Top Dental Schools in US

The field of dentistry in the United States is characterized by rigorous academic standards, advanced clinical training, and cutting-edge research. As dental schools continue to evolve in response to advancements in dental technology and changes in healthcare needs, certain institutions stand out as leaders in both education and research. The University of Florida College of Dentistry, Indiana University School of Dentistry, the University of Alabama School of Dentistry, the Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, and the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry are among the top schools in the United States, each offering unique programs and opportunities for aspiring dental professionals.

The University of Florida College of Dentistry is widely regarded as one of the leading dental schools in the United States, particularly due to its strong emphasis on research. In 2008, the College was ranked fourth among all dental schools in the country in terms of NIH/NIDCR (National Institute of Health/National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research) funding for research. This distinction reflects the College’s commitment to advancing the field of dentistry through scientific inquiry and clinical innovation. With a focus on both basic and clinical research, the University of Florida’s dental school is deeply invested in discovering new techniques, treatments, and technologies to improve dental care. Students at the University of Florida are exposed to an environment where research and clinical practice intersect, allowing them to engage with groundbreaking work that shapes the future of dental medicine. This research-focused approach, combined with comprehensive training in clinical skills, makes the University of Florida College of Dentistry an excellent choice for students interested in contributing to the advancement of dental science.

Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) also stands out as a leader in dental education, known for its strong ties to the local community and its commitment to service. One notable achievement of IUSD is its recognition as a "Partner of the Year" by Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana, Inc. This award underscores the school’s dedication to serving underserved populations and promoting oral health within the community. Additionally, in 2007, IUSD was awarded two of the IUPUI campus's first 19 Signature Center grants, a testament to its innovative approach to research and education. These grants were designed to enhance interdisciplinary collaboration and promote projects that have significant potential for community impact. IUSD’s strong reputation in clinical training and its focus on public service make it a compelling choice for students interested in integrating social responsibility with their dental careers. The school’s emphasis on community outreach and public health prepares graduates to take on leadership roles in the broader healthcare system.

The University of Alabama School of Dentistry is another prestigious institution that has made a significant mark in dental education. It is a key component of the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Medical Center, which allows students to benefit from a highly integrated healthcare environment. As part of a larger academic medical center, the University of Alabama’s dental school offers a unique opportunity for students to collaborate with professionals in a variety of medical fields. This interdisciplinary approach is particularly valuable in the treatment of patients with complex medical conditions that affect oral health. The University of Alabama School of Dentistry is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, ensuring that it meets high academic and ethical standards. Students at the University of Alabama benefit not only from comprehensive dental training but also from the rich academic environment provided by a major medical institution. This integration of dental education with the broader healthcare field helps to prepare students for a career in dentistry that is both medically informed and patient-centered.

The Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ASDOH) is another distinguished institution that emphasizes both education and public health. ASDOH offers a unique program that awards graduates with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (D.M.D.) degree along with a certificate in public health management. This dual focus on clinical training and public health equips students with a broader perspective on dentistry, allowing them to address oral health issues within the context of larger public health challenges. The school’s program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, ensuring that its curriculum and clinical training meet national standards of excellence. The inclusion of public health management in the curriculum is particularly important, as it prepares graduates to work not only in private practice but also in public health settings, where they can have a meaningful impact on oral health at the community or population level. The Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health stands out for its innovative approach to dental education, which integrates clinical expertise with a deep understanding of the social determinants of health.

Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine is another top-tier institution with a notable distinction—it was the first new school of dental medicine to open in the United States. Since its inception, Nova Southeastern University’s College of Dental Medicine has remained at the forefront of dental education, offering a comprehensive program that includes general dentistry, advanced general dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, and prosthodontics. The college is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, ensuring that its programs meet the highest standards. Nova Southeastern University’s commitment to providing a broad range of specialties reflects the increasing need for highly skilled dental professionals who can address diverse patient needs. The school’s focus on creating a supportive learning environment, combined with its strong clinical training, makes it an ideal choice for students looking to explore different areas of dentistry and specialize in a specific field.

Finally, the University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry offers an accelerated, year-round Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program that is among the most competitive in the country. The school’s three-year DDS program is designed to fast-track students into the profession, allowing them to complete their training in a shorter period compared to traditional four-year programs. The University of the Pacific has one of the largest applicant pools for dental schools, and the competition to gain admission is fierce. Many applicants must apply several times before being invited for an interview, which speaks to the school’s prestige and the high caliber of students it attracts. This rigorous selection process ensures that those who are admitted to the program are highly qualified and motivated. The University of the Pacific’s accelerated program is ideal for students who are looking for an intense, focused educational experience that will quickly prepare them for a successful dental career.

List of other leading dental schools in the United States:

• Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
• UCLA School of Dentistry
• University of California at San Francisco School of Dentistry
• University of Southern California USC School of Dentistry
• Western University of Health Sciences
• University of Colorado Denver School of Dental Medicine
• University of Connecticut Health Center School of Dental Medicine
• Howard University College of Dentistry
• Medical College of Georgia School of Dentistry
• University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry
• Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine
• University of Iowa College of Dentistry
• University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
• University of Louisville School of Dentistry
• Louisiana State University School of Dentistry
• University of Maryland Dental School of the University of Maryland at Baltimore
• Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine
• Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Boston
• Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, Boston
• University of Michigan School of Dentistry
• University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
• University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
• University of Mississippi Medical Center
• University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry
• University of Nebraska Dental School
• Creighton University School of Dentistry
• University of Nevada at Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine
• University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Dental School
• Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
• New York University College of Dentistry
• State University of New York at Buffalo
• State University of New York at Stony Brook
• University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry
• East Carolina University School of Dentistry
• Ohio State University College of Dentistry
• Case School of Dental Medicine of the Case Western Reserve University
• University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center
• Oregon Health & Science University
• Temple University School of Dentistry
• University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
• University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
• University of Puerto Rico School of Dentistry
• Medical University of South Carolina
• University of Tennessee College of Dentistry
• Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry
• Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Dallas, Texas
• The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston Dental Branch
• University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
• University of Washington School of Dentistry, Seattle
• West Virginia University School of Dentistry
• Marquette University School of Dentistry