Jonathan BensonFinding the right dental school in Detroit can be a daunting task. Whether you’re aiming to become a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant, Detroit and its surrounding areas offer a range of programs to suit your career path.
In this guide, we’ve listed the top 15 dental schools and programs, along with their fees, key benefits, and what makes each unique. You can always explore and settle for whatsoever aligns with your own pursuit.
Top 15 Dental Schools In Detroit And Fees
1. University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry
The University of Detroit Mercy (UDM) School of Dentistry is one of only two accredited DDS programs in Michigan. Located in the heart of Detroit, it offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program, a 7-year combined BS/DDS track, and an Advanced Standing program for internationally trained dentists.
Tuition & Fees:
- Annual tuition: ~$82,790
- Total cost of attendance (including instruments, insurance, and living expenses): ~$130,000/year
Why Choose UDM?
- Hands-on clinical exposure in Detroit’s diverse population
- Early specialty training and comprehensive DDS program
- Combined BS/DDS option for accelerated degree completion
2. University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Located in Ann Arbor, just outside Detroit, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry is widely regarded as a top dental school in the U.S. It offers DDS, dental hygiene, and advanced research programs.
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state DDS: $47,994–$57,424/year
- Out-of-state DDS: $64,656–$77,419/year
- Total cost of attendance can exceed $110,000/year
Why Choose UMich?
- Nationally top-ranked dental school
- Extensive clinical training and research opportunities
- International dentist programs and specialty tracks
3. Wayne County Community College District – Dental Support Services
Wayne County Community College (WCCCD) provides dental support and hygiene preparatory programs, making it a great option for aspiring dental assistants or hygiene students.
Tuition & Fees: ~$3,998/year
Why Choose WCCCD?
- Affordable introduction to dental careers
- Prepares students for dental hygiene programs
- Hands-on training opportunities
4. Dorsey College Dearborn – Dental Assisting
Dorsey College in Dearborn offers vocational training for dental assisting, focusing on clinical and administrative skills needed in a dental office.
Tuition & Fees: Varies depending on program length
Why Choose Dorsey College?
- Fast track to dental assisting certification
- Practical, career-oriented training
- Excellent for immediate entry into the workforce
5. Macomb Community College – Dental Hygiene
Macomb Community College provides an accredited dental hygiene program with student clinics that allow hands-on patient care experience.
Tuition & Fees: ~$5,000–$10,000/year
Why Choose Macomb CC?
- Affordable dental hygiene education
- Clinical experience in local community
- Strong foundation for licensure and practice
6. Oakland Community College – Dental Assisting & Hygiene
Oakland Community College offers both dental assisting and hygiene programs. Students receive hands-on clinical training in preparation for entry-level positions or transfer to a DDS program.
Tuition & Fees: ~$4,000–$8,000/year
Why Choose Oakland CC?
- Budget-friendly tuition
- Excellent clinical practicum experience
- Flexible program pathways
7. Triton College – Dental Hygiene
Triton College, located in the Detroit metro area, provides an associate degree in dental hygiene. It emphasizes clinical experience and patient care.
Tuition & Fees: ~$7,000–$12,000/year
Why Choose Triton College?
- Affordable and practical
- Strong clinical hygiene curriculum
- Prepares students for licensure exams
8. Henry Ford College – Dental Assisting
Henry Ford College offers dental assisting programs with hands-on training in dental clinics. Students gain real-world experience that prepares them for entry-level dental careers.
Tuition & Fees: ~$4,000–$8,000/year
Why Choose Henry Ford College?
- Practical experience in clinical settings
- Cost-effective education
- Prepares for dental assistant certification
9. Schoolcraft College – Pre-Dental & Hygiene Preparatory Courses
Schoolcraft College provides pre-dental science courses and dental hygiene preparatory classes. These courses help students strengthen their application to DDS programs.
Tuition & Fees: Standard community college tuition (~$4,000–$6,000/year)
Why Choose Schoolcraft College?
- Prepares for competitive dental school applications
- Affordable science coursework
- Excellent academic foundation
10. Baker College – Dental Hygiene
Baker College offers dental hygiene programs combining classroom and clinical instruction. It prepares students to become licensed dental hygienists.
Tuition & Fees: Varies depending on credit load
Why Choose Baker College?
- Comprehensive hygiene curriculum
- Hands-on clinical practice
- Strong career support
11. Lawrence Technological University – Pre-Dental
While not a dental school, LTU provides pre-dental tracks focusing on science and health courses that prepare students for dental school admissions.
