Dental Schools in United States 2026
Choosing the right dental school is one of the most important decisions for aspiring dentists. While there is no official universal ranking for dental schools, certain institutions consistently stand out due to their academic excellence, clinical exposure, research output, and competitive admissions.
Here is a curated list of the Top 25 Dental Schools in the United States, based on competitiveness, reputation, and educational quality.
Harvard School of Dental Medicine
Harvard offers a highly integrated DMD program that blends dental education with medical sciences. The school is globally recognized for leadership, innovation, and research excellence.
- Degree: DMD
- Applicants: 990
- Class Size: 60
- Acceptance Rate: 3.5%
- Average DAT (AA): 24.7
- Average DAT (PAT): 23.1
- Average DAT (Science): 24.3
- Average GPA: 3.94
- Average Science GPA: 3.92
Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Columbia’s program focuses on the relationship between oral health and overall health. Students benefit from a strong academic foundation and extensive clinical exposure.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 1,503
- Class Size: 84
- Acceptance Rate: 5.6%
- Average DAT (AA): 24
- Average DAT (PAT): 21.8
- Average DAT (Science): 24
- Average GPA: 3.74
- Average Science GPA: 3.69
University of Michigan School of Dentistry
One of the top public dental schools, Michigan is known for early clinical training and advanced research facilities. Graduates are well prepared for both practice and specialization.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 1,675
- Class Size: 109
- Acceptance Rate: 6.5%
- Average DAT (AA): 22.5
- Average DAT (PAT): 22
- Average DAT (Science): 22
- Average GPA: 3.8
- Average Science GPA: 3.75
- MI Residents: 60
University of California at Los Angeles School of Dentistry
UCLA provides cutting-edge clinical education supported by strong biomedical research. The school emphasizes innovation, diversity, and community service.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 1,489
- Class Size: 88
- Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
- Average DAT (AA): 23.1
- Average DAT (PAT): 23.2
- Average DAT (Science): 23.1
- Average GPA: 3.83
- Average Science GPA: 3.81
- CA Residents: 79
University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine
Penn Dental combines rigorous academics with hands-on clinical training. The program focuses on patient-centered care and professional development.
- Applicants: 2,211
- Class Size: 150
- Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
- Average DAT (AA): 22.9
- Average DAT (PAT): 21.8
- Average DAT (Science): 22.4
- Average GPA: 3.77
- Average Science GPA: 3.71
University of the Pacific – Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
Known for its accelerated three-year DDS program, this school emphasizes personalized education and early clinical experience.
- Dental Program: DDS
- Applicants: 2,142
- Class Size: 146
- Acceptance Rate: 6.8%
- Average DAT (AA): 22.5
- Average DAT (PAT): 22
- Average DAT (Science): 22
- Average GPA: 3.61
- Average Science GPA: 3.55
University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry
UCSF is a leader in dental research and advanced clinical education. The school has a strong focus on public health and innovation.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 1,417
- Class Size: 60
- Acceptance Rate: 4.3%
- Average DAT (AA): 23.3
- Average DAT (PAT): 22.2
- Average DAT (Science): 23.3
- Average GPA: 3.68
- Average Science GPA: 3.61
- CA Residents: 47
UNC Adams School of Dentistry
UNC offers a balanced curriculum combining research, clinical practice, and community engagement. It is well known for its public health initiatives.
- Degree: DDS
- Acceptance Rate: 5.9%
- Class Size: 82
- Applicants: 1,382
- Average DAT (AA): 22.5
- Average DAT (PAT): 21.5
- Average DAT (Science): 22
- Average GPA: 3.65
- Average Science GPA: 3.59
- NC Residents: 62
University of Washington School of Dentistry
This school emphasizes community-based dental education and service to underserved populations. Students gain diverse clinical experience through regional programs.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 681
- Class Size: 63
- Acceptance Rate: 9.3%
- Average DAT (AA): 21
- Average DAT (PAT): 21
- Average DAT (Science): 20.9
- Average GPA: 3.61
- Average Science GPA: 3.53
- WA Residents: 49
New York University College of Dentistry
NYU is the largest dental school in the United States, offering extensive clinical exposure. Students treat a highly diverse patient population.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 2,994
- Class Size: 371
- Acceptance Rate: 12.4%
- Average DAT (AA): 21.1
- Average DAT (PAT): 20.4
- Average DAT (Science): 20.7
- Average GPA: 3.51
- Average Science GPA: 3.41
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry
The school focuses on evidence-based dentistry and comprehensive patient care. It has a strong reputation for clinical excellence.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 1,011
- Class Size: 106
- Acceptance Rate: 10.5%
- Average DAT (AA): 22
- Average DAT (PAT): 21
- Average DAT (Science): 21.8
- Average GPA: 3.83
- Average Science GPA: 3.8
- TX Residents: 99
University of Florida College of Dentistry
UF offers modern clinical facilities and research-driven education. The program emphasizes technology, innovation, and patient care.
