Top 10 Dental Schools in the United States
2024 marks our first annual dental school rankings on DentWoo.com
Every year, we rank the best dental schools in the country based on student feedback, admissions statistics, clinical experiences, cost, opportunity to specialize, notable alumni, and the reviews published on our platform (note that our review platform was released on January 20th, 2024 and not taken into consideration this year). You can post a review about your school for consideration next year by clicking on the button below.
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#10 - Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine
Not to be overshadowed by other schools on the list, Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine emerges as one of the finest institutions for dental education in the nation. Known for its innovative curriculum that merges patient care with integrative technology, Stony Brook prepares its students to excel in a rapidly evolving industry. At Stony Brook, interdisciplinary research and collaborative learning are the norms. This approach not only cultivates proficient practitioners but also thought leaders who advance the frontiers of oral health. Committed to community outreach, Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine proudly extends its expertise beyond the campus, offering students the invaluable opportunity to serve diverse populations and understand the real-world impact of their profession.
- Small class size and individualized attention.
- Curriculum integrated with medical students.
- No class ranking.
- Strong history of preparing students to specialize.
- In-state cost of attendance is higher than average.
- Out-of-state estimated cost of attendance is approaching $500,000.
- Facilities are maintained but not state-of-the-art.
- Regional alumni network.
#9 University of Pennsylvania
Across the landscape of dental education, The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine stands out prominently, widely regarded as one of the best dental schools in the country. Its exemplary status is rooted in a deep-seated history of excellence and a futuristic approach to dental education. A curriculum that emphasizes hands-on experience, research, and community service is complemented by faculty who are leaders in their respective fields. UPENN’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of dental science through groundbreaking research initiatives and its investment in advanced technologies equip students with an unparalleled educational experience. Furthermore, an extensive network of alumni and a strong global outreach program ensure that graduates are not only capable clinicians but also well-rounded ambassadors of dental health across the globe.
- Global brand.
- Extremely strong alumni network.
- Some of the most influential dental professionals have ties to UPENN.
- Strong presence in academia.
- High Match rate.
- Philadelphia offers a wide variety of entertainment.
- Philadelphia is an affordable second tier city.
- Pass/Fail
- Unranked
- Cost of attendance is getting out of hand and unjustified based on pre-doctoral clinical experiences.
- Similar, if not superior, clinical experiences can be obtained at other more affordable programs.
#8 University of Maryland
In the historic city of Baltimore, the University of Maryland School of Dentistry stands tall as one of the country's premier dental schools. It distinguishes itself through an unparalleled fusion of tradition and innovation, dating back as the first dental college in the world. Its curriculum is rigorously designed, blending foundational sciences and clinical practice with cutting-edge research opportunities. The school’s commitment to comprehensive patient care, public health, and community service shapes dental professionals ready to address diverse healthcare needs. With its rich heritage, state-of-the-art technology, and an unwavering commitment to leadership in oral health education, the University of Maryland School of Dentistry is a beacon of excellence in the dental field.
- The first dental school in the United States has a storied tradition of producing competent, well-rounded dental professionals.
- Very reasonable in-state tuition.
- Out-of-state tuition falls within a normal range.
- State-of-the-art facility.
- Very strong oral surgery program, with ample opportunities to engage with faculty, residents, and the hospital’s surgery center.
- Robust patient base, that needs the services provided by the dental school.
- Affordable nearby housing options.
- Baltimore continues to decline in population.
- Safety concerns with crime rates three times the national average.
- Pediatric experience is extremely limited.
#7 University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry
The University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) School of Dentistry distinguishes itself as one of the premier institutions in the country. It boasts a comprehensive curriculum that seamlessly integrates foundational sciences with clinical expertise, ensuring that students are well-equipped for the intricate demands of modern dental practice. With its advanced simulation lab and community-focused clinics, UMKC emphasizes real-world experience, giving students a competitive edge through hands-on learning. The school's dedication to cutting-edge research and fostering a collaborative environment amongst peers, faculty, and the community positions its graduates to become innovative leaders in dental health.
- Offers a well-rounded education at an affordable price for both residents and non-residents.
- Robust clinical program with a strong-patient base.
- The School of Dentistry provides $750,000 annually in uncompensated dental care for the community
- Maintains a good reputation in the community for delivering value-based dental care.
- An expansion project includes some aspects of the dental program and is expected to be complete in 2026.
- Facilities are well-maintained but not state-of-the-art.
- Kansas city is experiencing a rise in crime.
#6 University of California, Los Angeles
The UCLA School of Dentistry is acclaimed for its unparalleled blend of innovative research, comprehensive clinical practice, and a strong commitment to community service. At the heart of its prestige lies a rigorous academic program that prepares students to excel in a dynamic health care environment. With access to cutting-edge facilities and a faculty comprising some of the most renowned scholars in the dental field, UCLA students are groomed in the art and science of dentistry at the highest level. Its dedication to advancing the dental profession is evident in its trailblazing research and the success of its graduates, who emerge as leaders poised to transform dental health on a global scale.
- Offers a strong academic education at an affordable price for California residents.
- Obtaining in-state residency after your first year is relatively easy.
- Maintains a good reputation in the community.
- Extremely strong local alumni network.
- Strong regional brand.
- Strong national brand.
- Recognizable global brand.
- Pre-doctoral students are set-up well to specialize.
- Reasonable class size.
- Facilities require improvement.
