Navigating Dental School Tuition: A Comprehensive Guide to Costs, Rankings, and Considerations

Obtaining a degree from a dental school and becoming a dentistry student is an exciting step in the process of becoming a dentist. If you are considering a dental school, you may wonder where to start and what school to attend. There are dental schools all over the country, and choosing the right dental program can seem like an impossible task. This article provides a detailed overview of dental school tuition, rankings, and essential factors to consider when selecting the right program for your career aspirations.

The Importance of Dental School Reputation

How dental school reputation impacts applications to a residency program is complicated. Dental schools in the US have not had a "proper" ranking system since the 1990s, when many dental schools boycotted the US News and World Report for their overly simplistic rating.

Yet the reputation of dental schools can matter, even without a specific ranking system. Dental school graduates who plan to work as general dentists following graduation don't need to worry much about the reputation of their dental school as long as their degree comes from an accredited dental school.

However, students pursuing a dental residency program after graduation may pay more attention to the reputation of their dental school. A dental residency program is attended by those who wish to specialize and work at specialty clinics, as well as those who seek additional training. Because residency programs are so competitive, a dental school’s reputation can be important.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Dental School

There are many factors to consider aside from dental school rankings when it comes to choosing a dental school, but it is important to be informed about the most prestigious schools.

There are important factors to consider when choosing a dental school aside from just reputation:

Cost of tuition, fees, and cost of living
Graded vs. pass/fail programs
Class size
Location

Top Dental Schools in the US

Here's an overview of some of the best dental schools in the US, integrating various ranking sources and unique aspects of each institution:

University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Located in Ann Arbor, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the top dental schools amongst public institutions. DDS students at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry begin direct patient care in D1 for maximum experience in general dentistry and various specialties. The DDS program also partners with several community clinics throughout Ann Arbor and the greater state of Michigan, where students will conduct outreach and serve underprivileged patients.

Reputation: Sometimes considered the #1 dental school in the country and is a top five NIH-funded research institution, and ranks fifth in the world .
Program Highlights: Its DDS Program has ten times the national average of graduates working in community dental clinics. The school offers several programs like DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery), Dental Hygiene, Master’s, and PhD in Oral Health Sciences. With over 700 students across all programs, the school combines world-class academics with plenty of practical experience. The school is very selective-only about 5% of applicants get accepted.
Tuition: The first year’s estimated tuition for in-state residents is $35,691; for nonresidents, tuition alone is about $53,540. After fees, books, instruments, and living costs, first-year costs come to an estimated $72,307 for in-state residents and $90,156 for non-residents.
Admissions Statistics:
- 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

Harvard School of Dental Medicine

The Harvard School of Dental Medicine at Harvard University was founded in 1867 and is one of the best dental schools in the United States. Located in the Longwood Medical Area in Boston, this school has a long history and it’s still leading the way in dental education . Harvard ranks in the top 10 globally for Dentistry .

Reputation: With a dental school ranking seventh, Harvard also has a perfect score for employer reputation. The DMD program at Harvard School of Dental Medicine is highly integrated for students to understand the fundamentals of general and oral health, with dental students learning the fundamental medical sciences along with students from Harvard Medical School in the first year of the program. However, the dental education at HSDM becomes more specialized in the following three years, with required research projects and rotations in various dental specialties. The school also has a low student-to-faculty ratio, so you’ll get personal attention and mentorship from some of the best professionals in the field. Plus, there are amazing research opportunities, community outreach programs, and strong support for leadership development. Admission is super competitive-with an acceptance rate of just 3.5%-but if you make it, you’ll join a tight-knit and talented group of future dental leaders.
Program Highlights: The school focuses research on musculoskeletal disease research and offers its student body public health opportunities. Harvard combines dentistry with medical science, making it ideal for students interested in research or academic leadership. Students train alongside Harvard Medical School peers, ensuring a holistic healthcare perspective.
Tuition: As a private Ivy League school, Harvard’s tuition is notoriously steep. There is no in-state option, and tuition alone is $63,400 per year. After considering all other student-related costs, including housing, the first year of dental school can cost over $97,000. Around $77,000 per year. Additional costs, such as instruments, housing, and insurance, can add approximately $20,000-$25,000 per year.
Admissions Statistics:
- 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

University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry

The University of California San Francisco School of Dentistry is among the best dental schools in the States. UCSF is one of the best schools for health professions, and its dental school is no exception. The DDS program at the UCSF School of Dentistry emphasizes physical evaluation of patients, prevention of oral and dental disorders, disease diagnosis, and therapy. UCSF School of Dentistry students participate in community service at externship sites, clinical training at the well-known UCSF Dental Center, and oral health research opportunities with its prestigious laboratories. UCSF is the highest ranking dental school for NIH funding, making it a great option for students pursuing research-oriented careers.

