Top 20 Master’s Programs for Dentistry in the United States (2026)
Here are the top 20 master’s-level dentistry programs in the United States for 2026. These include MS, MSD, MDS, and specialty master’s programs in orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral biology, and dental public health. These rankings are based on research output, specialty training strength, faculty reputation, specialty residencies, and global dental rankings. The United States has 78 accredited dental schools offering advanced and specialty training programs.
Top 20 Master’s Programs for Dentistry in the United States (2026)
Harvard University School of Dental Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts
Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Orthodontics, Periodontics
Harvard is the most selective dental school in the U.S. with elite research integration and medical collaboration.University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Master’s programs: Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Health Sciences
Consistently ranked among the top dental schools globally and nationally.University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry
San Francisco, California
Master’s programs: Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Orthodontics
Leader in dental research and public health innovation.University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Periodontics, Endodontics
Ivy League program with strong research and clinical specialization.University of North Carolina Adams School of Dentistry
Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Master’s programs: Orthodontics, Oral Biology
One of the strongest specialty training programs nationally.Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
New York, New York
Master’s programs: Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics
Integrated training with Columbia’s medical school.University of Washington School of Dentistry
Seattle, Washington
Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Orthodontics
Top ranked for specialty training and clinical excellence.UCLA School of Dentistry
Los Angeles, California
Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Advanced Clinical Training
Globally ranked dental research powerhouse.New York University College of Dentistry
New York, New York
Master’s programs: Clinical Research, Orthodontics, Oral Biology
Largest dental school in the United States with strong specialty offerings.Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Columbus, Ohio
Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Orthodontics
Top ranked research and specialty training institution.University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Baltimore, Maryland
Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Dental Public Health
One of the oldest and most respected dental schools.University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
Farmington, Connecticut
Master’s programs: Dental Science, Prosthodontics
Strong research funding and faculty support.University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Master’s programs: Dental Public Health, Oral Biology
Excellent specialty and research programs.Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Boston, Massachusetts
Master’s programs: Oral Health Sciences, Periodontology
Known for strong clinical training and patient care exposure.University of Florida College of Dentistry
Gainesville, Florida
Master’s programs: Dental Science, Orthodontics
Strong clinical and research outcomes.University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Iowa City, Iowa
Master’s programs: Oral Science, Prosthodontics
Highly respected specialty programs.University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Buffalo, New York
Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Orthodontics
Top SUNY dental specialty training center.Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Newark, New Jersey
Master’s programs: Dental Science, Periodontics
Strong research and clinical training.University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Prosthodontics
Strong interdisciplinary research programs.University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Los Angeles, California
Master’s programs: Craniofacial Biology, Orthodontics
Strong private dental school with global reputation.
Why These Are the Best Master’s Dentistry Programs
These universities dominate advanced dentistry education because they offer:
Advanced specialty training such as orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and oral surgery
Major NIH research funding and laboratory access
High clinical patient volume and specialty exposure
Strong residency placement and academic career pipelines
Harvard, Michigan, UCSF, Penn, and UNC consistently rank at the very top globally and nationally for dentistry education and specialty training.
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