-3368
Kentucky	University of Louisville School of Dentistry	501 S Preston St, Louisville, KY 40202, United States	(502) 852-5096
Louisiana	Louisiana State University Health New Orleans School of Dentistry	1100 Florida Ave, New Orleans, LA 70119, United States	(504) 619-8700
Maine	University of New England College of Dental Medicine	11 Hills Beach Road Biddeford, Maine 04005	(800) 477-4863
Maryland	University of Maryland School of Dentistry	650 W Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States	(410) 706-7101
Massachusetts	Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine	635 Albany St, Boston, MA 02118, United States	(617) 358-8300
Massachusetts	Harvard School of Dental Medicine	188 Longwood Ave, Boston, MA 02115, United States	(617) 432-1434
Massachusetts	Tufts University School of Dental Medicine	1 Kneeland St, Boston, MA 02111, United States	(617) 636-6828
Michigan	University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry	2700 Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Detroit, MI 48208, United States	(313) 494-6700
Michigan	University of Michigan School of Dentistry	1011 N University Ave, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, United States	(734) 763-6933
Minnesota	University of Minnesota School of Dentistry	515 Delaware St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, United States	(612) 625-0402
Mississippi	University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry	2500 N State St, Jackson, MS 39216, United States	(601) 984-1000
Missouri	A.T. Still University Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health	500 W Jefferson St, Kirksville, MO 63501, United States	(866) 626-2878
Missouri	University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry	650 E 25th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States	(816) 235-2100
Nebraska	Creighton University School of Dentistry	2109 Cuming St, Omaha, NE 68102, United States	(402) 280-5990
Nebraska	University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry	4000 E Campus Loop, Lincoln, NE 68583, United States	(402) 472-1333
Nevada	University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine	1001 Shadow Ln, Las Vegas, NV 89106, United States	(702) 774-2400
New Jersey	Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, School of Dental Medicine	110 Bergen St, Newark, NJ 07103, United States	(973) 972-4242
New York	Columbia University College of Dental Medicine	622 W 168th St, New York, NY 10032, United States	(212) 305-6100
New York	NYU College of Dentistry	345 E 24th St, New York, NY 10010, United States	(212) 998-9800
New York	Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine	South Dr, Stony Brook, NY 11794, United States	(631) 632-8989
New York	Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College	19 Skyline Dr, Hawthorne, NY 10532, United States	(914) 594-2700
New York	University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine	3435 Main St, Buffalo, NY 14214, United States	(716) 262-9750
North Carolina	East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine	1851 MacGregor Downs Rd, Greenville, NC 27834, United States	(252) 737-7000
North Carolina	University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry	385 S Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, United States	(919) 537-3737
Ohio	Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine	9601 Chester Ave, Cleveland, OH 44106, United States	(216) 368-3200
Ohio	The Ohio State University College of Dentistry	305 W 12th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210, United States	(614) 688-3763
Oklahoma	University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry	1201 N Stonewall Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73117, United States	(405) 271-6056
Oregon	Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry	611 SW Campus Dr, Portland, OR 97239, United States	(503) 494-8311
Pennsylvania	The Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University	3223 N Broad St, Philadelphia, PA 19140, United States	(215) 707-2900
Pennsylvania	University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine	240 S 40th St, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States	(215) 898-8965
Pennsylvania	University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine	3501 Terrace St, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, United States	(412) 648-8616
South Carolina	Medical University of South Carolina James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine	173 Ashley Ave, Charleston, SC 29425, United States	(843) 792-2101
Tennessee	Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry	1005 Dr DB Todd Jr Blvd, Nashville, TN 37208, United States	(615) 327-6900
Tennessee	University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry	875 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, United States	(901) 448-6468
Texas	Texas A&M College of Dentistry	3302 Gaston Ave, Dallas, TX 75246, United States	(214) 828-8100
Texas	University of Texas School of Dentistry at Houston	7500 Cambridge St, Houston, TX 77054, United States	(713) 486-4000
Texas	UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry	7703 Floyd Curl Dr, San Antonio, TX 78229, United States	(210) 450-3700
Utah	Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine – South Jordan, Utah	10920 S River Front Pkwy, South Jordan, UT 84095, United States	(801) 302-2600
Utah	University of Utah School of Dentistry	530 Wakara Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108, United States	(801) 587-6453
Virginia	Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry	520 N 12th St, Richmond, VA 23298, United States	(804) 828-9190
Washington	University of Washington School of Dentistry	1959 NE Pacific St B-307, Seattle, WA 98195, United States	(206) 616-6996
West Virginia	West Virginia University School of Dentistry	1 Medical Center Dr, Morgantown, WV 26505, United States	(304) 293-6208
Wisconsin	Marquette University School of Dentistry	1801 W Wisconsin Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53233, United States	(414) 288-6790

