Top 10 Dental Schools in the United States (2025 Update)

Choosing the right dental school is one of the most important steps on your journey to becoming a dentist. Whether you’re drawn to research, public health, oral surgery, or community-based care, the best dental schools combine rigorous academics with hands-on clinical experience and strong outcomes for graduates.

In this updated guide, we’ve ranked 10 of the best dental schools in the U.S. based on DAT scores, GPA requirements, acceptance rates, community engagement, and overall academic reputation.

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What Makes a Dental School “Top Tier”?

Before diving into the list, here are a few factors that set leading dental programs apart:

• High DAT and GPA benchmarks
• Comprehensive clinical exposure in advanced facilities
• Community service and outreach programs
• Residency and post-graduate training opportunities
• Support for international and underrepresented students

If you're preparing to apply, these are key elements to research and align with during your dental school journey.

#10. University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (Lexington, KY)

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry (UKCD) emphasizes whole-person care and community outreach, especially in underserved Appalachian communities. In addition to a strong academic foundation, UKCD values applicants with leadership experience and a commitment to public health.

• Acceptance Rate: 3.6%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• DAT Average: 20

Specialty Programs: Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, Periodontology, Orofacial Pain, General Practice Residency.

#9. Harvard University School of Dental Medicine (Boston, MA)

Harvard’s School of Dental Medicine is small but elite, offering interdisciplinary training alongside medical students at Harvard Medical School. Students benefit from world-class research, mentorship from decorated faculty, and global health perspectives.

• Acceptance Rate: 3.5%
• Average GPA: 3.85
• DAT Average: 23

Dual-Degree Options: DMD/PhD, DMD/MPH, and advanced research fellowships in immunology, policy, and restorative dentistry.

#8. Howard University College of Dentistry (Washington, DC)

One of the oldest dental schools in the U.S., Howard has a longstanding commitment to health equity and training professionals from underrepresented communities. It offers multiple dual-degree and residency pathways.

• Acceptance Rate: 3.4%
• Minimum GPA: 2.75
• DAT Average: 18

Programs Include: DDS, DDS/MBA, Pediatric Dentistry, Oral Surgery, Orthodontics, and an International Dentist Program.

#7. Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (Mesa, AZ)

A relatively young program with a bold mission, ASDOH focuses on holistic care and serving underserved populations across Arizona. Students are trained to view oral health as part of a broader healthcare system.

• Acceptance Rate: 3.4%
• Average GPA: 3.41
• DAT Average: 19.3

Unique Offerings: DMD/MPH dual degree, extensive rural outreach programs.

#6. Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health at A.T. Still University (Kirksville, MO)

MSDOH trains dentists who are committed to public health and rural dentistry. It places special emphasis on underserved areas in Missouri and surrounding states, with strong service learning and interprofessional collaboration.

• Acceptance Rate: 3.3%
• Average GPA: 3.47
• DAT Average: 18

Program Offered: Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)

#5. University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine (Farmington, CT)

With a 3:1 student-to-faculty ratio, UConn offers one of the most personalized learning environments in dental education. The school also attracts over $10 million annually in research funding.

• Acceptance Rate: 3.3%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• DAT Average: 21

Programs Include: Dual DMD/MPH, Clinical & Translational Research, and advanced residencies in Endodontology, Prosthodontics, and Oral Radiology.

#4. LECOM School of Dental Medicine (Bradenton, FL)

LECOM offers an innovative problem-based learning model and significant outreach through its community dental offices. Students complete over 100 hours of clinical shadowing and patient care throughout their studies.

• Acceptance Rate: 3.1%
• Average GPA: 3.2
• DAT Average: 18

Program: Traditional DMD program with high-volume patient interaction.

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#3. Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (Cleveland, OH)

Known for its academic excellence and advanced oral disease research, Case Western integrates clinical care with biomedical science from the first year.

• Acceptance Rate: 2.9%
• Average GPA: 3.6
• DAT Average: 19.6

Dual-Degree Programs: DMD/MPH, DMD/MS in Clinical Research, AEGD, and residencies in Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry.

#2. Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry (Nashville, TN)

A leader in advancing health equity, Meharry trains dental professionals committed to serving underserved communities. International students may also apply through its specialized global track.

• Acceptance Rate: 2.4%
• Average Science GPA: 3.5
• DAT Average: 17.9

Offerings: Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), International Track, and General Practice Residency.

#1. Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (Pomona, CA)

WesternU earns top marks for its community-based training model. Students engage in 32 hours of clinical care weekly in their final years, after participating in structured volunteer programs early in the curriculum.

• Acceptance Rate: 2.1%
• Average Science GPA: 3.09
• DAT Average: 18–20

Programs Include: DMD, International Dentist Program, and Advanced Education in Early Dentistry.

How to Stand Out in Your Dental School Application

Even the best DAT score won’t guarantee admission without meaningful clinical and volunteer experience. Dental schools want to see:

• Real-world exposure to patient care
• A commitment to service and underserved communities
• Cultural competence and adaptability
• Strong academic performance and compelling letters of recommendation

Gain Clinical Experience Through a Pre-Dental Internship Abroad

At Go Elective, we offer pre-dental internships in East Africa designed to help future dentists gain hands-on clinical exposure in diverse, high-need environments. You’ll shadow licensed dental professionals, assist in mobile outreach, and learn what it truly means to deliver care with empathy and precision.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re drawn to Harvard’s prestige, Howard’s legacy, or WesternU’s community-based model, these dental schools offer some of the best training available in the United States. Begin building your competitive edge today by combining academic excellence with real-world, global health experience.

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Recent Articles , Pre-health, Dental Internships,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Jun 16, 2025