The general public might think of dentists as those people who love to tell us to floss more, but dentistry is so much more than that. Dentists are highly trained medical professionals who apply their diagnostic, predictive, and surgical skills to a field that is constantly pursuing improved treatments and technological innovation. To go into general practice, students earn either a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or a DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) after completing their bachelor’s degree. After that, dentists can apply to residency programs if they wish to specialize in a particular field. Dentists can also choose to focus on oral health research, and many of the best dental schools in the US give students opportunities to pursue research while they complete their degrees.
The 2025-26 cycle is a notable moment in dental education. According to American Dental Association data, 28,925 students are enrolled in predoctoral dental education programs nationwide, up from 27,920 the prior year. The Class of 2025 produced 7,015 graduates, the largest cohort in decades. New schools continue to come online, including Yeshiva University College of Dental Medicine launching in 2026 and University of Pikeville Tanner College of Dental Medicine in 2025, expanding capacity at a moment when applicant volume remains strong (12,491 applicants for the Fall 2024 entering class).
Considering dental school? We have all the essentials covered for you in the article below. We will go over:
- How Long Does It Take to Get a Dental Degree?
- What Do I Need to Apply?
- Career Paths After Graduating
- What to Consider Before Applying
- Best Dental Schools in the US
Best Dental Schools in the US – How Long Does It Take to Get a Dental Degree?
On average, it takes 4 years to complete a doctorate in dentistry. During the first two years, students take classes in biology, anatomy, biochemistry, and the foundational sciences of oral health, often alongside students from the affiliated medical school. The second two years focus on hands-on clinical work and patient care under faculty supervision. Students can expect to graduate with the practical skills they need to begin their careers in general dentistry. Some programs are now structured to introduce clinical patient contact as early as year one, accelerating the development of chair-side skills.
Best Dental Schools in the US – What Do I Need to Apply?
Like all medical programs, admission to the best dental schools is competitive. To apply, you will need the following:
- Undergraduate degree: Dental school applicants most commonly earn majors in biology or chemistry, though most programs accept any major as long as prerequisites are completed.
- Strong GPA: Aim for 3.5 or higher when applying to competitive dental schools; the top programs cluster around 3.7-3.8.
- Dental Admissions Test (DAT) scores: Competitive scores rank in the top 25%, typically 20-23 out of 30 for the schools profiled below.
- Job Shadowing: Most schools require that you shadow DDS or DMD dentists for at least 50-100 hours before applying. More competitive schools require around 300 hours of shadowing 2-3 dentists across different practice settings.
After completing the steps above, you will follow these steps:
Submit your application to the ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS): Instead of applying directly to each university, most US dental schools require you to use this centralized service. (Texas residents applying to public Texas dental schools should note that those programs use the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service, TMDSAS, instead.)
- Submit supplemental materials: Some schools require additional materials, such as a resume and letters of recommendation. Ideally, at least one letter will come from a dentist you job shadowed.
- Participate in interviews: Most dental schools require interviews as part of the admissions process, and many now use multiple mini-interview (MMI) formats.
Best Dental Schools in the US – Career Paths After Graduating
For those interested in becoming a general practice dentist, a dental degree is all you need. For those interested in specializing in a particular field, you will need to plan to attend a dental residency program after graduation. There are twelve different specializations recognized by the American Dental Association:
- Dental Anesthesiology
- Dental Public Health
- Endodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral Medicine
- Orofacial Pain
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
For residencies, the ranking and reputation of your dental school will impact your chance of acceptance and where you are placed. Students looking to pursue a specialization should aim for admission to the best dental schools.
Best Dental Schools in the US – What to Consider Before Applying
Choosing the right dental school for you is an important decision that impacts your future career in many ways. Before applying, consider:
- Cost: Both cost of tuition and cost of living in the city each school is based. Total four-year costs range from approximately $150,000 at the most affordable public programs to over $600,000 at the most expensive private programs. The difference is a six-figure debt swing that follows you into early career.
- Location: Tuition will change depending on whether you are studying in-state or out-of-state. Certain locations offer more internship or career development opportunities, and many graduates ultimately practice in the state where they trained.
