11 Best Dental Schools In The US In 2025

One of the most growing and demanded fields of medical sciences is Dentistry. If you are someone who aspires to make people’s smile brighter and happier, then this blog is for you. If you are also planning to pursue this course and make a successful career in it, then you must know the top dental schools in the US.

In this blog, you will find the list of the best dental schools, with their rankings and acceptance rates. But before we begin with school, let’s first understand what Dentistry really is in the medical field.

What is a Dentistry course? 

A dentistry course can be understood as the study of oral or dental medicine. There are some renowned and top dental schools in the US. Many students from all over the world go to the United States of America to pursue their dream of becoming a dentist. But dentistry is a wide course, so first let’s see the branches of Dentistry.

• PROS: Prosthodontics 
• CDNGPR: Canadian General Practice Residency 
• GPR: US General Practice Residency 
• PERIO: Periodontics 
• AEGD: Advanced Education in General Dentistry 
• ANES: Dental Anesthesiology 
• OMS: Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery 
• ORTH: Orthodontics 
• PED: Pediatric Dentistry 

Duties of a Dentist

Dentists have several duties when it comes to taking care of a patient. Beyond clinical care, they also focus on preventive education, long-term treatment planning, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Some of these duties are given below.  

• Educate patients on oral hygiene: They help in demonstrating correct brushing and flossing techniques and recommend suitable dental products (toothpaste, mouthwash, interdental brushes). 
• Examine patients with utmost professionalism: They have to perform routine check-ups, assessing teeth, gums, and overall oral health and identify early signs of cavities, periodontal disease, or other dental conditions 
• Diagnose dental problems: Thier another responsibility is to Interpret clinical findings from thorough exams and patient interviews. They also have to discuss findings openly with patients, addressing questions or concerns 
• Perform clinical procedures: They also require to handle fillings, extractions, design, and more. Moreover, they have to perform tooth extractions, root canals, and other endodontic treatments.  
• Interpreting X-rays and diagnostic tests: They should refer patients to specialists (periodontists, oral surgeons) for complex cases and also employ imaging technologies (CT scans, 3D imaging) when necessary. 

11 Best Dental Schools in the United States of America 

If you are planning to study Dentistry abroad in the USA, then you must have wondered at least once ‘How many dental schools in US?’. While it is good to know the number of options you can have, it is crucial to know which ones are the best. A field like Dentistry requires serious, authentic and exposure filled course curriculum, which is why we are here with the list of best schools in USA and those dental school rankings. The rankings given below are according to QS World University Rankings for Dentistry in USA 2025. So, let’s begin!

University of Michigan School of Dentistry

The University of Michigan School of Dentistry has been a leading institution for decades, having an impressive 98% graduation rate with a dynamic learning environment. Located in Ann Arbor—a hub for intellectual and cultural activities—the school fosters professional growth through 20+ affiliated clinics that collectively serve 45,000+ annual patient visits. Its curriculum includes patient care with opportunities for hands-on investigations in oral health science, preparing graduates to address challenges in regenerative dentistry and craniofacial research with confidence. Below are the key highlights of University of Michigan School of Dentistry: 

University of North Carolina

Renowned for its A-C-T curriculum, the University of North Carolina has a wide alumni network spanning 50+ countries, creating a global sense of community among its graduates. Located in Chapel Hill, a vibrant college town known for innovation, UNC’s dentistry program offers in-depth coursework alongside public health initiatives that send students to underserved areas. This dual focus nurtures holistic dentists who excel both clinically and ethically. The emphasis on collaborative learning extends beyond the classroom, with students and faculty jointly tackling real-world issues in rural clinics, ensuring graduates are well-prepared for complex patient needs. Below are the key highlights of University of North Carolina: 

UCLA School of Dentistry

UCLA’s dental program stands apart as it leverages its status as a top public research university, ensuring a curriculum that’s both academically rigorous and technology driven. Situated in Los Angeles, students get hands-on experience through CBCE (Community-Based Clinical Education), a model emphasizing empathy and skill-building by engaging with underserved communities. Additionally, UCLA’s high research funding and “Smiles for All” outreach event provides real-world exposure, equipping graduates with both scientific expertise and a passion for service. Below are the key highlights of UCLA school of Dentistry: 

Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Harvard University

Harvard’s Dental Medicine program integrates a prestigious academic setting with a 5:1 student-to-faculty ratio, delivering a highly individualized mentorship experience. In Boston’s renowned medical and educational ecosystem, students collaborate with neighboring hospitals and institutions on innovative research, including joint labs with MIT focused on AI for dental imaging. Harvard’s rigorous coursework is supplemented by ample clinical rotations, ensuring graduates master both the scientific foundations and the practical nuances of dentistry. Below are the key highlights of Harvard School of Dental Medicine: 

