According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for dental professionals is expected to grow by 6% by 2031, highlighting the importance of selecting the right dental program.
With most U.S. dental schools being highly competitive and maintaining low acceptance rates, it’s essential to choose wisely.
The top dental programs in the U.S. not only provide a solid academic foundation but also offer hands-on clinical experience, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in state and national licensure exams.
1. University of Michigan School of Dentistry
The University of Michigan School of Dentistry consistently ranks as one of the top dental schools in the United States.
With a robust academic curriculum, students benefit from an extensive network of affiliated clinics and advanced research opportunities.
The school’s 120 full-time faculty members oversee 15 diverse programs, preparing students for various career paths in academia, clinical practice, and residencies.
Graduates have the option to pursue dual-degree programs, such as combining a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) with an MBA or PhD.
Additionally, the university’s strong emphasis on hands-on training equips students with real-world skills in patient care and advanced dental procedures, including the latest techniques in dental implants.
This prepares them to address complex dental challenges with confidence and expertise.
2. University of North Carolina School of Dentistry
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The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has earned a stellar reputation as one of the best dental schools for both domestic and international students. Its curriculum is built on the A-C-T principle (Advocate-Clinician-Thinker), ensuring students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills alongside clinical expertise.
Through a network of rotation sites across North Carolina, students gain valuable experience treating a wide range of patients.
The program emphasizes community engagement, giving students the chance to practice dentistry in underserved areas, thereby fostering empathy and real-world problem-solving.
3. UCLA School of Dentistry
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- QS Rank: #6
- Avg. GPA Required: 3.83
- Avg. DAT Score: 23
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Cost of Attendance: $432,359 (in-state) & $481,188 (out-of-state)
- Degrees Offered: DDS, MSc, PhD
UCLA School of Dentistry stands out for its commitment to serving underprivileged communities through its Community-Based Clinical Education (CBCE) program.
Students participate in free clinics and treat patients from underserved populations, gaining invaluable hands-on experience.
The school is also deeply invested in research, offering state-of-the-art facilities and opportunities for students to explore cutting-edge advancements in dentistry.
With a vast network of community clinics across Los Angeles, UCLA fosters a strong sense of social responsibility while maintaining a high standard of academic excellence.
4. Harvard School of Dental Medicine
@harvard Harvard School of Dental Medicine is holding onto those #SummerVibes for a few more days ☀️ #Harvard #HarvardUniversity #Boston #HarvardDental #DentalSchool #CampusLife #CampusTok #CollegeTok #Summer #Summertime ♬ Summer – Croquet Club
- Location: Boston, MA
- QS Rank: #11
- Avg. GPA Required: 3.85
- Avg. DAT Score: 22
- Acceptance Rate: 3.18%
- Cost of Attendance: $555,922 (in-state & out-of-state)
- Degrees Offered: DMD, PhD, DMSc
Harvard School of Dental Medicine is a beacon of academic and clinical excellence, combining rigorous research with hands-on training.
Students have access to nine cutting-edge research labs and benefit from clinical rotations at the Harvard Dental Center, which caters to a diverse patient population.
The program emphasizes interdisciplinary education, allowing students to collaborate with peers from other health disciplines.
With a rich legacy of innovation, Harvard continues to lead the way in dental education and advanced clinical practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles in dentistry.
5. University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
- Location: Buffalo, NY
- QS Rank: #491
- Avg. GPA Required: 3.75
- Avg. DAT Score: 16
- Acceptance Rate: 5.25%
- Cost of Attendance: $150,560 (in-state) & $259,400 (out-of-state)
- Degrees Offered: DDS, IDP, MSc, PhD
The University at Buffalo offers a unique blend of basic science training, clinical practice, and research, making it one of the most comprehensive dental programs in the U.S.
Students start gaining hands-on experience with patient care early in their education, ensuring they develop confidence and expertise in clinical procedures.
The school also offers a dual-degree DDS/MBA program, allowing students to gain business acumen alongside their dental training.
With a focus on both academic and practical skills, Buffalo graduates are well-prepared to excel in diverse career paths.
6. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
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- Location: New York, NY
- QS Rank: #23
- Avg. GPA Required: 3.7
- Avg. DAT Score: 23.4
- Acceptance Rate: 5%
- Cost of Attendance: $557,614 (in-state & out-of-state)
- Degrees Offered: DDS, PhD
Columbia University combines academic rigor with exceptional clinical training, offering a four-year DDS program alongside interdisciplinary degrees like DDS/MBA.
The school’s strong ties to its medical program allow dental students to attend regular medical school classes, giving them a deeper understanding of the systemic connections between oral and general health.
With access to world-class facilities and diverse patient populations, Columbia graduates are equipped to excel in both clinical practice and research.
7. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
- Location: Philadelphia, PA
- QS Rank: #19
- Avg. GPA Required: 3.2
- Avg. DAT Score: 20
- Acceptance Rate: 6.1%
- Cost of Attendance: $557,614 (in-state & out-of-state)
- Degrees Offered: BSc, DMD, MSc, DScD
The University of Pennsylvania (UPenn) is renowned for its research-driven approach to dental education.
With three independent research centers on campus, students can explore cutting-edge advancements in dental technology and methodologies.
The school features six specialty clinics, offering hands-on experience in areas such as endodontics, periodontics, and oral medicine.
Its interdisciplinary approach allows students to work alongside peers in other medical disciplines, preparing them for a holistic understanding of healthcare. UPenn’s emphasis on innovation ensures graduates are well-equipped to lead in dentistry.