Tuition & Fees: Standard university tuition (~$25,000–$30,000/year)
Why Choose LTU?
- Strong STEM curriculum for dental school prep
- Prepares for competitive dental applications
- Science-focused approach
12. University of Michigan-Dearborn – Pre-Dental Preparation
UM-Dearborn offers pre-dental science courses to strengthen applications for DDS programs.
Tuition & Fees: Standard university tuition (~$15,000–$20,000/year)
Why Choose UM-Dearborn?
- Affordable preparatory coursework
- Direct pathway to dental school
- Strong academic support
13. Michigan Donated Dental Services – Student Clinics
Michigan Donated Dental Services offers supervised student clinics, allowing aspiring dental professionals to gain real patient care experience at minimal cost.
Tuition & Fees: Often free or sliding scale
Why Choose This Program?
- Hands-on patient care experience
- Exposure to diverse dental cases
- Low or no cost
14. HUDA Free Community Health Clinic
This community clinic provides dental training opportunities for students under supervisionHUDA Free Community Health Clinic in Detroit offers dental training opportunities for students under supervision, providing a hands-on learning experience. The clinic serves uninsured and underinsured residents, offering services like dental screenings, deep cleanings, composite fillings, and tooth extractions. Students work alongside experienced dentists and hygienists, gaining practical skills in a real-world setting..
Tuition & Fees: Free or low-cost
Why Choose HUDA Clinic?
- Real-world clinical exposure
- Affordable training opportunity
- Builds community service experience
15. FernCare Free Clinic
FernCare Free Clinic offers student supervision clinics, enabling students to observe and assist in dental care delivery.
Tuition & Fees: Low or no cost
Why Choose FernCare Clinic?
- Practical training in a real clinic
- Exposure to patient care
- No tuition for hands-on experience
Comparison Table of Detroit Area Dental Schools & Programs
| Rank | School/Program | Type | Tuition & Fees | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry | DDS | $82,790/year + fees (~$130,000 COA) | Full DDS program, extensive clinical training |
| 2 | University of Michigan School of Dentistry | DDS / MS / Hygiene | In-state $47,994–$57,424/year; Out-of-state $64,656–$77,419 | Top-ranked dental school with research & specialty programs |
| 3 | Wayne County Community College | Dental Support / Hygiene | $3,998/year | Affordable prep for dental careers |
| 4 | Dorsey College Dearborn | Dental Assisting | Varies | Career-focused assisting certification |
| 5 | Macomb Community College | Dental Hygiene | $5,000–$10,000/year | Practical hygiene clinic experience |
| 6 | Oakland Community College | Dental Assisting & Hygiene | $4,000–$8,000/year | Hands-on training & prep |
| 7 | Triton College | Dental Hygiene | $7,000–$12,000/year | Alternate pathway for hygiene careers |
| 8 | Henry Ford College | Dental Assisting | $4,000–$8,000/year | Clinical practice & certification prep |
| 9 | Schoolcraft College | Pre-Dental / Hygiene Prep | $4,000–$6,000/year | Strong academic foundation |
| 10 | Baker College | Dental Hygiene | Varies | Hands-on hygiene & career support |
| 11 | Lawrence Technological University | Pre-Dental | $25,000–$30,000/year | Prepares for dental school admission |
| 12 | UM-Dearborn Pre-Dental | Pre-Dental | $15,000–$20,000/year | Affordable prep coursework |
| 13 | Michigan Donated Dental Services | Student Clinic | Free / sliding scale | Hands-on patient care experience |
| 14 | HUDA Free Community Health Clinic | Community Clinic | Free / low cost | Real-world clinical exposure |
| 15 | FernCare Free Clinic | Community Clinic | Free / low cost | Practical training & patient interaction |
Conclusion
Detroit and its surrounding areas provide a variety of pathways into dental careers.
- For those seeking a DDS degree, University of Detroit Mercy and University of Michigan School of Dentistry are the top choices.
- For dental hygiene and assisting careers, community colleges like Macomb, Oakland, and Wayne County Community College offer affordable, hands-on training.
- Student clinics and community programs provide real-world experience at low or no cost, helping you gain patient care exposure before pursuing higher education.
When choosing a program, consider tuition costs, clinical opportunities, program length, and long-term career goals. With careful planning, Detroit’s dental education programs can launch a successful career in dentistry, dental hygiene, or dental support services.