University at Buffalo

A balanced approach to dentistry defines the University at Buffalo, where 300+ affiliated community clinics provide extensive real-world experience. This broad network allows students to tackle everything from routine check-ups to complex procedures under expert guidance. The school’s support for dual degrees—like the DDS+MBA option—cultivates a new generation of dentists who combine medical proficiency with managerial skills. Alongside modern facilities, including a state-of-the-art Digital Dentistry Lab, UB’s focus on research and community service ensures well-rounded graduates ready to meet evolving patient and industry demands in diverse clinical settings. Below are the key highlights of University at Buffalo: 

University of Pennsylvania

UPenn’s dental program stands at the crossroads of clinical excellence and interdisciplinary collaboration—including partnerships with Wharton and other research centers. This synergy gives future dentists a competitive edge, combining advanced oral healthcare training with insights into management and policy. On campus, multiple specialty clinics foster deep dives into fields like Periodontics, Orthodontics, and Prosthodontics, while specialized courses address emerging areas such as the oral microbiome’s impact on overall health. Graduates emerge not only as skilled clinicians, but also as forward-thinking professionals equipped to navigate complex health systems worldwide. Below are the key highlights of University of Pennsylvania: 

New York University

As one of the largest dental schools in the U.S., NYU’s College of Dentistry boasts nearly 400 faculty members, supporting a dynamic environment where over 300,000 patients are treated each year. Based in New York City, the program immerses students in diverse clinical cases, cutting-edge technology, and countless networking opportunities. Beyond fundamental training, NYU’s expansive curriculum offers advanced specializations and international exposure, including a Tele-Dentistry Program that extends patient care to remote communities. Such breadth, paired with strong research backing, positions NYU graduates to excel in both private practice and academic leadership. Below are the key highlights of New York University: 

Columbia University

An Ivy League pedigree, an expansive research library system, and a rich selection of post-doctoral fellowships make Columbia University a compelling choice for aspiring dentists. The school’s emphasis on rigorous academic standards is complemented by robust clinical rotations in the heart of New York City. From foundational DDS training to global outreach initiatives across Africa and Southeast Asia, Columbia prioritizes holistic development—shaping dentists who are both compassionate clinicians and avid scholars. Interdisciplinary degrees (like MBA or MPH) further broaden graduates’ skill sets, empowering them to tackle complex healthcare challenges worldwide. Below are the key highlights of Columbia University: 

University of Washington

Situated in Seattle, the University of Washington offers a strong research-driven environment and a 120,000-square-foot Health Sciences Center. Dental students benefit from collaborations with peers in medicine, nursing, and public health—enhancing their breadth of expertise. Meanwhile, UW’s expanding Dental Innovation Hub emphasizes AI-driven solutions for diagnostics and treatment planning, merging technology with patient care. With a diverse faculty and ample clinical rotations, the program equips its graduates to pursue specialties such as OMS or Prosthodontics, and to excel in both community-based practices and high-level research settings. Below are the key highlights of University of Washington: 

University of California

UCSF’s dental program leads in health sciences, emphasizing evidence-based care and specialized rotations in oncology-related oral health and pediatric dentistry. Students are immersed in an environment that seamlessly blends scientific inquiry with hands-on practice, thanks to 130,000+ annual patient visits. Positioned in San Francisco—a global center for tech and innovation—UCSF encourages interdisciplinary collaboration in areas like digital dentistry and public health. Graduates often move into leadership roles, whether in advanced surgical settings, research, or health policy, reflecting the university’s holistic approach to dental education. Below are the key highlights of University of California: 

University of Lowa

Though sometimes overshadowed by bigger names, the University of Lowa shines for its community-focused curriculum, blending academic rigor with rural healthcare rotations that elevate practical experience. With a 92% pass rate on board exams, the program demonstrates an impressive balance of quality instruction and real-world readiness. Iowa’s commitment to underserved communities extends to outreach grants, giving students hands-on opportunities to impact patient care in often-overlooked regions. This sense of social responsibility, coupled with strong faculty mentorship, solidifies Iowa’s reputation as a nurturing environment for future dentists. Below are the key highlights of University of Lowa: 

Conclusion

Finding the right university/college is never easy, and when it comes to choosing one Dental school out of so many, it is definitely an overwhelming feeling. To make your search easier, and your decision wiser, we have written this blog that provides you with the top 11 dental schools in the United States of America. So, what are you waiting for? Start exploring your journey towards being a successful Dentist and making everyone smile wherever you go!