Top 25 Best Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïs in America for 2027: Rankings, Prestige, Acceptance Rates, Tuition, and Career Opportunities

Which dental schools are the best in the United States? Our 2027 guide examines the country's 25 leading dental schools, including Harvard, Michigan, Columbia, Penn, UCLA, NYU, and other highly regarded institutions.

Choosing the right dental school can shape a dentist's professional opportunities, financial future, and ability to pursue specialized training. With the total cost of dental education frequently reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars, applicants must consider much more than academic reputation.

For ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï applying in 2027, the University of Michigan, University of California San Francisco, Harvard University, University of Pennsylvania, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill stand among America's leading institutions for dental education.

However, the best dental school is not necessarily the most prestigious.

Students interested in orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, academic dentistry, or biomedical research may prioritize different institutions than those planning to enter general dentistry or establish private practices.

What Are the Top 25 Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïs in the United States for 2027?

The following ranking combines the latest available 2026 QS World University Rankings by Subject with an editorial assessment of institutional reputation, research opportunities, clinical education, and professional training.

The first 12 positions follow the order of U.S. institutions appearing in the 2026 QS global top 50. Positions 13–25 are editorial selections rather than exact QS placements, because QS places many additional institutions into broad ranking bands.

The 2027 QS dentistry rankings have not yet been published as of October 2026.

Top 25 Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïs for 2027

U.S. RankDental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹ÏLocation2026 QS Global RankInstitutional Type1University of Michigan ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of DentistryAnn Arbor, MI4Public2UCSF ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of DentistrySan Francisco, CA6Public3Harvard ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental MedicineBoston, MA13Private4University of Pennsylvania ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental MedicinePhiladelphia, PA17Private5UNC Adams ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of DentistryChapel Hill, NC18Public6University of Washington ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of DentistrySeattle, WA21Public7NYU College of DentistryNew York, NY24Private8UCLA ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of DentistryLos Angeles, CA26 (tied)Public9University at Buffalo ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental MedicineBuffalo, NY28Public10Tufts University ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental MedicineBoston, MA29Private11Columbia University College of Dental MedicineNew York, NY38Private12Boston University Henry M. Goldman ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental MedicineBoston, MA47Private13University of Iowa College of DentistryIowa City, IAOutside global top 50Public14Ohio State University College of DentistryColumbus, OHOutside global top 50Public15University of Pittsburgh ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental MedicinePittsburgh, PAOutside global top 50Public16University of Florida College of DentistryGainesville, FLOutside global top 50Public17University of Maryland ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of DentistryBaltimore, MDOutside global top 50Public18University of Connecticut ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental MedicineFarmington, CTOutside global top 50Public19University of Minnesota ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of DentistryMinneapolis, MNOutside global top 50Public20University of Illinois Chicago College of DentistryChicago, ILOutside global top 50Public21USC Herman Ostrow ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of DentistryLos Angeles, CAOutside global top 50Private22Texas A&M University College of DentistryDallas, TXOutside global top 50Public23Stony Brook University ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental MedicineStony Brook, NYOutside global top 50Public24Case Western Reserve University ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental MedicineCleveland, OHOutside global top 50Private25UT Health San Antonio ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of DentistrySan Antonio, TXOutside global top 50Public

Methodology: Positions 1–12 reflect the 2026 QS Dentistry ranking among U.S. institutions. Positions 13–25 are Rebellion Research editorial assessments, not official QS numerical rankings. Global positions are omitted where a directly comparable exact rank is unavailable.

1. University of Michigan ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dentistry

Best Overall Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï in America

The University of Michigan holds the highest position among American dental schools in the 2026 QS rankings, placing fourth worldwide.

Michigan combines extensive research activity with comprehensive clinical training and access to one of America's leading public research universities.

Its strengths include restorative dentistry, oral health research, biomedical sciences, and advanced dental specialties.

For Michigan residents, the potential financial advantages of attending a public university make the institution particularly attractive.

Michigan's reputation also extends well beyond the Midwest, making it a compelling choice for ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï interested in academic dentistry or advanced specialty training.

2. UCSF ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dentistry

Best for Dental Research and Biomedical Sciences

The University of California, San Francisco ranks sixth worldwide.

UCSF benefits from its concentration on medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, nursing, and biomedical research.

Students interested in the intersection of oral health and general medicine may find its interdisciplinary environment particularly valuable.

However, San Francisco's high cost of living can substantially increase educational expenses.

3. Harvard ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental Medicine

Most Prestigious Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï by University Reputation

Harvard possesses arguably the strongest overall university brand among American dental schools.

Its dental program emphasizes biomedical sciences, academic research, and the integration of dentistry with medicine.

Harvard may be particularly attractive to ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï considering careers in research, academic medicine, or advanced dental specialties.

Its principal disadvantage is cost, especially for ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï who must finance most of their education.

4. University of Pennsylvania ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental Medicine

Best Ivy League Alternative to Harvard

Penn Dental Medicine combines Ivy League recognition with extensive clinical and research opportunities.

