What are the best dental schools in the US? That is your first question when considering and selecting the dental schools in the US. When choosing a dental school, dental school rankings is indeed one of the factors we need to consider well, as well as other factors, like cost of tuition, graded vs. pass/fail programs, dental schools locations, specializations and more. But it is also vital to be informed about the best dental schools. This blog has compiled a list of the best dental schools in the US. Follow our steps and explore top dental schools in the US insight from the dental school rankings.
Facts of Dental School
There are two types of degrees for dentists: the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (DDS) and the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree (DMD). Dental schools in the US, including both coursework and clinical experience, are about four years long in general or three years in accelerated programs. Students in US dental schools can expect to spend at least 40 hours per week on school work, practical learning and exams. Although studying in dental schools means considerable coursework, less playing time and high tuition, graduation from dental school will pose a significant and rich return, as dentistry is a well-paid field.
QS World University Rankings: US Dental School Rankings 2024 Top 10
| Dental School Rankings in the US TOP 10 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ranking in US | Institution | QS World University Ranking |
| 1 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 1 |
| 2 | University of California, San Francisco | 9 |
| 3 | Harvard University | 10 |
| 4 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 15 |
| 5 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 19 |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | 20 |
| 7 | University of Washington | 21 |
| 8 | New York University (NYU) | 26 |
| 9 | Tufts University | 27 |
| 10 | University of Iowa | 38 |
QS World University Rankings: TOP 25 Ranking of Dental School in USA 2024
| Dental School Rankings in the US TOP 25 | ||
|---|---|---|
| Ranking in US | Institution | QS World University Ranking |
| 1 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor | 1 |
| 2 | University of California, San Francisco | 9 |
| 3 | Harvard University | 10 |
| 4 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) | 15 |
| 5 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | 19 |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania | 20 |
| 7 | University of Washington | 21 |
| 8 | New York University (NYU) | 26 |
| 9 | Tufts University | 27 |
| 10 | University of Iowa | 38 |
| 11 | Columbia University | 45 |
| 12 | Boston University | 47 |
| 13 | The Ohio State University | 50 |
| 14 | Indiana University–Purdue University Indianapolis | 51-100 |
| 15 | Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) | 51-100 |
| 16 | Stony Brook University, State University of New York | 51-100 |
| 17 | Texas A&M University | 51-100 |
| 18 | University at Buffalo SUNY | 51-100 |
| 19 | University of Connecticut | 51-100 |
| 20 | University of Florida | 51-100 |
| 21 | University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) | 51-100 |
| 22 | University of Minnesota Twin Cities | 51-100 |
| 23 | University of Pittsburgh | 51-100 |
| 24 | University of Rochester | 51-100 |
Dental School Rankings U.S. News
What about the dental school ranking in U.S. News and World Report? U.S. News and World Report is regarded as the most important source of rankings for American colleges and graduate programs. However, the dental school rankings U.S. news are noticeably absent. Why there is no dental school ranking in U.S. News and World Report? Back in the 1990s, a majority of dental schools hold the views that that ranking is under an overly simplistic methodology, so they boycotted the rankings over. Under that circumstances, U.S. News cancel their dental school rankings permanently.
Best Dental Schools in the US
University of Michigan School of Dentistry
University of Michigan School of Dentistry, with the top 1 place in QS World University Rankings-Dental School Rankings 2024, is considered as the best dental schools in the US. Besides, University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the top dental schools among public institutions, as well as a top five NIH-funded research institution. This college of dentistry is founded in 1875, dedicated to education, research, patient care, and community service in oral and craniofacial health. University of Michigan School of Dentistry – Ann Arbor is known for its outstanding research programs and clinical practice opportunities.
- Acceptance Rate: 6.5%
- Average GPA: 3.81
- Average DAT Score: 22
- Cost of Tuition: $422,894 (in-state) & $497,152 (out-of-state)
- Degree: DDS, MSc, and PhD
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Harvard University – Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) is also known as one of the best dentist schools in the US. HSDM is the first university affiliated dental school in the United States, as well as the first institution to provide the degree of Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Harvard School of Dental Medicine emphasizes the combination of basic science and clinical applications, boasting and offering the world-top academic and research resources. The education in HSDM is unique. It integrates dental students with medical students to study clinical medicine together, as well as an interdisciplinary field of study. In addition, HSDM also offers a DMD/PhD program with academic departments, covering developmental biology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral health Policy and epidemiology, oral medicine, infection and immunology, and restorative dentistry and biomaterials science.
- Acceptance Rate: 3.18%
- Average GPA: 3.82
- Average DAT Score: 22
- Cost of Tuition: $555,922 (in-state & out-of-state)
- Degree: DMSc, DMD, and PhD
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, focusing on educating oral healthcare leaders, is another top ranked dental schools in the United States. Columbia University offers a DDS degree, plus 5 residency and postdoctoral programs. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine emphasizes technology and innovation, also taking a highly integrated approach to dental education.
