Top Dental Colleges in the USA: A Comprehensive Guide for Aspiring Dentists
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. With just 80 dental schools across the United States and Canada, each accredited and offering strong education and clinical training, every dental school produces knowledgeable and prepared graduates.
This guide highlights the top dental schools in the United States, based on academic reputation, clinical training quality, research funding, specialty placement success, and overall graduate outcomes, to provide a detailed overview for prospective students.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental School
Aspiring dental professionals should consider factors such as clinical exposure, research opportunities, and community engagement when selecting a dental school. There are important factors to consider when choosing a dental school aside from just reputation:
- Cost of tuition, fees, and cost of living
- Graded vs. pass/fail programs
- Class size
- Location
While rankings are helpful, the best dental school for you will depend on your individual goals and circumstances.
Leading Dental Schools in the USA
1. University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Located in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the top dental schools amongst public institutions. 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. If you’re aiming to be one of the best in the dental field, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry in Ann Arbor is a top place to start.
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Founded in 1875, the school offers several programs like DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), Dental Hygiene, Master’s, and PhD in Oral Health Sciences. With over 700 students across all programs, the school combines world-class academics with plenty of practical experience. The school is very selective-only about 5% of applicants get accepted.
Key Features:
- Offers DDS, MS, PhD, and dual-degree programs
- Innovative simulation center and digital dentistry labs
- Consistently high NBDE and INBDE board exam pass rates
- Exceptional residency placement rates
- Strong alumni network and partnerships with community clinics
DDS students at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry begin direct patient care in D1 for maximum experience in general dentistry and various specialties. The DDS program also partners with several community clinics throughout Ann Arbor and the greater state of Michigan, where students will conduct outreach and serve underprivileged patients.
Admission Statistics:
- Applicants: 1,675
- Class Size: 109
- Acceptance Rate: 6.5%
- Average DAT (AA): 22.5
- Average DAT (PAT): 22
- Average DAT (Science): 22
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Average Science GPA: 3.75
- MI Residents: 60
2. Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM)
Located in the Longwood Medical Area in Boston, Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) has a long history-it was founded in 1867-and it’s still leading the way in dental education in 2025. Harvard ranks in the top 10 globally for Dentistry (QS World University Rankings 2025). Harvard’s dental program, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, consistently ranks among the most prestigious in the world. The Harvard School of Dental Medicine at Harvard University was founded in 1867 and is one of the best dental schools in the United States. The school focuses research on musculoskeletal disease research and offers its student body public health opportunities.
The DMD program at Harvard School of Dental Medicine is highly integrated for students to understand the fundamentals of general and oral health, with dental students learning the fundamental medical sciences along with students from Harvard Medical School in the first year of the program. However, the dental education at HSDM becomes more specialized in the following three years, with required research projects and rotations in various dental specialties. The school also has a low student-to-faculty ratio, so you’ll get personal attention and mentorship from some of the best professionals in the field. Plus, there are amazing research opportunities, community outreach programs, and strong support for leadership development.
Key Features:
- DMD program with dual-degree options (DMD/PhD, DMD/MPH)
- Emphasis on public health and underserved populations
- Small class sizes (approximately 35 students per year)
- Strong match rate in competitive specialties
- High NIH research funding per capita
Students benefit from a strong integration of dental and medical sciences, early exposure to clinical practice, and access to research at the forefront of biomedical innovation.
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Admission Statistics:
- Applicants: 990
- Class Size: 60
- Acceptance Rate: 3.5%
- Average DAT (AA): 24.7
- Average DAT (PAT): 23.1
- Average DAT (Science): 24.3
- Average GPA: 3.94
- Average Science GPA: 3.92
3. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry
Founded in 1881, UCSF has a long history of training excellent dentists and researchers. In 2025, it ranks in the top 10 globally for Dentistry according to the QS World University Rankings. What makes UCSF special is its focus on evidence-based learning, early clinical training, and public health. Located in San Francisco, the school offers access to a vibrant city with plenty of opportunities in biotech, healthcare, and research. UCSF is also known for supporting diversity and inclusion, with scholarships and programs that help students from all backgrounds succeed. The UCSF School of Dentistry is among the best dental schools in the States. The school is affiliated with UCSF Medical Center, providing students with a deep connection to hospital-based dentistry and specialty care.
The DDS program at the UCSF School of Dentistry emphasizes physical evaluation of patients, prevention of oral and dental disorders, disease diagnosis, and therapy. UCSF School of Dentistry students participate in community service at externship sites, clinical training at the well-known UCSF Dental Center, and oral health research opportunities with its prestigious laboratories. UCSF is the highest ranking dental school for NIH funding, making it a great option for students pursuing research-oriented careers.
Key Features:
- DMD and advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) programs
- Top NIH funding recipient among dental schools
- Strong research programs in craniofacial biology, oral cancers, and biomaterials
- Early and comprehensive clinical exposure
- Multilingual clinical services reflecting Bay Area diversity
Admission Statistics:
- Applicants: 1,417
- Class Size: 60
- Acceptance Rate: 4.3%
- Average DAT (AA): 23.3
- Average DAT (PAT): 22.2
- Average DAT (Science): 23.3
- Average GPA: 3.68
- Average Science GPA: 3.61
- CA Residents: 47
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry
Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, the UNC School of Dentistry is a great pick in 2025. Located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, this school is part of the University of North Carolina system and ranks in the top 15 globally for Dentistry (QS World Rankings 2025). The Adams School of Dentistry at UNC Chapel Hill is another prestigious public dental school with strong research opportunities for students interested in clinical, basic, and translational research and health policy. 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.