- Clinical experiences are below average.
- Patient population has significant commute to treatment facilities.
- Complex cases are often reserved for graduate students.
- Cost of living in close proximity to campus is not affordable.
#5 University of Michigan
The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is synonymous with excellence in dental education, often hailed as one of the best dental schools in the nation. It stands on the forefront of innovation with its cutting-edge curriculum that blends foundational knowledge with advanced clinical practice. The school's commitment to research is underscored by its significant contributions to dental and biomedical sciences. Michigan's graduates are notable for their clinical proficiency as well as their readiness to assume leadership roles in both community and global health. By fostering an environment that encourages inquiry and continuous learning, the University of Michigan ensures its dentists are equipped to deliver outstanding care and adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of dental medicine.
- Best-in-class pre-clinical foundation.
- New facility.
- Strong regional brand.
- Strong national brand.
- Recognizable global brand.
- High Match rate.
- Clinical requirements declining.
- Higher than average cost of attendance for in-state residents.
- Limited pre-doctoral endodontic experience.
- Facility is new, but not best-in-class.
#4 The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry is often overlooked in the realm of dental education, yet it stands out as one of the best dental schools in the country, renowned for offering a best-in-class pre-doctoral clinical experience. This institution fosters a deep understanding of both the foundational sciences and the advanced techniques of modern dentistry, equipping students with the expertise needed to excel in the profession. Iowa’s comprehensive program emphasizes real-world experiences, ensuring that students are not only knowledgeable but also exceptionally competent in clinical settings. With a commitment to excellence and a well-rounded approach to education and patient care, the University of Iowa produces graduates who are prepared to rise to the forefront of dental healthcare leadership.
- Reasonable cost of attendance and strong value proposition.
- Reasonable class size.
- Best-in-class pre-doctoral clinical experience.
- Lower than average cost of living.
- Recently renovated facilities.
- Pre-clinical simulation lab pods facilitate collaboration.
- Iowa City has less appeal that other major metropolitan areas.
- Specialty Match rates may be (on-average) lower than other top-tier universities.
- Poor brand recognition at the regional and national level.
- Alumni network is regional.
#3 University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry consistently ranks as a top-tier institution for dental education in the United States. Known for its comprehensive curriculum that marries rigorous academic coursework with extensive hands-on clinical experience, the school has a reputation for producing dentists who are not only technically skilled but also exceptionally well-versed in patient care. State-of-the-art facilities, a commitment to ground-breaking research, and a strong community service outlook ensure that UNC dental graduates are adept at meeting the evolving needs of the field. With a focus on innovation and public health, the UNC School of Dentistry shapes practitioners who contribute significantly to both local and global dental health initiatives.
- Reasonable cost of attendance and strong value proposition.
- In-state tuition is available to out of state residents after one year.
- Reasonable class size.
- Best-in-class pre-clinical foundation.
- Strong regional brand.
- Strong national brand.
- High Match rate.
- Best-in-class facility design for public university.
- Pass/Fail system.
- Unranked.
- Turnover among senior leadership.
- Clinical requirements declining.
- Obtaining patients can be difficult.
University of the Pacific - #2
At the heart of San Francisco, the University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is renowned for its trailblazing approach to dental education. Committed to excellence, it shapes skillful, innovative, and service-oriented dental professionals poised to lead the future of oral healthcare. The school's hallmark is its humanistic approach to education, fostering a community where each student's well-being is as valued as their academic success. With an accelerated program that allows students to earn their degree faster than at traditional dental schools, the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry places emphasis on clinical experience from day one, ensuring graduates are not only knowledgeable, but also exceptionally adept in practical dentistry. Its prominence as one of the best in the country is upheld by an extraordinary blend of rigorous academic programs, groundbreaking research, and a deeply ingrained commitment to community service.
- Best-in-class facilities.
- Condensed program offers students an opportunity to complete their pre-doctoral training, plus an AEGD or GRP in the same amount of time as traditional programs.
- As clinical requirements at other schools continue to decline, the opportunity to obtain a doctorate and complete an AEGD or GPR within the same time period is becoming more appealing appealing.
- Students are treated well, a long history of professionalism has been practiced by the faculty.
- Alumni networks are strong, and well respected.
- Students begin clinical rotations early in their academic careers.
- Cost of living in San Francisco is higher than the national average.
- Opportunities to increase affordability by commuting are limited.
- Cost of education is higher than the national average.
- The condensed-timeline of the program limits opportunities for external rotations.
Texas A&M - #1
At the Texas A&M College of Dentistry, students encounter a unique blend of top-tier educational standards, state-of-the-art facilities, and an unmatched clinical experience at a reasonable cost. Recognized as one of the premier institutions for dental education, Texas A&M stands out for offering a curriculum that is both rigorous and economically accessible. The school's best-in-class facility design promotes an immersive learning environment where students can harness the latest in dental technology. With a substantial emphasis on clinical training, graduates are well-prepared to provide superior dental care and confidently address the needs of a diverse patient population. The school's ethos of excellence and affordability underscores its reputation, positioning it as a leader in shaping the future of dental healthcare.
- Affordable tuition for in-state residents.
- Best-in-class facilities.
- Strong pre-clinial foundation.
- Top-five clinical experience.
- Alumni networks are strong, and well respected.
- 10 dental specialty programs.
- Large enough patient base to support both graduate and pre-doctoral clinical experiences.
