Jonathan BensonMilwaukee, Wisconsin offers a variety of options for students pursuing careers in dental care. From full-fledged Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) programs to dental hygiene and dental assistant certificates, the city provides a pathway for every aspiring dental professional.
In this guide, we cover the top 10 dental programs in Milwaukee, discuss tuition, program highlights, and career prospects, and provide a comparison table to make choosing the right program easier.
Top 10 Dental Schools In Milwaukee WI And Fees
1. Marquette University School of Dentistry
Marquette University is the only accredited dental school in Wisconsin offering a DDS degree, making it a top choice for aspiring dentists. Graduates are well-prepared for general practice or dental specialties such as orthodontics or periodontics.
Program Details:
- Degree: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
- Duration: 4 years
- Accreditation: American Dental Association
- Focus: Comprehensive clinical training, research, specialty programs
Tuition & Fees:
- Wisconsin Residents: ~$60,120/year
- Non-Residents: ~$68,780/year
- Additional costs: Books, instruments, and clinic fees
Why Choose Marquette?
Marquette’s program is renowned for its clinical excellence, research opportunities, and community outreach.
2. Milwaukee Area Technical College — Dental Hygiene Program
MATC offers an associate degree in dental hygiene, preparing students for careers as licensed dental hygienists. If you pass through this college, you will leave being workforce-ready with strong clinical skills.
Program Highlights:
- Duration: ~2 years
- Credential: Associate Degree & RDH licensure eligibility
- Focus: Preventive care, patient education, clinical experience
Tuition & Fees: Lower than four-year programs, making it a cost-effective option.
Why Choose MATC Dental Hygiene?
Graduates are workforce-ready, with strong clinical skills and high employability in clinics, hospitals, and public health settings.
3. Milwaukee Area Technical College — Dental Assistant Training
MATC also provides dental assistant programs for students looking to enter the dental workforce quickly. When you are done, you can start working immediately in dental offices.
Program Details:
- Duration: Less than 1 year
- Credential: Certificate/Diploma
- Focus: Chairside assisting, radiography, infection control, patient care
Tuition & Fees: Affordable, includes supply and exam costs.
Career Outcomes: Graduates can work immediately in dental offices and gain practical experience before pursuing advanced dental education.
4. University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee — Pre-Dentistry Track
While UW-Milwaukee does not offer a DDS, it provides pre-dentistry courses to prepare students for dental school applications. This has been done to help you build a strong academic foundation in the field.
Program Highlights:
- Coursework: Biology, chemistry, physics, anatomy
- Ideal for: Students planning to apply to professional dental schools
- Additional Support: DAT preparation courses
Why Choose UW-Milwaukee Pre-Dentistry?
It builds a strong academic foundation and ensures students meet the prerequisites for competitive dental school programs.
5. Milwaukee Career College — Dental Assistant Program
Milwaukee Career College offers a fast-track dental assistant diploma, emphasizing practical skills. This is one of the best around.
Program Highlights:
- Duration: Less than a year
- Credential: Certificate/Diploma
- Focus: Chairside assistance, office administration, patient interaction
Tuition & Fees: Moderate, with practical career readiness as the main benefit.
Why Choose Milwaukee Career College?
Ideal for students who want to enter the workforce quickly or gain initial dental experience before pursuing higher education.
6. Advanced Placement Courses & Electives at UW-Milwaukee
Elective courses at UW-Milwaukee help pre-dental students fulfill prerequisites and gain an academic edge.
Course Examples:
- Biology labs
- Chemistry and organic chemistry
- Anatomy and physiology
Why These Courses Matter:
They prepare students for DAT exams, strengthen dental school applications, and provide a competitive edge for admission.
7. Dental Hygiene Clinics at MATC
MATC operates student-run dental clinics where students provide services to the community while gaining hands-on experience. So if you need practical exposure, you should seriously consider this one.
Program Highlights:
- Real-world clinical experience
- Affordable dental hygiene care for patients
- Builds patient interaction and procedural skills
Why Choose MATC Clinics?
They offer invaluable practical exposure, enhancing both learning and employability.
8. Community Dental Education Programs
Milwaukee hosts several community-based dental programs that offer practical learning opportunities. Passing through this one will help you gain clinical experience amongst others.
Program Details:
- Volunteer opportunities in clinics
- Exposure to public health dentistry
- Partnerships with schools like Marquette and MATC
Why These Programs Are Valuable:
They help students gain clinical experience, build networks, and enhance dental school applications.
9. Continuing Education & Specialty Training at Marquette
Marquette University provides postgraduate specialty programs in areas such as orthodontics, periodontics, and oral surgery.
Program Highlights:
- Credential: Advanced certificate or specialty license
- Duration: Varies by program
- Focus: Advanced clinical skills and specialized dental knowledge
Why Choose Specialty Programs?
Perfect for licensed dentists looking to advance their career and gain certifications beyond the DDS.
10. Study Abroad & Externship Dental Opportunities via Marquette
Marquette also offers international externships and study programs for dental students. For those who give priority to unique clinical exposure, you can move along these paths.
Program Highlights:
- Clinical experience abroad
- Exposure to diverse dental practices and patient populations
- Enhances cultural competency
Why Choose Externships?
Provides unique clinical exposure and makes dental school applications stand out.
Comparison Table: Milwaukee Dental Schools & Programs
| School / Program | Program Type | Credential | Approx. Tuition / Fees | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marquette University School of Dentistry | DDS | Doctor of Dental Surgery | $60–$68K/year | Wisconsin’s only accredited dental school |
| MATC — Dental Hygiene | Associate | Dental Hygiene | Lower cost (public tuition) | Leads to RDH licensure |
| MATC — Dental Assistant | Certificate | Dental Assistant | Affordable | Fast path into workforce |
| UW-Milwaukee Pre-Dentistry | Undergraduate | N/A | Standard UW tuition | Prepares for dental school applications |
| Milwaukee Career College — Dental Assistant | Certificate | Dental Assistant | Moderate | Practical training |
| MATC Student Dental Clinics | Clinical | N/A | N/A | Hands-on student experience |
| Marquette Specialty Programs | Postgraduate | Advanced certificates | Varies | Advanced clinical training |
| UWM Electives for Dental Prep | Coursework | N/A | Standard UW tuition | DAT prerequisites |
| Community Dental Programs | Volunteering | N/A | N/A | Clinical exposure |
| Externships / Study Abroad | Optional | N/A | Varies | International clinical experience |
Conclusion
Milwaukee, WI offers a range of dental education pathways, from the prestigious DDS program at Marquette University to associate and certificate programs for dental hygienists and assistants.
Your choice depends on your career goals, budget, and timeline. Whether you aim to become a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant, Milwaukee’s dental programs provide solid clinical training, academic preparation, and real-world experience.
By carefully considering each program’s tuition, curriculum, and career outcomes, you can make the best choice for your dental career.