Summary

The top 10 dental schools in the U.S. include the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and Harvard.

These dental schools are accredited by the ADA and offer high-quality, rigorous education for future dentists. They may provide unique specializations, hands-on experiences, and research opportunities.

Consider factors such as student body, location, research funding, curriculum, and facilities when choosing a dental school. If you have an interest in a certain niche, find a school that offers a specialization in your desired focus area.

15 Best Dental Schools in The US (2023 Edition)

With an 8% projected growth in dentist jobs in the next 10 years, the interest of students in dental medicine has increased, and the best dental schools in the US get full as soon as the results are announced. Finding the best dental schools becomes difficult for an aspirant due to the lack of proper information.

Around 67 universities in the US offer advanced Dentistry degrees. The top dental colleges help students to gain command over excellent dental skills.

In this article, I have compiled a list of the best dental schools in the US. The factors that affect the rankings of dental schools are the rate of acceptance, average test scores of accepted students, the demand for university among students, etc.

So, let’s dive into our list!

Top 15 Dental Schools in the US: In a Nutshell (2023)

If you are in a hurry or don’t have enough time to take a look at the details of the dental schools, you can check out the table below.

Sr. No.	Dental School	4-year cost	Ratings
1.	University of Michigan	$377,143	4.9/5
2.	Harvard School of Dental Medicine	$464,971	4.9/5
3.	University of North Carolina	$330,805	4.8/5
4.	University of California, Los Angeles	$378,673	4.7/5
5.	University of Washington	$391,361	4.6/5
6.	University of California, San Francisco	$390,787	4.7/5
7.	University of Pennsylvania	$507,859	4.5/5
8.	Columbia University	$511,411	4.4/5
9.	New York University	$572,291	4.2/5
10.	University of Iowa	$224,043	4.3/5
11.	University of Southern California	$514,888	4.4/5
12.	University of Florida	$71,050	4.6/5
13.	Ohio State University	$212,692	4.7/5
14.	University of Minnesota	$224,043	4.6/5
15.	Boston University	$132,134	4.7/5

Let us take a detailed look at what the best dental schools in the US have to offer students and why they are considered the top schools for students pursuing their education in dentistry.

1. University of Michigan:

Class Size:	108
Four-Year Cost:	$377,143
Average GPA:	3.73
Average DAT score:	22
Ratings:	4.9/5

The University of Michigan is situated in the city of Ann Arbor. The university has a large network of clinics. These clinics help students with several opportunities to gain experience and expertise.

The University Of Michigan in Ann Arbor has 120 full-time faculty members. There are 15 different programs available.

Key Highlights:

• The acceptance rate is 26%.
• The average ACT score required is 33.
• The average SAT score required is 1432.
• 66% of the students tend to receive aid.

2. Harvard School of Dental Medicine:

Class Size:	35
Four-Year Cost:	$464,971
Average GPA:	3.85
Average DAT score:	22
Ratings:	4.9/5

The Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston is situated in the Longwood Medical area.

