Largest Dental School in America

Largest Dental School in America

The Largest Dental School in America 2025: Inside the NYU College of Dentistry’s Global Impact and Innovation

When it comes to dental education, one institution stands far above the rest. In 2025, New York University College of Dentistry (NYU Dentistry) remains the largest dental school in the United States—and one of the most influential dental institutions in the world.

With thousands of students, a sprawling clinical network, and a global research footprint, NYU Dentistry defines the future of oral health education. Here’s a closer look at what makes it the nation’s largest and most impactful dental school.

NYU College of Dentistry by the Numbers

NYU College of Dentistry (NYUCD) is the third-oldest dental school in the U.S. (founded in 1865) and by far the largest in terms of both enrollment and patient volume.

Key Statistics (2025):

  • Students: More than 1,900 enrolled across DDS, dental hygiene, and postgraduate programs

  • Faculty and staff: Over 900 teaching and clinical professionals

  • Patient visits per year: Exceeds 350,000 annually

  • Clinical chairs: Over 400

  • International students: Representing more than 50 countries

  • Location: Manhattan, New York City

This scale allows NYU Dentistry to train more dentists and specialists than any other U.S. institution, providing unmatched exposure to patient diversity and complex cases.

(Source: NYU College of Dentistry)

Why NYU Dentistry Is So Large

  1. Urban Location and Patient Access
    Located in the heart of Manhattan, NYU Dentistry serves one of the most diverse populations in the world. Its urban setting ensures a constant flow of patients needing affordable, high-quality care—giving students extensive real-world experience.

  2. Comprehensive Program Offerings
    NYU Dentistry offers every major dental specialty under one roof, including:

    • General Dentistry

    • Orthodontics

    • Periodontics

    • Prosthodontics

    • Endodontics

    • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

    • Pediatric Dentistry

    • Global Oral Health Sciences
      This wide range attracts applicants worldwide, driving the school’s record enrollment.

  3. Global Reputation and Research Leadership
    NYUCD leads the nation in biomaterials research, oral cancer studies, and digital dentistry innovation. Its partnerships with the World Health Organization and global health nonprofits expand its influence far beyond the U.S.

(Source: NYUCD Research)

The Clinical Powerhouse: Serving NYC and Beyond

The school operates one of the largest dental clinics in the country, providing low-cost treatment to hundreds of thousands of New Yorkers each year.

Students and residents deliver supervised care in every discipline—from cleanings and implants to complex reconstructions—while learning from leading experts. This real-world patient volume gives NYU graduates some of the most comprehensive hands-on experience of any dental school in the nation.

(Source: NYU Dentistry Clinics)

Advanced Technology and Innovation

NYU Dentistry integrates cutting-edge technology into every part of the curriculum. Students train with:

  • AI-assisted radiographic diagnostics

  • Digital scanning and 3D printing systems

  • CAD/CAM prosthetics labs

  • Virtual reality surgical simulations

By combining technology and clinical expertise, NYU Dentistry positions itself as a leader in modern dental innovation and prepares graduates for the digital transformation of oral health care.

(Source: NYU Digital Dentistry)

Global Partnerships and Community Service

As the largest dental school in America, NYUCD has a strong mission of service and international collaboration.

Each year, hundreds of students participate in outreach programs in countries including Ecuador, Ghana, Nicaragua, and Nepal—offering dental care to underserved populations while gaining valuable cross-cultural experience.

In New York City, NYU Dentistry partners with local schools, shelters, and senior centers to expand access to preventive care for thousands of residents annually.

(Source: NYU Global Outreach Programs)

Admissions and Competitiveness

Because of its size and global prestige, NYU Dentistry receives one of the highest numbers of applications of any dental school—typically over 4,000 applicants per year for roughly 375 seats in the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program.

Average admitted student profile (2025):

  • GPA: 3.6

  • DAT Academic Average: 21

  • Diverse backgrounds and strong records of community involvement

Tuition remains among the higher ranges for dental schools (over $90,000 per year), but graduates benefit from NYU’s strong career placement network and international prestige.

(Source: NYU Admissions)

The Legacy and the Future

For over 150 years, NYU College of Dentistry has been shaping the world’s leading dental professionals. Its combination of clinical volume, academic depth, and technological advancement ensures that it will remain at the forefront of dental education well beyond 2030.

As AI, robotics, and digital workflows reshape oral health care, NYUCD stands ready to lead—preparing the next generation of dentists for a smarter, more connected, and more inclusive world.

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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