Sam SmithThis list ranks the top 50 dental schools in the United States based on research funding, academic reputation, clinical training quality, selectivity, and national rankings. It includes both public and private institutions recognized for producing highly skilled dentists, innovative researchers, and leaders in oral health. While rankings highlight excellence, prospective students should also consider cost, location, patient exposure, and personal career goals when choosing the best program.
Top 50 Dental Schools In The US
1. University of Michigan School of Dentistry – Ann Arbor, MI
Michigan’s dental school consistently ranks at the top nationally for research, clinical training, and academic reputation. It offers students extensive patient care opportunities across multiple specialties, with state-of-the-art simulation labs and clinics. The school emphasizes evidence-based dentistry, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative research in oral biology, biomaterials, and public health. Graduates are highly competitive for residency programs and leadership positions. Its large alumni network and strong community outreach further enhance student experience and career development.
2. Harvard School of Dental Medicine – Boston, MA
Harvard combines the medical and dental models, integrating dentistry with broader health sciences. It is renowned for advanced research in craniofacial biology, tissue engineering, and oral health policy. Students benefit from access to Harvard Medical School resources, cutting-edge facilities, and a highly selective, collaborative environment. Clinical training is rigorous and diverse, with strong patient exposure. Graduates are well-prepared for specialties, academia, and research careers, and the program emphasizes leadership, ethics, and innovation in dental practice.
3. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry – Chapel Hill, NC
UNC Adams School is a leading public dental school recognized for exceptional clinical training, research output, and public health focus. Students gain hands-on experience treating diverse patient populations, alongside exposure to cutting-edge research in oral biology, craniofacial development, and biomaterials. The school emphasizes interprofessional collaboration and community outreach. Graduates consistently achieve high board pass rates and are competitive for specialty programs. Its culture balances academic rigor, patient care, and leadership development in dentistry.
4. UCLA School of Dentistry – Los Angeles, CA
UCLA combines top-tier clinical training with innovation in research and public service. Students treat a high volume of patients in diverse community clinics while learning advanced techniques in prosthodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery. The school excels in biomaterials, digital dentistry, and translational research. Its location in Los Angeles provides exposure to multicultural populations and cutting-edge industry connections. Graduates are prepared for general practice, specialty residencies, and research careers. UCLA emphasizes community service, ethics, and lifelong learning.
5. UCSF School of Dentistry – San Francisco, CA
UCSF is a graduate-level institution excelling in research, patient care, and policy development. Students are immersed in craniofacial biology, biomaterials, and oral health sciences. The school emphasizes evidence-based clinical training, offering extensive patient care across diverse urban and underserved populations. Faculty are leaders in research and innovation, creating opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge projects. Graduates are highly competitive for specialty residencies and research roles. UCSF fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, ethics, and leadership in dentistry.
6. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine – Philadelphia, PA
Penn Dental integrates clinical excellence with research and interprofessional education. Students train in high-volume clinics, gaining hands-on experience in prosthodontics, endodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery. The school emphasizes biomedical research, including regenerative dentistry, biomaterials, and health disparities. Close collaboration with Penn Medicine enhances learning. Graduates are well-prepared for specialty residencies, academic roles, and leadership positions. The curriculum promotes critical thinking, ethics, and patient-centered care. Penn’s urban campus and professional network provide unique career opportunities in dentistry and healthcare.
7. University of Washington School of Dentistry – Seattle, WA
UW Dental School is renowned for clinical excellence, research, and public health initiatives. Students train extensively in diverse community clinics, focusing on preventive, restorative, and specialty care. The school excels in oral health research, biomaterials, and health policy. Interprofessional collaboration is emphasized across the health sciences campus. Graduates consistently achieve high board pass rates and pursue specialty programs, research, or academic careers. Seattle’s diverse population offers students rich patient experiences. The school fosters leadership, innovation, and community engagement in dentistry.
8. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine – New York, NY
Columbia Dental integrates rigorous clinical training with advanced research and interdisciplinary collaboration. Students treat patients in specialty clinics and community settings while engaging in research on biomaterials, craniofacial biology, and oral health disparities. The school emphasizes evidence-based practice, ethics, and leadership. Its affiliation with Columbia University Medical Center provides access to cutting-edge biomedical research and interprofessional learning. Graduates are highly competitive for residencies and academic careers. The urban setting enhances exposure to diverse patient populations and complex clinical cases.
9. University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics – Iowa City, IA
Iowa’s dental school is recognized for comprehensive clinical training and research excellence. Students gain extensive patient care experience across all dental disciplines, including general dentistry, oral surgery, and pediatric dentistry. The school emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Research opportunities include biomaterials, oral biology, and public health. Graduates achieve high board pass rates and are competitive for specialty programs. The program fosters professional development, ethics, and community service, preparing dentists for leadership roles and lifelong learning.
10. USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry – Los Angeles, CA
USC Dental combines strong clinical training, innovation, and entrepreneurship. Students treat diverse patient populations in specialty and community clinics while learning advanced restorative, surgical, and prosthetic techniques. The school emphasizes research in biomaterials, digital dentistry, and craniofacial biology. Graduates are competitive for specialty residencies, academic roles, and leadership positions. Located in Los Angeles, USC offers exposure to multicultural patients and industry opportunities. The curriculum promotes ethics, patient-centered care, and professional development in dentistry, preparing graduates for varied dental careers.
