Jonathan BensonDelaware may be small, but its students aiming for a career in dentistry have access to some of the best dental schools in the United States. Although the state does not have its own accredited dental school, programs like DIDER (Delaware Institute for Dental Education and Research) reserve spots at schools such as Temple University’s Kornberg School of Dentistry for Delaware residents.
This guide covers the top 15 dental schools Delaware students often attend, along with tuition, programs, and key points to consider before applying. Whether your goal is a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine), this post provides a comprehensive overview to help you plan your dental education journey.
Top 15 Dental Schools In Delaware And Fees
1. Temple University Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry
Temple University is the primary dental school linked to Delaware through DIDER, giving First State students preferential admission opportunities.
Programs Offered:
- DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine)
- Advanced Standing & Specialty Training
Tuition & Fees:
- Pennsylvania Resident: ~$73,334/year
- Out-of-State: ~$84,420/year
- Additional costs: materials, instruments, and board exams
Why Choose Temple: Excellent clinical training and community dental care exposure.
2. Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Rutgers is New Jersey’s premier dental school and a popular option for Delaware students due to its proximity and strong clinical programs.
Programs Offered:
- DMD Program
- Advanced Standing for International DDS holders
- Specialty and graduate education
Tuition & Fees:
- Resident: ~$62,188/year
- Non-Resident: ~$98,337/year
- Additional fees include campus fees and health insurance
Why Choose Rutgers: Strong Northeast reputation with daily patient care experience.
3. University of Maryland School of Dentistry
As the oldest dental school in the United States, Maryland offers a strong mix of clinical and research opportunities for Delaware students.
Programs Offered:
- DDS Program
- Graduate and specialty training
Tuition & Fees: Varies annually; competitive for out-of-state applicants
Why Choose Maryland: Rich history and research opportunities.
4. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry
UNC is renowned for producing highly competent dentists and is a popular choice even for out-of-state applicants.
Programs Offered:
- DDS Program
- Specialty and advanced education
Tuition & Fees: In-state vs out-of-state tuition differences apply
Why Choose UNC: Exceptional public dental school with strong national reputation.
5. University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry
UCSF is a top-ranked West Coast dental school known for research and clinical excellence. UCSF’s School of Dentistry is a leader in research, innovation, and patient care, offering a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program and advanced specialty programs. Its faculty practice, UCSF Dental Center, provides comprehensive care, from general dentistry to specialized treatments, making it a hub for clinical excellence and student training.
Programs Offered:
- DDS Program
- Specialty and advanced degrees
Tuition & Fees: High, especially for non-residents
Why Choose UCSF: Ideal for research-oriented students seeking leadership in dentistry.
6. Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Harvard’s DMD program offers Ivy League prestige and research-driven education. Harvard’s DMD program is a highly competitive, research-intensive program that combines academic rigor with clinical training. Students benefit from world-class faculty, cutting-edge facilities, and collaborations with top hospitals like Massachusetts General and Boston Children’s.
Programs Offered:
- DMD Program
- Research-focused electives
Tuition & Fees: Among the highest nationally; varies yearly
Why Choose Harvard: Excellent academic and research opportunities.
7. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Columbia offers an integrated dental and medical curriculum, preparing students for interdisciplinary care.Columbia’s DDS program integrates dental and medical education, emphasizing interdisciplinary care and collaboration. Students learn alongside medical students, gaining a deeper understanding of whole-body health and preparing for complex cases.
Programs Offered:
- DDS Program
- Combined medical-dental research programs
Tuition & Fees: High private school tuition
Why Choose Columbia: Perfect for students interested in medical-dental integration.
8. University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
SUNY Buffalo provides quality dental education at a reasonable cost for out-of-state students. SUNY Buffalo’s School of Dental Medicine offers a high-quality dental education with a lower cost compared to other top programs, making it an attractive option for out-of-state students seeking value.
Programs Offered:
- DDS Program
Tuition & Fees: Varies significantly for in-state vs out-of-state
Why Choose Buffalo: Affordable Northeast dental program with strong clinical exposure.
9. University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Michigan is a public dental school with excellent research facilities and clinical training. University of Michigan’s School of Dentistry is a top-ranked public dental school with cutting-edge research facilities and clinical training. Students gain hands-on experience in various dental specialties, preparing them for successful careers.
