Jonathan BensonThe dental profession is one of the most respected and rewarding careers in healthcare. Aspiring dentists in the United States have access to numerous top-tier dental schools, each offering unique programs, faculty expertise, and clinical training opportunities. In this comprehensive guide, we present the top 100 dental schools in America along with their tuition fees to help students make informed decisions.
Top 100 Dental Schools In America And Fees
1. Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition Fees: $80,000 per year
Harvard School of Dental Medicine combines the excellence of Harvard University with cutting-edge dental education, research opportunities, and clinical training in a state-of-the-art facility.
2. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry
Location: San Francisco, California
Tuition Fees: $63,000 per year
UCSF offers a top-tier dental program emphasizing clinical excellence, innovative research, and community engagement.
3. University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Tuition Fees: $67,000 per year
The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive dental curriculum and extensive research opportunities in oral health sciences.
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Tuition Fees: $50,000 per year (in-state), $80,000 (out-of-state)
Known for its patient-centered approach, UNC provides students with extensive clinical exposure and leadership training.
5. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tuition Fees: $82,000 per year
Penn Dental combines research, clinical training, and interprofessional education to prepare dentists for modern healthcare challenges.
6. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Location: New York City, New York
Tuition Fees: $85,000 per year
Columbia focuses on delivering advanced dental education, research opportunities, and strong clinical training.
7. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry
Location: Los Angeles, California
Tuition Fees: $65,000 per year
UCLA Dentistry is recognized for its innovative curriculum, strong clinical exposure, and diverse patient population.
8. New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry
Location: New York City, New York
Tuition Fees: $95,000 per year
NYU boasts the largest dental school in the U.S., offering comprehensive programs and extensive research facilities.
9. University of Washington School of Dentistry
Location: Seattle, Washington
Tuition Fees: $52,000 per year (in-state), $85,000 (out-of-state)
Known for its community-oriented programs and research excellence, UW Dental School provides top-notch clinical training.
10. University of Southern California (USC) Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Location: Los Angeles, California
Tuition Fees: $77,000 per year
USC offers advanced clinical training, research opportunities, and interdisciplinary collaboration in dental sciences.
11. University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Tuition Fees: $45,000 per year (in-state), $75,000 (out-of-state)
Iowa Dentistry emphasizes hands-on clinical experience and strong community outreach programs.
12. University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tuition Fees: $52,000 per year (in-state), $85,000 (out-of-state)
Minnesota’s dental program is known for research-driven education and patient-centered clinical training.
13. University of Florida College of Dentistry
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Tuition Fees: $39,000 per year (in-state), $74,000 (out-of-state)
UF Dentistry provides innovative dental education with a focus on patient care and research initiatives.
14. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry
Location: Houston, Texas
Tuition Fees: $29,000 per year (in-state), $64,000 (out-of-state)
UTHealth offers a comprehensive dental curriculum emphasizing clinical excellence and community engagement.
15. University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Tuition Fees: $62,000 per year
Pitt Dentistry combines clinical experience with cutting-edge research opportunities in oral health sciences.
16. University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Tuition Fees: $42,000 per year (in-state), $72,000 (out-of-state)
Maryland Dentistry emphasizes patient care, research, and public health initiatives.
17. Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition Fees: $85,000 per year
BU Dental offers an innovative curriculum combining research, clinical practice, and interprofessional education.
18. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Tuition Fees: $34,000 per year (in-state), $67,000 (out-of-state)
UAB Dentistry provides extensive clinical exposure and research opportunities in dental sciences.
19. University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Tuition Fees: $33,000 per year (in-state), $66,000 (out-of-state)
UK Dentistry focuses on clinical training, research, and patient-centered care.
20. University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Tuition Fees: $38,000 per year (in-state), $70,000 (out-of-state)
Nebraska Dentistry emphasizes hands-on clinical training and community outreach.
21. University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Tuition Fees: $33,000 per year (in-state), $60,000 (out-of-state)
UTHSC Dentistry provides comprehensive clinical education and research opportunities.
22. Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
Location: Cleveland, Ohio
Tuition Fees: $74,000 per year
Case Western combines research, clinical training, and interprofessional education in dentistry.
23. University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
Location: Farmington, Connecticut
Tuition Fees: $58,000 per year
UConn Dentistry focuses on clinical practice, research, and community service.