| # | School Name | Location | Description (≤10 words) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan School of Dentistry | Ann Arbor, MI | Top-ranked, excellent research, clinical training, public mission. |
| 2 | Harvard School of Dental Medicine | Boston, MA | Ivy League, research-intensive, medical-model dental education. |
| 3 | University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry | Chapel Hill, NC | Public leader, strong clinical, research, public health focus. |
| 4 | UCLA School of Dentistry | Los Angeles, CA | Innovative programs, biomaterials, community care, highly competitive. |
| 5 | UCSF School of Dentistry | San Francisco, CA | Graduate-level, world-class research, craniofacial biology specialization. |
| 6 | University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine | Philadelphia, PA | Ivy League, clinical integration, specialty programs excellence. |
| 7 | University of Washington School of Dentistry | Seattle, WA | Regional leader, research-focused, community outreach excellence. |
| 8 | Columbia University College of Dental Medicine | New York, NY | Evidence-based, integrated medical center, specialized patient care. |
| 9 | University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics | Iowa City, IA | High-volume clinical training, comprehensive dental education. |
| 10 | USC Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry | Los Angeles, CA | Strong clinical simulation, entrepreneurial focus, alumni network. |
| 11 | NYU College of Dentistry | New York, NY | Largest U.S. dental school, diverse patients, digital dentistry. |
| 12 | University of Minnesota School of Dentistry | Minneapolis, MN | Research leader, teledentistry, wide range of advanced programs. |
| 13 | University of Florida College of Dentistry | Gainesville, FL | Public school, strong clinical education, oral biology research. |
| 14 | University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine | Pittsburgh, PA | Research ties, excellent clinical facilities, integrated education. |
| 15 | University of Texas Health Science Center Houston | Houston, TX | Major clinical/research hub in Texas Medical Center. |
| 16 | University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio | San Antonio, TX | Dental implant research leader, strong clinical program. |
| 17 | University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry | Birmingham, AL | Leading Southeast dental school, clinical and research excellence. |
| 18 | University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine | Buffalo, NY | Public school, strong clinical training, biomaterials research. |
| 19 | University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine | Farmington, CT | Small, research-intensive, integrated with UConn Health Center. |
| 20 | University of Maryland School of Dentistry | Baltimore, MD | Oldest dental college, strong public health and research programs. |
| 21 | University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry | Chicago, IL | Large, diverse patients, pediatric dentistry, orthodontics focus. |
| 22 | University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine | Aurora, CO | Modern, innovative curriculum, state-of-the-art facilities. |
| 23 | University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry | Lincoln, NE | Strong clinical experience, high board pass rates. |
| 24 | University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry | Oklahoma City, OK | Comprehensive clinical program serving Oklahoma state population. |
| 25 | University of Utah School of Dentistry | Salt Lake City, UT | Newer, integrated curriculum, strong research connections. |
| 26 | University of Louisville School of Dentistry | Louisville, KY | Respected clinical program, hands-on patient care focus. |
| 27 | University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry | Memphis, TN | Strong clinical and research programs in major healthcare city. |
| 28 | University of Kentucky College of Dentistry | Lexington, KY | Focused on community service and outreach initiatives. |
| 29 | Indiana University School of Dentistry | Indianapolis, IN | One of oldest, largest schools with extensive clinical operations. |
| 30 | Ohio State University College of Dentistry | Columbus, OH | Comprehensive program, strong local and community connections. |
| 31 | Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry | Richmond, VA | Integrated with medical center, strong clinical training. |
| 32 | University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry | Detroit, MI | Private Jesuit, strong clinical and ethical training. |
| 33 | University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry | San Francisco, CA | Accelerated 3-year D.D.S., humanistic patient-centered model. |
| 34 | University of New England College of Dental Medicine | Portland, ME | Innovative curriculum, training dentists for Northern New England. |
| 35 | University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine | Las Vegas, NV | Modern school, community service and clinical excellence. |
| 36 | University of California, Irvine (Future School) | Irvine, CA | Planned, anticipated major player in dental education. |
| 37 | University of California, Merced (Potential Future School) | Merced, CA | Conceptual/planning stage, prospective dental programs. |
| 38 | University of California, Davis (Potential Expansion) | Davis, CA | Discussions for future dental education expansion. |
| 39 | University of California, Riverside (Biomedical Sciences Focus) | Riverside, CA | Strong pre-dental pipeline, biomedical emphasis. |
| 40 | University of California, Santa Barbara (Biomedical Engineering Ties) | Santa Barbara, CA | Research in related fields, future dental integration. |
| 41 | University of California, San Diego (Health Sciences) | San Diego, CA | Major research university with medical school integration potential. |
| 42 | University of California, Berkeley (Public Health) | Berkeley, CA | Leader in public health, informs dental policy. |
| 43 | University of California, Santa Cruz (Biomolecular Engineering) | Santa Cruz, CA | Research in basic sciences relevant to dental studies. |
| 44 | Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine | Cleveland, OH | Integrated clinical and research training, evidence-based programs. |
| 45 | Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine | Boston, MA | Strong clinical training, research, and specialty programs. |
| 46 | Tufts University School of Dental Medicine | Boston, MA | Comprehensive curriculum, research-focused, strong Boston network. |
| 47 | Marquette University School of Dentistry | Milwaukee, WI | Private, strong clinical training, community engagement. |
| 48 | Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine | Downers Grove, IL | Relatively new, strong hands-on and community focus. |
| 49 | Loma Linda University School of Dentistry | Loma Linda, CA | Adventist institution, patient-centered clinical training. |
| 50 | Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry | Nashville, TN | Historically Black institution, strong community and public health focus. |
Closing:
Selecting the right dental school goes beyond rankings. Consider curriculum style, clinical opportunities, specialty programs, and cultural fit alongside reputation and research strength. The best school is one that aligns with your professional goals, financial situation, and learning preferences, preparing you to succeed as a dentist while fostering personal growth, hands-on experience, and a strong foundation for lifelong professional development.