Jonathan BensonChoosing the right dental school in Long Island or nearby New York institutions is one of the biggest steps toward becoming a licensed dentist. Tuition costs, clinical exposure, board pass rates, research opportunities, and location all play a major role in your decision.
While Long Island itself has only one accredited DDS-granting dental school, students in the region typically consider several highly ranked institutions across New York and nearby states.
This detailed guide covers the top 10 dental schools Long Island students consider, including tuition estimates, program highlights, and what makes each institution stand out.
Top 10 Dental Schools In Long Island And Fees
1. Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine
Located in Stony Brook, this is the only accredited DDS-granting dental school physically located on Long Island. As part of the SUNY system, it offers strong clinical training combined with affordable in-state tuition.
Estimated Tuition:
- In-state: ~$37,000 per year (tuition only)
- Out-of-state: ~$63,000 per year
- Total cost of attendance (with fees, instruments, housing): ~$85,000–$105,000 per year
The school is known for its strong emphasis on community-based dental care and hands-on patient experience beginning early in the curriculum. Students gain clinical exposure through the university’s Dental Care Center, one of the largest treatment facilities on Long Island.
For Long Island residents seeking affordability without leaving the region, Stony Brook is often the top choice.
2. New York University College of Dentistry
Located in Manhattan, NYU Dentistry is one of the most recognized dental schools globally and enrolls one of the largest DDS classes in the country.
Estimated Tuition
- ~$110,000 per year (tuition only)
- Total cost of attendance: ~$140,000–$160,000 per year
Although significantly more expensive than public options, NYU offers unmatched clinical volume. Students treat a diverse patient population and gain exposure to complex cases.
It is particularly attractive for students interested in research, international outreach programs, and specialty pathways.
3. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Columbia’s dental program integrates dental and medical education, giving students a unique biomedical foundation before entering clinical years.
Estimated Tuition:
- ~$95,000–$105,000 per year
- Total cost of attendance: ~$130,000–$150,000 per year
Columbia emphasizes research, academic leadership, and specialty placement. Students complete biomedical coursework alongside medical students, making it ideal for those interested in academic dentistry or specialization.
Its Manhattan location provides access to world-class hospitals and research institutions.
4. Touro College of Dental Medicine – Modern and Technology-Focused
Located in Valhalla, NY, Touro is one of the newer dental schools in the region, opening in 2016.
Estimated Tuition:
- ~$90,000–$100,000 per year
- Total cost of attendance: ~$120,000–$140,000 per year
Touro is known for state-of-the-art simulation labs and strong clinical partnerships. Because it is newer, facilities are modern and technologically advanced.
Students seeking innovation-driven dental education often consider Touro a strong alternative to older institutions.
5. University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Although located in Buffalo, NY (farther from Long Island), many Long Island residents apply because of lower tuition rates for in-state students.
Estimated Tuition:
- In-state: ~$40,000 per year
- Out-of-state: ~$70,000 per year
- Total cost of attendance: ~$85,000–$110,000 per year
SUNY Buffalo is respected for clinical readiness and research in oral biology. For cost-conscious New York residents, it remains one of the best value dental schools in the state.
6. Rutgers School of Dental Medicine – Strong Regional Alternative
Located in Newark, NJ, Rutgers is a popular option for students in the New York metropolitan area.
Estimated Tuition:
- NJ resident: ~$45,000–$50,000 per year
- Non-resident: ~$70,000+ per year
Rutgers provides strong clinical experience and urban patient exposure. Its proximity to NYC makes commuting possible for some Long Island students.
7. NYU Langone Dental Medicine – Leading Postdoctoral Training
While not a DDS program, NYU Langone offers one of the largest postdoctoral dental residency systems in the U.S.
Estimated Tuition:
- Residency-based (stipend or hospital-supported in many cases)
This is ideal for graduates pursuing advanced specialties such as pediatric dentistry or oral surgery.
8. Farmingdale State College – Dental Hygiene Pathway
For those exploring allied dental careers, Farmingdale offers a respected Dental Hygiene program.
Estimated Tuition:
- ~$7,000–$9,000 per year (in-state)
This is not a DDS program but provides an affordable entry into the dental profession.
9. Nassau Community College – Dental Assisting & Hygiene Programs
Located in Garden City, Nassau Community College provides dental assisting and hygiene pathways.
Estimated Tuition:
- ~$5,000–$8,000 per year (in-county residents)
These programs are shorter and more affordable, ideal for students seeking quicker entry into dental careers.
10. St. John’s University – Pre-Dental Preparation Track
While St. John’s does not offer a DDS degree, it provides strong pre-dental advising and science programs that prepare students for admission into dental schools in New York.
Estimated Tuition:
- ~$48,000 per year (undergraduate)
It is often chosen by Long Island students planning to apply to Stony Brook, NYU, or Columbia for dental school.
Comparison Table: Dental Schools Near Long Island
| School | Location | Tuition (Approx.) | Public/Private | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stony Brook | Long Island, NY | $37K (in-state) | Public | Affordable local DDS |
| NYU Dentistry | NYC | $110K | Private | Large clinical exposure |
| Columbia | NYC | $100K | Private | Research & prestige |
| Touro | Valhalla, NY | $95K | Private | Modern facilities |
| SUNY Buffalo | Buffalo, NY | $40K (in-state) | Public | Budget-friendly |
| Rutgers | Newark, NJ | $50K (resident) | Public | Regional alternative |
| NYU Langone | NYC | Residency-based | Private | Specialization |
| Farmingdale | Long Island | $8K | Public | Hygiene pathway |
| Nassau CC | Garden City | $6K | Public | Assisting programs |
| St. John’s | Queens, NY | $48K | Private | Pre-dental studies |
Conclusion
If your goal is to stay on Long Island and pursue a DDS, Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine is the primary and most affordable option for New York residents.
However, students seeking broader clinical exposure or research prestige often consider NYU or Columbia, while cost-conscious applicants frequently look at SUNY Buffalo.
Ultimately, the best dental school depends on your budget, academic profile, specialty goals, and willingness to relocate.