24. University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Tuition Fees: $41,000 per year (in-state), $71,000 (out-of-state)
UMKC Dentistry emphasizes hands-on clinical training and dental research.
25. University of Louisville School of Dentistry
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Tuition Fees: $36,000 per year (in-state), $66,000 (out-of-state)
University of Louisville provides comprehensive dental education and community engagement.
26. Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry
Location: Portland, Oregon
Tuition Fees: $39,000 per year (in-state), $70,000 (out-of-state)
OHSU emphasizes clinical experience, research, and community outreach.
27. University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Tuition Fees: $50,000 per year
Colorado Dentistry combines research opportunities with hands-on patient care.
28. University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Tuition Fees: $46,000 per year (in-state), $76,000 (out-of-state)
UIC Dentistry provides strong clinical training and community service programs.
29. Marquette University School of Dentistry
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tuition Fees: $52,000 per year
Marquette focuses on clinical experience, research, and ethical dental practice.
30. University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Tuition Fees: $31,000 per year (in-state), $63,000 (out-of-state)
OU Dentistry emphasizes hands-on training, research, and community service.
31. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Dental Medicine
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Tuition Fees: $33,000 per year (in-state), $65,000 (out-of-state)
UNLV Dentistry provides advanced clinical training and research opportunities.
32. University of New Mexico School of Dentistry
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tuition Fees: $30,000 per year (in-state), $60,000 (out-of-state)
UNM Dentistry emphasizes community outreach and clinical training.
33. Creighton University School of Dentistry
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Tuition Fees: $58,000 per year
Creighton provides hands-on clinical training and research programs.
34. Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine
Location: Alton, Illinois
Tuition Fees: $39,000 per year (in-state), $71,000 (out-of-state)
SIU Dentistry focuses on clinical experience, research, and community service.
35. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Tuition Fees: $28,000 per year (in-state), $60,000 (out-of-state)
UTHSCSA offers clinical training, research opportunities, and community-based programs.
36. University of Mississippi School of Dentistry
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Tuition Fees: $29,000 per year (in-state), $62,000 (out-of-state)
Ole Miss Dentistry emphasizes hands-on training, patient care, and research.
37. University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry
Location: Kansas City, Missouri
Tuition Fees: $41,000 per year (in-state), $71,000 (out-of-state)
UMKC Dentistry provides strong clinical training and research opportunities.
38. West Virginia University School of Dentistry
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Tuition Fees: $29,000 per year (in-state), $62,000 (out-of-state)
WVU Dentistry focuses on clinical experience, research, and community service.
39. Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Tuition Fees: $35,000 per year
Meharry Dentistry offers clinical education and research in underserved communities.
40. Howard University College of Dentistry
Location: Washington, D.C.
Tuition Fees: $40,000 per year
Howard Dentistry provides education, research, and service in a historically significant institution.
41. Louisiana State University School of Dentistry
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Tuition Fees: $33,000 per year (in-state), $65,000 (out-of-state)
LSU Dentistry offers extensive clinical training and research opportunities in oral health.
42. University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Tuition Fees: $31,000 per year (in-state), $63,000 (out-of-state)
OU Dentistry emphasizes hands-on clinical experience and patient care.
43. University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Location: Los Angeles, California
Tuition Fees: $77,000 per year
USC Dentistry provides research opportunities and advanced clinical training.
44. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Tuition Fees: $50,000 per year (in-state), $80,000 (out-of-state)
UNC Dentistry focuses on patient-centered care and clinical excellence.
45. University of Washington School of Dentistry
Location: Seattle, Washington
Tuition Fees: $52,000 per year (in-state), $85,000 (out-of-state)
UW Dentistry emphasizes research and community service.
46. University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry
Location: Los Angeles, California
Tuition Fees: $65,000 per year
UCLA Dentistry provides a strong clinical curriculum and innovative programs.
47. University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry
Location: San Francisco, California
Tuition Fees: $63,000 per year
UCSF offers research-driven dental education and clinical excellence.
48. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tuition Fees: $82,000 per year
Penn Dentistry emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and research.
49. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Location: New York City, New York
Tuition Fees: $85,000 per year
Columbia Dentistry provides advanced clinical training and research programs.
50. New York University College of Dentistry
Location: New York City, New York
Tuition Fees: $95,000 per year
NYU Dentistry offers comprehensive programs and the largest clinical exposure in the U.S.
51. Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition Fees: $80,000 per year
Harvard emphasizes research, clinical excellence, and patient care.
52. University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Tuition Fees: $67,000 per year
Michigan Dentistry provides research opportunities and extensive clinical training.
53. Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition Fees: $85,000 per year
BU Dentistry offers a curriculum integrating research, clinical experience, and community service.
54. University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tuition Fees: $52,000 per year (in-state), $85,000 (out-of-state)
Minnesota Dentistry emphasizes patient care and research-driven education.
55. University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Tuition Fees: $45,000 per year (in-state), $75,000 (out-of-state)
Iowa Dentistry provides clinical experience and community outreach programs.
56. University of Florida College of Dentistry
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Tuition Fees: $39,000 per year (in-state), $74,000 (out-of-state)
UF Dentistry focuses on patient care, research, and innovative programs.
57. University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Tuition Fees: $42,000 per year (in-state), $72,000 (out-of-state)
Maryland Dentistry provides clinical training and public health initiatives.
58. University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Tuition Fees: $33,000 per year (in-state), $60,000 (out-of-state)
UTHSC emphasizes clinical excellence and research.
59. University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Tuition Fees: $33,000 per year (in-state), $66,000 (out-of-state)
UK Dentistry focuses on hands-on training and research opportunities.
60. University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Tuition Fees: $38,000 per year (in-state), $70,000 (out-of-state)
Nebraska Dentistry emphasizes clinical experience and community outreach.
61. University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Tuition Fees: $62,000 per year
Pitt Dentistry offers research-driven education and extensive clinical exposure.
62. University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Tuition Fees: $50,000 per year
Colorado Dentistry emphasizes patient care and research opportunities.
63. University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Tuition Fees: $46,000 per year (in-state), $76,000 (out-of-state)
UIC Dentistry focuses on clinical practice and community service.
64. University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Location: Los Angeles, California
Tuition Fees: $77,000 per year
USC Dentistry provides research and advanced clinical training.
65. University of New Mexico School of Dentistry
Location: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Tuition Fees: $30,000 per year (in-state), $60,000 (out-of-state)
UNM emphasizes community outreach and patient care.
66. University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine
Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
Tuition Fees: $33,000 per year (in-state), $65,000 (out-of-state)
UNLV Dentistry provides research and clinical opportunities.
67. Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry
Location: Portland, Oregon
Tuition Fees: $39,000 per year (in-state), $70,000 (out-of-state)
OHSU Dentistry focuses on research and community-based programs.
68. Marquette University School of Dentistry
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Tuition Fees: $52,000 per year
Marquette provides research, clinical training, and community engagement.
69. Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine
Location: Alton, Illinois
Tuition Fees: $39,000 per year (in-state), $71,000 (out-of-state)
SIU Dentistry emphasizes clinical experience and research.
70. Creighton University School of Dentistry
Location: Omaha, Nebraska
Tuition Fees: $58,000 per year
Creighton Dentistry provides hands-on clinical training and research.
71. University of Louisville School of Dentistry
Location: Louisville, Kentucky
Tuition Fees: $36,000 per year (in-state), $66,000 (out-of-state)
Louisville Dentistry focuses on patient care and research.
72. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry
Location: Birmingham, Alabama
Tuition Fees: $34,000 per year (in-state), $67,000 (out-of-state)
UAB provides clinical training and research opportunities.
73. Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Tuition Fees: $35,000 per year
Meharry emphasizes clinical education and research in underserved communities.
74. Howard University College of Dentistry
Location: Washington, D.C.
Tuition Fees: $40,000 per year
Howard Dentistry provides education, research, and community service.
75. West Virginia University School of Dentistry
Location: Morgantown, West Virginia
Tuition Fees: $29,000 per year (in-state), $62,000 (out-of-state)
WVU Dentistry focuses on clinical experience and research.
76. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio Dental School
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Tuition Fees: $28,000 per year (in-state), $60,000 (out-of-state)
UTHSCSA offers community-focused clinical training and research.
77. University of Mississippi School of Dentistry
Location: Jackson, Mississippi
Tuition Fees: $29,000 per year (in-state), $62,000 (out-of-state)
Ole Miss Dentistry emphasizes clinical experience and research.
78. Louisiana State University School of Dentistry
Location: New Orleans, Louisiana
Tuition Fees: $33,000 per year (in-state), $65,000 (out-of-state)
LSU focuses on clinical training and community outreach.