- Degree: DMD
- Applicants: 1,684
- Class Size: 93
- Acceptance Rate: 5.5%
- Average DAT (AA): 22.1
- Average DAT (PAT): 21.4
- Average DAT (Science): 21.9
- Average GPA: 3.82
- Average Science GPA: 3.76
- FL Residents: 80
Texas A&M University School of Dentistry
Texas A&M provides high-quality dental education with strong clinical training. It is known for affordability and producing practice-ready graduates.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 1,001
- Class Size: 90
- Acceptance Rate: 9.0%
- Average DAT (AA): 21.8
- Average DAT (PAT): 21.5
- Average DAT (Science): 21.4
- Average GPA: 3.77
- Average Science GPA: 3.69
- TX Residents: 81
Stony Brook University School of Dental Medicine
Stony Brook integrates scientific research with clinical dentistry. The school promotes a strong connection between medicine and oral health.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 1,068
- Class Size: 44
- Acceptance Rate: 4.1%
- Average DAT (AA): 22.1
- Average DAT (PAT): 20.6
- Average DAT (Science): 21.6
- Average GPA: 3.71
- Average Science GPA: 3.64
- NY Residents: 37
UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
This school emphasizes public health, service, and hands-on clinical training. It plays a key role in oral healthcare across South Texas.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 1,022
- Class Size: 101
- Acceptance Rate: 9.9%
- Average DAT (AA): 21.6
- Average DAT (PAT): 20.8
- Average DAT (Science): 21.3
- Average GPA: 3.77
- Average Science GPA: 3.69
- TX Residents: 95
Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry
Temple is known for extensive clinical exposure in an urban healthcare setting. Students gain experience with complex dental cases.
- Degree: DMD
- Applicants: 2,783
- Class Size: 132
- Acceptance Rate: 4.7%
- Average DAT (AA): 21.3
- Average DAT (PAT): 20.2
- Average DAT (Science): 21
- Average GPA: 3.59
- Average Science GPA: 3.52
University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics
The University of Iowa provides patient-centered dental education with strong research support. The school fosters a collaborative learning environment.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 844
- Class Size: 80
- Acceptance Rate: 9.8%
- Average DAT (AA): 21.3
- Average DAT (PAT): 21.3
- Average DAT (Science): 20.9
- Average GPA: 3.73
- Average Science GPA: 3.66
- IA Residents: 51
University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine
Buffalo combines strong biomedical research with advanced clinical training. It is well regarded for affordability and modern facilities.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 2,273
- Class Size: 93
- Acceptance Rate: 4.1%
- Average DAT (AA): 21.4
- Average DAT (PAT): 20.9
- Average DAT (Science): 21.1
- Average GPA: 3.71
- Average Science GPA: 3.64
- NY Residents: 67
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine
Rutgers focuses on integrated healthcare education and community service. Students gain exposure to diverse patient populations.
- Degree: DMD
- Applicants: 2,317
- Class Size: 89
- Acceptance Rate: 3.8%
- Average DAT (AA): 21.2
- Average DAT (PAT): 20.6
- Average DAT (Science): 21.4
- Average GPA: 3.65
- Average Science GPA: 3.59
- NJ Residents: 56
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Minnesota Dental is known for innovation in education and research. The program emphasizes collaborative and interdisciplinary care.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 1,068
- Class Size: 103
- Acceptance Rate: 9.6%
- Average DAT (AA): 20.7
- Average DAT (PAT): 20.9
- Average DAT (Science): 20.1
- Average GPA: 3.62
- Average Science GPA: 3.54
- MN Residents: 65
University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine
UConn integrates dental education with medical sciences and research. The school provides strong interdisciplinary clinical training.
- Degree: DMD
- Applicants: 1,288
- Class Size: 52
- Acceptance Rate: 4.0%
- Average DAT (AA): 21
- Average DAT (PAT): 19.8
- Average DAT (Science): 20.9
- Average GPA: 3.64
- Average Science GPA: 3.55
- CT Residents: 29
Ohio State University College of Dentistry
Ohio State offers advanced clinical facilities and evidence-based education. The program emphasizes patient safety and research excellence.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 1,140
- Class Size: 120
- Acceptance Rate: 10.5%
- Average DAT (AA): 21
- Average DAT (PAT): 21.3
- Average DAT (Science): 20.5
- Average GPA: 3.63
- Average Science GPA: 3.57
- OH Residents: 102
University of Maryland School of Dentistry
As the world’s oldest dental school, Maryland has a rich legacy in dental education. It offers extensive clinical and specialty training programs.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 2,504
- Class Size: 133
- Acceptance Rate: 5.3%
- Average DAT (AA): 21.1
- Average DAT (PAT): 20.2
- Average DAT (Science): 20.7
- Average GPA: 3.6
- Average Science GPA: 3.52
- MD Residents: 70
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry
VCU focuses on hands-on clinical learning and community-based dental care. Students treat a wide range of complex cases.
- Degree: DDS
- Applicants: 1,986
- Class Size: 95
- Acceptance Rate: 4.8%
- Average DAT (AA): 21.3
- Average DAT (PAT): 20.9
- Average DAT (Science): 20.9
- Average GPA: 3.64
- Average Science GPA: 3.56
- VA Residents: 61
Augusta University Dental College of Georgia
This school emphasizes clinical excellence and rural dental healthcare. It plays a vital role in improving oral health across Georgia.
- Degree: DMD
- Applicants: 1,038
- Class Size: 95
- Acceptance Rate: 9.2%
- Average DAT (AA): 20.9
- Average DAT (PAT): 21.1
- Average DAT (Science): 20.5
- Average GPA: 3.73
- Average Science GPA: 3.67
- GA Residents: 85
