Here at International Medical Aid, we talk a lot about medical school. Today, we’re switching things up a bit. Do you want to be a dentist? We’ve touched on dentistry on our blog. You can learn how to become a dentist and the differences between DMD and DDS degrees.
Today, we’re talking about dental school, and more specifically, the best dentistry programs in the United States. Dentistry is just as important as medical care. Without dentists, our teeth would rot and eventually fall out! Regular visits to the dentist help prevent cavities, protect us from various oral diseases, and teach us how to care for our teeth so they’ll last a long time — hopefully for a lifetime!
In this article, we’re going to go over the top 10 best dental schools in the U.S. We’ll cover what each school offers, its acceptance rate and more. After reading this article, you should have a good idea of whether you want to attend one of the best dentistry programs in the country.
Let’s dive in!
10. University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (Lexington, KY)
The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry isn’t the oldest dental school in Kentucky, but it is among the best dentistry programs. The school’s website states: “Through leadership in education, patient care, discovery and community engagement, we aim to advance oral and general health in Kentucky and beyond.”
Part of how UKCD accomplishes this is by treating the patient, not just the patient’s teeth. Each individual seeking dental care is a human who deserves to be treated well. Treating oral cancer and educating the public on oral health in the Eastern Kentucky area is one of UKCD’s goals.
Acceptance rate: 3.6 percent
Average undergrad GPA: 3.6/4.0
DAT academic average: 20
Community engagement and leadership experience are also very important to UKCD. Even with the best GPA and DAT scores, you might not be considered if you’re not involved in your community. If you want to apply to UKCD, be sure to get those experiences in so you can list them on your application.
UKCD offers the following programs:
- Dental Assisting
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- Orofacial Pain
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Periodontology
- General Practice
UKCD’s website has more information for prospective students.
9. Harvard University School of Dental Medicine (Boston, MA)
It probably doesn’t surprise you to see Harvard University on this list. After all, Harvard is one of the best universities in the country, regardless of your field of study. So, if you want to attend an Ivy League dental school, look no further. The dental school is the smallest school within the university. But don’t mistake its size for what it has to offer.
Just like its parent university, the School of Dental Medicine has received awards for the work of its professors and students. The National Academy of Medicine awarded Professor Shigemi Ishikawa-Nagal the Catalyst Phase Award for its Longevity Global Competition. And Arjun Sagu, a student earning his MMSc, was a finalist for the clinical research competition in the 2020 American Academy of Periodontology.
The school offers the following programs:
- Developmental Biology
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Oral Health Policy and Epidemiology
- Oral Medicine, Infection and Immunity
- Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials Sciences
- PhD in Biological Sciences in Dental Medicine
So, is it hard to get into the School of Dental Medicine? You bet it is. The school’s acceptance rate mirrors that of Harvard University itself.
Acceptance rate: 3.5 percent
Average GPA: 3.85/4.0
DAT score: 23
You’ll need to bring your A-game if you want to attend Harvard University School of Dental Medicine. But remember that grades aren’t everything. Community service is an important aspect that the school considers before admitting a student. Letters of recommendation are also imperative. Establishing strong connections with high school teachers and college professors is a great way to go about this. And this doesn’t only apply to Harvard. This applies to every school on this list.
8. Howard University College of Dentistry (Washington, DC)
Howard University College of Dentistry is a highly respected, historical university. It’s known as a Black institution and is one of the oldest dental schools in the entire country. HUCD has some famous graduates, including Turner Layton, Satish Hiremath, Alice Waring Holmes and Marie Imogene Williams.
Interested in applying to HUCD? Try aligning yourself with the college’s mission, which is “to provide exemplary education, service and research … for the elimination of health disparities.” This wonderful mission is at the center of everything the school does. The school is inclusive and supportive of everyone — students, faculty and professors alike.
Acceptance rate: 3.4 percent
Minimum GPA requirement: 2.75/4.0
DAT score: 18 (in each category)
HUCD offers the following programs:
- BS/DDS Combined Education Program
- DDS/MBA Program
- International Dentist Program
- Doctor of Dental Surgery
- Summer Medical Dental Education Program
- Advanced Education in General Surgery
- Oral Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics
- General Practice Residency
Interested in attending HUCD for your dental school education? Ample information is provided for prospective students.
7. Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
The Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health was founded in 2003. Although the school is less than 20 years old, it hasn’t shied away from making a name for itself. ASDOH is committed to a holistic healthcare approach, which means that the patient is just as important as their teeth. ASDOH fulfills this mission, in part, by providing dental care to underserved populations throughout the state.
ASDOH offers the following programs:
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- MS & Certificate in Orthodontics
- DMD/MPH Dual Degree
Acceptance rate: 3.4 percent
Average overall GPA: 3.41/4.0
DAT score average: 19.3
Prospective students can learn more about what ASDOH offers, including admissions requirements.
6. Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health at A.T. Still University
The Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health couldn’t be in a better place. Not only is it #6 on our list of the 10 Best Dental Schools in the U.S., but it’s serving an area with a severe lack of dentists. Working with charities and local children’s programs is also important to MSDOH. Many graduates (including graduates from underrepresented populations) go on to work with patients in Missouri. MSDOH offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree.
