Top 17 Best Dental Schools in America for 2027: Rankings, Prestige, Acceptance Rates, Tuition, and Career Opportunities
Top 17 Best Dental Schools in America for 2027: Rankings, Prestige, Acceptance Rates, Tuition, and Career Opportunities
Which dental schools are the best in the United States? Our 2027 guide ranks 17 leading institutions, including Harvard, Michigan, Columbia, Penn, UCLA, and NYU, while examining academic reputation, clinical training, admissions competitiveness, and educational value.
Choosing a dental school is one of the most important financial and professional decisions an aspiring dentist will make. With four years of dental education potentially costing hundreds of thousands of dollars, students must consider academic prestige, clinical experience, research opportunities, tuition, and long-term career prospects.
For students applying in 2027, the University of Michigan, University of California San Francisco, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill stand among America's leading dental schools.
However, the most prestigious dental school is not necessarily the best investment.
Students interested in orthodontics, oral surgery, academic dentistry, or biomedical research may prioritize different institutions than those planning to enter general dentistry or establish private practices.
What Are the Top 17 Dental Schools in America for 2027?
The following list combines the 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject with an editorial assessment of institutional reputation, clinical education, research opportunities, and professional training.
The first 12 positions follow the order of American institutions in the 2026 QS global dentistry top 50. Positions 13–17 are editorial selections rather than official QS numerical rankings.
U.S. RankDental SchoolLocationType1University of Michigan School of DentistryAnn Arbor, MichiganPublic2UCSF School of DentistrySan Francisco, CaliforniaPublic3Harvard School of Dental MedicineBoston, MassachusettsPrivate4University of Pennsylvania School of Dental MedicinePhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaPrivate5UNC Adams School of DentistryChapel Hill, North CarolinaPublic6University of Washington School of DentistrySeattle, WashingtonPublic7NYU College of DentistryNew York, New YorkPrivate8UCLA School of DentistryLos Angeles, CaliforniaPublic9University at Buffalo School of Dental MedicineBuffalo, New YorkPublic10Tufts University School of Dental MedicineBoston, MassachusettsPrivate11Columbia University College of Dental MedicineNew York, New YorkPrivate12Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental MedicineBoston, MassachusettsPrivate13University of Iowa College of DentistryIowa City, IowaPublic14Ohio State University College of DentistryColumbus, OhioPublic15University of Pittsburgh School of Dental MedicinePittsburgh, PennsylvaniaPublic16University of Florida College of DentistryGainesville, FloridaPublic17University of Maryland School of DentistryBaltimore, MarylandPublic
Methodology: This is an editorial ranking for prospective 2027 applicants, not an official 2027 QS ranking. The 2026 QS dentistry results inform the first 12 positions; the remaining five are selected based on broader educational considerations.
1. University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Best Overall Dental School in America
The University of Michigan ranks among the world's leading institutions for dental education and research.
Its School of Dentistry combines extensive clinical training with advanced research in oral health, restorative dentistry, and biomedical sciences.
Students benefit from access to a major public research university and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Michigan's national reputation makes it particularly attractive to students interested in academic dentistry or advanced specialty training.
For eligible Michigan residents, the potential financial advantages of attending a public university strengthen its appeal.
Verdict: The strongest overall American dental school according to the latest QS subject rankings.
2. UCSF School of Dentistry
Best for Biomedical Research
The University of California, San Francisco is internationally recognized for its focus on healthcare education and biomedical research.
UCSF's dental school benefits from close relationships with medical researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals.
Students interested in oral biology, academic dentistry, and advanced clinical specialization may find its research environment particularly attractive.
However, San Francisco's high living expenses can substantially increase the total cost of attendance.
Verdict: An outstanding choice for students interested in research-intensive dentistry.
3. Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Most Prestigious Dental School by University Reputation
Harvard School of Dental Medicine benefits from one of the world's most recognizable university brands.
Located in Boston's Longwood Medical Area, the school emphasizes the relationship between oral health and general medicine.
Harvard may be particularly attractive to students interested in academic dentistry, biomedical research, and competitive specialty programs.
Nevertheless, students planning to enter general practice should carefully evaluate the financial implications of attending an expensive private institution.
