The Best Out-of-State Friendly Dental Schools of 2024

Becoming a dentist is great, but finding the best dental schools to take up the program can be challenging. This is why most aspiring dentists prefer to seek admission to schools away from their residences.

However, finding the right school for out-of-state students is even more challenging. Only a few dental schools in the US accept out-of-state students.

To save you time as an out-of-state student, I have compiled a list of the best dental schools and some reasons you may want to consider them.

Best 10 Dental Schools for Out-of-state Students

Here, you will find the top 10 dental schools for out-of-state students. Let’s dive right in!

1. UCLA School of Dentistry

Popularly known as UCLA, The School of Dentistry at the University of California is renowned as a leading institution in dental education. The institution boasts advanced research facilities, an extensive curriculum, and outstanding clinical training opportunities. And yes, out-of-state students are very much welcome to study at UCLA.

The school is committed to excellence and does well to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary for thriving dental careers.

The University of California Los Angeles School of Dentistry features a state-of-the-art dental clinic where students can gain hands-on experience by working directly with patients. In addition, students have access to an array of advanced training programs.

2. New York University College of Dentistry

Another out-of-state-friendly dental school is the New York University College of Dentistry. The institution is one of the largest dental schools in the United States and worldwide, with an unbeatable reputation in dental education.

The NYU College of Dentistry offers diverse programs, including predoctoral, postgraduate, and advanced specialty training programs. A distinctive aspect of NYU College of Dentistry is its unique program that enables students to pursue a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and a Ph.D. in oral biology concurrently.

This integrated program offers students the chance to delve into advanced research and clinical training, empowering them to become leaders in the field.

Through its excellence in education, innovative dual-degree program, and state-of-the-art dental clinic, the New York University College of Dentistry provides students with an enriching environment that prepares them for success in the dynamic field of dentistry.

3. The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

Established over a century ago, the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine stands as one of the premier dental institutions in the country. This esteemed school presents a comprehensive dental curriculum combining theoretical knowledge and practical expertise.

The program strongly emphasizes interactive learning methods, providing students with ample hands-on training to equip them with the necessary skills for the demanding realm of clinical practice.

The University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine offers an exceptional advantage by welcoming many out-of-state students, making it an attractive choice for those pursuing dental education in Pennsylvania.

4. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine

The origins of the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine can be traced back to 1852 when it was initially founded as the New York College of Dentistry. Over time, it evolved into the New York College of Dental and Oral Surgery.

However, it wasn’t until 1916 that Columbia University officially acknowledged dentistry as an essential component of the health sciences. The college is in the vibrant borough of Manhattan, New York City.

According to recent data acquired from the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), the Columbia University College of Dental Medicine emerges as one of the best dental schools in the United States. This distinction is attributed to its impressive average DAT score, GPA requirements, and notably low acceptance rate.

Columbia University College of Dental Medicine offers several academic programs, including:

• Advanced Education in General Dentistry Certificate (AEGD)
• General Practice Residency
• Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology Residency
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery/MD Residency
• Pediatric Dentistry Residency
• Dental Public Health
• Endodontics
• Implantology
• Orthodontics
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics.

5. The University of Nebraska College of Dentistry

The dental school of the University of Nebraska is known as the University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry. This institution offers comprehensive dental education and training on the East Campus of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln.

The College presents various degree programs, including Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Registered Dental Hygienist (RDH) degrees. Moreover, it offers specialized postgraduate programs in Endodontics, Orthodontics, Pediatrics, Periodontics, and General Practice Residency, providing advanced training in these fields.

These postgraduate programs offer advanced training and expertise in their respective fields.

6. Indiana University School of Dentistry

The Indiana University School of Dentistry (IUSD) is the dental school of Indiana University and was founded in 1879. Situated within the downtown Indianapolis campus of Indiana University – Purdue University, it stands as the sole dental school in the state of Indiana.

The school offers a wide selection of certificate programs in dental assisting, dental hygiene, dentistry, and graduate dentistry. Accredited by the American Student Dental Association, it meets the highest dental education and training standards.

Indiana University School of Dentistry boasts over 650 students in all academic disciplines, with over 50% being out-of-state students.

7. Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine

Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine is a friendly abode for out-of-state dental students. It is a college at Boston University with a curriculum based on the Applied Professional Experience (APEX) Program.

This program offers a practical experience to students at a dental practice as part of clinical training.

Henry M. Goldman boasts about 800 students in predoctoral and postdoctoral programs, with the majority being out-of-state students. Also, the school can trace its origins to 1958 when the Boston University Medical School started a Department of Stomatology to provide postdoctoral education in dentistry.

8. Creighton University School of Dentistry

The Creighton University School of Dentistry, situated in Omaha, Nebraska, is an esteemed dental school affiliated with Creighton University.

Since its inception in 1905, the school has been at the forefront of dental education and research. With a current enrollment exceeding 350 students, it continues to shape the future of dentistry in the United States and around the world.

Within the Creighton University School of Dentistry, various departments cater to the diverse aspects of oral healthcare. These departments include:

• Community and Preventive Dentistry
• Diagnostic Sciences
• Dental Radiology
• Oral Biology
• General Dentistry
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Orthodontics
• Fixed and Removable Prosthodontics
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Endodontics
• Periodontics.

Through the collective efforts of these departments, the school fosters comprehensive training and specialization in various fields of dentistry, equipping students with the necessary skills to deliver outstanding dental care services.

9. The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry

The dental school at the University of Kentucky, known as the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry, was founded in 1962. It is situated in Lexington, Kentucky, United States, and serves as the primary dental education institution within the university. Notably, it is one of the two esteemed dental schools in Kentucky.

Alongside the Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry extends its academic offerings to include postdoctoral programs in six specialized fields of study.

These fields include:

• General Practice Dentistry
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orofacial Pain
• Orthodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Periodontics.

As a testament to its commitment to comprehensive dental education, the college provides opportunities for advanced training and expertise in these diverse disciplines.

The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry is among the best dental schools for out-of-state students.

10.  The University of Michigan School of Dentistry

Established in 1875, the University of Michigan School of Dentistry holds a distinguished position as one of the oldest dental schools in the United States. The institution is renowned for its exceptional research facilities, exemplary clinical training, and top-notch academic programs, and upholds a legacy of excellence.

The school takes pride in its inclusive approach by welcoming many out-of-state students. It offers diverse programs, including predoctoral, postgraduate, and advanced specialty training programs in various fields.

Students at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry are equipped to stay at the forefront of the dental field thanks to its exclusive access to cutting-edge dental equipment and state-of-the-art technologies. This and many more amenities make the institution an attractive choice for those seeking to pursue a career in dentistry.

Wrapping Up

Your dentistry career begins with choosing the right dental school to study at. Unarguably, out-of-state students even find it more challenging to find the right dental school to pursue their studies in. The list above contains out-of-state-friendly dental schools.

I have done the entire work for you in this article. While you can pick any of the schools mentioned above, it is also important that you consider your educational needs and your financial budget.

Tuition fees in some schools can be very high and drastically low in others. It all depends on various factors. Nonetheless, you will surely receive value if you pick any dental institution in this article.