Read also: Aspiring Dentists Guide

Reputation: Consistently ranked among the top dental schools globally for clinical innovation and biomedical research. UCSF has a long history of training excellent dentists and researchers. Ranks in the top 10 globally for Dentistry according to the QS World University Rankings.
Program Highlights: Founded in 1881, the UCSF School of Dentistry is a leading institution of oral and craniofacial health and has many different programs, including DDS, Ph.D., post-graduate training, and residency programs. The school emphasizes precision medicine and serves diverse urban populations. UCSF is also known for supporting diversity and inclusion, with scholarships and programs that help students from all backgrounds succeed. UCSF is special is its focus on evidence-based learning, early clinical training, and public health.
Tuition: For in-state students, the tuition cost of attending UCSF is quite low. Total tuition is around $11,400 for the first year, dropping to just $3,814 for the following three years. If you choose to live off campus, the amount of money you need from scholarships and loans goes up exponentially. About $54,000 for California residents and $75,000 for non-residents annually. Additional costs, such as instruments, housing, and insurance, can add approximately $20,000-$25,000 per year.
Admissions Statistics:
- 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

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry

The University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry has a world-class reputation based on its excellent educational programs and internationally renowned faculty. The UCLA School of Dentistry is another prestigious public dental school, known for its cutting-edge dental curriculum and training by world-class faculty. UCLA School of Dentistry students spend their first two years in foundational biomedical science and preclinical courses and care for patients in community and teaching dental clinics from D2 to D4. UCLA School of Dentistry students have a broad range of research opportunities available to them, such as the Dental Research Fellowship Program and the NIH-funded T90/R90 Training Program.

Reputation: It is ranked the #6 dental school in the world. Located in one of the most dynamic regions for healthcare innovation, UCLA Dentistry combines top-tier research with a community-focused mission. It’s a leader in prosthodontics and oral pathology.
Program Highlights: The school emphasizes patient-centered care and clinical innovation.
Tuition: Base university tuition is around $18,900 for the first year; however, there are several fees associated with attending the school that increases the overall cost. For example, the Professional Degree Supplemental Tuition (PDST), which is a mandatory fee, is $27,720 for residents, while books, supplies, and instruments will add an estimated $19,623. The overall cost of the first year at the UCLA School of Dentistry can be about $90,000. $47,000 (in-state), $65,000 (out-of-state)
Admissions Statistics:
- 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 North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill hosts the Adams School of Dentistry was North Carolina's first dental school to rank among the best dental schools in the US. The Adams School of Dentistry at UNC Chapel Hill is another prestigious public dental school with strong research opportunities for students interested in clinical, basic, and translational research and health policy. The DDS program at UNC Chapel Hill uses an Advocate-Clinician-Technician framework, training students to advocate for patients, provide general dentistry care as a clinician, and think critically to determine a course of care.

Reputation: Ranks in the top 15 globally for Dentistry . The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s School of Dentistry is the first dental school in North Carolina, and among the best in the country.
Program Highlights: It trains its students in both research and clinical practice. The school is known for its modern simulation labs, strong focus on evidence-based dentistry, and its dedication to serving local and global communities. One major perk? Students get early clinical experience-you won’t be waiting years before working with real patients. The school sees over 100,000 patient visits each year, so there’s no shortage of hands-on learning.
Tuition: For residents of North Carolina, first-year costs amount to nearly $20,000, including fees, while non-residents are looking at an estimated $33,000. Given that UNC-CH’s School of Dentistry offers numerous dental degrees, tuition and fees can vary. $38,000 (in-state), $64,000 (out-of-state)
Admissions Statistics:
- 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 Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine was established in 1878 and is one of the oldest university-affiliated dental schools in the nation. If you want a top dental school that combines Ivy League prestige with hands-on learning, then the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (also called Penn Dental) is a great choice . Penn Dental is ranked among the top 15 dental schools globally, and it’s easy to see why.