Verdict: An elite institution offering exceptional academic recognition and research opportunities.
4. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Best Ivy League Alternative to Harvard
Penn Dental Medicine combines Ivy League prestige with comprehensive clinical education.
Its Philadelphia location provides access to a large healthcare market and opportunities for interdisciplinary research.
Students interested in dentistry, healthcare innovation, and academic leadership may find Penn particularly appealing.
However, its private-school tuition can produce a substantial financial burden.
Verdict: An excellent choice for students seeking a prestigious private dental education.
5. UNC Adams School of Dentistry
Best for North Carolina Residents
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has developed a strong reputation for dental education, research, and public service.
Its Adams School of Dentistry offers comprehensive clinical training and opportunities to work with diverse patient populations.
For eligible North Carolina residents, UNC may provide an attractive combination of academic quality and affordability.
Verdict: One of America's strongest public dental schools.
6. University of Washington School of Dentistry
Best Dental School in the Pacific Northwest
The University of Washington combines clinical education with research and community engagement.
Its School of Dentistry benefits from the resources of a major public research university.
Students interested in practicing in Washington or the broader Pacific Northwest may find the institution particularly attractive.
Verdict: A highly regarded public dental school with strong regional connections.
7. NYU College of Dentistry
Best for Clinical Exposure in New York City
NYU operates one of the largest dental education programs in the United States.
Its Manhattan location provides access to a diverse patient population and extensive professional networks.
Students may benefit from exposure to a wide range of clinical conditions.
However, NYU's tuition and New York City living expenses can create substantial educational debt.
Verdict: A strong option for students prioritizing clinical exposure and New York City career opportunities.
8. UCLA School of Dentistry
Best for Dental Research in Southern California
UCLA combines a prestigious research university with comprehensive dental education.
Its strengths include oral biology, advanced clinical training, and interdisciplinary healthcare research.
Students interested in research or specialty dentistry may find UCLA especially appealing.
However, Los Angeles housing costs can significantly increase total attendance expenses.
Verdict: One of the strongest dental schools on the West Coast.
9. University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Best Value Contender in New York State
The University at Buffalo offers a respected dental education within the State University of New York system.
For eligible New York residents, Buffalo may provide significant financial advantages over private institutions such as NYU and Columbia.
Its combination of clinical education, research opportunities, and comparatively affordable regional living expenses makes it attractive.
Verdict: An excellent option for New York residents concerned about educational costs.
10. Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Best for Clinical Dentistry in Boston
Tufts offers extensive clinical education in one of America's leading healthcare and academic centers.
Students benefit from access to a major metropolitan patient population and professional opportunities.
However, private-school tuition and Boston living expenses require careful financial planning.
Verdict: A well-regarded private dental school with strong clinical opportunities.
11. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Best for Dentistry and Academic Medicine
Columbia University's College of Dental Medicine emphasizes the integration of dentistry with medicine and biomedical research.
Its location at Columbia's medical campus provides opportunities for interdisciplinary education.
Columbia may be especially attractive to students interested in academic dentistry, healthcare research, and competitive specialty training.
However, tuition and Manhattan living expenses can make attendance expensive.
Verdict: An outstanding option for students seeking Ivy League recognition and research opportunities.
12. Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Best for Digital Dentistry and Clinical Innovation
Boston University has invested in modern dental education, including digital technologies and contemporary clinical training.
Its location provides access to Boston's extensive healthcare and research ecosystem.
Students interested in clinical innovation and dental technology may find BU particularly attractive.
Verdict: A strong private dental school emphasizing contemporary clinical education.
13. University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Best Dental School in Iowa
The University of Iowa offers comprehensive dental education within a respected public research university.
Its College of Dentistry provides clinical training, specialty education, and research opportunities.
Students interested in practicing in the Midwest may find Iowa especially attractive.
Verdict: A respected public dental school with strong clinical training.
14. Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Best Dental School in Ohio
Ohio State combines the resources of a major public research university with comprehensive dental education.
Its Columbus location provides access to a substantial patient population and professional opportunities.
Ohio residents should investigate the potential financial advantages of attending an in-state public institution.
Verdict: A strong choice for students seeking public-university dental education in the Midwest.