Located in Philadelphia, the school benefits from connections to Penn's broader medical and scientific community.

Students interested in dentistry, healthcare innovation, and academic leadership may find Penn especially attractive.

However, prospective ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï should carefully evaluate the financial implications of attending a private university.

5. UNC Adams ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dentistry

Best for North Carolina Residents

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill has established a strong reputation for dental education, research, and public service.

Its Adams ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dentistry offers comprehensive clinical training and opportunities to work with diverse patient populations.

For eligible North Carolina residents, UNC may provide one of the strongest combinations of academic quality and affordability.

6. University of Washington ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dentistry

Best Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï in the Pacific Northwest

The University of Washington is a leading public research institution with a longstanding commitment to healthcare education.

Its dental school emphasizes clinical preparation, oral health research, and community engagement.

Washington is particularly attractive to ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï interested in practicing in the Pacific Northwest.

7. NYU College of Dentistry

Best for Clinical Exposure in New York City

NYU operates one of the largest dental education programs in the United States.

Its Manhattan location provides opportunities to treat a diverse patient population and develop professional connections in a major healthcare market.

However, ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï should carefully consider class size, faculty access, tuition, and New York City living expenses.

8. UCLA ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dentistry

Best for Dental Education in Southern California

UCLA combines strong research credentials with a prestigious public university environment.

Its strengths include oral biology, clinical dentistry, and interdisciplinary healthcare research.

California residents may find UCLA particularly appealing, although the cost of living in Los Angeles remains substantial.

9. University at Buffalo ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental Medicine

Best Value Contender in New York State

The University at Buffalo offers a respected dental education within the State University of New York system.

For eligible New York residents, Buffalo may provide significant financial advantages over private institutions such as NYU and Columbia.

Its combination of clinical education, research, and comparatively affordable regional living expenses makes it particularly attractive.

10. Tufts University ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental Medicine

Best for Clinical Dentistry in Boston

Tufts offers extensive clinical training in one of America's most important healthcare and academic centers.

Its location provides access to professional networks and opportunities for advanced education.

However, tuition and living expenses can create a substantial financial commitment.

11. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

Best for Dentistry and Academic Medicine

Columbia University offers a distinctive educational environment through its integration with the university's medical and biomedical sciences programs.

Its dental school may appeal to ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï interested in academic dentistry, healthcare research, and competitive specialty training.

Columbia's Ivy League reputation also provides broad institutional recognition.

Nevertheless, ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï should compare its costs with those of public dental schools before committing.

12. Boston University Henry M. Goldman ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental Medicine

Best for Digital Dentistry and Clinical Innovation

Boston University has invested in modern dental education, including digital technologies and contemporary clinical training.

Its location in Boston provides access to a major healthcare and research ecosystem.

Students should evaluate the balance between its clinical opportunities and private-school tuition.

13. University of Iowa College of Dentistry

Best Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï in Iowa

The University of Iowa is a respected public institution with a comprehensive dental education program.

Its College of Dentistry offers clinical training, specialty education, and research opportunities.

Iowa may be particularly attractive to ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï interested in practicing in the Midwest or pursuing an affordable public-university education.

14. Ohio State University College of Dentistry

Best Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï in Ohio

Ohio State combines the resources of a major public research university with comprehensive dental education.

Its Columbus location provides access to a substantial patient population and professional opportunities.

Ohio residents should consider the potential financial benefits of attending an in-state public institution.

15. University of Pittsburgh ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental Medicine

Best for Dental Research in Pennsylvania

The University of Pittsburgh benefits from its connections to a major academic medical center.

Its dental school offers opportunities in clinical dentistry, oral biology, and interdisciplinary research.

Students interested in healthcare innovation and advanced dental specialties may find Pittsburgh especially appealing.

16. University of Florida College of Dentistry

Best Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï in Florida

The University of Florida is a major public research institution with a well-established dental program.

Its Gainesville location offers access to a large university healthcare environment.

Florida residents should examine its tuition advantages and residency requirements when comparing programs.

17. University of Maryland ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dentistry

Best for Dental Education in Maryland

The University of Maryland ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dentistry traces its history to the Baltimore College of Dental Surgery, founded in 1840 and widely recognized as the world's first dental college.

The institution offers extensive clinical education and research opportunities.

Its Baltimore location provides access to a diverse patient population and major healthcare institutions.

18. University of Connecticut ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental Medicine

Best Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï in Connecticut

UConn's ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental Medicine is located at UConn Health in Farmington.

Its integration with medical education creates opportunities for interdisciplinary training.

Connecticut residents interested in remaining in the Northeast should consider UConn alongside Columbia, NYU, Buffalo, and Harvard.

19. University of Minnesota ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dentistry

Best Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï in Minnesota

The University of Minnesota offers comprehensive dental education within a major public research university.

Its strengths include clinical training, oral health research, and community dentistry.

For Minnesota residents, the university may offer a financially attractive alternative to private dental schools.

20. University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry

Best for Urban Clinical Training in Chicago

UIC benefits from its location in one of America's largest metropolitan areas.