- Specializations: If you are interested in specializing in something like pediatrics or oral surgery, make sure the schools you apply to offer those specializations.
- Grade system: Many dental schools use the traditional GPA system, but some use a pass/fail system. If you plan to apply to residency programs post-graduation, attending a school on the GPA system and earning strong grades will help you stand out.
- First-time licensure pass rates: The Integrated National Board Dental Exam (INBDE) is the standard licensure exam. Strong programs publish first-attempt pass rates above 95%; the strongest sit at 100%.
Best Dental Schools in the US
The best dental schools offer their students rigorous education, plenty of hands-on experience treating patients, and chances to work with highly trained faculty. Our list of the best dental schools in the US below rounds up the schools with strong records of academic excellence and career connections and outcomes.
Note. As with all rankings, we advise not to place too much emphasis on whether a school was listed at #1 or #7. The better way to use this list would be as a launching off point to further explore each of the following dental schools to see which best suit your unique needs. Note also that the cost-of-attendance figures below reflect the most recent published four-year totals and are subject to annual adjustment; verify directly with each school before applying.
1) Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Founded in 1867, Harvard’s School of Dental Medicine is a prestigious program with a long history of excellence. Harvard offers a wide range of specializations in topics ranging from dental public health to orthodontics. The DMD curriculum is highly integrated: dental students learn the fundamental medical sciences alongside students from Harvard Medical School in the first year of the program, with required research projects and rotations in various dental specialties in the following years. Harvard also has outstanding research facilities, where dentistry students are currently developing new treatments for oral cancer and studying how AI can address healthcare disparities.
Average GPA: 3.85
Average DAT Score: 22
Four-year cost of attendance: $555,922
2) University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Ranked the top dental school in the US for four consecutive years by QS World University Rankings, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry combines an excellent program for students who want to pursue research with strong clinical training. Michigan offers Master’s and PhD degrees alongside the DDS. The school maintains particular strength in research-track career preparation, with a significant share of recent graduates moving into academic positions, dental practice, and residencies. The Ann Arbor location and the broader University of Michigan health sciences ecosystem produce strong cross-disciplinary research opportunities.
Average GPA: 3.81
Average DAT Score: 22
Four-year cost of attendance: $422,894 (in-state); $497,152 (out-of-state)
3) University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry
Founded in 1881, the UCSF School of Dentistry offers well-regarded DDS, PhD, and residency programs. A program that prioritizes hands-on learning, student dentists, residents, and faculty handle more than 120,000 patient visits per year in UCSF’s on-site clinic. UCSF is also continuing investment in the School of Dentistry through a multi-year building expansion project that will modernize clinical and research facilities. The school’s affiliation with the broader UCSF health sciences campus, which houses no undergraduate division, means dental students train alongside graduate medical, pharmacy, and nursing students throughout the program.
Average GPA: 3.76
Average DAT Score: 22.6
Four-year cost of attendance: $443,208 (in-state); $492,188 (out-of-state)
4) University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry
Located on UCLA’s scenic campus, the School of Dentistry prioritizes community service through its 13 public clinics. UCLA’s Community-Based Clinical Education model encourages students to participate in free clinics and treat underserved patients throughout their academic journey, with the network of community clinics serving more than 4,000 patients annually. At UCLA, dental students can study with world-renowned faculty and, if they choose, go on to a residency program in one of 13 specialized fields. UCLA’s location in Los Angeles also produces strong career placement networks across Southern California’s large dental market.
Average GPA: 3.83
Average DAT Score: 23
Four-year cost of attendance: $432,359 (in-state); $481,399 (out-of-state)
5) University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Well-known for producing top-notch dentists and researchers, UPenn’s School of Dental Medicine offers a DMD program and advanced certificates in specialized topics. UPenn has a strong reputation for academic excellence and global public health. Just one among many initiatives, students can get involved in initiatives to promote oral health in Africa. The school maintains three independent research centers on campus and pilots new research initiatives across restorative dentistry, immunology, and dental materials science. The DMD program also offers dual-degree options including DMD/MBA, DMD/MPH, DMD/JD, and DMD with education concentrations.
