Jonathan BensonMissouri offers a range of excellent dental education programs — from Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degrees to dental hygiene, dental assisting, and allied dental professions. Whether you’re aiming to become a dentist, hygienist, or dental assistant, choosing the right school is crucial for both your career success and return on investment.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 10 dental schools and programs in Missouri, including tuition and fee estimates, program highlights, admissions insights, and what makes each program stand out.
Top 10 Dental Schools In Missouri And Fees
1. University of Missouri–Kansas City School of Dentistry
Location: Kansas City, MO
Programs: DDS, AEGD, specialty residencies, Dental Hygiene, Pediatric Dentistry
UMKC School of Dentistry is Missouri’s flagship dental institution and the only public dental school in the state. Established in 1881, it has a long tradition of academic excellence and hands‑on clinical training — producing a large portion of dentists in Missouri and surrounding states.
Fees & Tuition:
- DDS Tuition (In-State): $21,675/year
- DDS Tuition (Out-of-State): $42,898/year
- Estimated Total Costs (4 years): $182,000+ in‑state; $272,000+ out-of-state
Why Choose UMKC:
- Offers pre-doctoral and advanced specialty programs
- Strong clinical exposure with 60,000+ annual patient visits
- Extensive alumni network and continuing education opportunities
2. A.T. Still University – Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health
Location: Kirksville, MO
Programs: DMD with a focus on community-oriented dental education
Part of A.T. Still University, MOSDOH emphasizes service to underserved communities, prevention, and public health integration. The program immerses students in early clinical experiences and prepares them for a community-focused dental career.
Fees & Tuition:
- Tuition & Fees: ~$86,466/year
- Technology Fee: ~$675/year
- Lab & Equipment Fees: ~$5,000+/year
Standout Features:
- Service-based education with strong community involvement
- Early patient interaction
- Small class sizes and personalized mentorship
3. Concorde Career College – Dental Programs
Location: Kansas City, MO
Programs: Dental assisting and dental hygiene (Associate degrees)
Concorde’s programs provide focused training for students seeking rapid entry into the dental workforce. It’s ideal for future dental assistants and hygienists.
Fees: Vary by program; generally more affordable than full DDS/DMD degrees
Highlights:
- Fast-track career pathways
- Strong industry connections for job placement
- Practical, hands-on training
4. Ozarks Technical Community College – Dental Hygiene
Location: Springfield, MO
Programs: Associate in Dental Hygiene
OTC offers a high-quality dental hygiene program with extensive clinical components and community outreach. Graduates are well-prepared for national boards and licensure.
Fees: ~$4,924/year (in-state tuition)
Why Students Choose OTC:
- Lower-cost dental hygiene training
- Recognized quality of instruction
- Community and clinical engagement
5. State Fair Community College – Dental Hygiene
Location: Sedalia, MO
Programs: Associate in Dental Hygiene
SFCC provides affordable and accessible dental hygiene education with solid practical training and licensure preparation.
Fees: ~$4,680/year (in-state tuition)
Prospects:
- Great fit for budget-conscious students
- Strong focus on clinical experience
- Good regional employment outcomes
6. St. Louis Community College – Dental Hygiene
Location: St. Louis, MO
Programs: Associate degree in dental hygiene
SLCC prepares students for licensure and entry into the oral health workforce with strong clinical labs and patient interaction. Being a community college, you can take advantage of its affordable tuition.
Fees: ~$5,295/year (in-state tuition)
Benefits:
- Affordable tuition
- Extensive clinical practice
- Located in a major metropolitan healthcare market
7. Missouri Southern State University – Dental Assisting / Hygiene
Location: Joplin, MO
Programs: Dental hygiene and dental care professions
Missouri Southern offers dental hygiene and related dental health education in a supportive academic environment. One of the great things about this path is its balanced clinical and theoretical training.
Fees: ~$7,762/year (in-state tuition)
Highlights:
- Balanced clinical and theoretical training
- Solid local employment network
8. Metropolitan Community College – Kansas City
Location: Kansas City, MO
Programs: Dental assisting and hygiene preparatory courses
MCC offers flexible dental career pathways with hands-on learning geared at entry-level dental roles. You can take advantage of its affordable and accessible programs.
Fees: ~$6,840/year (in-state tuition)
Why It’s Worth Considering:
- Affordable and accessible programs
- Ideal for career starters
- Local employer connections
9. North Central Missouri College – Dental Support
Location: Trenton, MO
Programs: Dental assisting and related support programs
Offers dental support education, preparing students for roles in assisting, sterilization, and chairside functions.
Fees: Varies by program
Pros:
- Focused practical skill training
- Smaller class sizes
- Affordable cost options
10. Missouri State University – Pre‑Dental Preparation
Location: Springfield, MO
Programs: Pre-Dental academic support leading to dental school applications
While not a dental school per se, Missouri State provides strong pre-dental science coursework and advising — a critical foundation for DDS/DMD applicants.
Fees: Standard university tuition (varies based on residency)
Why Consider This:
- Ideal for students planning to apply to dental schools
- Strong science curriculum
- Good preparatory support
Comparison Table — Top Dental Schools & Programs in Missouri
| School / Program | Location | Program Type | Approx. Tuition / Fees | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UMKC School of Dentistry | Kansas City | DDS / Specialty | $21,675/yr in‑state; $42,898/yr out-of-state | Future Dentists |
| A.T. Still University – MOSDOH | Kirksville | DMD | ~$86,466/yr + fees | Community-focused Dentists |
| Concorde Career College | Kansas City | Dental Assisting / Hygiene | Varies by program | Fast career entry |
| Ozarks Technical CC | Springfield | Dental Hygiene | ~$4,924/yr | Affordable hygiene training |
| State Fair CC | Sedalia | Dental Hygiene | ~$4,680/yr | Budget-oriented hygienists |
| St. Louis CC | St. Louis | Dental Hygiene | ~$5,295/yr | City-based programs |
| Missouri Southern State | Joplin | Hygiene / Assisting | ~$7,762/yr | Southern Missouri careers |
| Metropolitan CC | Kansas City | Dental Support | ~$6,840/yr | Practical entry roles |
| North Central MO College | Trenton | Dental Assisting | Varies | Support role training |
| Missouri State (Pre‑Dental) | Springfield | Pre-Dental | Varies | DDS prep |
How to Choose the Right Dental Program
Choosing the right dental school depends on your career goals:
- Want to become a dentist? Focus on full DDS/DMD programs like UMKC or A.T. Still.
- Interested in dental hygiene or assisting? Community colleges and technical schools (e.g., OTC, State Fair CC) offer affordable, accredited pathways.
- Planning to enter dental school later? Consider strong pre-dental programs (like Missouri State University) to build foundational science skills.
Tips for Dental School Applicants
- Start early: Complete prerequisite science coursework and gain shadowing experience.
- Prepare for standardized tests: Most DDS/DMD programs require the DAT.
- Build clinical exposure: Volunteering in dental clinics strengthens your application.
- Ask about scholarships: Dental education is expensive — financial aid and scholarships can help offset costs.
Conclusion
Missouri offers a diverse range of dental education pathways, from top-tier dental degrees to cost-effective programs in dental hygiene and assisting. Programs like UMKC School of Dentistry and A.T. Still University – MOSDOH lead the state for future dentists, while community colleges provide practical, affordable routes into dental careers. Understanding your goals — whether clinical practice, hygiene specialization, or support roles — will help you make the best educational investment for your dental future.