Acceptance rate: 3.3 percent
Overall undergrad GPA: 3.47/4.0
Average science GPA: 3.37/4.0
DAT Score: 18
More information on MSDOH is available for those who are interested.
5. University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine (Farmington, CT)
At the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, you’ll share your time with your professor with two other students. That’s right. There’s a 3:1 class ratio. With one of the smallest class sizes around, UCSDM allows students the time and experience needed to master dentistry and provide excellent care to their future patients.
UCSDM has students work at the Dental Center Research Center, where $10 million is provided each year for research. This enables students to learn what’s necessary to thrive as a dentist.
Acceptance rate: 3.3 percent
Average GPA: 3.6/4.0
Average DAT Score: 21
UCSDM offers the following programs:
- Predoctoral Program
- DMD / Master of Public Health
- DMD / Master of Clinical and Translation Research
- Advanced Education / Residency Programs
– Endodontology
– General Dentistry
– Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
– Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
– Orthodontics
– Pediatric Dentistry
– Periodontology
– Prosthodontics
Interested? Learn more about UConn Dental.
4. LECOM School of Dental Medicine (Bradenton, FL)
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is one of the many medical schools we’ve covered on our blog. LECOM comes in at #4 for best dental schools in the US.
LECOM School of Dental Medicine teaches students by having them solve dental problems. Students learn as they go at one of the school’s outreach offices. The school’s heavy emphasis on hands-on experience has led many students to shadow dentists for 100+ hours before becoming a dentist themselves. LECOM truly offers one of the best dentistry programs in the country.
Acceptance rate: 3.1 percent
Average GPA: 3.2/4.0
Average DAT Score: 18
LECOM School of Dental Medicine offers a traditional dental program. Dual-degree options are not available at this time.
3. Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (Cleveland, OH)
Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine is exclusive and groundbreaking in what it offers students. Would you believe that HIV and cancer are related to oral health? Case Western works hard to provide the kind of dental care that prevents oral cancer and issues with HIV. The school is very difficult to get into, so you’ll need to be on your A-game.
Acceptance rate: 2.9 percent
Average GPA: 3.6/4.0
Average DAT Score: 19.6
Case Western offers the following programs:
- Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
- DMD / Master’s in Clinical Research
- DMD / Master’s in Public Health
- Advanced Education in General Dentistry
- Biological Sciences
- Community Dentistry
- Craniofacial Orthodontics
- Endodontics
- Orthodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Expanded Function Dental Auxiliary
Interested students can learn more about everything Case Western has to offer.
2. Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry (Nashville, TN)
Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry is one of the oldest dental schools in the country. The school is historically known to be a black academic health sciences center. The school’s website states, “True to its heritage, the [school] exists as a global academic health Center of Excellence that promotes … health through transformative, collaborative, educational, and service models.” The school’s core values include integrity, excellence, empathy, diversity, inclusion and leadership.
Meharry offers an International Track Program for students outside the US or Canada. So, international students can find their home here if they wish to study dental
medicine in the US.
Acceptance rate: 2.4 percent
Average science GPA: 3.5/4.0
MCAT: 498
Average DAT Score: 17.9
Meharry Dental also offers a traditional track.
1. Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (Pomona, CA)
If you care about community service, Western University might be the place for you. Every student who attends Western volunteers for two hours every week during their first two years. Then, during your junior and senior years, you’ll spend 32 hours in clinical rotations. Western is all about community service and hands-on experience. But, as you can see from the stats below, Western is very difficult to get into:
Acceptance rate: 2.1 percent
Average science GPA: 3.09/4.0
Average DAT Score: 18-20
And Western University continues to impress. The school has received nearly $5 million in grants from the U.S. Department of Health and Resources.
The following programs are offered:
- Doctor of Dental Medicine
- International Dentist Program
- Advanced Education in Early Dentistry
Prospective students can learn more about Western University School of Dental Medicine.
Pre-Dental / Dentistry Internships with International Medical Aid
Every school on this list requires you to be at the top of your game. After all, they’re the 10 Best Dental Schools in the US. To get in, you’ll need to have lots of shadowing and volunteer experience. That’s where International Medical Aid comes in. We offer pre-dental internships. You’ll travel to East Africa, South America or the Caribbean, where you’ll shadow dentists as they provide dental care to underserved populations.
You’ll get to see the ins and outs of healthcare and participate in activities that promote health and wellness. Multiple public and private health facilities aid us in our endeavors, as we strive to improve dental health in remote locations that desperately need it.
How good are our programs? They were developed at Johns Hopkins University by a team with a passion for improving healthcare. Our website is full of information on everything our pre-dental internships and dentistry internships have to offer.
The following is included for every internship:
- 24/7 U.S. and local support
- Dental school admissions support
- Orientation and training
- Gated housing with 24/7 security
- Travel, accident and health insurance
- Placement related transportation
- Meals prepared by chefs
- Hospital fees
- Communications
- Program debriefing
As you can see, you’ll be well taken care of if you go on an internship with us! Do you have questions? We’ve got answers. We’d be happy to discuss the details of any of our internships. Contact us today to get started.
