Comprehensive List of Dentistry Schools in the USA: Your Guide to a Career in Dental Medicine
Choosing the right dental school is one of the most critical decisions on your path to becoming a licensed dentist in the United States. This comprehensive list of dentistry schools in the USA is designed to be your essential guide, providing an overview of accredited programs across the country. Understanding the landscape of American dental education is the first step toward a rewarding career dedicated to oral health and patient care.
The United States is home to over 60 accredited dental schools, each with its own unique strengths, specializations, and campus culture. These institutions offer two primary types of professional degrees: the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). While the curricula and clinical training are substantially similar, the degree name is simply a tradition at each school. Both qualifications allow graduates to sit for the national licensing exams and practice dentistry anywhere in the country.
When evaluating schools, prospective students consider factors like location, research opportunities, clinical exposure, cost, and the school's reputation in specific areas like orthodontics, oral surgery, or community health. This list is organized geographically to help you explore options from coast to coast Simple, but easy to overlook..
How to Use This List: Key Considerations
Before diving into the schools, remember that this is a starting point. Your personal journey will dictate which school is the best fit. Consider the following:
- Accreditation: Every school on this list is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), the sole accrediting body for dental education in the U.S. This is non-negotiable for licensure.
- Degree Type: DDS or DMD? It matters very little in terms of your career path, but it’s a point of pride for alumni and the institution.
- Specialty Programs: If you have a interest in a specialty like periodontics or pediatric dentistry, research which schools offer strong residency programs in that field.
- Location: Urban, suburban, or rural? Each setting offers different clinical experiences and lifestyle options.
Dentistry Schools in the Northeast
This region is home to several of the oldest and most prestigious dental schools in the nation.
- Connecticut
- University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine (Storrs): Known for its strong clinical programs and community outreach.
- Massachusetts
- Harvard University School of Dental Medicine (Boston): Renowned for its research and innovative curriculum.
- Boston University Goldman School of Dental Medicine (Boston): A large program with extensive clinical training opportunities.
- New York
- Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (New York City): Highly regarded for its research and urban clinical setting.
- New York University College of Dentistry (New York City): One of the largest dental schools in the country, offering a vast array of specialties.
- State University of New York at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine (Buffalo): A public university with a strong focus on community health.
- State University of New York at Stony Brook School of Dental Medicine (Stony Brook): A newer public school emphasizing evidence-based dentistry.
- Pennsylvania
- University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Philadelphia): An Ivy League institution with a storied history and exceptional research.
- Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry (Philadelphia): Known for its comprehensive clinical education.
- University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine (Pittsburgh): A public school with a strong reputation for clinical excellence.
- Rhode Island
- Brown University (Alpert Medical School): Does not have a dental school but is part of a consortium with Tufts University.
- Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (Boston, MA): Renowned for its advanced clinical training and diverse patient base.
- Vermont
- University of Vermont (Larner College of Medicine): Does not have a standalone dental school.
- New Hampshire
- Dartmouth College (Geisel School of Medicine): Does not have a dental school.
- Maine
- University of Maine: Does not have a dental school.
Dentistry Schools in the Southeast
This region has seen significant growth in dental education, with many strong public university programs.
- Alabama
- University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry (Birmingham): The state's only dental school, known for its comprehensive programs.
- Florida
- University of Florida College of Dentistry (Gainesville): A leading public school with a strong research component.
- Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine (Fort Lauderdale): A private school with a strong clinical focus and modern facilities.
- Georgia
- Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University (Augusta): The state's primary public dental school.
- Kentucky
- University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (Lexington): The state's only dental school, serving a rural population.
- Louisiana
- Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans School of Dentistry (New Orleans): A key institution in the region.
- Mississippi
- University of Mississippi School of Dentistry (Jackson): The state's only dental school, with a focus on public health.
- North Carolina
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry (Chapel Hill): A top-tier public program with extensive research opportunities.
- South Carolina
- University of South Carolina School of Dental Medicine (Columbia): The state's primary public dental school.
- Tennessee
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry (Memphis): A major academic center in the Mid-South.
- Vanderbilt University Medical Center: Does not have a dental school.
- Virginia
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry (Richmond): A well-regarded public school with a strong clinical curriculum.
- West Virginia
- West Virginia University School of Dentistry (Morgantown): The state's only dental school.