Average GPA: 3.7
Average DAT Score: 23.4
Four-year cost of attendance: $557,614
6) Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
With a focus on educating oral healthcare leaders, Columbia’s Dental Medicine program stands out as a prestigious and rigorous program. Columbia’s DDS curriculum emphasizes the relationship between systemic and oral health, beginning with 18 months of integrated training alongside students at Columbia’s medical school (the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons) before dental students begin providing care to patients in small practice groups under faculty supervision. Columbia offers a DDS degree, plus 5 residency and postdoctoral programs. A school that emphasizes technology and innovation, Columbia is currently expanding its joint dental-engineering program.
Average GPA: 3.7
Average DAT Score: 23.4
Four-year cost of attendance: $557,614
7) University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry
Ranked among the best dental schools in the US, UNC Chapel Hill is a strong option for students whether they are interested in practice or research. Through their clinics, Adams School of Dentistry gives DDS students significant hands-on work experience. Students pursuing research also have the opportunity to pursue opportunities through the GO Health Center and the annual student research symposium. The in-state tuition advantage at this public flagship makes Adams one of the strongest cost-to-quality options for North Carolina residents specifically and a competitive option for out-of-state applicants given the program’s reputation.
Average GPA: 3.6
Average DAT Score: 22
Four-year cost of attendance: $330,805 (in-state); $485,861 (out-of-state)
8) University of Washington School of Dentistry
Based in Seattle, the University of Washington is best known for its medical, engineering, and science programs. Its School of Dentistry offers a DDS degree, plus certificates spanning oral radiology to oral surgery. Through rural clinics and global oral health programs, future dentists can use their education to make a difference in underserved communities across Washington state and abroad. The school’s Pacific Northwest WAMI/WWAMI regional partnerships extend training and practice opportunities across Washington, Wyoming, Alaska, Montana, and Idaho, which is particularly relevant for students interested in rural dentistry careers.
Average GPA: 3.5
Average DAT Score: 20.9
Four-year cost of attendance: $420,265 (in-state); $551,983 (out-of-state)
9) New York University
NYU’s School of Dentistry educates nearly ten percent of the country’s dentists. Consistently acknowledged as one of the best dental schools in the US, this program educates both practicing dentists and researchers. With a strong emphasis on medical innovation, NYU students can pursue study in pain research, oral cancer, oral health policy, and transnational health. The NYU program is one of the largest in the country, which means a broader range of clinical experiences and specialty exposure than smaller programs offer. The trade-off is the highest cost-of-attendance on this list, requiring careful financial planning around debt service after graduation.
Average GPA: 3.5
Average DAT Score: 21
Four-year cost of attendance: $626,384
10) University of Iowa
The University of Iowa’s College of Dentistry is known for giving students early and broad clinical experiences. Iowa students begin seeing patients in their first year and gain early exposure to digital dentistry technology. The college’s location in the broader University of Iowa Health Care system produces strong interprofessional training opportunities. Iowa’s in-state tuition produces one of the lowest cost-of-attendance figures of any program on this list, which combined with the program’s strong reputation makes it one of the highest-value dental schools in the country for Iowa residents.
Average GPA: 3.70
Average DAT Score: 21
Four-year cost of attendance: $224,043
11) Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
Located in Pomona, California, Western University’s dental program boasts a 98.6% graduation rate. They offer a DDM program for dentists looking to enter into practice, and an International Dentist Program for foreign dentists looking to transition to the US. Known for its focus on new technologies, Western University recently opened a new 2,000-foot dental simulation center. Students engage in 32 hours of clinical care weekly in their final years, after participating in structured community-based volunteer programs early in the curriculum, which is one of the more demanding clinical-hour structures in US dental education.
Average GPA: 3.2
Average DAT Score: 20
Four-year cost of attendance: $420,000
12) Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
A larger-sized program, Boston University’s School of Dental Medicine’s focus on experiential learning makes it one of the best dental schools in the US. BU students gain work experience through 10-week externships, clinic shifts, and simulations. For those interested in research, the program offers opportunities to contribute to faculty labs across restorative dentistry, dental materials science, and oral biology. BU also offers a wide range of dual-degree options including DMD/MBA, DMD/MD, and post-DMD specialty certificates.