- Acceptance Rate: 5.6%
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Average DAT Score: 23.4
- Cost of Tuition: $557,614 (in-state & out-of-state)
- Degree: DDS and PhD
University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry
University of California, San Francisco also boasts one of the best dental colleges in US, which is called University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry. On the one hand, this dental school emphasis on scientific research, especially in the oral health, cancer research and craniofacial biology. On the other hand, UCSF also focuses on clinical practice, research, and community service, providing a strong education and training program in oral medicine and oral hygiene. Therefore, for students pursuing research-oriented careers, University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry is a great option for you when searching for the best colleges for dentistry in USA.
- Acceptance Rate: 6.98%
- Average GPA: 3.64
- Average DAT Score: 23
- Cost of Tuition: $432,359 (in-state) & $481,399 (out-of-state)
- Degree: DDS, IDP, and PhD
University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry
University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry is another top dental schools in US. It is also a famous public dental school amongst the top 10 dental colleges in USA. UCLA School of Dentistry is nestled on UCLA‘s scenic campus, prioritizes community service through its 13 public clinics. For students studying in UCLA School of Dentistry, you can choose and go on to a residency program in one of 13 specialized fields.
- Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
- Average GPA: 3.83
- Average DAT Score: 23
- Cost of Tuition: $432,359 (in-state) & $481,188 (out-of-state)
- Degree: DDS, MSc, and PhD
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry
The Adams School of Dentistry at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill is ranked as one of the best dental universities in USA. As another prestigious public dental school, it boasts strong research opportunities for students interested in clinical, basic, and translational research and health policy. Not only that, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry also provides strong clinical training and community service, where students can have a great deal of hands-on experience.
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Average DAT Score: 22
- Cost of Tuition: $330,805 (in-state) & $485,861 (out-of-state)
- Degree: DDS, MSc, and PhD
New York University College of Dentistry
New York University has the largest dental school in the United States, educating nearly ten percent of the country’s dentists. New York University College of Dentistry, as one of the best dental schools in USA, accepts a large number of students and offers a wide range of clinical opportunities. New York University’s School of Dentistry educates both practicing dentists and researchers. Also, New York University College of Dentistry emphasis on medical innovation and the cultivation of the next generation of leaders in the dental field. Although the tuition fees are higher in the NYU’s dental school, New York University College of Dentistry offers students generous scholarship and bursary opportunities that reduce financial pressure on students.
- Acceptance Rate: 11%
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Average DAT Score: 21
- Cost of Tuition: $626,384 (in-state & out-of-state)
- Degree: DDS, BS, MS, and AAS
University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry
University of Pennsylvania has the top dental schools in the United States. University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry is also known as the leading dental school in US, especially in oral medicine and oral surgery. The UPenn School of Dentistry offers a variety of dual degree options and diverse clinical practice opportunities. Besides, UPenn School of Dentistry not only trains students to become skilled general practitioners, but also emphasizes students’ professional development through a three-year long Professional Practitioner Development course.
- Acceptance Rate: 6.1%
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Average DAT Score: 20
- Cost of Tuition: $557,614 (in-state & out-of-state)
- Degree: BSc, DMD, MSc, & DScD
University of Washington School of Dentistry
The School of Dentistry at the University of Washington is another top dental schools in America. It focuses on great importance to vocational training and internship opportunities for students, providing students with broad employment prospects. Meanwhile, the School of Dentistry in the University of Washington offers a DDS degree, as well as certificates in every aspect in oral radiology to oral surgery. People also call The University of Washington School of Dentistry the great dental schools, as it is the only dental school in the state of Washington, having a strong commitment to providing high-quality dental care to patients in the region.
- Acceptance Rate: 6.1%
- Average GPA: 3.5
- Average DAT Score: 20.9
- Cost of Tuition: $420,265 (in-state) & $551,983 (out-of-state)
- Degree: DDS, MS, MSD, OMS, and PhD
University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics
As one of the best dental colleges in the United States, University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics provides rigorous education for students and gives early and comprehensive clinical experiences to them. The University of Iowa Dentistry & Dental Clinic serves a large number of patients and focuses on developing students’ critical thinking and problem solving skills. For Iowa students in the College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics, beginning seeing patients in their first year and gaining early exposure to digital dentistry technology make them better combine theory with practice.