Reputation: The Penn Dental Medicine’s mission is to transform global oral health and well-being through exceptional clinical care, innovation, education, and research.
Program Highlights: UPenn School of Dentistry not only trains students to become skilled general practitioners, but also emphasizes their professional development through a three-year long Professional Practitioner Development course, in which they’ll learn to establish strong patient-practitioner relationships, the application process for residency programs, business principles, and more. UPenn dental students also have several opportunities for further academic achievement, such as dual degrees and honors in the traditional specialties, community health, and vulnerable populations. Class sizes are small, so you get personal attention, and the school offers strong support for research, leadership, and community outreach.
Tuition: One of the more expensive schools on the list, the University of Pennsylvania, is widely renowned for its high-quality graduates. As a state school, you are more likely to have state and federal scholarships and student loans at your disposal, especially if you have need-based reasons for financial help. Tuition for first-year students is $76,090. After fees and related expenses, students will spend an estimated $123,521 for one year at the school.
Admissions Statistics:
- 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

Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

The New York University School of Dentistry educates nearly ten percent of the nation's dentists. If you want to study dentistry at an Ivy League school in a big, exciting city-Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CDM) in New York should definitely be on your radar .

Reputation: Columbia University’s College of Dental Medicine also takes a highly integrated approach to dental education: its DDS curriculum emphasizes the relationship between systemic and oral health and begins with 18 months of training alongside students at Columbia’s medical school, the Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons. Students begin providing dental care to patients in small practice groups under faculty supervision in D3. Columbia CDM is known for combining clinical training, public health, and research all in one. It ranks among the top 20 dental schools in the world in the QS World Rankings.
Program Highlights: The school uses an integrated, collaborative approach to drive its research, which includes research opportunities for its students. Students at Columbia get to work with real patients early on, train in high-tech simulation labs, and take part in outreach programs that help underserved communities in New York. It’s a tough school to get into-with an acceptance rate of just around 3%.
Tuition: First-year resident students will pay $18,679 in tuition and over $62,000 after fees, books, and living expenses. Tuition for non-residents nearly twice as much, costing $34,604 per year. After fees, books, and living expenses, non-residents students can expect to pay over $94,000 for their first year. $92,000 per year
Admissions Statistics:
- 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

New York University College of Dentistry

The New York University School of Dentistry educates nearly ten percent of the nation's dentists.

Program Highlights: The school uses an integrated, collaborative approach to drive its research, which includes research opportunities for its students.
Tuition: First-year tuition costs $82,008, and with added fees, instruments, and a waivable Comprehensive Health Insurance, total educational expenses for the first year of dental school cost an estimated $96,000.
Admissions Statistics:
- 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

Other Notable Dental Schools

University at Buffalo, the State University of New York: The University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine is one of the top dental schools in the country. It has some of the best clinics and up-to-date facilities in the United States.
University of Iowa: The University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental Clinics has been a leader in patient care, dental education, and oral science research since its founding in 1882. The college has 26 community programs focused on children, patients with special needs, and seniors.
University of Washington: The University of Washington School of Dentistry is one of the best dental schools in the US. Its dental program focuses on social responsibility and public trust and is an international education, research, and clinical training leader.

Understanding Tuition Costs

Average Tuition

The average annual cost of the first year of dental school ranges from $53,000 to $70,000 for students attending private or out-of-state dental schools. Public schools can cost close to $40,000 per year for less-expensive options, while more well-known private schools might cost as much as $72,300 annually.

The average total cost dental students can expect to pay at an in-state public school is $151,508, and at private schools in the US, the average total cost is $268,348.

Tuition/Fees/Cost Data Considerations

Tuition/fees/cost data was self-reported by each dental school.
Each institution may have different criteria for each category.
Data excludes personal expenses, like housing
Classification of "Both" denotes schools that are Private and State-Related These schools receive a per capita enrollment subsidy from the state.
National mean calculations are derived from the mean of each column.
The Public-School mean calculation is derived from the public-school data in each column.
The Private-School mean calculation is derived from the private-school data in each column.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

With state and private dental schools having close to the same costs, it can be tough to decide which school you want to attend. It is worth learning more about your in-state dental school options, as being a resident can save you thousands of dollars at a state school. You should also look into scholarships and grants, along with federal student loans, to help you pay for your dental education. Start by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form will be sent to all the schools you apply to. Once you are accepted to a program, the school will send you information on all available financing options.

Admissions: GPA and DAT Scores

GPA

Competitive dental school applicants will have a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher. Many schools also average science courses; students should also have a 3.5 GPA or higher in this category.

DAT Score

The DAT is scored on a scale from 1 to 30. Competitive scores that rank in the top 25% of DAT scores are 19 to 20 points, and a top score would be 22 or higher.

Applying to Dental Schools

Applying to dental schools in the US involves many steps, but there are four main steps that need to be taken.

Take the Dental Admission Test (DAT). All US dental schools require the DAT.
Submit an application to ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS). Most dental schools in the US require you to use the ADEA AADSAS to apply.
Submit additional materials requested by each dental school. Some schools require additional information, such as work history.
Participate in interviews. The majority of dental schools require an interview to be considered.

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