Average GPA: 3.15
Average DAT Score: 19.2
Four-year cost of attendance: $540,000
13) University of Maryland School of Dentistry
A strong program located close to Washington D.C., the University of Maryland offers a DDS as well as post-graduate studies. Through their residency programs, future dentists can develop expertise in periodontics, oral surgery, and other specialties. A strong research school as well, UM has recently won multi-million-dollar federal grants to innovate oral health education for children and underserved populations. The institution’s proximity to NIH, FDA, and other federal health agencies in the D.C. metro area produces particularly strong research and policy career opportunities.
Average GPA: 3.6
Average DAT Score: 21
Four-year cost of attendance: $416,000 (in-state); $596,000 (out-of-state)
14) University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Ranked among the top dental schools in the nation for research funding, the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is at the forefront of medical discoveries. UB students can expect a rigorous education that prepares them for dental careers. Students who want to pursue research can get started as early as their 2nd year. Recent years have also brought National Institutes of Health diversity awards for fostering equity and inclusivity in dental research, which speaks to the school’s culture as much as its credentialing.
Average GPA: 3.61
Average DAT Score: 20.5
Four-year cost of attendance: $150,560 (in-state); $259,400 (out-of-state)
15) University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
As the alma mater of about half of Connecticut’s dentists, UConn’s School of Dental Medicine is well-known as one of the best dental schools. UConn gives their students substantial experience in clinical work and through its in-house dental prosthetic arts laboratory. Aspiring dentists can graduate from this program with a PhD or a dual Doctor of Dental Medicine and Master’s degree in public health. The in-state tuition combined with the program’s regional reputation makes UConn particularly attractive for Connecticut residents and applicants from the broader New England region.
Average GPA: 3.68
Average DAT Score: 21
Four-year cost of attendance: $237,000 (in-state); $423,000 (out-of-state)
16) University of Florida College of Dentistry
Established in 1972 as Florida’s only publicly-funded dental school, UFCD has built a national reputation for research excellence and statewide community service. The College ranks sixth nationally in NIH research funding among all US dental schools and third among public dental schools, with a top-10 NIH funding rank maintained continuously since 2000. UFCD serves 142,000 patients annually through the UF Statewide Network for Community Oral Health, providing care to patients from all 67 Florida counties. The DMD Class of 2025 earned a 100% first-attempt pass rate on the INBDE licensure exam. The program is exceptionally selective, with a 4.4% acceptance rate from approximately 2,145 applicants for 93 DMD positions in the most recent cycle. UFCD also leads in digital dentistry adoption with iTero, CEREC, and E4D CAD/CAM technology integrated across the curriculum.
Average GPA: 3.7
Average DAT Score: 21
Four-year cost of attendance: $238,000 (in-state); $440,000 (out-of-state)
17) UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry
Founded in 1905, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry is the oldest dental school in the state of Texas and trains in the Texas Medical Center, the world’s largest medical complex. The first two years of the DDS program focus on basic and preclinical sciences with introductory clinical experiences, with stronger focus on clinical sciences and patient interactions in the third and fourth years. The school benefits from co-location with five other UTHealth Houston schools (Medicine, Nursing, Public Health, Biomedical Sciences, and Biomedical Informatics), producing interprofessional training opportunities and access to over $290 million in annual UTHealth research funding. Texas residents applying to UTHealth Houston should note that all public Texas dental schools use the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) rather than AADSAS. The in-state tuition produces one of the strongest cost-to-quality ratios available at any top-tier dental school.
Average GPA: 3.68
Average DAT Score: 21
Four-year cost of attendance: $200,000 (in-state); $430,000 (out-of-state)
Best Dental Schools in the US – More Resources
Looking for more tips that will help you get into the best dental schools? Read our guide to the Dental School Letter of Recommendation.
And if you are a high school or early-stage undergraduate student, check out these key resources to start learning about dental careers now.
Top BS/Dental Medicine Schools
Dataverse: Combined Dental Programs