Dentistry Schools in the Midwest
About the Mi —dwest is home to several large, well-established public and private dental schools.
- Illinois
- University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry (Chicago): A major urban public school with diverse clinical experiences.
- Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (Edwardsville): A public school focused on serving the Metro-East region.
- Indiana
- Indiana University School of Dentistry (Indianapolis): A large public school with a strong research and clinical reputation.
- Iowa
- University of Iowa College of Dentistry (Iowa City): A public school known for its comprehensive curriculum and research.
- Kansas
- University of Kansas School of Dentistry (Kansas City): The state's only dental school, with a strong emphasis on public health.
- Michigan
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry (Ann Arbor): A top-ranked public school renowned for
its research output, interdisciplinary collaboration, and comprehensive clinical training across numerous specialty clinics Small thing, real impact..
- Minnesota
- University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (Minneapolis): The state's only dental school, distinguished by its reliable research enterprise and outreach programs serving underserved communities across the Upper Midwest.
- South Dakota – No dental school. Ohio
- Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (Cleveland): A private school famous for its inquiry-based "CASE" curriculum and early patient contact. Which means * Missouri
- University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry (Kansas City): A public school offering extensive early clinical exposure and a strong focus on community-based education. Think about it: * **Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health – A. * Nebraska
- University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry (Lincoln): The state's only dental school, known for its innovative simulation technology and rural health initiatives. Worth adding: * The Ohio State University College of Dentistry (Columbus): A large public school with a vast clinical network and significant research funding. T. Still University (Kirksville):** A private, non-profit institution emphasizing whole-person healthcare and service to rural populations.
- Wisconsin
- Marquette University School of Dentistry (Milwaukee): A private Jesuit institution featuring a advanced clinical facility and a strong commitment to urban and rural service learning.
Dentistry Schools in the Southwest & Mountain West
This region features a mix of established public institutions and newer private programs addressing significant workforce shortages.
- Arizona
- A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health (Mesa): A private school pioneering a community-based clinical model where students spend their final year in health centers across the Southwest.
- Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine–Arizona (Glendale): A private program known for its advanced simulation technology and integrated basic science curriculum.
- Colorado
- University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (Aurora): The state's only dental school, located on the Anschutz Medical Campus, offering extensive interprofessional education and a renowned Advanced Clinical Training and Service (ACTS) program.
- New Mexico – No dental school; residents typically access seats via WICHE PSEP at out-of-state institutions.
- Nevada
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (Las Vegas): The state's only dental school, featuring a high-volume clinical environment and a strong focus on digital dentistry.
- Oklahoma
- University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry (Oklahoma City): The state's only dental school, recognized for its clinical competency examinations and service to Native American populations.
- Texas
- Texas A&M University School of Dentistry (Dallas): One of the largest dental schools in the nation, serving as a major oral health care provider for North Texas.
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry (Houston): Located in the Texas Medical Center, offering unparalleled research and interdisciplinary opportunities.
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry (San Antonio): A leader in craniofacial research and border health initiatives.
- UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry (formerly listed above, distinct entity).
- Utah
- University of Utah School of Dentistry (Salt Lake City): A relatively new public school (inaugurated 2013) rapidly gaining recognition for its research intensity and focus on underserved populations.
- Wyoming – No dental school; participates in WICHE PSEP.
Dentistry Schools on the West Coast & Pacific
The West Coast hosts several of the nation's most competitive and research-intensive programs, alongside innovative newer schools.
- California
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC (Los Angeles): A private school with a massive clinical operation, extensive international programs, and a strong alumni network.
- University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry (Los Angeles): A top-ranked public school renowned for its research prowess, particularly in oral biology and craniofacial biology.
- University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry (San Francisco): Consistently ranked among the top dental schools globally, leading in NIH funding and translational research.
- University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry (San Francisco): A private school famous for its accelerated three-year DDS curriculum and humanistic model of education.
- Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (Pomona): A private program emphasizing interprofessional education and early clinical integration.
- Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (Loma Linda): A private, faith-based institution with a strong emphasis on service, mission dentistry, and whole-person care.
- Oregon
- Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry (Portland): The state's only dental school, located on a collaborative health sciences campus with a focus on rural health and dental informatics.
