New Rankings of The Top Dental Schools in the US

With dental schools in the US growing and expanding in all ramifications every year, there’s a need to always measure which of them deserves to be called the very best, thus the need for this new ranking of the top dental schools in the US. This will also help you in making decisions as regards which of the dental schools in the US you should attend. But first, let’s take a calm look at the number of students that apply every year to these top dental schools in the US.

Statistics on Top Dental Schools in the US Applicants

The number of dental school enrollments has fluctuated during the last 20 years.

For example, the first 3years before 2021 saw steady growth in enrollments, followed by a fall for the next 4years.

The good news is that the figures have gradually increased since 2015. With a predicted 8% increase in dentist positions over the next ten years—an average of 5,000 dentists per year—enrollment numbers are expected to rise.

Factors To Consider When Choosing a Dentistry School?

As stated, top dental schools in the US rankings and reputation are only modestly essential, and they mostly affect residency applications. However, there are several additional variables to consider while choosing a dental school that is frequently considerably more significant, especially for individuals who desire to practise general dentistry.

1. Tuition costs

Dental school is an expensive endeavour. Tuition costs are often so high that applicants struggle to understand the financial ramifications of choosing one institution over another.

2. Programs that are graded vs. pass/fail

Historically, dentistry schools were assessed on a 4.0 scale. Many programs, however, have recently switched to a pass/fail grading system.

A pass/fail approach may be more suited to your learning style and lessen your stress over grades while in dental school. Grades, on the other hand, can be stimulating and satisfying, as well as provide an academic metric that distinguishes you and is useful when applying to dental residency programs.

3. Position in the class

In contrast to undergraduate programs, where your GPA is often your primary academic benchmark, many dental schools also award a class rank. Class rank, like reputation, is only important if and when you seek residency.

Schools with a higher class rank have a more competitive environment. Choosing a school with no class rank may lessen your overall stress level; on the other hand, having a class rank may be motivating as well as help you stand out when applying for residence.

4. Class size

Class sizes at dental schools range greatly, from 375 students per year at NYU to only 35 students per class at Harvard. Many aspects of the educational experience are influenced by class size, from lecture style to curriculum to interactions with peers. When choosing a school, keep your particular preferences for class size in mind.

5. Geographical location

Do you want to go to a school near to home or do you want to go on an adventure? Are you more at ease in a city or would you prefer a smaller college town setting? Choose a program in a place where you will have possibilities for connections and activities that will help you manage your stress outside of school.

Furthermore, keep in mind that certain public dentistry schools have very low acceptance rates for out-of-state applicants.

With that said, let’s take a look at the new ranking of the top dental schools in the US.

1. University of Harvard

Harvard University is consistently ranked among the top universities in the US and the world at large – both for undergraduate and graduate programs in dentistry. This Ivy League institution is home to one of the greatest dentistry schools in the country.

In Boston’s Longwood Medical Area, the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) is located.

HSDM students frequently study alongside Harvard medical students for a portion of their education.

Clinical rotations at the Harvard Dental Center provide hands-on experience. The Harvard Dental Center serves more than 25,000 patients each year.

Harvard University Dental School Tuition

The cost of attendance includes both direct (tuition, fees, etc.) and indirect (living expenses, meals, etc.) expenses that a student can expect to incur during the DMD program. When developing a realistic budget for our students, the HSDM Financial Aid Committee takes into account a variety of factors, including student surveys, Boston Housing Authority data, and local rental costs.

Please keep in mind that the cost of attendance reflects the current academic year’s cost. This is subject to change in future academic years.

Please click here for full details of Harvard University Dental School

2. California Institute of Technology, Los Angeles

UCLA School of Dentistry, like its San Francisco counterpart, graduates over 100 students with a Doctor of Dental Dentistry degree.

The majority of alumni from this program pursue post-graduate training or achieve further degrees in oral biology.

UCLA students commence their hands-on patient care during their second year.

They continue to receive clinical experience through rotations in a variety of community service and speciality clinic settings. This enables them to provide direct treatment to a diverse patient population.

About UCLA Dental School 

Attending a top dental school in the US is a substantial time and financial commitment, but the Office of Student Services is here to assist you in determining how to pay for your education at UCLA Dentistry, one of the top-ranked dental schools in the country.

Please keep in mind that certain expenses, such as housing and board, personal expenses, and transportation, will vary based on your living situation and lifestyle.

Tuition is a crucial element that determines a student’s entire budget, and it varies depending on whether the student is a California resident or a non-California resident. On the UCLA Registrar’s Office website, you can find out what qualifies you as a California resident.

