If you’ve ever wondered about the path to becoming a dentist and how many institutions offer this rigorous and rewarding education in the United States, you’re not alone.
Dental schools have always been a significant part of higher education, but in recent years, the number of institutions offering dental programs has expanded. With growing demand for oral health professionals, new programs are constantly popping up, making dental education more accessible than ever before.
This article will provide you with an in-depth look at how many dental schools are currently in the United States, where they’re located, and insights into the number of students enrolled.
We’ll also dive into some of the best schools in the country and highlight newly opened institutions that are shaping the future of dental education.
Number Of Dental Schools In the United States: Key Highlights
Dental schools in the United States are a significant part of the healthcare system, ensuring that there are enough trained professionals to provide essential oral health services across the country.
As of 2026, there are approximately 77 dental schools that are fully accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
These institutions grant degrees in either Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), which are equivalent in terms of the qualifications they offer to aspiring dentists.
The increasing number of schools reflects the demand for dentists. As populations grow and the need for dental care becomes more critical, many states have worked to expand dental education, which has led to new schools opening across the country.
Additionally, dental education is increasingly important in underserved areas where people have limited access to quality dental care.
By expanding the number of schools, the healthcare system is aiming to produce more qualified professionals and reduce disparities in dental health across the nation.
It’s worth noting that the curriculum in these schools is very similar. Whether students earn a DDS or DMD, the education focuses on the same core competencies: understanding human anatomy, mastering dental techniques, learning to perform oral surgeries, and developing the necessary interpersonal skills to work with patients.
How Many Dental Schools Are There In The United States?
Dental schools in the U.S. are spread across 50 states, with some states housing multiple dental schools while others have just one.
The total number of accredited dental schools, as of the 2026 academic year, is about 77. This number represents a mix of public and private institutions. For students interested in pursuing a career in dentistry, this provides a broad range of choices in terms of location, size, focus, and cost.
The profession of dentistry has evolved in recent years, and dental schools have become more diverse in the programs they offer. Some focus more on research, while others emphasize clinical practice, community health, or global dentistry.
As a result, the landscape of dental education is rich and varied, offering students an array of opportunities to specialize in different fields within dentistry.
Dental Schools By State
The distribution of dental schools across the United States reflects the country’s regional needs for dental care. Some states have multiple dental schools, while others have only one or two institutions that offer dental programs. Here’s a detailed look at dental schools in various states:
Alabama
The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry is the state’s only dental school. It offers a comprehensive program and is known for its rigorous curriculum and strong clinical training.
Arizona
Arizona is home to a few notable dental schools, including the A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry & Oral Health and the Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine‑Arizona. These schools offer a range of programs designed to prepare students for success in both general practice and specialties.
Arkansas
The Lyon College School of Dental Medicine, which is set to open soon, will provide additional opportunities for students in Arkansas, joining the University of Arkansas Medical School in shaping the future of dental care in the region.
California
California is home to several prestigious dental schools, including the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry, the University of Southern California’s (USC) Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, and UCLA’s School of Dentistry. These schools are widely regarded for their research programs and excellent clinical training facilities.
Colorado
The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is known for its strong emphasis on interprofessional education, where dental students work alongside students from other health professions. This collaborative approach is seen as one of the strengths of this school.
Connecticut
Connecticut is home to the University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine. This school is known for its strong community service component, where students are actively involved in providing care to underserved populations.
District of Columbia
Howard University College of Dentistry is located in Washington, D.C. As a historically black university, Howard is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering opportunities for students from a variety of backgrounds.
Florida
Florida has a number of excellent dental schools, including the University of Florida College of Dentistry, Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine, and LECOM School of Dental Medicine. These schools offer students a mix of academic excellence and practical experience.
Georgia
The Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University is one of the top dental schools in the state, offering an excellent education with a focus on community health and patient care.
Illinois
Illinois is home to several reputable dental schools, including the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine‑Illinois, and Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine. These schools offer diverse programs and strong research opportunities.
Indiana
The Indiana University School of Dentistry and the University of Southern Indiana’s Dental Hygiene program are key institutions that provide robust education and training for dental students.
Iowa
The University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics is widely recognized for its clinical training and research initiatives. It is one of the top dental schools in the Midwest.
Kentucky
The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry and the University of Louisville School of Dentistry offer well-regarded programs for aspiring dentists. These schools have a strong focus on patient care and research.
Louisiana
LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry provides high-quality education to students interested in general dentistry and specialized fields. The program is known for producing skilled practitioners who are highly regarded in the industry.
Maine
The University of New England College of Dental Medicine is the only dental school in Maine and is recognized for its hands-on training and emphasis on rural dentistry.
Maryland
The University of Maryland School of Dentistry is the oldest dental school in the country and offers a rich history along with modern innovations in dental education and patient care.
Massachusetts
Massachusetts boasts several top-ranked dental schools, including Harvard School of Dental Medicine, Tufts University School of Dental Medicine, and Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. These schools are known for their advanced research, cutting-edge technology, and global outreach programs.