Founded in 1950, UNC’s dental school is known for its modern simulation labs, strong focus on evidence-based dentistry, and its dedication to serving local and global communities. One major perk? Students get early clinical experience-you won’t be waiting years before working with real patients. The school sees over 100,000 patient visits each year, so there’s no shortage of hands-on learning.
Key Features:
- DMD, dental hygiene, and multiple residency programs
- Focus on rural and underserved populations
- Access to world-class facilities and research institutes
- Highly rated for periodontics, prosthodontics, and pediatric dentistry
- Affordable tuition for in-state students
The DDS program at UNC Chapel Hill uses an Advocate-Clinician-Technician framework, training students to advocate for patients, provide general dentistry care as a clinician, and think critically to determine a course of care.
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Admission Statistics:
- Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
- Class Size: 82
- Applicants: 1,382
- Average DAT (AA): 22.5
- Average DAT (PAT): 21.5
- Average DAT (Science): 22
- Average GPA: 3.65
- Average Science GPA: 3.59
- NC Residents: 62
5. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Penn Dental)
Penn Dental is ranked among the top 15 dental schools globally (QS World University Rankings 2025), and it’s easy to see why. 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.
Penn Dental combines Ivy League academics with one of the largest dental clinical care centers in the country. Its flexible curriculum and extensive specialty training programs attract students globally. Class sizes are small, so you get personal attention, and the school offers strong support for research, leadership, and community outreach.
Key Features:
- Offers DMD and 10 postdoctoral specialty programs
- Advanced clinical simulation and patient care facilities
- Opportunity to study in dual-degree tracks, including DMD/PhD
- Long-standing commitment to community oral health programs
The UPenn School of Dentistry not only trains students to become skilled general practitioners, but also emphasizes their professional development through a three-year long Professional Practitioner Development course, in which they’ll learn to establish strong patient-practitioner relationships, the application process for residency programs, business principles, and more. UPenn dental students also have several opportunities for further academic achievement, such as dual degrees and honors in the traditional specialties, community health, and vulnerable populations.
Admission Statistics:
- Applicants: 2,211
- Class Size: 150
- Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
- Average DAT (AA): 22.9
- Average DAT (PAT): 21.8
- Average DAT (Science): 22.4
- Average GPA: 3.77
- Average Science GPA: 3.71
6. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CDM)
Located in Upper Manhattan, CDM is part of the Columbia University Irving Medical Center. Founded in 1916, Columbia CDM is known for combining clinical training, public health, and research all in one. It ranks among the top 20 dental schools in the world in the 2025 QS World Rankings.
Key Features:
- DMD, PhD, and dual-degree options (DMD/MPH, DMD/MBA)
- Emphasis on evidence-based and interprofessional care
- Affiliation with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital
- Strong performance in national licensure exams and residency placements
Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine also takes a highly integrated approach to dental education: its DDS curriculum emphasizes the relationship between systemic and oral health and begins with 18 months of training alongside students at Columbia’s medical school, the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Students begin providing dental care to patients in small practice groups under faculty supervision in D3. Students at Columbia get to work with real patients early on, train in high-tech simulation labs, and take part in outreach programs that help underserved communities in New York.
Admission Statistics:
- Applicants: 1,503
- Class Size: 84
- Acceptance Rate: 5.6%
- Average DAT (AA): 24
- Average DAT (PAT): 21.8
- Average DAT (Science): 24
- Average GPA: 3.74
- Average Science GPA: 3.69
Additional Notable Dental Schools
The following institutions also offer exceptional dental programs and are worth considering:
- New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry: 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.
- University of Washington School of Dentistry: 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.
- Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine: BU offers a cutting-edge dental education with a focus on digital dentistry, innovation, and patient-centered care. Its location in a top academic hub provides students with opportunities to collaborate with researchers across disciplines.
- University of Southern California (USC) Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry: USC's dental school is known for its leadership in community service, technological innovation, and academic excellence. Its location provides rich access to a wide variety of patient care experiences.
- 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.
- University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics: 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.
- University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry: 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.
Tuition and Admission
Tuition Fees
Tuition fees vary across institutions. For instance:
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry: Approximately $45,000 for residents and $80,000 for non-residents annually.
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine: Around $77,000 per year.
- UCSF School of Dentistry: About $54,000 for California residents and $75,000 for non-residents annually. Additional costs, such as instruments, housing, and insurance, can add approximately $20,000-$25,000 per year.
Admission Requirements
Common admission requirements include:
- A bachelor’s degree or a minimum of 90 semester hours from an accredited institution.
- Completion of prerequisite courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and English.
- Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores.
- Letters of recommendation.
- Personal statement and resume/CV.
Many dental schools accept international applicants. However, requirements may include:
- Evaluation of foreign transcripts.
- Proof of English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS).
DAT Score and GPA
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. 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.
Easiest Dental Schools to Get Into
Some of the easiest dental schools to get into include:
- University of Mississippi
- University of Minnesota
- University of Detroit Mercy
- University of Utah
- University of Washington
- East Carolina University
- Ohio State University
- New York University
- Indiana University
Additional Resources
- Bold.org: Offers exclusive dental school scholarships.
- ADEA AADSAS: The primary application service for US dental schools.
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