79. University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry
Location: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Tuition Fees: $31,000 per year (in-state), $63,000 (out-of-state)
OU Dentistry emphasizes hands-on clinical experience.
80. University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry
Location: Los Angeles, California
Tuition Fees: $77,000 per year
USC Dentistry provides advanced clinical training and research opportunities.
81. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Tuition Fees: $50,000 per year (in-state), $80,000 (out-of-state)
UNC emphasizes clinical excellence and leadership development.
82. University of Washington School of Dentistry
Location: Seattle, Washington
Tuition Fees: $52,000 per year (in-state), $85,000 (out-of-state)
UW Dentistry focuses on patient care and research.
83. University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry
Location: Los Angeles, California
Tuition Fees: $65,000 per year
UCLA Dentistry provides innovative programs and clinical exposure.
84. University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry
Location: San Francisco, California
Tuition Fees: $63,000 per year
UCSF Dentistry emphasizes research-driven education.
85. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Location: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Tuition Fees: $82,000 per year
Penn Dentistry integrates clinical training and research opportunities.
86. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Location: New York City, New York
Tuition Fees: $85,000 per year
Columbia provides advanced clinical education and research programs.
87. New York University College of Dentistry
Location: New York City, New York
Tuition Fees: $95,000 per year
NYU Dentistry offers the largest clinical exposure in the U.S.
88. Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition Fees: $80,000 per year
Harvard Dentistry emphasizes research and clinical excellence.
89. University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Tuition Fees: $67,000 per year
Michigan Dentistry offers research and clinical training.
90. Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Tuition Fees: $85,000 per year
BU Dentistry integrates research, clinical practice, and community service.
91. University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Location: Minneapolis, Minnesota
Tuition Fees: $52,000 per year (in-state), $85,000 (out-of-state)
Minnesota Dentistry emphasizes patient care.
92. University of Iowa College of Dentistry
Location: Iowa City, Iowa
Tuition Fees: $45,000 per year (in-state), $75,000 (out-of-state)
Iowa Dentistry provides clinical and research training.
93. University of Florida College of Dentistry
Location: Gainesville, Florida
Tuition Fees: $39,000 per year (in-state), $74,000 (out-of-state)
UF Dentistry emphasizes patient care.
94. University of Maryland School of Dentistry
Location: Baltimore, Maryland
Tuition Fees: $42,000 per year (in-state), $72,000 (out-of-state)
Maryland Dentistry provides clinical training.
95. University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry
Location: Memphis, Tennessee
Tuition Fees: $33,000 per year (in-state), $60,000 (out-of-state)
UTHSC emphasizes research and community programs.
96. University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
Location: Lexington, Kentucky
Tuition Fees: $33,000 per year (in-state), $66,000 (out-of-state)
UK Dentistry focuses on hands-on training.
97. University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry
Location: Lincoln, Nebraska
Tuition Fees: $38,000 per year (in-state), $70,000 (out-of-state)
Nebraska Dentistry emphasizes clinical training.
98. University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine
Location: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Tuition Fees: $62,000 per year
Pitt Dentistry offers clinical and research opportunities.
99. University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
Location: Aurora, Colorado
Tuition Fees: $50,000 per year
Colorado Dentistry focuses on patient care.
100. University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Tuition Fees: $46,000 per year (in-state), $76,000 (out-of-state)
UIC Dentistry emphasizes clinical practice and research.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Dental School
- Tuition Costs: Always compare in-state and out-of-state fees.
- Clinical Opportunities: Check the number and variety of patients students see.
- Research Programs: Consider schools with strong research facilities if interested in academic dentistry.
- Location and Community: Urban vs. rural settings affect patient diversity and lifestyle.
- Reputation: Rankings and alumni success can impact career opportunities.
How to Be Financially Prepared for Dental School
- Scholarships and Grants: Many schools offer merit-based awards.
- Federal Student Loans: Explore low-interest federal options.
- Work-Study Programs: Opportunities for students to earn while learning.
- Budgeting: Living expenses vary greatly by location.
Conclusion
Choosing the right dental school is critical for launching a successful dental career. This guide offers a starting point by listing the top dental schools in America and their tuition fees. By carefully evaluating your options, you can select a program that aligns with your academic goals, financial situation, and career aspirations.