Top 20 Dental Schools in the United States: Best Programs for 2025
Top 20 Dental Schools in the United States: Best Programs for 2025
Choosing the right dental school is one of the most important decisions for aspiring dentists. The U.S. is home to some of the world’s top programs, offering advanced research, comprehensive clinical training, and strong career placement. Below is a list of the 20 best dental schools in the United States, highlighting their reputations, specialties, and contributions to oral health education.
1. Harvard University – Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Located in Boston, Harvard integrates dentistry closely with medicine, emphasizing biomedical sciences and research at the highest academic level.
2. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry
Recognized for public oral health leadership, UCSF is consistently among the nation’s top NIH-funded dental research schools.
3. University of Michigan School of Dentistry
One of the oldest dental schools in the U.S., Michigan combines leading clinical training with pioneering oral health research.
4. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Penn Dental Medicine blends rigorous education with strong community outreach and extensive specialty programs.
5. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Columbia integrates dentistry with public health and medicine, offering opportunities for dual-degree programs.
6. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry
A global leader in clinical research, UCLA prepares students with both traditional and advanced clinical experiences.
7. University of Washington School of Dentistry
Renowned for serving rural and underserved populations, Washington emphasizes social responsibility and patient care.
8. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry
UNC offers a hands-on, patient-first approach and is widely respected for its innovative clinical training.
9. New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry
As the largest dental school in the country, NYU provides unmatched clinical exposure and a diverse patient base.
10. University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Pacific is known for its unique accelerated three-year DDS program and case-based learning model.
11. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry
A top program in Texas, UT Health San Antonio has a strong reputation for community care and clinical excellence.
12. Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
BU combines strong research with extensive clinical training and outreach programs across Massachusetts.
13. University of Florida College of Dentistry
Florida emphasizes public service, rural healthcare, and broad research in oral biology and clinical sciences.
14. University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics
With a long history of innovation, Iowa is known for advancing oral science and serving the Midwest.
15. University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry
UIC excels in urban health, diversity of patient care, and strong biomedical research.
16. University of Maryland School of Dentistry
The world’s first dental school (founded 1840), Maryland remains a leader in research and clinical training.
17. University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry
UAB is highly regarded for craniofacial research, oral medicine, and clinical education in the South.
18. Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
Case Western has a strong community health emphasis and produces graduates ready for both practice and research.
19. Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
As New Jersey’s only dental school, Rutgers serves as a primary provider of dental education and oral health care for the state.
20. University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Minnesota is the only dental school in the state, training most of its practitioners and focusing on comprehensive care.
Conclusion
These 20 universities represent the best of U.S. dental education, balancing tradition, research leadership, and modern patient-care training. Whether you seek cutting-edge research opportunities, diverse clinical exposure, or accelerated degree options, these schools set the benchmark for future dental professionals.
Sources and Further Reading
Also, 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.