8. New York University College of Dentistry
@apaaesthetic Take a look at the design process behind NYU’s Apa Advanced Clinical Fellowship in Aesthetic Dentistry and Apa Aesthetic Suite, a state-of-the-art clinical space for aesthetic dentistry education named in honor of @Dr. Michael Apa and his transformational gift to NYU Dentistry. #apaaesthetic #apa #smilemakeover #apabeauty #fyp #dentistry #cosmeticdentistry #smile #aesthetic #nyu #nyudentistry ♬ original sound – Apa Aesthetic
- Location: New York, NY
- QS Rank: #38
- Avg. GPA Required: 3.5
- Avg. DAT Score: 21
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Cost of Attendance: $626,384 (in-state & out-of-state)
- Degrees Offered: DDS, BS, MS, AAS
As the largest dental school in the U.S., NYU serves over 300,000 patients annually, providing students with unparalleled clinical exposure.
The school’s diverse curriculum includes specialties like oral surgery, orthodontics, and prosthodontics.
NYU’s emphasis on global health is evident in its partnerships with international dental organizations, giving students opportunities for global clinical rotations.
While the program is among the most expensive, its vast resources and extensive alumni network make it a top choice for aspiring dentists.
9. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- QS Rank: #6
- Avg. GPA Required: 3.6
- Avg. DAT Score: 23
- Acceptance Rate: 6.98%
- Cost of Attendance: $432,359 (in-state) & $481,399 (out-of-state)
- Degrees Offered: DDS, IDP, PhD
UCSF is celebrated for its strong research focus and high-quality clinical training. Each year, the dental center treats approximately 120,000 patients, exposing students to a diverse range of cases.
The school also operates a center dedicated to addressing children’s oral health disparities, giving students opportunities to work on community-based research projects.
With its cutting-edge facilities and emphasis on public health, UCSF prepares graduates to lead in both clinical and research settings.
10. University of Washington School of Dentistry
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- Location: Seattle, WA
- QS Rank: #24
- Avg. GPA Required: 3.5
- Avg. DAT Score: 20.9
- Acceptance Rate: 6.1%
- Cost of Attendance: $420,265 (in-state) & $551,983 (out-of-state)
- Degrees Offered: DDS, MS, MSD, OMS, PhD
Located in the heart of Seattle, the University of Washington provides a comprehensive dental curriculum with a strong emphasis on hands-on training and research.
The school’s faculty includes leaders in oral health innovation, offering mentorship opportunities for students.
Through diverse clinical rotations and community health programs, students gain valuable experience addressing complex dental challenges.
The school’s collaborative environment and advanced facilities make it a top choice for aspiring dental professionals.
11. University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics
- Location: Iowa City, IA
- QS Rank: #49
- Avg. GPA Required: 3.7
- Avg. DAT Score: 20
- Acceptance Rate: 7.5%
- Cost of Attendance: $224,043 (in-state & out-of-state)
- Degrees Offered: DDS, MS, PhD
The University of Iowa stands out for its state-of-the-art simulation clinics, allowing students to develop skills in a controlled environment before treating real patients.
The school’s interdisciplinary curriculum integrates basic sciences with clinical practice, ensuring graduates are prepared for complex dental procedures.
With clinics that serve over 167,000 patient visits annually, students receive extensive hands-on training in various dental specialties.
The university’s affordability and strong clinical focus make it a top contender for aspiring dentists.
12. University of Maryland School of Dentistry
🦷 @UMDentistry students helped provide dental care to 82 uninsured and underserved adults in a single day at a Mercy of Mission event @uatshadygrove thanks to a partnership between the School and @CCADWhttps://t.co/CsbNw7pPaL
— University of Maryland, Baltimore (@UMBaltimore) November 1, 2024
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- QS Rank: #30
- Avg. GPA Required: 3.5
- Avg. DAT Score: 20
- Acceptance Rate: 5.8%
- Cost of Attendance: $416,000 (in-state) & $596,000 (out-of-state)
- Degrees Offered: DDS, MS, PhD
The world’s first dental college, founded in 1840, the University of Maryland combines its historical legacy with modern innovations in dental education.
The school features advanced technology like digital dentistry labs and 3D printing facilities, providing students with hands-on training in cutting-edge techniques.
With a diverse patient pool and a focus on community health, students gain experience treating a wide range of dental conditions.
The school’s strong emphasis on research and clinical practice ensures graduates are ready for leadership roles in dentistry.
13. University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
- Location: Farmington, CT
- QS Rank: #88
- Avg. GPA Required: 3.6
- Avg. DAT Score: 21
- Acceptance Rate: 6.3%
- Cost of Attendance: $237,000 (in-state) & $432,000 (out-of-state)
- Degrees Offered: DMD, MS, PhD
The University of Connecticut is recognized for its advanced simulation labs and a strong emphasis on digital dentistry.
Students have access to cutting-edge research opportunities, with studies ranging from biomaterials to pain management.
The clinical program is extensive, with students treating over 75,000 patient visits annually across various settings, including community health centers.
UConn’s focus on innovation and patient-centered care ensures graduates are well-prepared for the future of dentistry.
14. Texas A&M University School of Dentistry
- Location: Dallas, TX
- QS Rank: #72
- Avg. GPA Required: 3.5
- Avg. DAT Score: 20
- Acceptance Rate: 7.2%
- Cost of Attendance: $29,684 (in-state) & $40,134 (out-of-state)
- Degrees Offered: DDS, MS, PhD
Texas A&M offers one of the most affordable and comprehensive dental programs in the U.S.
The school is equipped with high-tech simulation labs and advanced digital dentistry tools, providing students with hands-on experience using the latest technology.
With over 90,000 patient visits annually, students gain robust clinical training across diverse settings, from community health centers to specialized on-campus clinics. T