Michigan
The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the top dental schools in the U.S. It is well-known for its strong research output and innovative teaching methods. Another prominent school in the state is the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry.
Minnesota
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is one of the leading schools in the country. It is especially noted for its focus on research and community dentistry.
Mississippi
The University of Mississippi School of Dentistry offers students an excellent education and is known for its collaborative learning environment and clinical practice.
Missouri
Missouri is home to several dental schools, including the University of Missouri‑Kansas City School of Dentistry and Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health. These schools provide students with a mix of classroom education and hands-on training.
Nebraska
Creighton University School of Dentistry and the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry are two of the top dental schools in Nebraska. Both schools emphasize a comprehensive approach to dental education.
Nevada
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) School of Dental Medicine is a highly respected institution in the state and offers students access to cutting-edge dental technology.
New Jersey
Rutgers School of Dental Medicine offers top-tier dental education and is particularly known for its research programs and clinical experiences.
New York
New York is home to some of the most prestigious dental schools in the country, including Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, NYU College of Dentistry, and the University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine. These schools are highly competitive and offer students a world-class education.
North Carolina
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry is one of the top dental schools in the nation. It is known for its strong emphasis on community outreach and patient care.
Ohio
Ohio’s Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and Ohio State University College of Dentistry offer world-class dental education programs with a strong clinical focus.
Oklahoma
The University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry is well-regarded for its comprehensive programs and community service initiatives.
Oregon
The Oregon Health & Science University School of Dentistry is one of the top dental schools in the Pacific Northwest, known for its research and community outreach programs.
Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania is home to Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry and the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine. Both schools are well-known for their clinical education and research programs.
Puerto Rico
Puerto Rico also has top dental schools, including the University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine, which provides dental care to underserved communities in the region.
South Carolina
The Medical University of South Carolina James B. Edwards College of Dental Medicine offers a comprehensive education program that focuses on patient care and advanced techniques.
Tennessee
The University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Dentistry is one of the premier dental schools in the southeastern U.S., providing hands-on experience and research opportunities.
Texas
Texas is home to several prestigious dental schools, including Baylor College of Dentistry, Texas A&M College of Dentistry, and the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry.
Utah
The University of Utah School of Dentistry is another excellent program that emphasizes clinical practice, patient care, and research.
Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry is one of the top dental schools in Virginia, offering comprehensive education and practical training.
Washington
The University of Washington School of Dentistry offers cutting-edge research and community outreach programs in addition to a highly respected academic program.
West Virginia
The West Virginia University School of Dentistry offers a unique combination of rural and urban community care, giving students diverse patient experiences.
Wisconsin
Marquette University School of Dentistry provides an outstanding education, focusing on patient-centered care and community service.
Number of Enrollments In the Dental College
Enrollment numbers in dental colleges have been steadily increasing. In the academic year 2024–2025, there were nearly 28,000 students enrolled in U.S. dental schools.
These students are pursuing degrees that will eventually qualify them for licensure as dentists after they complete rigorous coursework, clinical experiences, and exams.
Top 10 Dental Schools In The US
Some of the most prestigious dental schools in the U.S. are known for their advanced research, excellent clinical training, and strong alumni networks. Among the top dental schools in the country are:
| Rank | Dental | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry | North Carolina |
| 2 | University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry | California |
| 3 | University of Iowa College of Dentistry | Iowa |
| 4 | University of Michigan School of Dentistry | Michigan |
| 5 | University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry | Missouri |
| 6 | University of Maryland School of Dentistry | Maryland |
| 7 | Texas A&M College of Dentistry | Texas |
| 8 | University of Florida College of Dentistry | Florida |
| 9 | University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry | California |
| 10 | University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Dentistry | California |
These schools have earned their top spots due to their exceptional faculty, research output, patient care programs, and comprehensive training environments.
Newly Opened Dental Schools in the U.S. (2026)
As demand for dental professionals continues to grow, so does the number of schools offering dental programs. New dental schools are opening across the country, particularly in areas where access to dental care is limited. Some of the newest schools include:
| State | Dental School Name | Location | Opening Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arkansas | Lyon College School of Dental Medicine | Little Rock | July 7, 2025 | First dental school in Arkansas, focusing on community-based care |
| Ohio | Bitonte College of Dentistry at NEOMED | Rootstown | July 2025 | Northeast Ohio’s first public dental school, emphasizing research and clinical excellence |
| Washington | Pacific Northwest University School of Dental Medicine | Yakima | July 2025 | New program aiming to serve rural and underserved communities |
| New Mexico | Touro College of Dental Medicine | Albuquerque | September 16, 2025 | First dental school in New Mexico, focusing on primary care and community health |
Conclusion
As of 2026, the U.S. has 77 accredited dental schools, offering robust training programs to thousands of students each year. With more schools opening and enrollment numbers rising, the future of dental education looks bright.
Whether you’re considering applying to a dental school or just curious about how many options exist, there are plenty of opportunities across the country for aspiring dentists.