Jonathan BensonIf you’re searching for the top dental schools in McAllen, TX and their fees, it’s important to know one key fact: McAllen does not currently have a 4-year DDS dental school. However, students in McAllen have access to excellent dental assisting programs locally and can apply to top Texas dental schools across the state for their Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree.
If you’re serious about becoming a dentist, dental hygienist, or dental assistant in Texas — this guide is for you. Let’s get started.
Top 10 Dental Schools In Mcallen TX And Fees
1. Texas A&M University School of Dentistry – Dallas, TX
One of the most respected dental schools in Texas, Texas A&M University School of Dentistry offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree along with advanced specialty programs. Located in Dallas, this school has trained thousands of dentists serving Texas communities.
The program emphasizes clinical excellence, patient care, and research. Students gain hands-on experience early and work in real clinical settings under expert supervision.
Program Length: 4 years
Degree Awarded: DDS
Estimated Tuition & Fees:
- Texas Residents: ~$37,000–$40,000 per year
- Non-Residents: ~$48,000–$52,000 per year
This school is highly competitive and uses the Texas centralized application system. For McAllen residents, this is one of the top choices for earning a DDS in Texas.
2. UTHealth School of Dentistry – Houston, TX
Located in the Texas Medical Center, UTHealth School of Dentistry is one of the oldest and most prestigious dental schools in the state. It offers comprehensive DDS education along with specialty training programs.
Students benefit from strong clinical exposure and cutting-edge research opportunities. Houston’s diverse population provides a wide variety of clinical cases, which enhances hands-on learning.
Program Length: 4 years
Degree Awarded: DDS
Estimated Tuition & Fees:
- Texas Residents: ~$45,000–$48,000 per year
- Non-Residents: ~$65,000–$70,000 per year
For McAllen students willing to relocate, Houston offers outstanding training and strong job placement outcomes.
3. UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry – San Antonio, TX
The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry is known for community outreach and strong academic standards. It prepares students to serve underserved populations across Texas.
Students receive in-depth training in preventative care, restorative dentistry, oral surgery basics, and patient communication.
Program Length: 4 years
Degree Awarded: DDS
Estimated Annual Cost of Attendance:
- Texas Residents: ~$75,000+ (including living expenses)
- Non-Residents: ~$85,000+ total cost of attendance
San Antonio is geographically closer to McAllen than Dallas or Houston, making it a practical option for South Texas residents.
4. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center El Paso Woody L. Hunt School of Dentistry – El Paso, TX
This newer dental school focuses heavily on border and rural oral healthcare — making it especially relevant for students from South Texas.
The Hunt School of Dentistry emphasizes small class sizes and community-based training. Many graduates go on to serve underserved regions.
Program Length: 4 years
Degree Awarded: DDS
Estimated Tuition:
- Texas Residents: ~$31,000–$35,000 per year
- Non-Residents: ~$50,000+ per year
For McAllen students passionate about serving Hispanic and border communities, this program aligns well with long-term goals.
5. The College of Health Care Professions – Dental Assisting Program
If you want to enter dentistry quickly, The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP) in McAllen offers a Dental Assisting Certificate Program.
This is ideal for students who want hands-on training in less than a year and immediate entry into the workforce.
Program Length: ~9 months
Credential: Certificate in Dental Assisting
Estimated Total Cost: ~$16,000–$18,000
Dental assisting can also strengthen future dental school applications by giving students clinical experience.
6. South Texas Vocational Technical Institute – Dental Assisting
Located near McAllen in Pharr, this vocational institute provides dental assisting training with a focus on real-world dental office procedures.
Students learn chairside assisting, infection control, radiology basics, and administrative dental office skills.
Program Length: 9–12 months
Estimated Tuition: ~$18,000–$22,000
This is a strong local option for McAllen residents who want affordable entry into dentistry.
7. Miller-Motte College – Dental Assisting Hybrid Program
Miller-Motte College (formerly STVT) offers flexible scheduling and hybrid learning options for dental assisting students.
The curriculum includes clinical practice, patient preparation, dental instruments, and radiography training.
Program Length: 9–15 months
Estimated Tuition: ~$19,000–$26,000
This program works well for students balancing work and education.
8. Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service – Application Gateway
All Texas public dental schools require students to apply through TMDSAS.
This centralized application system allows McAllen students to apply to multiple Texas dental schools with one application.
Application Fee: Varies based on number of schools selected
Planning early and preparing a strong DAT score is essential for admission.
9. Midwestern State University – Dental Hygiene Program
For students interested in becoming licensed dental hygienists instead of dentists, Midwestern State University offers a respected dental hygiene program.
Program Length: 2–4 years
Estimated Total Tuition (TX Resident): ~$25,000–$30,000
Dental hygienists earn strong salaries in Texas and complete training faster than DDS students.
10. UT Health San Antonio International Dentist Education Program – International Dentist Program
For internationally trained dentists seeking U.S. licensure, UT Health San Antonio offers an advanced standing program.
Program Length: 2–3 years
Tuition: Varies significantly (often premium pricing)
This option is ideal for foreign-trained dentists living in McAllen who want to practice in Texas.
Comparison Table: Top Dental Schools Near McAllen, TX and Fees
| School | Program Type | Location | Length | Estimated Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Texas A&M School of Dentistry | DDS | Dallas | 4 yrs | $37k–$52k/year |
| UTHealth School of Dentistry | DDS | Houston | 4 yrs | $45k–$70k/year |
| UT Health San Antonio | DDS | San Antonio | 4 yrs | $75k+ total annual cost |
| Texas Tech Hunt School | DDS | El Paso | 4 yrs | $31k–$50k/year |
| CHCP McAllen | Dental Assisting | McAllen | 9 months | $16k–$18k |
| South Texas Vocational | Dental Assisting | Pharr | 9–12 months | $18k–$22k |
| Miller-Motte College | Dental Assisting | McAllen | 9–15 months | $19k–$26k |
| Midwestern State University | Dental Hygiene | Wichita Falls | 2–4 yrs | $25k–$30k total |
| UT Health San Antonio IDEP | International DDS | San Antonio | 2–3 yrs | Varies |
| TMDSAS | Application System | Texas | N/A | App fees |
Conclusion
Although McAllen does not currently have a DDS dental school, students have excellent pathways into dentistry through local assisting programs and top-ranked Texas dental schools.
If your goal is to become a licensed dentist, focus on:
- Strong undergraduate GPA
- High DAT scores
- Clinical experience
- Applying early through TMDSAS
If you want quicker entry into the field, dental assisting and hygiene programs in and around McAllen offer strong career opportunities with shorter timelines.
Dentistry remains one of the most stable and financially rewarding healthcare careers in Texas. With the right planning, McAllen students can successfully enter this competitive and respected profession.