20 Best Dental Schools for Orthodontics in 2026: Top Programs, Residencies, and Elite Orthodontic Training
20 Best Dental Schools for Orthodontics in 2026: Top Programs, Residencies, and Elite Orthodontic Training
Orthodontics is one of the most competitive specialties in dentistry. After completing dental school, aspiring orthodontists must enter a specialized orthodontic residency program that usually lasts two to three years. These programs train dentists in advanced tooth movement, craniofacial growth, biomechanics, and corrective jaw treatments.
Many of the best orthodontists in the United States graduate from dental schools with strong orthodontic departments and high research output. Institutions with large patient volumes, advanced imaging technology, and interdisciplinary collaboration tend to produce the most competitive orthodontic specialists.
Below are twenty of the best dental schools in the United States for orthodontic training based on program reputation, research strength, clinical exposure, and orthodontic residency placement.
Top 20 Dental Schools for Orthodontics
University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Often ranked among the top orthodontic research centers in North America, the program combines advanced biomechanics labs with strong clinical training.University of Washington School of Dentistry
Seattle, Washington
A globally respected orthodontic program with strong emphasis on craniofacial growth and evidence based treatment.Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Highly selective program known for interdisciplinary medical training and orthodontic research integration.University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Offers advanced orthodontic residency with strong research support and clinical training.University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
One of the top ranked dental schools globally and widely respected for orthodontic training.University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry
San Francisco, California
Known for patient centered orthodontic treatment and strong research opportunities.Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
New York, New York
Highly selective dental school with strong craniofacial research and orthodontic residency programs.University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry
Chicago, Illinois
Well respected orthodontic department emphasizing biomechanics and clinical case diversity.New York University College of Dentistry
New York, New York
One of the largest dental schools in the world with extensive orthodontic clinical training.Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts
Known for strong faculty mentorship and advanced orthodontic research programs.Baylor College of Dentistry at Texas A and M University
Dallas, Texas
Strong clinical orthodontic training and advanced orthodontic technology.University of Florida College of Dentistry
Gainesville, Florida
Focus on digital orthodontics, aligner therapy, and modern treatment planning.University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Recognized for craniofacial research and orthodontic specialty programs.Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
Cleveland, Ohio
Produces highly trained orthodontists with strong academic research backgrounds.Boston University Henry M Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts
Offers orthodontic residency with strong clinical training and research support.University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Baltimore, Maryland
The oldest dental school in the world with respected orthodontic graduate programs.Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry
Richmond, Virginia
Well known for producing orthodontists who enter both private practice and academia.University of Alabama Birmingham School of Dentistry
Birmingham, Alabama
Strong orthodontic program with excellent clinical exposure.Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Loma Linda, California
Offers orthodontic specialty training with a strong focus on patient care and research.University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry
Houston, Texas
Offers accredited orthodontic specialty programs with extensive clinical training.
Why Orthodontics Is One of the Most Competitive Dental Specialties
Orthodontics consistently ranks among the most competitive dental specialties. Programs often accept fewer than ten residents per year. Applicants must typically graduate near the top of their dental school class and often complete research or publish academic work.
Orthodontic training focuses on correcting malocclusion, guiding jaw development, and improving facial balance. Residents learn advanced biomechanics, digital treatment planning, surgical orthodontics, and aligner therapy.
Because orthodontists treat both children and adults with braces, aligners, and surgical orthodontic treatments, they remain among the highest earning dental specialists.
Orthodontist Salary Outlook
Orthodontists rank among the highest paid dental professionals in the United States. Median orthodontist income often exceeds two hundred fifty thousand dollars annually, with experienced private practice orthodontists earning significantly more.
Demand continues to grow due to increasing demand for cosmetic dentistry and clear aligner treatments.
For dental students aiming to specialize, attending a dental school with strong orthodontic research and residency placement significantly improves the chances of entering this competitive field.
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High value sources
American Association of Orthodontists accredited residency programs
https://www2.aaoinfo.org/programs-for-residents-and-educators/accredited-orthodontic-programs/
American Dental Education Association dental school data
https://www.adea.org
U.S. orthodontics education rankings
https://edurank.org/medicine/orthodontics/us/
Dental residency program overview
https://www.joinleland.com/library/a/the-top-10-dental-schools-for-orthodontics
American Dental Association education resources
https://www.ada.org