The students get practice experience in clinical rotations. The Harvard Dental centers provide the opportunity to gain mastery in the required procedures.

There is some coursework in the syllabus of the dental students that they study together with the Harvard medical students.

Key Highlights:

• The Acceptance rate of Harvard University is 5%.
• The average ACT score required by students to get into Harvard dental school is 34.
• The average SAT score required for students to get into the school is 1520.

3. University of North Carolina:

Class Size:	82
Four-Year Cost:	$330,805
Average GPA:	3.6
Average DAT score:	22
Rating:	4.8/5

The University of North Carolina is located in Chapel Hill Adam School of Dentistry. It has consistently bagged the top place among the top dental schools. The dental students here are trained to work as problem solvers.

The Doctor of Dental Surgery program includes a curriculum that follows the Advocate-Clinician-thinker (ACT). The students get trained to act as advocates for their patients. These make them provide exceptional care to their patients.

The students work in 50 rotation sites in North Carolina to get clinical experience. There are two student-led free clinics to help students practice. More than 90,000 patients receive dental and oral health care in these clinics annually.

Key Highlights:

• The acceptance rate of the dental school is 25%.
• The average ACT score required to get into University is 31.
• 1385 is the average SAT score required to get admitted to a dental school in North Carolina.
• 64% of the students receive educational aid.

4. University of California, Los Angeles:

Class Size:	88
Four-Year Cost:	$378,673
Average GPA:	3.72
Average DAT score:	22
Ratings:	4.7/5

Every year, around 100 students graduate from the University of California in Los Angeles School of Dentistry. The degree it provides is a Doctor of Dentistry.

The students start to get opportunities from the second year to get hands-on experience and treat patients. Maximum students who graduate from this school either choose to get post-graduate degrees or get advanced degrees in oral biology.

The students get clinical experience in various community service projects, specialty clinics, etc., through rotations.

Key Highlights:

• The acceptance rate of the college is 14%
• 73% of the students tend to receive aids.
• $15,461 is the average aid received by the students.

5. University of Washington:

Class Size:	63
Four-Year Cost:	$391,361
Average GPA:	3.5
Average DAT score:	20.9
Ratings:	4.6/5

The students at the University of Washington gain experience from the specialty clinics. They get to treat and be involved in communication with patients at clinics for persons with disabilities, People with psychological conditions, people with dental fears, etc. They also get an opportunity to work at a mobile geriatric clinic.

Furthermore, students also get opportunities to gain clinical experience at Seattle Children’s Hospital, the clinics owned by the school, and the Harborview Medical Center.

Key Highlights:

• The acceptance rate of the college is 56%.
• The average ACT score required to get admission is 30.
• The average SAT score needed to get into the school is 1327.
• 56% of the students tend to receive aid.

6. University of California, San Francisco:

Class Size:	88
Four-Year Cost:	$390,787
Average GPA:	3.65
Average DAT score:	22.8
Ratings:	4.7/5

The University of California, located in San Francisco, is known for its research opportunities and clinical education. More than 100 students graduate each year from the school.

The dental school helps students to gain practical experience from the dental center of the school. The students treat approximately 120,000 annually in the dental center.

The dental school grabbed the first position as a dental school based on the funding received from the National Institutes of Health. The university grabs extra points for research.

Key Highlights:

• The Acceptance rate of the college is 18%.
• Male to female ratio in the school is 36:64.
• The Dental School of the University of California, San Francisco, was founded in the year 1864.

7. University of Pennsylvania:

Class Size:	135
Four-Year Cost:	$507,859
Average GPA:	3.7
Average DAT score:	22
Ratings:	4.5/5

The dental school of the University of Pennsylvania was established in the year 1878. The dental school provides DMD in different degrees like bioethics, Business administration, Education, Law, Public health, etc.

Students get various clinical opportunities with the help of outreach programs for the community. Every year, approximately 22,000 patients are provided with primary care units and dental care service

Key Highlights:

• The acceptance rate of the dental school is 9%.
• The average ACT score required for enrollment is 34.
• The average SAT score required by students to get into the Dental school of Pennsylvania is 1515.