Students have opportunities to encounter diverse clinical conditions and patient populations.

Its public-university structure may also offer financial advantages to eligible Illinois residents.

21. USC Herman Ostrow ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dentistry

Best Private Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï in Los Angeles

The University of Southern California offers extensive clinical education and access to a large professional network.

Its Los Angeles location can be attractive to ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï interested in practicing in Southern California.

However, USC's private tuition and regional living expenses make financial planning particularly important.

22. Texas A&M University College of Dentistry

Best for Dental Education in Dallas

Texas A&M's College of Dentistry offers clinical education and research opportunities in Dallas.

Its location provides access to one of America's largest metropolitan healthcare markets.

Texas residents should examine the school's tuition structure and compare it with other public dental programs in the state.

23. Stony Brook University ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental Medicine

Best Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï on Long Island

Stony Brook University offers dental education within a major public research institution.

Its relatively small-school environment and proximity to New York City may appeal to ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï seeking clinical training in the Northeast.

For New York residents, Stony Brook deserves consideration alongside Buffalo and the state's private dental schools.

24. Case Western Reserve University ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dental Medicine

Best Private Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï in Cleveland

Case Western Reserve offers dental education within a research-oriented university environment.

Students benefit from access to Cleveland's extensive medical community and opportunities for interdisciplinary learning.

Its private-school tuition requires careful comparison with less expensive public alternatives.

25. UT Health San Antonio ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï of Dentistry

Best for Clinical Dentistry in South Texas

UT Health San Antonio offers comprehensive dental education and advanced specialty training.

Its location provides opportunities to serve diverse patient populations across South Texas.

For eligible Texas residents, the institution may represent an attractive combination of clinical preparation and public-university value.

Which Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïs Are the Hardest to Get Into?

Harvard, UCLA, UCSF, Michigan, Columbia, Penn, and other highly regarded dental schools attract competitive applicant pools.

However, applicants should be cautious when comparing acceptance rates.

Dental schools differ substantially in class size, residency preferences, and admissions requirements.

Public universities may prioritize in-state applicants, making admission significantly more difficult for nonresidents.

A school with a relatively high overall acceptance rate may still be exceptionally competitive for out-of-state ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï.

What GPA Do You Need for a Top 25 Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï?

A GPA of approximately 3.7 or higher can strengthen an application to a highly selective dental school, although admissions decisions depend on numerous factors.

Strong grades in biology, chemistry, physics, and other prerequisite sciences are particularly important.

Dental Admission Test performance, clinical shadowing, research, community service, and interviews also influence admissions decisions.

Applicants should remember that the DAT adopted a new 200–600 scoring scale in 2025. Older admissions statistics using the previous 1–30 scale should not be compared directly with current scores.

How Much Does Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Cost in 2027?

Dental school tuition varies significantly.

At some private institutions, four years of tuition alone can exceed $300,000.

Housing, transportation, equipment, insurance, and borrowing costs can increase the total considerably.

Public dental schools may offer substantial savings to eligible state residents.

Students should compare total four-year cost of attendance rather than tuition alone.

For someone planning to enter general dentistry, reducing educational debt may have a greater financial impact than attending a marginally more prestigious institution.

Does Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï Prestige Matter?

Prestige can influence research opportunities, academic connections, and access to certain specialty training environments.

However, institutional reputation is only one component of professional success.

For general dentists, clinical competence, patient relationships, business management, and geographic location may ultimately matter more.

A graduate of an accredited public dental school can build an extremely successful practice without attending Harvard, Columbia, or Penn.

The financial advantages of graduating with less debt can also be substantial.

What Is the Best Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ï for the Money?

Public universities deserve particular attention.

Michigan, UNC, Buffalo, UCLA, Washington, Florida, Iowa, Ohio State, and other public institutions may provide attractive educational opportunities for qualifying residents.

However, public-school tuition advantages vary, and some institutions charge substantially higher rates to nonresidents.

Students should also investigate scholarships, financial aid, and projected living expenses.

The most financially attractive school is often the institution that combines strong clinical training with manageable debt.

Final Verdict: The Best Dental ½ñÈÕ³Ô¹Ïs in America for 2027

The University of Michigan enters the 2027 admissions cycle as America's highest-ranked dental school in the latest QS dentistry rankings.

UCSF, Harvard, Penn, and UNC complete the national top five.

However, Columbia, UCLA, NYU, Buffalo, Tufts, and numerous other institutions offer excellent opportunities.

Students interested in academic dentistry and competitive specialty training may prioritize research-intensive universities.

Those planning to enter general dentistry should pay particular attention to tuition, clinical experience, and projected educational debt.

Ultimately, the best dental school is not necessarily the institution with the most prestigious name.

It is the institution that provides the strongest combination of clinical preparation, professional opportunities, and long-term financial value.

Sources and Further Reading

Editorial note: This article is a 2027 admissions guide based on information available in October 2026. It is not an official 2027 QS ranking. Positions 13–25 are editorial selections, and applicants should verify current tuition, admissions requirements, and program information directly with each institution.