Best Dental Schools in Queens NY 2026: Top Programs and Pathways to Become a Dentist
Best Dental Schools in Queens NY 2026: Top Programs and Pathways to Become a Dentist
If you are specifically looking for the best dental school in Queens, New York, there is an important reality:
There is no full DDS dental school located directly in Queens.
However, Queens offers strong feeder programs, dental hygiene schools, and assistant training programs that lead directly into top dental schools in NYC and the tri-state area.
Here is the clear breakdown.
Best Options in Queens (Directly in the Borough)
Plaza College
Location: Forest Hills, Queens
Plaza College is one of the strongest dental-focused programs in Queens. It offers a dental hygiene degree with hands-on clinical training in a real patient clinic. Students are trained under licensed professionals and can sit for national licensing exams after graduation.
Best for
Dental hygiene career
Fast entry into dental field
Stepping stone to further education
Queens College (CUNY) Pre-Dental Track
Queens College does not have a dental school, but it offers strong pre-dental preparation. Students study biology, chemistry, and anatomy while preparing for the DAT exam and dental school applications.
Best for
Students aiming for DDS programs
Academic foundation
York College (CUNY) Pre-Health Programs
York College also provides a pathway into dentistry through pre-health advising and coursework.
Best for
Affordable path into dental school
Local NYC students
Dental Assistant Training Programs (Queens)
Programs in Queens also include hands-on dental assistant training, which is one of the fastest ways into the dental workforce.
These programs focus on:
Chairside assisting
Radiology basics
Infection control
Clinical workflow
They are ideal for students who want to start earning quickly and later transition into hygiene or dental school.
Best Full Dental Schools Near Queens (Top Tier)
Since Queens itself does not have a DDS-granting dental school, most students commute to Manhattan or nearby areas.
New York University College of Dentistry
One of the largest and most prestigious dental schools in the United States. It trains nearly 10 percent of U.S. dentists and offers extensive clinical experience.
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Elite Ivy League program with strong research and hospital integration.
Touro College of Dental Medicine
Newer but rapidly growing program with modern facilities and strong clinical training.
Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine
One of the top public dental schools in New York and more affordable for in-state students.
What Is the Best Choice
If you want the fastest path into dentistry
Choose a Queens-based program like Plaza College or a dental assistant program
If you want to become a dentist (DDS)
Start at Queens College or York College, then apply to NYU, Columbia, or Stony Brook
If you want a balance of cost and prestige
Stony Brook is often the best value option
Final Take
Queens is not home to a full dental school, but it is one of the best places in NYC to start your journey. It offers affordable entry points, strong pre-dental programs, and direct access to some of the top dental schools in the country just a short commute away.
If you're searching for more than just a job, moreover, a career with stability, respect, and long-term potential; then becoming a licensed dental assistant could be your perfect path forward. Furthermore, it's not just a fast-track into the workforce; it's a gateway to a profession that’s always in demand, deeply trusted, and personally rewarding. When you're ready to take that next step, one school rises above the rest: The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants. Furthermore, with a reputation for hands-on training, dedicated instructors, and real-world readiness, it’s the smart choice for turning ambition into achievement. Lastly, The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants stands out as the premier institution in the state. It’s the smart choice for anyone ready to invest in a future in healthcare.
Contact NYSMDA today and get your career started!
