Top 10 Dental Schools in America 2025: Rankings, Tuition Costs, and Acceptance Rates

Top 10 Dental Schools in America 2025: Rankings, Tuition Costs, and Acceptance Rates

Choosing the right dental school can define your career in oral health for decades to come. In 2025, dental education in the United States continues to evolve rapidly—fusing traditional clinical excellence with cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence, 3D imaging, and digital dentistry.

From world-renowned research institutions to elite clinical training hubs, here are the top 10 dental schools in America for 2025, ranked for academic reputation, patient exposure, research output, and post-graduation success.

1. NYU College of Dentistry (New York, NY)

Overview:
As the largest dental school in the United States, New York University College of Dentistry leads the field in size, diversity, and technology integration. With more than 1,900 students and over 350,000 annual patient visits, NYU offers unmatched hands-on experience.

Highlights:

• Programs: DDS, Dental Hygiene, Advanced Specialties

• Strengths: Digital dentistry, global outreach, AI integration

• Estimated Tuition: $90,000 per year

• Acceptance Rate: ~6%

2. Harvard School of Dental Medicine (Boston, MA)

Overview:
Harvard combines dentistry with medical science, making it ideal for students interested in research or academic leadership. Students train alongside Harvard Medical School peers, ensuring a holistic healthcare perspective.

Highlights:

• Programs: DMD, DMSC, Advanced Graduate Programs

• Strengths: Research, biomedical science, public health integration

• Estimated Tuition: $68,000 per year

• Acceptance Rate: ~3%

3. University of Michigan School of Dentistry (Ann Arbor, MI)

Overview:
Regularly ranked among the best dental schools in the world, Michigan is known for its advanced research and interdisciplinary approach. The school offers strong clinical training and public service programs.

Highlights:

• Programs: DDS, Dual-Degree, Postdoctoral

• Strengths: Research output, community outreach, public dentistry

• Estimated Tuition: $67,000 (in-state), $85,000 (out-of-state)

• Acceptance Rate: ~5%

4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry

Overview:
UNC’s Adams School of Dentistry ranks highly for both academic excellence and value. Known for producing practice-ready graduates, it’s also a national leader in oral biology research.

Highlights:

• Programs: DDS, Advanced Specialty Programs

• Strengths: Preventive dentistry, oral health innovation

• Estimated Tuition: $38,000 (in-state), $64,000 (out-of-state)

• Acceptance Rate: ~6%

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

Overview:
UCSF is consistently ranked among the top dental schools globally for clinical innovation and biomedical research. The school emphasizes precision medicine and serves diverse urban populations.

Highlights:

• Programs: DDS, PhD, Postgraduate Residencies

• Strengths: Clinical research, oral surgery, technology integration

• Estimated Tuition: $50,000 (in-state), $65,000 (out-of-state)

• Acceptance Rate: ~4%

6. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (New York, NY)

Overview:
Columbia combines Ivy League prestige with advanced clinical education. Its curriculum integrates medical sciences with dental care, preparing graduates for leadership in healthcare.

Highlights:

• Programs: DDS, Dual-Degree, Specialty Residencies

• Strengths: Research, interdisciplinary training, oral medicine

• Estimated Tuition: $92,000 per year

• Acceptance Rate: ~5%

7. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Philadelphia, PA)

Overview:
Penn Dental Medicine is one of the oldest dental schools in the U.S. and a leader in restorative and cosmetic dentistry. The school emphasizes patient-centered care and clinical innovation.

Highlights:

• Programs: DMD, Postdoctoral, Continuing Education

• Strengths: Esthetic dentistry, orthodontics, clinical excellence

• Estimated Tuition: $85,000 per year

• Acceptance Rate: ~4%

8. UCLA School of Dentistry (Los Angeles, CA)

Overview:
Located in one of the most dynamic regions for healthcare innovation, UCLA Dentistry combines top-tier research with a community-focused mission. It’s a leader in prosthodontics and oral pathology.

Highlights:

• Programs: DDS, PhD, Specialty Programs

• Strengths: Research, implantology, community outreach

• Estimated Tuition: $47,000 (in-state), $65,000 (out-of-state)

• Acceptance Rate: ~6%

9. Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (Boston, MA)

Overview:
Tufts ranks among the largest private dental schools in the country, known for its urban patient base and strong emphasis on digital and restorative dentistry.

Highlights:

• Programs: DMD, MS, Postgraduate Residencies

• Strengths: Prosthodontics, public health, dental technology

• Estimated Tuition: $98,000 per year

• Acceptance Rate: ~7%

10. University of Washington School of Dentistry (Seattle, WA)

Overview:
The University of Washington offers world-class training with an emphasis on community service and research. It’s particularly strong in oral biology, periodontics, and pediatric dentistry.

Highlights:

• Programs: DDS, PhD, Specialty Programs

• Strengths: Research, public health dentistry, patient care

• Estimated Tuition: $47,000 (in-state), $77,000 (out-of-state)

• Acceptance Rate: ~5%

Ranking Criteria

This 2025 ranking considered four major factors:

1. Academic reputation and faculty credentials.

2. Clinical exposure and patient diversity.

3. Research funding and innovation in digital dentistry.

4. Graduate success, residency placement, and global reach.

These schools represent the best balance of academic rigor, clinical training, and research excellence in U.S. dental education.

The Future of Dental Education in America

Dental schools are evolving rapidly to meet new challenges—from AI-driven diagnostics to telehealth and 3D-printed restorations. The top dental schools in America are already adapting, integrating artificial intelligence, robotics, and predictive analytics into both curriculum and patient care.

By 2030, dental graduates will be more data-savvy, technologically skilled, and globally connected than ever before.

If you’re planning to pursue a dental career, these top-ranked schools represent the gold standard of education, research, and innovation in oral health.

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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Source Links

1. NYU College of Dentistry – https://dental.nyu.edu/

2. Harvard School of Dental Medicine – https://hsdm.harvard.edu/

3. University of Michigan School of Dentistry – https://dent.umich.edu/

4. UNC Adams School of Dentistry – https://dentistry.unc.edu/

5. UCSF School of Dentistry – https://dentistry.ucsf.edu/

6. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine – https://dental.columbia.edu/

7. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine – https://www.dental.upenn.edu/

8. UCLA School of Dentistry – https://www.dentistry.ucla.edu/

9. Tufts University School of Dental Medicine – https://dental.tufts.edu/

10. University of Washington School of Dentistry – https://dental.washington.edu/