15. University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Best for Dental Research in Pennsylvania
The University of Pittsburgh benefits from close connections to a major academic medical center.
Its dental school offers opportunities in clinical dentistry, oral biology, and interdisciplinary research.
Students interested in healthcare innovation and advanced dental specialties may find Pittsburgh especially appealing.
Verdict: A research-oriented dental school with extensive healthcare connections.
16. University of Florida College of Dentistry
Best Dental School in Florida
The University of Florida is a major public research institution with an established dental program.
Its Gainesville location offers access to a large academic healthcare environment.
Florida residents should examine its tuition advantages and residency requirements when comparing programs.
Verdict: A compelling public dental school option for Florida residents.
17. University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Best for Dental Education in Maryland
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry traces its history to the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, founded in 1840 and widely recognized as the world's first dental college.
The institution offers comprehensive clinical education and research opportunities.
Its Baltimore location provides access to a diverse patient population and major healthcare institutions.
Maryland's longstanding history in dental education adds to its professional reputation.
Verdict: A historically significant dental school with strong clinical and academic opportunities.
Which Dental Schools Are the Hardest to Get Into?
Harvard, UCLA, UCSF, Michigan, Columbia, and Penn attract highly competitive applicant pools.
However, dental school acceptance rates can be misleading.
Public universities often prioritize in-state applicants, making admission substantially more difficult for nonresidents.
Applicants should examine each school's most recent entering-class statistics, including GPA, DAT performance, residency preferences, and class size.
What GPA Do You Need for a Top 17 Dental School?
A GPA of approximately 3.7 or higher can strengthen an application to a highly selective dental school, although successful applicants may have lower GPAs.
Strong academic performance in biology, chemistry, physics, and other prerequisite sciences is particularly important.
Dental Admission Test performance, clinical shadowing, research, community service, and interviews also influence admissions decisions.
Applicants should remember that the DAT introduced a new 200–600 scoring scale in 2025, replacing the previous 1–30 scale.
Older admissions statistics should not be compared directly with current scores.
How Much Does Dental School Cost in 2027?
Dental education can be extraordinarily expensive.
At some private institutions, four years of tuition alone can exceed $300,000.
Housing, transportation, equipment, insurance, and borrowing costs can increase total expenses considerably.
Public universities may offer substantial savings to eligible state residents.
Students should compare projected four-year costs rather than annual tuition alone.
For future general dentists, graduating with less debt may offer greater financial advantages than attending a marginally more prestigious institution.
Does Dental School Prestige Matter?
Prestige can influence research opportunities, academic connections, and access to certain specialty training environments.
However, institutional reputation is only one component of professional success.
For general dentists, clinical competence, patient relationships, business management, and geographic location may ultimately matter more.
Graduates of accredited public dental schools can build successful careers without attending Harvard, Columbia, or Penn.
What Is the Best Dental School for the Money?
Public universities deserve particular consideration.
Michigan, UNC, Buffalo, UCLA, Washington, Iowa, Ohio State, Florida, and Maryland may offer attractive educational opportunities for qualifying residents.
However, public-school tuition advantages vary considerably.
Applicants should investigate scholarships, residency requirements, living expenses, and total projected borrowing costs.
The most financially attractive school is often the institution that combines strong clinical education with manageable debt.
Final Verdict: The Best Dental Schools in America for 2027
The University of Michigan enters the 2027 admissions planning cycle as America's highest-ranked dental school in the latest QS dentistry rankings.
UCSF, Harvard, Penn, and UNC complete the national top five.
However, Columbia, UCLA, NYU, Buffalo, Tufts, and numerous other institutions offer excellent educational opportunities.
Students interested in academic dentistry and competitive specialty training may prioritize research-intensive universities.
Those planning to enter general dentistry should pay particular attention to tuition, clinical experience, and projected educational debt.
Ultimately, the best dental school is not necessarily the institution with the most prestigious name.
It is the institution that provides the strongest combination of clinical preparation, professional opportunities, and long-term financial value.
Sources and Further Reading
Editorial note: This article is a 2027 admissions guide based on rankings available in October 2026. It is not an official 2027 QS ranking. Positions 13–17 are editorial selections, and applicants should verify current tuition and admissions requirements directly with each institution.
