Hardest Dental Schools to Get Into in the United States: 2025 Rankings and Admission Insights

Oct 30

Getting into dental school in the United States is highly competitive, but some programs stand out for their particularly selective admissions. These schools combine academic prestige, limited class sizes, and high applicant demand, making them the hardest dental programs to enter.

Below is an in-depth look at the toughest dental schools to get into in 2025, based on GPA averages, DAT scores, acceptance rates, and overall applicant volume.

1. Harvard School of Dental Medicine (Boston, Massachusetts)

Harvard tops nearly every list of the hardest dental schools to get into. It accepts fewer than 4 percent of applicants each year, making it the most selective program in the nation. The school emphasizes both clinical dentistry and medical research, offering a DMD program deeply integrated with Harvard Medical School.

Average GPA: 3.9
Average DAT Score: 23
Acceptance Rate: 3–4 percent
Why it’s tough: Small class size (roughly 35–40 students) and a focus on academic excellence, research, and leadership.

2. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry

UCSF is one of the top dental schools in the world and one of the hardest public dental programs to enter. Its emphasis on research, innovation, and clinical excellence draws thousands of applicants for fewer than 60 seats per class.

Average GPA: 3.85
Average DAT Score: 22
Acceptance Rate: 5 percent
Why it’s tough: Exceptional reputation, high academic standards, and extensive research facilities.

3. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry

UCLA is known for its outstanding academic reputation and state-of-the-art facilities. Its program combines rigorous clinical training with research-based education, producing some of the most competitive graduates in the field.

Average GPA: 3.8
Average DAT Score: 22
Acceptance Rate: 5–6 percent
Why it’s tough: Strong emphasis on leadership, research, and community service experience in addition to top test scores.

4. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (New York City, New York)

Located in Manhattan, Columbia’s dental program attracts top-tier applicants from across the world. Students complete advanced coursework in biomedical sciences, alongside extensive clinical rotations through NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital.

Average GPA: 3.8
Average DAT Score: 22–23
Acceptance Rate: Around 5 percent
Why it’s tough: Ivy League prestige and integration with one of the top medical centers in the country.

5. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)

The University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine is both academically elite and historically significant. As part of the Ivy League, it demands strong DAT scores, GPAs, and a proven commitment to research or community healthcare.

Average GPA: 3.75
Average DAT Score: 22
Acceptance Rate: 6 percent
Why it’s tough: Competitive applicant pool and rigorous preclinical requirements.

6. University of Michigan School of Dentistry (Ann Arbor, Michigan)

Michigan’s dental program is considered one of the best public dental schools in the country. The university offers extensive clinical experience and interdisciplinary collaboration opportunities.

Average GPA: 3.7
Average DAT Score: 21–22
Acceptance Rate: 6 percent
Why it’s tough: High academic bar and an emphasis on both scientific research and patient care.

7. Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (Boston, Massachusetts)

Tufts attracts top candidates from across the globe and offers one of the largest and most advanced dental education facilities in the U.S.

Average GPA: 3.6–3.7
Average DAT Score: 21–22
Acceptance Rate: 7 percent
Why it’s tough: Strong competition and high expectations for extracurricular involvement and community service.

8. New York University College of Dentistry (NYUCD)

Though NYU is the largest dental school in the nation, it remains highly competitive due to its international reputation and prime location. It receives more applications than any other dental school in the U.S.

Average GPA: 3.6
Average DAT Score: 20–21
Acceptance Rate: 8 percent
Why it’s tough: Extremely high applicant volume and strong emphasis on holistic review.

What Makes a Dental School “Hard to Get Into”

Admissions difficulty is based on several key factors:

Acceptance rate: Fewer seats make entry more competitive.
Average GPA and DAT: The higher the academic bar, the more selective the school.
Program reputation: Top research institutions attract elite applicants.
Clinical and research emphasis: Schools with dual focuses often prefer students with diverse experience.

How to Improve Your Chances of Getting Accepted

To stand out to elite dental programs, applicants should:

Maintain a GPA above 3.7 and a DAT score of 21 or higher.
Gain clinical shadowing and research experience.
Show commitment to community service and patient care.
Write a strong personal statement highlighting motivation and leadership.

Final Thoughts

The hardest dental schools to get into—like Harvard, UCSF, and UCLA—demand exceptional academic credentials and a deep passion for the field. However, every dental program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) provides a pathway to becoming a licensed dentist.

Choosing the right school should depend not only on selectivity but also on clinical opportunities, location, and alignment with your long-term career goals.

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!

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Sources
https://hsdm.harvard.edu/
https://dentistry.ucsf.edu/
https://dentistry.ucla.edu/
https://www.dental.columbia.edu/
https://www.dental.upenn.edu/
https://dent.umich.edu/
https://dental.tufts.edu/
https://dental.nyu.edu/
https://www.adea.org/
https://www.ada.org/