For a breakdown of UCLA Dental school tuition, click HERE

3. Ann Arbor Campus of the University of Michigan

Ann Arbor’s University of Michigan is a leader in dentistry and other health-related fields.

It is associated with a large network of clinics. These clinics provide many chances and exposure for dentistry students to obtain hands-on experience.

120 full-time faculty members oversee 15 distinct programs. Additionally, the institution provides dental treatment and oral health services to the surrounding community.

With over 300 courses, 502 new inventions, and 19 schools as well as colleges, Ann Arbor rightfully earns a spot among the top dental schools in the US.

Ann Arbor’s University of Michigan Tuition

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is dedicated to assisting each admitted student in pursuing an education in the dental profession. Federal loans and other programs provide financial support. Funds are awarded based on a student’s need for help as well as existing federal, state, institution, and School of Dentistry financial aid policies and guidelines.

For more info click here

4. Chapel Hill campus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Adams School of Dentistry at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is routinely ranked among the top dental schools in the US.

Its Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) Program is based on the Advocate-Clinician-Thinker (ACT) philosophy.

Students of dentistry are taught and instructed to serve as advocates for their patients, deliver superior clinical care, and be problem solvers.

Clinical experience is gained through 50 rotation sites around North Carolina, including two free student-led clinics. Each year, these clinics treat more than 90,000 patients with dental and oral health services.

5. San Francisco University of California

UCSF is widely regarded as one of the best in the country.

The school offers its students both clinical instruction and research possibilities, graduating more than 100 students each year.

Students obtain hands-on training at the school’s dentistry facility, which sees more than 120,000 dental patients every year.

Additionally, the UCSF School of Dentistry earns great marks for research. Indeed, it has consistently ranked as the top dental school in the United States based on funding from the National Institutes of Health.

6. Washington State University

The University of Washington’s School of Dentistry was ranked #2 in the Shanghai Ranking Consultancy’s Academic Ranking of World Universities last year.

Students of dentistry are provided with opportunities that not all students of dentistry are lucky to have.

The University of Washington provides priceless experiences in the following ways:

• A geriatric mobile clinic
• A clinic dedicated to the needs of people with disabilities
• Dental speciality clinic for individuals who suffer from psychological disorders or have considerable dental phobias.

Additionally, there are several possibilities for clinical experience at Seattle Children’s Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, and the School of Dentistry’s own clinics.

7. Pennsylvania State University

Another Ivy League institution made the top ten finest dentistry schools in the United States list. Established in 1878, the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Dental Medicine has a long history in dentistry.

The University of Pennsylvania offers the following degree programs to DMD students:

• Bioethics
• Administration of Business
• Public Health Education Law
• The school offers a diverse range of clinical experiences for its students, as well as community engagement projects.

Its Primary Care Unit serves approximately 22,000 people annually with dental care and services.

8. University at Buffalo, New York State University

UBDM is a recognized institution with a distinguished history built on a commitment to oral health advancement.

UBDM offers comprehensive study programs in dentistry to its students, with a strong emphasis on both research and clinical practice. Clinical training begins during the first year of the program.

Around 500 students are enrolled in the program. Most of them are seeking a DDS degree or a dual degree program combining a DDS and a Master of Business Administration.

9. University of New York

The dental school of New York University (NYU) is widely regarded as the largest in the United States. Nearly 10% of dentists in the United States obtained their degrees from NYU.

The institution has one of the highest graduation rates in the country. Each year, it graduates around 400 DDS students from the College of Dentistry.

Students of dentistry study courses in a variety of clinical, behavioural, and biological disciplines. NYU gives broad clinical encounters with a variety of patient populations.

Students acquire real-world experience throughout their four years of school by collaborating closely with teachers, their group, and practice directors.

NYU serves about 300,000 patients each year, providing unparalleled experiences and possibilities.

10. Columbia University

Columbia University is a world-renowned alternative for students interested in dentistry. The Columbia University College of Dentistry Medicine is an academic and medical institution that provides dental education.

The school provides opportunities for dentistry students to do research with notable faculty members. Additionally, it allows them to collaborate with the school’s medical students during their pre-clinical years.

Admissions to Columbia University College of Dental Medicine are quite competitive.

Their admission rate is only 5.1%. This means that the program accepts approximately 84 students per year.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Top Dental Schools in the US

What is the #1 dental school in the US?

Based on the new rankings of the top dental schools in the US, the University of Harvard stands out.

How many years does it take to graduate from top dental schools in the US?

Top dental schools in the US take approximately four years to complete.