- Acceptance Rate: 7.5%
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Average DAT Score: 20.9
- Cost of Tuition: $224,043 (in-state & out-of-state)
- Degree: DDS, MS, & PhD
List of The Best Dental Schools in the US
Best Dental Schools in the US TOP 10
| Top 10 Dental Schools in the US | |
|---|---|
| Ranking | Institution |
| 1 | University of Michigan School of Dentistry |
| 2 | Harvard School of Dental Medicine |
| 3 | Columbia University College of Dental Medicine |
| 4 | University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry |
| 5 | University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry |
| 6 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry |
| 7 | New York University College of Dentistry |
| 8 | University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry |
| 9 | University of Washington School of Dentistry |
| 10 | University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics |
25 Top Dental Schools in the US
| Best Dental Schools in the US TOP 25 | |
|---|---|
| Ranking | Institution |
| 1 | University of Michigan School of Dentistry |
| 2 | Harvard School of Dental Medicine |
| 3 | Columbia University College of Dental Medicine |
| 4 | University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry |
| 5 | University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry |
| 6 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry |
| 7 | New York University College of Dentistry |
| 8 | University of Pennsylvania School of Dentistry |
| 9 | University of Washington School of Dentistry |
| 10 | University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics |
| 11 | University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry |
| 12 | University of Texas Health Houston School of Dentistry |
| 13 | University of Florida College of Dentistry |
| 14 | Texas A&M University School of Dentistry |
| 15 | Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine |
| 16 | University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry |
| 17 | Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry |
| 18 | University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine |
| 19 | Rutgers School of Dental Medicine |
| 20 | University of Minnesota School of Dentistry |
| 21 | University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine |
| 22 | Ohio State University College of Dentistry |
| 23 | University of Maryland School of Dentistry |
| 24 | Virginia Commonwealth University |
| 25 | Augusta University Dental College of Georgia |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Good Dental Schools in US
Choosing the dental school that fit you most is an important decision that will impact your future in many ways. Dental school rankings and reputation are important, but they are not the only factors that we should consider when picking up the schools of dentistry. For your reference, we have list other factors that we need to check when selecting dental colleges:
- Cost of Tuition
- Graded vs. Pass/Fail Programs
- Class rank
- Class size
- Location
- Specializations
How to Get into Top Dental schools in the US
To get into the top dental schools in the US, you must excel in a competitive admissions environment. Here we list some tips to help you better understand the factors and aspects that the best dentist schools in the US usually focus on during recruiting and enrolling.
- Excellent Academically: High GPA and DAT (Dental Admission Test) score is vital for gaining the admission from the good dental schools in US.
- Engage in Volunteer Work: Many dental schools in the US also care about students’ experiences on volunteer work. Nevertheless, the experience of volunteer work are not necessarily directly related to dentistry. So, participating in community service or NGO activities will also make you stand out from many competitors when applying for the top dental colleges in US.
- Letter of Recommendation: Recommendation letters written by dentists or professors are also useful and can increase your chances getting into the top dental colleges in US.
- Gain Shadowing Experience: Shadowing Experience is another strong competitive advantage during applying best dental programs in US. Gaining shadowing experience by accumulating shadowing hours is helpful to observe practicing dentists and learn about their daily responsibilities.
- Strong Interviews Skills: Most dental schools require interviews as part of the admissions process. So, having the strong interviews skills can help you be closer to your goals when applying the best dental programs in USA.
Career Paths for Students in Best Dental Schools in the US
| 11 Dental Specialities for Dentists | |
|---|---|
| Specialities | Duties |
| Dental Anesthesiology | administer and monitor anesthesia during a dental procedure |
| Dental Public Health | focus on prevention and treatment of dental diseases and promoting dental health in communities |
| Endodontics | focus on dental pulp and periradicular tissues |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology | concerns diseases affecting the oral and maxillofacial regions |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology | oral and maxillofacial radiologists analyze images for issues of the maxillofacial area |
| Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | perform surgery on the teeth, jaw, face, and gums |
| Orofacial Pain | properly recognize the types of pain and initiate the most appropriate therapy to eliminate or at least to reduce the pain |
| Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics | straighten teeth and correct facial deformities |
| Pediatric Dentistry | offer dental care to infants, children, and teenagers |
| Periodontics | the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the gums |
| Prosthodontics | provide restorative dental procedures |
Conclusion on The Best Dental Schools in the US
When selecting the dental schools in the US, you can set the dental school rankings of the best dental schools in the US in this article as references. At the same time, the other factors, such as cost of tuition, housing rentals, graded vs. pass/fail programs, location, weather, program strength, and more, are also crucial to be considered to help you choose the dental school and dental programs in USA that are right for you.
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FAQs About the Best Dental Schools in the US
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor boasts the best dentist schools in the US, with the top 1 place in QS World University Rankings-Dental School Rankings 2024.
No. Students do not need to go to medicine schools in the US if they plan to have a career in dentistry. Dentistry is a separate field from medicine. So students need to pursue a dental degree in dental school, instead of the medicine schools.
There was a ranking for dental school in U.S. News and World Report. However, after examing the ranking methodology, the dental educators are against the ranking rule and system. After then, all dental schools refused to participate to the dental school rankings U.S. News.
According to the latest date, there are 73 accredited dental schools in the US as of 2024.
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