Top Dental Schools in the US: A Comprehensive Guide

For those aspiring to enter the field of dentistry, choosing the right dental school is one of the most critical steps toward a successful career. The top dental schools in the United States offer cutting-edge research facilities, expert faculty, and hands-on training to prepare students for various dental specialties. This article provides an overview of some of the best dental schools in the U.S., factors to consider when choosing a school, and answers to frequently asked questions about dental education.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental School

There are many factors to consider aside from dental school rankings when it comes to choosing a dental school, but it is important to be informed about the most prestigious schools. Aspiring dental professionals should consider factors such as clinical exposure, research opportunities, and community engagement when selecting a dental school.

Cost of tuition, fees, and cost of living: Financial considerations are crucial when selecting a dental school.
Graded vs. pass/fail programs: The grading system can impact the learning environment and stress levels.
Class size: Smaller class sizes may offer more personalized attention from faculty.
Location: The location of the school can affect living expenses and access to clinical opportunities.

Ranking Systems and Reputation

Dental schools in the US have not had a "proper" ranking system since the 1990s, when many dental schools boycotted the US News and World Report for their overly simplistic rating. Yet the reputation of dental schools can matter, even without a specific ranking system. How dental school reputation impacts applications to a residency program is complicated. Dental school graduates who plan to work as general dentists following graduation don't need to worry much about the reputation of their dental school as long as their degree comes from an accredited dental school. However, students pursuing a dental residency program after graduation may pay more attention to the reputation of their dental school. A dental residency program is attended by those who wish to specialize and work at specialty clinics, as well as those who seek additional training. Because residency programs are so competitive, a dental school’s reputation can be important.

ShanghaiRanking used objective academic indicators and third-party data to measure the performance of 300 schools worldwide in several categories, including world-class faculty, world-class output, high-quality research, research impact and international collaboration.

Top Dental Schools in the US

Here is a detailed look at some of the best dental schools in the United States, highlighting their notable features and strengths:

1. Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) - Boston, MA

Notable For: Emphasis on research and integrative medicine.
Overview: Harvard’s dental school is renowned for research excellence and offers a unique curriculum that combines dentistry with medicine, setting a strong foundation for clinical practice.

2. University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry - San Francisco, CA

Notable For: Leading in dental public health.
Overview: UCSF consistently ranks high in dental education and research, focusing on advancing public oral health and developing skilled practitioners. The University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry is among the best dental schools in the States. Founded in 1881, the UCSF School of Dentistry is a leading institution of oral and craniofacial health and has many different programs, including DDS, Ph.D., post-graduate training, and residency programs.

3. University of Michigan School of Dentistry - Ann Arbor, MI

Notable For: Comprehensive dental research facilities.
Overview: Known for clinical training and research, the University of Michigan is one of the oldest dental schools, offering extensive specialty programs. The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is sometimes considered the #1 dental school in the country and is a top five NIH-funded research institution. Its DDS Program has ten times the national average of graduates working in community dental clinics.

4. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine - Philadelphia, PA

Notable For: Community-based and international programs.
Overview: Penn Dental Medicine combines rigorous academics with community outreach, providing students with diverse clinical experience. The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine was established in 1878 and is one of the oldest university-affiliated dental schools in the nation. The Penn Dental Medicine’s mission is to transform global oral health and well-being through exceptional clinical care, innovation, education, and research.

5. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine - New York, NY

Notable For: Integrating dentistry with public health and medicine.
Overview: Columbia is known for its research-driven programs and collaboration with medical disciplines, training students in comprehensive dental care.

6. University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry (UCLA) - Los Angeles, CA

Notable For: Advanced clinical research and innovation.
Overview: UCLA’s dental school emphasizes clinical research and advanced specialty training, consistently ranking among the top dental programs in the nation. The University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry has a world-class reputation based on its excellent educational programs and internationally renowned faculty. It is ranked the #6 dental school in the world.

7. University of Washington School of Dentistry - Seattle, WA

Notable For: Strong focus on rural and underserved communities.
Overview: Known for its commitment to community care, the University of Washington provides comprehensive training, preparing students for a range of practices. The University of Washington School of Dentistry is one of the best dental schools in the US. Its dental program focuses on social responsibility and public trust and is an international education, research, and clinical training leader.

8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry - Chapel Hill, NC

Notable For: Pioneering research and patient care facilities.
Overview: With a focus on both general and specialty training, UNC offers extensive hands-on learning and ranks highly for dental research and innovation. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill hosts the Adams School of Dentistry was North Carolina's first dental school to rank among the best dental schools in the US. It trains its students in both research and clinical practice.

9. University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry (USC) - Los Angeles, CA

Notable For: Cutting-edge technology and facilities.
Overview: USC is known for its innovative approaches to dental education, offering extensive clinical exposure and access to state-of-the-art facilities.

10. New York University

Notable For: with diverse clinical exposure.
Overview: As the largest dental school in the country, NYU offers unmatched diversity in clinical experiences and extensive specialty programs. The New York University School of Dentistry educates nearly ten percent of the nation's dentists. The school uses an integrated, collaborative approach to drive its research, which includes research opportunities for its students.

11. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry - San Antonio, TX

Notable For: Strong emphasis on clinical care and research.
Overview: UTHSCSA is recognized for its commitment to clinical education, offering extensive practical experience for future dental professionals.

12. Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine - Boston, MA

Notable For: Comprehensive clinical training and patient care.
Overview: BU focuses on comprehensive dental education, blending clinical practice with research and community service.

13. University of Florida College of Dentistry - Gainesville, FL

Notable For: Emphasis on rural and community health initiatives.
Overview: The UF College of Dentistry provides a balance of clinical practice and community outreach, preparing students for diverse patient care needs.

14. University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics - Iowa City, IA

Notable For: Focus on research and clinical care for rural communities.
Overview: With a strong emphasis on patient-centered care, the University of Iowa offers specialized programs and serves a large patient base. The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics has been a leader in patient care, dental education, and oral science research since its founding in 1882. The college has 26 community programs focused on children, patients with special needs, and seniors.

15. University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry - Chicago, IL

Notable For: Leading research and urban community health programs.
Overview: UIC provides a dynamic learning environment with a focus on serving urban populations, offering both general and specialty dental training.

16. University of Maryland School of Dentistry - Baltimore, MD

Notable For: Oldest dental college in the world with historic legacy.
Overview: UMSD combines history with innovation, providing cutting-edge clinical training and an emphasis on research and patient care.

17. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry - Birmingham, AL

Notable For: Leading research in craniofacial and oral health.
Overview: UAB offers a strong foundation in clinical and research skills, known for excellence in patient-centered care and cutting-edge dental research.

18. Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine - Cleveland, OH

Notable For: Emphasis on community health and comprehensive dental training.
Overview: Case Western focuses on preventive care and public health, offering a strong community-based curriculum that prepares students for versatile careers.

19. Baylor College of Dentistry at Texas A&M University - Dallas, TX

Notable For: Research and clinical programs with advanced technology.
Overview: Baylor offers extensive hands-on experience, research opportunities, and is known for training highly skilled dental professionals.

20. Medical University of South Carolina James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine - Charleston, SC

Notable For: Personalized student-faculty interaction and patient care.
Overview: MUSC provides a balanced approach to dental education with a focus on clinical training, advanced technology, and public health initiatives.

Other Notable Institutions

The following universities also offer reputable dental programs:

University at Buffalo, the State University of New York. The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is one of the top dental schools in the country. It has some of the best clinics and up-to-date facilities in the United States.

Ranking Tiers According to ShanghaiRanking

The ShanghaiRanking provides a tiered ranking system, offering a broader view of dental school performance:

1-10: (Covered Above)
13: (Likely includes institutions covered above or similar caliber)
16: (Likely includes institutions covered above or similar caliber)
21: (Likely includes institutions covered above or similar caliber)
23: (Likely includes institutions covered above or similar caliber)
30: (Likely includes institutions covered above or similar caliber)
37: (Likely includes institutions covered above or similar caliber)
40: (Likely includes institutions covered above or similar caliber)
43: (Likely includes institutions covered above or similar caliber)
44: (Likely includes institutions covered above or similar caliber)
47: (Likely includes institutions covered above or similar caliber)
48: (Likely includes institutions covered above or similar caliber)
49: (Likely includes institutions covered above or similar caliber)
51-75: (Multiple Institutions)
76-100: (Multiple Institutions)
101-150: (Multiple Institutions)
151-200: (Multiple Institutions)
201-300: University of Texas M.D. (and Multiple Institutions)

Admission Statistics and Costs

In 2025-26, 58.1% of all dental students enrolled in predoctoral programs were female, and 56.4% of graduates of the class of 2025 were female. In 2024-25, the average first-year cost of dental school (including tuition and mandatory general fees) was $46,865 for residents and $76,060 for non-residents in public programs. There were 12,491 applicants for the Fall 2024 entering class; of these, 6,719 enrolled as first-year students. The average total cost dental students can expect to pay at an in-state public school is $151,508, and at private schools in the US, the average total cost is $268,348.

Application Process

Applying to dental schools in the US involves many steps, but there are four main steps that need to be taken:

Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT): All US dental schools require the DAT. The DAT is scored on a scale from 1 to 30. Competitive scores that rank in the top 25% of DAT scores are 19 to 20 points, and a top score would be 22 or higher.
Submit an application to ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS): Most dental schools in the US require you to use the ADEA AADSAS to apply.
Submit additional materials requested by each dental school: Some schools require additional information, such as work history.
Participate in interviews: The majority of dental schools require an interview to be considered.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Schools

What is a good GPA to get into dental school? Competitive dental school applicants will have a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher. Many schools also average science courses; students should also have a 3.5 GPA or higher in this category.
What major is best for getting into dental school? The majority of applicants to dental schools majored in biology and chemistry. However, there are accepted students who have undergraduate degrees in other majors. For example, some biomedical engineering students even become dentists by attending dentistry school after earning their undergraduate degree
How many years is dental school? Traditional dental school programs are four years long. The first two years of dental school are typically spent studying basic biology, and the third and fourth years mostly consist of clinical study and direct patient care.
How should one apply to dentistry schools? Applying to dental schools in the US involves many steps, but there are four main steps that need to be taken.

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