8. Columbia University:

Class Size:	84
Four-Year Cost:	$511,411
Average GPA:	3.7
Average DAT score:	23.4
Ratings:	4.4/5

The Dental School of Columbia promotes students for research with professors. The students also get an opportunity to collaborate with medical students in their pre-clinical years at the institution.

The University of Columbia is a great choice for dental students. There is quite a great competition among students to get into dental school. The institution also provides students with the required dental training.

Key Highlights:

• The acceptance rate is 7%.
• The average score required to get into the dental school of Columbia University is 34.
• 1515 is the Average SAT score needed by students to get enrolled in dental school.

9. New York University:

Class Size:	375
Four-Year Cost:	$572,291
Average GPA:	3.5
Average DAT score:	21
Ratings:	4.2/5

The Dental School of New York University is one of the largest dental schools in the US. Around 10% of dentists in the US receive their degrees here. Approximately 400 DDS students graduate each year from the College of Dentistry.

The school provides students with extensive training and experience with diverse sets of patients. Students in dentistry opt for various courses in clinical. Biomedical and behavioral areas.

The students at NYU gain experience by working closely with the faculties, their group, practice directors, etc. Annually 300,00 patients are treated at the dental school of New York University.

Key Highlights:

• The acceptance rate of the dental school is 21%.
• The Average SAT score is 1455 to get enrolled into the dental school of New York University.
• Students require 33 as the average ACT score.

10. University Of Iowa

Class Size:	80
Four-Year Cost:	$224,043
Average GPA:	3.75
Average DAT Score:	22
Ratings:	4.3/5

The University of Iowa is one of the leading institutions in dental education, oral science research, and patient care. It was founded back in 1882, and since then, it has produced most of the dentists of Iowa.

Since it is the only dental school in the state of Iowa, it produces over 78% of dentists in the state. It is also in the 10th spot for national ranking for research funding. It also offers 26 different community programs that focus on patients with special needs, seniors, and children.

Their dental program is considered to be competitive and comprehensive. The instructors of the school teach their students problem-based learning and critical thinking.

Key Highlights:

• The acceptance rate of this college is 8%.
• The dental clinic of this school sees over 170K people every year.
• You can apply for their advanced standing, doctor of dental surgery, and specialty programs.

11. Herman Ostrow School: University of Southern California

Four-Year Cost:	$514,888
Average GPA:	3.73
Average DAT Score:	20.5
Ratings:	4.4/5

The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC is a private school that has been providing dental education since 1897.

This school offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program that combines basic science and clinical content over four years. The programs provided at this school are learner-centered. It prepares students to assess dental patients and provide excellent care.

Talking about the faculty, it has expert faculty members who provide in-depth clinical education to future oral health professionals.

The admission process at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC is competitive, and the school meets with admissions. It is a research-intensive university, which allows students to participate in the research study.

Key Highlights:

• The acceptance rate of this college is 13%.
• The average SAT score you will need to enroll in this school is 1475.
• Ranks at 19 within all the schools in the US.

12. University of Florida

Four-Year Cost:	$71,050
Average GPA:	3.85
Average DAT Score:	22
Ratings:	4.6/5

This dental school is the only publicly-funded dental school in the State of Florida. It is a national leader in dental education, patient care, and research.

UFCD offers all nine American Dental Association specialties and AEGD programs in Miami/Hialeah and St. Petersburg.

This school provides 16 degree and certificate programs in dental specializations. Each year, they admit 93 DMD students in a new class.

UFCD is one of the top dental schools in the United States, featuring a nationally ranked research enterprise, all ADA-recognized dental specialties. It also has been a recipient of the Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award consecutively since 2015.

Key Highlights:

• The acceptance rate of this college is 30%.
• You receive around 94% of the aid.
• It ranks 17th as the best dental school in the world.

