Top 10 Dental Schools in the US in 2027
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The Best Overall dental school in the US is the University of Michigan School of Dentistry, a powerhouse that consistently ranks among the top two nationally for research funding, clinical training volume, and board exam pass rates, while maintaining relatively affordable in-state tuition. The Best Value pick is University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry, which delivers elite clinical outcomes and a first-time board pass rate above 98% at a fraction of the cost of private schools. This list is built for pre-dental students and career changers weighing where to apply across the United States, with a focus on academics, clinical exposure, cost, and career outcomes. Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), U.S. News & World Report, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), and individual school sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against the priorities that pre-dental students and admissions advisors tell survey firms and professional organizations they actually care about, drawing on published figures from U.S. News & World Report, the ADEA, CODA accreditation reports, the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) pass rates, and school-specific financial aid disclosures. The weighting:
- Academic reputation and research output — 25%
- Clinical training and patient volume — 25%
- Board exam pass rates (first-time) — 20%
- Cost and value (tuition + aid) — 15%
- Student satisfaction and faculty ratio — 10%
- Post-grad placement (residency or practice) — 5%
A school that posts elite research numbers but graduates students with high debt and low clinical hours drops fast. The winners balance all six.
1. University of Michigan School of Dentistry 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Public | Annual Tuition (In-State): ~$60,000 | Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): ~$90,000 | Best for: Students seeking a balanced, research-intensive program with top-tier clinical training and strong value for Michigan residents
Located in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry enrolls roughly 700 students across its DDS program and advanced specialty training. It consistently ranks among the top two dental schools nationally for research funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and boasts a first-time NBDE Part I pass rate above 97%. The school operates a massive patient care network that sees over 100,000 patient visits annually, giving students extensive hands-on experience in general dentistry, oral surgery, and pediatric care. The student-to-faculty ratio is around 5:1 in clinical settings, ensuring personalized mentorship. Graduates match into competitive specialty residencies at high rates, and the school's alumni network is one of the largest and most active in the field. Its research centers in oral health disparities and craniofacial biology drive innovation, and the school offers generous scholarship programs for in-state students, keeping debt manageable.
2. University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry 🏆 BEST VALUE
Type: Public | Annual Tuition (In-State): ~$35,000 | Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): ~$70,000 | Best for: Texas residents seeking elite clinical training and low debt
The UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry is a value powerhouse that delivers exceptional outcomes at a fraction of the cost of private schools. It enrolls about 500 students and posts a first-time NBDE Part I pass rate above 98%, among the highest in the nation. The school's clinical training is legendary — students treat over 150,000 patient visits per year in a modern facility, gaining deep experience in restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and community outreach. The student-to-faculty ratio in clinics is roughly 4:1, providing intensive supervision. Tuition for Texas residents is among the lowest of any top-tier program, and the school offers robust scholarship and loan repayment programs for those who commit to underserved areas. Graduates match into specialty residencies at competitive rates, and the school's alumni network is strong across the Southwest. Its research programs in oral health disparities and dental materials are nationally recognized.
3. University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry
Type: Public | Annual Tuition (In-State): ~$55,000 | Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): ~$75,000 | Best for: Students focused on research, public health, and advanced clinical training
The UCSF School of Dentistry is a research titan that consistently ranks among the top three dental schools nationally for NIH research funding. It enrolls about 400 students and offers a rigorous DDS curriculum that integrates basic science, clinical practice, and public health. The school's first-time NBDE pass rate is above 96%, and its clinical training is enhanced by a partnership with the UCSF Medical Center, giving students exposure to hospital-based dentistry and complex cases. The student-to-faculty ratio is around 6:1, fostering close mentorship. UCSF is especially strong in oral biology, cariology, and health policy, and its graduates frequently pursue academic careers or specialty residencies. The school's location in San Francisco offers diverse patient populations and community health opportunities, though the cost of living is high. Generous scholarships and research stipends help offset tuition.
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Type: Private | Annual Tuition: ~$80,000 | Best for: Students seeking a prestigious, research-intensive program with a medical model approach
The Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) is the gold standard for those who want a medical-model dental education, where students spend their first two years alongside Harvard Medical School students studying basic sciences and clinical medicine. HSDM enrolls about 140 students per class, making it one of the smallest dental schools, and boasts a first-time NBDE pass rate above 98%. The school's research output is elite, with strong programs in oral medicine, genetics, and craniofacial biology. The student-to-faculty ratio is roughly 4:1, offering unparalleled mentorship. Graduates match into top specialty residencies at very high rates, and the Harvard name opens doors in academia, research, and private practice. The cost is high, but HSDM offers need-based financial aid and scholarships that can significantly reduce debt. Its location in Boston provides access to a vast network of hospitals and research institutions.
5. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Type: Private | Annual Tuition: ~$85,000 | Best for: Students seeking a strong clinical program with a focus on innovation and entrepreneurship
The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Penn Dental) is a clinical powerhouse that operates one of the largest dental clinic networks in the country, treating over 100,000 patients annually. It enrolls about 600 students and offers a comprehensive DMD curriculum with strong emphasis on digital dentistry, implantology, and oral medicine. The school's first-time NBDE pass rate is above 96%, and its student-to-faculty ratio in clinics is around 5:1. Penn Dental is also a leader in research, with significant funding in oral health disparities and biomaterials. The school's Philadelphia location provides diverse patient populations and strong hospital affiliations. Graduates match into specialty residencies at competitive rates, and the school's alumni network is vast. The cost is high, but Penn offers merit-based scholarships and need-based aid. Its entrepreneurship programs help students start their own practices.
6. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry
Type: Public | Annual Tuition (In-State): ~$50,000 | Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): ~$80,000 | Best for: Students focused on public health, community service, and research
The UNC Adams School of Dentistry is a public health leader that consistently ranks among the top five dental schools nationally for research funding and clinical training. It enrolls about 400 students and offers a rigorous DDS program with strong emphasis on preventive dentistry, oral epidemiology, and community outreach. The school's first-time NBDE pass rate is above 97%, and its student-to-faculty ratio is around 6:1. UNC operates multiple community clinics across North Carolina, giving students hands-on experience in rural and underserved settings. The school's research programs in oral health disparities and health policy are world-class. Graduates match into specialty residencies at high rates, and the school's alumni network is strong in the Southeast. Tuition for North Carolina residents is reasonable, and the school offers scholarships and loan repayment programs for public service.
7. University of Washington School of Dentistry
Type: Public | Annual Tuition (In-State): ~$55,000 | Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): ~$85,000 | Best for: Students seeking a research-intensive program with strong clinical training in the Pacific Northwest
The University of Washington School of Dentistry is a research leader that ranks among the top five nationally for NIH research funding, with strong programs in oral biology, craniofacial genetics, and dental materials. It enrolls about 500 students and offers a comprehensive DDS curriculum with a problem-based learning approach. The school's first-time NBDE pass rate is above 96%, and its student-to-faculty ratio is around 5:1. UW operates a large clinical network in the Seattle area, providing diverse patient populations. The school's location offers access to a vibrant tech and healthcare ecosystem, with opportunities for interdisciplinary research. Graduates match into specialty residencies at competitive rates, and the school's alumni network is strong in the West. Tuition for Washington residents is reasonable, and the school offers scholarships and research stipends.
8. University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry
Type: Public | Annual Tuition (In-State): ~$55,000 | Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): ~$75,000 | Best for: Students seeking a diverse clinical experience in a major urban center
The UCLA School of Dentistry is a clinical and research powerhouse that ranks among the top 10 nationally for NIH funding and patient care. It enrolls about 600 students and offers a rigorous DDS program with strong emphasis on oral medicine, implantology, and community health. The school's first-time NBDE pass rate is above 96%, and its student-to-faculty ratio is around 6:1. UCLA operates multiple clinics in the Los Angeles area, serving one of the most diverse patient populations in the country. The school's research programs in oral cancer, salivary diagnostics, and health disparities are world-class. Graduates match into specialty residencies at high rates, and the school's alumni network is vast. The cost of living in Los Angeles is high, but the school offers scholarships and research stipends.
9. New York University College of Dentistry
Type: Private | Annual Tuition: ~$90,000 | Best for: Students seeking a large, diverse clinical program with unmatched patient volume
The NYU College of Dentistry is the largest dental school in the US, enrolling over 1,000 students and treating more than 300,000 patient visits annually. It offers a comprehensive DDS program with strong emphasis on general dentistry, oral surgery, and community health. The school's first-time NBDE pass rate is above 95%, and its student-to-faculty ratio in clinics is around 5:1. NYU's New York City location provides access to one of the most diverse patient populations in the world, giving students exposure to a wide range of complex cases. The school's research programs in oral health disparities and dental materials are growing. Graduates match into specialty residencies at competitive rates, and the NYU alumni network is one of the largest in the profession. The cost is high, but NYU offers scholarships and need-based aid.
10. University of Florida College of Dentistry
Type: Public | Annual Tuition (In-State): ~$45,000 | Annual Tuition (Out-of-State): ~$75,000 | Best for: Florida residents seeking a strong clinical program with research opportunities
The University of Florida College of Dentistry is a rising powerhouse that consistently ranks among the top 15 dental schools nationally for research funding and clinical training. It enrolls about 500 students and offers a comprehensive DMD program with strong emphasis on digital dentistry, implantology, and public health. The school's first-time NBDE pass rate is above 96%, and its student-to-faculty ratio is around 6:1. UF operates multiple clinics across Florida, giving students hands-on experience in rural and urban settings. The school's research programs in oral biology and health disparities are nationally recognized. Graduates match into specialty residencies at competitive rates, and the school's alumni network is strong in the Southeast. Tuition for Florida residents is among the lowest of any top-tier program, and the school offers scholarships and loan repayment programs.
FAQ
What is the single best dental school in the US? The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is the best overall due to its elite research, clinical training, board pass rates, and value for in-state students.
Which dental school offers the best value for money? The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry offers the best value, with low in-state tuition and a first-time board pass rate above 98%.
How important is a school's research ranking for a dental career? Research ranking matters most if you plan to pursue academia, specialty residencies, or oral health research; for general practice, clinical training and board pass rates are more important.
What is the hardest dental school to get into? Harvard School of Dental Medicine is the most selective, with a small class size and high average GPA and DAT scores required for admission.
Do dental schools offer financial aid and scholarships? Yes, most top schools offer merit-based scholarships, need-based aid, and loan repayment programs; public schools are generally more affordable for in-state residents.
How do I choose between a public and private dental school? Choose a public school if you are a state resident seeking lower tuition and strong clinical training; choose a private school if you value prestige, research opportunities, or a specific location.
Sources
- American Dental Education Association (ADEA) — Official guide to dental schools
- U.S. News & World Report — Best Dental Schools rankings
- Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) — Accreditation reports
- National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) — Pass rate data
- University of Michigan School of Dentistry — Official website
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Dentistry — Official website
- Harvard School of Dental Medicine — Official website
- American Dental Association (ADA) — Dental education resources
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