The United States is home to some of the most prestigious dental schools in the world. These institutions provide world-class education in dentistry, offering programs that prepare students for careers as dental practitioners, researchers, or educators. In 2025, the following five dental schools stand out due to their high academic standards, clinical training, research opportunities, and impact on the dental field.
5 Best Dental Universities in United States 2025
1) Harvard University School of Dental Medicine
Location: Boston, Massachusetts
Overview: Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) is one of the most prestigious dental schools in the world, known for its commitment to excellence in dental education, research, and clinical care. HSDM is unique because it is part of Harvard Medical School, allowing students to benefit from a broad range of interdisciplinary learning with the medical faculty.
Key Programs:
DMD Program (Doctor of Dental Medicine): Harvard offers a four-year DMD program that is designed to produce highly skilled and compassionate dental professionals. The curriculum combines foundational science with extensive clinical training and the opportunity to work alongside medical professionals.
Advanced Graduate Education Programs: Harvard offers specialized programs in areas like Periodontology, Prosthodontics, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, providing opportunities for advanced study and specialization.
PhD Program in Oral Biology: Harvard is renowned for its research programs, and the PhD in Oral Biology allows students to engage in high-level research in areas such as regenerative medicine, tissue engineering, and craniofacial biology.
Strengths:
Interdisciplinary Training: Students have access to extensive training opportunities not only in dentistry but also in various aspects of medical science, making them well-rounded professionals.
Research Excellence: Harvard’s dental school is consistently ranked among the top for research, particularly in the fields of oral health, regenerative medicine, and cancer research.
Clinical Exposure: The school offers students a wide range of clinical experiences through its connections with hospitals and health centers across Boston.
2) University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry
Location: Los Angeles, California
Overview: UCLA School of Dentistry is widely regarded as one of the top dental schools in the United States and offers a comprehensive education in all areas of dentistry. It has a reputation for fostering innovation in dental care and research and is affiliated with the renowned UCLA Health System, which provides students with exceptional clinical training opportunities.
Key Programs:
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS): UCLA offers a highly competitive DDS program that emphasizes clinical practice, patient care, and community service. The program is known for its comprehensive curriculum, including advanced courses in surgery, orthodontics, and restorative dentistry.
Advanced Dental Education Programs: UCLA offers residency programs in several specialties such as Orthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics, and Pediatric Dentistry, providing students with the opportunity to specialize in their chosen field.
PhD in Oral Biology and Biomaterials: UCLA’s strong research focus is evident in its PhD program, where students can engage in advanced studies in the fields of oral health and biomaterials science.
Strengths
Cutting-edge Research: UCLA is a leader in research in the areas of oral health, regenerative medicine, and dental materials.
Clinical Facilities: Students have access to state-of-the-art clinical facilities and are exposed to a wide variety of patients through the UCLA Health System.
Global Influence: UCLA is known for its international collaborations and global outreach, providing students with exposure to different practices in dentistry.
3) University of Michigan School of Dentistry
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan
Overview: The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the oldest and most prestigious dental schools in the country. Known for its commitment to education, research, and community service, Michigan’s dental school is ranked among the top in the U.S. It provides a rigorous curriculum and is renowned for its research contributions to the field of dental medicine.
Key Programs:
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS): The DDS program at Michigan offers a comprehensive, patient-centered education with a strong emphasis on clinical practice, medical sciences, and research. The curriculum includes both preclinical and clinical experiences and prepares students for licensure.
Specialty Programs: Michigan offers advanced programs in areas such as Oral Surgery, Periodontics, and Orthodontics, providing highly specialized training in various dental fields.
PhD in Oral Health Sciences: This research-oriented program is designed for students interested in pursuing careers in dental research, particularly in areas like oral disease prevention, dental materials, and public health.
Strengths
Research Innovation: The University of Michigan is recognized globally for its research in oral health and biomedical sciences, including contributions to dental implants and materials science.
Clinical Training: The school provides extensive hands-on clinical training through its partnerships with the Michigan Medicine healthcare system, giving students the opportunity to treat a diverse patient base.
Comprehensive Education: Michigan offers one of the most well-rounded educational experiences, with an emphasis on both scientific learning and clinical practice.
4) Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
Location: New York City, New York
Overview: Columbia University College of Dental Medicine is one of the most prestigious dental schools in the United States and is renowned for its academic excellence, advanced clinical training, and commitment to research. As part of the Columbia Medical School, the College of Dental Medicine is integrated with the larger healthcare network, allowing students to interact with other healthcare professionals in a multidisciplinary environment.
Key Programs:
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS): Columbia offers a highly respected DDS program that integrates clinical experience with scientific research, preparing students to become leaders in the dental profession. The program includes comprehensive training in areas like restorative dentistry, oral surgery, and endodontics.
Advanced Clinical Training Programs: Columbia offers advanced residency programs in fields like Periodontics, Orthodontics, and Prosthodontics, allowing students to gain specialized training in their area of interest.
PhD Program in Oral Biology: Columbia’s research-focused PhD program allows students to explore advanced topics in dental research, particularly in the areas of oral biology, craniofacial development, and oral disease.
Strengths:
Research Leadership: Columbia is a leader in oral health research and is known for its contributions to advancing dental technology and improving patient care.
State-of-the-Art Facilities: Columbia has access to some of the most advanced clinical and research facilities in the world, giving students a cutting-edge learning environment.
Interdisciplinary Learning: As part of a medical school, Columbia provides an opportunity for dental students to collaborate with medical students, fostering a holistic approach to patient care.
5) University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC) School of Dentistry
Location: Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Overview: UNC School of Dentistry is consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the U.S. It is known for its emphasis on clinical education, public health, and community service. The dental school is part of the UNC Health System, one of the leading health systems in the U.S., which provides students with unparalleled clinical training opportunities.
Key Programs:
Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS): The DDS program at UNC is designed to produce well-rounded dental professionals, combining traditional learning with hands-on clinical experience. The curriculum includes a focus on patient care, advanced dental procedures, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Advanced Dental Education Programs: UNC offers advanced training programs in several specialties, including Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics, and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
Master of Public Health (MPH) with a Dental Focus: This program allows dental students to engage with public health initiatives and learn how to address oral health disparities on a larger scale.
Strengths
Community Engagement: UNC is dedicated to improving access to dental care, with programs focused on community outreach and serving underserved populations.
Clinical Expertise: The university’s strong clinical training facilities and diverse patient pool provide students with a wealth of hands-on experience.
Research Excellence: UNC is a leader in oral health research, particularly in the fields of dental materials, oral cancer, and public health.
Conclusion
These five dental schools—Harvard University School of Dental Medicine, UCLA School of Dentistry, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry—are consistently ranked among the best in the United States. They offer a blend of rigorous academic programs, cutting-edge research opportunities, and extensive clinical training. Whether you’re looking to pursue a traditional dental career or specialize in an advanced field, these universities provide the necessary resources and expertise to help you succeed in the dental profession.