13. Ohio State University

Four-Year Cost:	$212,692
Average GPA:	3.65
Average DAT Score:	21
Ratings:	4.7/5

The Ohio State University College of Dentistry is the fifth-largest public dental college in the United States. The college has 10 academic divisions that represent all major dental specialties.

The DDS program at this college prepares students to become licensed dentists.

The college also offers MS degree and/or certificate programs in nine different fields. The college has 103 full-time faculty who educate 440 dental students and 64 dental hygiene students.

The college has several clinics, including the Advanced Clinics, Dental Faculty Practice, Dental Emergency Clinics, Pediatric Dental Clinic, and Student Clinics.

Key Highlights:

• Offers services such as oral and maxillofacial pathology services, oral and maxillofacial radiology services, and sterilization monitoring service
• Has an acceptance rate of 57%.
• Provides financial aid to students of 83%.

14. University of Minnesota

Four-Year Cost:	$224,043
Average GPA:	3.58
Average DAT Score:	20.4
Ratings:	4.6/5

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). The school has a strong reputation for academic excellence, and its graduates are highly sought-after by dentists nationwide.

This offers a variety of graduate programs, including

• Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) in Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology,
• Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD) in Dental Public Health,
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences.

It also offers a Program for Advanced Standing Students (UMN PASS) for graduates of dental schools outside of the United States who want to practice dentistry in the United States.

Key Highlights:

• It is the oldest dental school in Minnesota.
• The school offers a variety of clinical rotations, which allow students to gain experience in a variety of dental settings.
• The average acceptance rate is 73%.

15. Boston University

Four-Year Cost:	$132,134
Average GPA:	3.44
Average DAT Score:	20.2
Ratings:	4.7/5

The Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (GSDM) is a leading dental school that offers a variety of programs in dentistry.

The admissions process for the DMD program requires applicants to submit an application through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) and official academic transcripts.

It offers a two-year program for internationally-trained dentists, which follows a condensed version of the DMD curriculum.

It also offers advanced degree and certificate programs in 12 dental specialties, including endodontics, orthodontics, periodontology, and pediatric dentistry.

The school seats 115 students in the DMD entering class. You will need to complete all prerequisite courses and earn a bachelor’s degree before starting the DMD program.

Key Highlights:

• The school is on a trajectory of growth and expansion, building a future to be the premier institution promoting excellence in dental education.
• The acceptance rate of this school is 19%.

Best Dental Schools in the US: Final Verdict

In the year 2021, the 0.85% of dental school graduates increased as compared to the year 2020. Dental schools have gained a lot of popularity in the previous year.

The dental specialties offered in the dental schools are Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Dental Anesthesiology, Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology, Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Public Health Dentistry, Oral Medicine and Orofacial Pain.

Before you finalize dental schools in the US, make sure to go through all the necessary information. You can visit the university’s official website for additional details and enquire about your program.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the #1 dental school in the US?

According to Think Impact, Harvard School of Dental Medicine is the best dental school in the US. It is one of the top institutions in the world and is world-renowned.

What is the number 1 dental school in the world?

The best dental school in the world is Universidade de Sao Paulo. It is located in Brazil and was founded in the year 1934.

Where is the best place to study dentistry?

The best place to study dentistry is in the United Kingdom. The dental schools there provide students with the best hands-on experience and research.

Is becoming a dentist worth it?

Becoming a dentist is a dream career for many students. Graduating from a good dental school ensures a good career. Students have to invest their post-grad years in clinics and hospitals. However, becoming a dentist is surely worth it.

Is dentistry a good career in 2023?

In the year 2023, the dental job has a great scope. Students in recent years have been more attracted to dentistry programs. A dentistry job provides promising career options.

Hey, I’m Alvin and I grew up in Venice, California. I’m on a mission to help people to choose the right online learning platforms and courses. As of now, I’m exploring new eLearning platforms, courses and sharing my findings on ProsperityforAll.

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