Programs Offered:
- DDS Program
- Specialty and research tracks
Tuition & Fees: Higher for non-residents; competitive public school rates
Why Choose Michigan: Strong focus on specialty training and research.
10. Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine
BU emphasizes hands-on clinical experience from early in the program. Boston University’s Goldman School of Dental Medicine emphasizes hands-on clinical experience, with students treating patients in their first year. This approach builds confidence and prepares them for real-world dentistry.
Programs Offered:
- DMD Program
- Specialty programs
Tuition & Fees: Private university rates apply
Why Choose BU: Great for students seeking early clinical exposure.
11. University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry
UCLA offers state-of-the-art facilities and strong clinical programs. UCLA’s School of Dentistry boasts cutting-edge facilities and renowned clinical programs, providing students with hands-on training in a dynamic environment. Located in Westwood, UCLA offers a comprehensive dental education with a focus on innovation and patient care.
Programs Offered:
- DDS Program
Tuition & Fees: Non-resident tuition higher; excellent research opportunities
Why Choose UCLA: Exceptional West Coast clinical training.
12. University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
UConn provides quality public dental education with strong Northeast clinical training. UConn’s School of Dentistry offers a quality public dental education with strong clinical training in the Northeast. Students gain hands-on experience in various dental specialties, preparing them for successful careers.
Programs Offered:
- DDS Program
- Specialty dental degrees
Tuition & Fees: Public tuition; varies by residency
Why Choose UConn: Logical choice for Delaware students seeking a Northeastern program.
13. University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
U. Texas San Antonio offers community-focused dental programs at a reasonable public tuition.
Programs Offered:
- DDS Program
Tuition & Fees: Public tuition rates
Why Choose UTHSA: Strong community care and clinical exposure programs.
14. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry
UAB provides hands-on clinical training and research opportunities. U. Texas San Antonio’s School of Dentistry offers community-focused programs with a focus on serving diverse populations. Affordable public tuition makes it an attractive option for students seeking value.
Programs Offered:
- DDS Program
Tuition & Fees: Public university rates
Why Choose UAB: Excellent for students focused on practical skill-building.
15. University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
Colorado’s dental school offers evolving curriculum with strong clinical access.University of Colorado’s School of Dental Medicine offers an evolving curriculum with a focus on innovation and strong clinical access. Students gain hands-on experience in various dental specialties, preparing them for modern dentistry.
Programs Offered:
- DDS Program
Tuition & Fees: Varies by residency status
Why Choose Colorado: Attractive for students preferring West-of-Mississippi education.
Comparison Table: Top 15 Dental Schools for Delaware Residents
| Dental School | Typical Program | Approx. Tuition/Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Temple Univ. Kornberg | DMD | $73k (resident) / $84k (OOS) | DIDER advantage for DE |
| Rutgers SDM | DMD | $62k (res) / ~$98k (OOS) | NJ’s only dental school |
| Univ. of Maryland SOD | DDS | Varies | Historic dental institution |
| UNC Chapel Hill | DDS | Public in‑state/out‑state diff | Top US public dental |
| UCSF | DDS | High | Elite West Coast program |
| Harvard SDM | DMD | Very high | Ivy League prestige |
| Columbia CDM | DDS | High | Integrated dental-med training |
| Univ. at Buffalo SDM | DDS | Moderate | SUNY dental clinic |
| Univ. of Michigan SOD | DDS | Moderate/High | Strong research focus |
| BU Goldman SDM | DMD | Private | Focus on clinical practice |
| UCLA SOD | DDS | High | Broad clinical offerings |
| UConn School of Dental Med | DDS | Mid-range | Northeast dental choice |
| UT Health San Antonio | DDS | Public | Community dental programs |
| UAB School of Dentistry | DDS | Public | Solid clinical training |
| U Colorado SDM | DDS | Mid-range | Expanding curriculum |
Conclusion
While Delaware doesn’t have its own dental school, students have excellent opportunities across the U.S., especially through programs like DIDER that facilitate preferential admission at Temple University.
With careful planning, Delaware students can access some of the most prestigious and clinically rigorous dental programs in the country.