Jonathan BensonIf you’re planning a career in dentistry and want to study near or in Fort Worth, Texas, choosing the right dental school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Fort Worth offers a variety of options — from community college dental programs to accredited DDS schools nearby.
In this guide, we’ll explore the top 10 dental schools in and around Fort Worth, including tuition estimates, program highlights, and career outcomes.
Top 10 Dental Schools In Fort Worth And Fees
1. Tarrant County College District – Dental Hygiene & Dental Programs
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Program Types: Dental hygiene, dental assisting
Tarrant County College offers associate degrees in dental hygiene and supportive dental programs. It is popular for students seeking hands-on clinical experience close to home.
Tuition & Fees:
- Approx. annual tuition: ~$3,402 for in-state residents
- Dental hygiene and assisting programs may have additional supply fees.
Why It’s Great:
- Affordable local pathway into dental careers.
- Strong clinical training opportunities.
- Flexible programs for students starting in dental professions.
2. The College of Health Care Professions – Fort Worth
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Program Types: Dental assisting, allied health
This college offers career-focused programs in dental assisting. While not a DDS program, it’s ideal for students aiming to enter the workforce quickly.
Tuition & Fees:
- Certificate programs range from $5,000–$20,000 depending on program length.
Why It’s Great:
- Fast-track programs for dental careers.
- Career support and flexible class schedules.
3. Texas A&M University College of Dentistry – Dallas
Location: Dallas, Texas (~30–40 mins from Fort Worth)
Program Type: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
Texas A&M College of Dentistry is the top DDS program near Fort Worth, known for its long tradition of training dentists.
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state annual tuition: ~$38,025
- Out-of-state annual tuition: ~$48,825
Program Highlights:
- 4-year DDS program.
- Offers residencies and specialty training.
- Large clinical practice environment.
4. UTHealth School of Dentistry – Houston
Location: Houston, Texas (~4–5 hours from Fort Worth)
Program Types: DDS, dental hygiene, postgraduate specialties
UTHealth is one of the oldest and most respected dental schools in Texas, with strong research credentials.
Tuition & Fees:
- Estimated $30,000–$45,000 annually for in-state students
Why It’s Great:
- Prestigious curriculum with specialty programs.
- High-level research and clinical exposure.
5. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry – San Antonio
Location: San Antonio, Texas (~5 hours from Fort Worth)
Program Types: DDS, public health, specialty training
UT Health San Antonio offers comprehensive clinical education and diverse specialty programs.
Tuition & Fees:
- Estimated $30,000–$50,000 per year for in-state students
Why It’s Great:
- Comprehensive DDS education.
- Strong focus on community and rural dental care.
6. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso – Woody L. Hunt School of Dental Medicine
Location: El Paso, Texas
Program Type: DDS
TTUHSC El Paso focuses on primary oral health and community dental care, training dentists to serve western Texas.
Tuition & Fees:
- Texas resident: ~$39,124/year
- Non-resident: ~$59,124/year
Why It’s Great:
- Community-focused dental education.
- Modern facilities and patient-centered curriculum.
7. Concorde Career College – Grand Prairie
Location: Grand Prairie, Texas
Program Types: Dental assisting, allied health certificates
Concorde Career College offers practical dental assisting programs for students seeking career entry without a full dental degree.
Tuition & Fees:
- Certificate programs: $7,000–$15,000
Why It’s Great:
- Practical, hands-on training.
- Career support and local clinical exposure.
8. PCI Health Training Center – Dallas
Location: Dallas, Texas
Program Types: Dental assisting, certificate programs
PCI Health provides career-focused programs aimed at fast workforce entry.
Tuition & Fees:
- Varies by program; typically affordable compared to university DDS programs
Why It’s Great:
- Short-term certificate programs.
- Focus on quick entry into dental careers.
9. Dallas College (formerly DCCCD)
Location: Dallas, Texas
Program Types: Dental hygiene, dental assisting
Dallas College offers quality associate degree programs ideal for those starting dental careers.
Tuition & Fees:
- In-state tuition: Under $5,000/year
Why It’s Great:
- Affordable education.
- Transfer opportunities to four-year dental programs.
10. DFW Dental Assisting Schools – Fort Worth & Nearby
Location: Fort Worth & surrounding DFW
Program Types: Dental assisting, accelerated certificate programs
These schools prepare students for RDA certification in as little as 12 weeks.
Tuition & Fees:
- Program cost: ~$3,500 + supplies
Why It’s Great:
- Fast-track entry into dental assisting careers.
- Practical, hands-on training.
Top 10 Dental Schools — Comparison Table
| School Name | Location | Program Type | Approx. Tuition (Annual) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tarrant County College District | Fort Worth | Dental Hygiene & Assisting | ~$3,402 | Affordable local option |
| College of Health Care Professions | Fort Worth | Dental Assisting | ~$5k–$20k | Career entry programs |
| Texas A&M College of Dentistry | Dallas | DDS | ~$38–48k | Full DDS degree |
| UTHealth School of Dentistry | Houston | DDS + specialties | ~$30–50k | Research & clinical focus |
| UT Health San Antonio SoD | San Antonio | DDS | ~$30–50k | Comprehensive DDS |
| TTUHSC El Paso – Hunt | El Paso | DDS | $39–59k | Community-oriented DDS |
| Concorde Career College | Grand Prairie | Assisting | $7–15k | Short certificate programs |
| PCI Health Training Center | Dallas | Assisting | Varies | Quick workforce entry |
| Dallas College | Dallas | Hygiene & Assisting | <$5k | Affordable foundation training |
| DFW Dental Assisting Schools | Fort Worth | Assisting | ~$3,500 | Fast-track certificate |
Conclusion
Fort Worth and the DFW metro area provide a wide range of dental education options — from affordable community college programs to full DDS degrees in Dallas and beyond.
If your goal is to become a dentist, Texas A&M University College of Dentistry in Dallas is the closest top DDS program. For dental hygiene or dental assisting careers, Tarrant County College District and local certificate programs are cost-effective and practical.
Pro Tips:
- Plan your budget carefully — DDS programs can be costly.
- Shadow dental professionals early to understand real-world demands.
- Research financial aid, scholarships, and community college pathways to reduce costs.