Jonathan BensonChoosing the right dental school in Maryland is a crucial decision for aspiring dentists and dental professionals. Maryland, known for its high-quality education and healthcare programs, offers several reputable dental schools and dental hygiene programs. Whether your goal is to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), specialize in a dental field, or become a dental hygienist, understanding tuition, fees, and program structure is essential.
In this post, we explore the top 10 dental schools and programs in Maryland, including tuition, total costs, program highlights, and what makes each institution unique.
Top 10 Dental Schools In Maryland And Fees
1. University of Maryland School of Dentistry (DDS)
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry (UMSOD) is the only accredited dental school in Maryland offering the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. Founded in 1840, it is also the first dental college in the world, combining a rich history with cutting-edge clinical and research programs.
Fees & Tuition:
- In-State Tuition: ~$54,760 per year
- Out-of-State Tuition: ~$101,917 per year
- Mandatory Fees & Program Costs: ~$20,445 per year
- Estimated Total Cost of Attendance: ~$109,056 (resident) to $158,295 (non-resident)
Why Choose UMSOD:
- Premier dental degree program in Maryland
- Extensive clinical exposure and hands-on training
- Strong focus on research and dental innovation
2. University of Maryland School of Dentistry — Postgraduate Dental Programs
UMSOD also offers postgraduate specialty programs such as Orthodontics, Endodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Periodontics, and Prosthodontics. These programs are ideal for dentists seeking to specialize after completing their DDS.
Fees & Tuition
- Resident Tuition: ~$25,274 per semester
- Non-Resident Tuition: ~$39,793 per semester
- Total Cost of Attendance: ~$108,289 to $138,610 per year
Highlights:
- Offers a wide range of dental specialties
- Advanced clinical training for experienced dentists
- Opportunities to engage in dental research
3. University of Maryland School of Dentistry — Dental Hygiene (BS)
UMSOD offers a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene, preparing students to become licensed dental hygienists. The program focuses on preventive dental care, patient education, and clinical skills.
Fees & Tuition:
- Tuition varies depending on residency and course load
- Additional fees for clinical materials, exams, and insurance
Why It’s Great:
- Pathway to a high-demand healthcare career
- Strong clinical and professional training
- Opportunities to continue into postgraduate programs
4. Baltimore City Community College — Dental Hygiene AAS
Baltimore City Community College offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene, designed to prepare students for licensure as dental hygienists. This program is cost-effective and provides solid hands-on clinical experience.
Fees & Tuition:
- Lower in-district tuition rates
- Additional fees for labs and clinical training
Why It Stands Out:
- Affordable entry into the dental profession
- Hands-on clinical training from day one
- Strong preparation for licensure exams
5. Community College of Baltimore County — Dental Hygiene
The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) provides an AAS in Dental Hygiene, combining classroom instruction with clinical experience. Graduates are well-prepared for professional practice in dental offices and public health settings.
Fees & Tuition:
- Tuition depends on residency and course load
- Mandatory lab and clinic fees apply
Why It’s Worth Considering:
- Affordable pathway to dental hygiene
- Strong local reputation for healthcare training
- Supportive learning environment for students
6. Hagerstown Community College — Dental Hygiene
Hagerstown Community College offers a dental hygiene associate degree, focusing on practical clinical experience and preparation for national licensure exams.
Fees & Tuition:
- Community college pricing (lower than university programs)
- Lab and clinical fees apply
Key Highlights:
- Affordable tuition and accessible for in-state students
- Strong employment prospects after graduation
- Focused on hands-on dental care skills
7. Allegany College of Maryland — Dental Hygiene
Allegany College of Maryland offers a well-structured AAS in Dental Hygiene program. It combines theory, lab work, and supervised clinical experience.
Fees & Tuition:
- Community college tuition based on credit hours
- Additional lab and clinical fees
Why Students Choose It:
- Regional access for rural Maryland students
- Affordable dental hygiene pathway
- Solid preparation for licensure exams
8. Howard Community College — Dental Hygiene
Howard Community College provides a dental hygiene program with a strong focus on clinical readiness and patient care.
Fees & Tuition:
- Tuition depends on residency and credit load
- Lab and clinic fees apply
Highlights:
- Affordable program with strong student support
- Hands-on training prepares students for the workforce
- Well-structured coursework for dental hygiene careers
9. Fortis College — Dental Hygiene (Private)
Fortis College in Landover offers a private dental hygiene program with an accelerated schedule and focused professional training.
Fees & Tuition:
- Higher tuition compared to public community colleges
- Financial aid and scholarships may be available
Why Some Students Choose It:
- Smaller class sizes and personalized attention
- Accelerated programs for faster entry into the workforce
- Focus on professional dental practice skills
10. Universities at Shady Grove — Dental Programs (Affiliated)
Universities at Shady Grove partners with UMSOD and other institutions to deliver programs like the Clinical Dental Hygiene Leader (CDHL) degree. These programs combine interdisciplinary learning with practical experience.
Fees & Tuition:
- Tuition varies by program
- Hybrid coursework may reduce commuting costs
Best For:
- Students seeking dual degrees or interdisciplinary paths
- Flexible learning options
- Access to multiple program affiliations
Comparison Table: Maryland Dental Schools & Fees
| School / Program | Degree Type | Estimated Annual Tuition | Typical Total Cost | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Maryland School of Dentistry (DDS) | DDS | $54,760 (IN), $101,917 (OOS) | $109k–$158k/yr | Dentistry degree |
| UMSOD Postgraduate Dental | Specialty | $25k–$40k/sem | $108k–$138k/yr | Dental specialties |
| UMSOD Dental Hygiene (BS) | BS | Varies | Mid-range | Hygienist |
| Baltimore City CC | AAS Dental Hygiene | Low | Lower cost | Hygienist |
| CCBC | AAS Dental Hygiene | Low | Lower cost | Hygienist |
| Hagerstown CC | AAS Dental Hygiene | Low | Lower cost | Hygienist |
| Allegany College | AAS Dental Hygiene | Low | Lower cost | Hygienist |
| Howard CC | AAS Dental Hygiene | Low | Lower cost | Hygienist |
| Fortis College | AAS Dental Hygiene | Medium/High | Medium | Hygienist |
| Shady Grove (UMSOD CDHL) | BS/MS Dental Hygiene | Varies | Mid | Dual Hygiene |
Conclusion
Maryland offers a wide spectrum of dental education options, from the prestigious DDS program at UMSOD to cost-effective dental hygiene programs at community colleges. While the DDS program is ideal for those pursuing full professional dentistry, associate and bachelor’s dental hygiene programs offer more affordable and faster paths into the dental workforce.
Consider tuition, program structure, clinical opportunities, and career goals when selecting the right program. Whether your aim is to become a licensed dentist, specialist, or hygienist, Maryland provides excellent options to start a successful dental career.