5 Best Dental Schools in California this 2024

California is home to more dental schools than any other state in the US. If you’re considering attending any of the best dental schools in California, you will not find a better overall selection to choose from, and that’s even if you already call California home or are merely hoping to build your future as a dentist there.

But how do you choose from the list? What are the colleges with good dental programs? What are the pros and cons of studying at each university? What is the cost and acceptance rate? These are all important factors to consider.

Don’t fret! In this blog, we cover the best dental schools in California and explain why they rise above the competition. We show you how to closely analyze their profiles so that you will find not only the best dental school in California but also the best fit for you and your goals.

• What Are the Best Dental Schools in California?
• What Is the Study of Dentistry All About?
• Why Choose Dentistry?
• What Makes a Good Dental School in California?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Dental Schools in California?

Here are the top colleges with good dental programs in California:

1. University of California, Los Angeles School of Dental Medicine

Overall Acceptance Rate: 6.36%

Average GPA: 3.72

Average DAT Score: 22

Total Cost of Attendance: $109,952

Total Cost of Attendance (out-of-state): $122,197

The UCLA School of Dental Medicine is one of the best dental schools in the US. The school contains a variety of degree programs, but if you only want to be trained to become a dentist, then a four-year DDS from UCLA generally ranks pretty high in the dental school rankings for its innovative use of technology, the variety of different specialty clinics, and an atmosphere that is diverse and inclusive.

If you are looking to get a lot of direct patient experience with a diverse population, look no further since it is a school located right in the heart of the city. Its commitment to helping treat the community is very strong, and the clinics registered almost 5,000 patient visits last year. Outreach events by the school are also held regularly to let underserved people get basic dental care, making it one of the best dental schools in California.

You can take a variety of different types of rotations during your clinical years, such as Urgent Care, Community-Based Clinical Education, Professional Responsibility, and Clinical Patient Management. However, if you are interested in the technical aspect of dentistry, then multiple science-based electives can be pursued as well: Advanced Materials and Biomechanics, Clinical Pediatric Dentistry, and Clinical Endodontics. This variety is what sets it apart as one of the best dental schools in California.

The school favors residents. It is a state school after all, but then again, it does make accommodations for several different student groups. If you hail from one of the states that compose the Western Interstate Commission on Higher Education, you won’t only be eligible to apply, but you’ll also be charged in-state tuition if you get in.

Undergraduate international students may apply as well, provided they meet the requirements for obtaining a student visa. The school also offers a Professional Program for International Dentists, which helps foreign-trained dentists earn a DDS in the US to take national or state licensing board exams, making it one of the best dental schools in California.

For traditional dental students, the School of Dentistry requires traditional dental school requirements for a competitive GPA and DAT scores and up to three letters of recommendation from dental school. You don’t need a full bachelor’s degree; however, you do need a minimum of 90 credits toward an undergraduate degree as well as completion of the seven-dental school prerequisite list.

2.  University of California, San Francisco School of Dental Medicine

Overall Acceptance Rate: 3.9%

Average GPA: 3.76

Average DAT Score: 22.6

Total Cost of Attendance: $109,952

Total Cost of Attendance (out-of-state): $122,197

Through numerous outreach programs and a comprehensive curriculum, California’s oldest dental school remains dedicated to its mission of serving the public. In addition to its core four-year DDS program, the school offers various degree paths, including two dual-degree options: DDS/MBA and DDS/PhD. Applicants may also consider the school’s post-baccalaureate program, designed to help boost GPA or provide a valuable refresher in the science and medicine of dentistry.

The post-bacc premedical program also aims to increase diversity within the school and the dental profession as a whole. The only requirement is to be from a historically underrepresented group. The school also offers two distinct programs for foreign-trained dentists: a two-year program for advanced graduates with U.S. experience, and a three-year program for those without prior U.S. experience.

As a traditional student, you are eligible without holding a baccalaureate degree. However, it’s important to note that UCSF is not a dental school with no prerequisites. The school has minimum requirements for credit hours and GPA. You must achieve a grade of C- or higher in all eight prerequisite courses to be considered.

With California’s large population, meeting the dental needs of all patients can be challenging. To address this, nearly every dental school in the state, including the UCSF School of Dentistry, prioritizes hands-on patient experience through rotations and work in the school’s free dental clinic. UCSF operates twenty-two dental clinics across California, providing students with numerous options for their rotations and solidifying its position as one of the top dental schools in the state.

Apart from its commitment to patient care, UCSF is dedicated to advancing science and medicine in dental care, covering a range of general practice areas, including oral surgery, oral cancer, and pediatric dentistry. The school hosts four specialized research programs on campus, achieving notable success in addressing dental health disparities, biomaterials and bioengineering, and craniofacial biology. This strong focus on research further reinforces UCSF’s reputation as one of California’s best dental schools.

3. Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at the University of Southern California

Overall Acceptance Rate: 6.1%

Average GPA: 3.78

Average DAT Score: 20.7

Total Cost of Attendance: $162,092

This school has the second-biggest mobile dentistry fleet in the country, next to that of the U.S. Army, and has served more than 500,000 patients in underserved communities over the past decade. This is done through the Office of Community Health Programs, where you have the opportunity to serve a broad spectrum of at-risk communities throughout southern California, including disabled veterans, low-income seniors, and elementary school children. 

The dental school at USC is also very strong in its research network, featuring the Summer Dental Student Research Program—a special program for incoming DDS students. It hosts an annual Research Day to let faculty, staff, and students share their research with the wider campus community.

Interdisciplinary research through the CCMB focuses on the molecular genetics of tooth development, nanotechnology treatments for bone and tooth growth, and investigates stem cell solutions for craniofacial tissue regeneration. This commitment to research places USC among the best dental schools in California.

If you’re seeking a path to specialization in dentistry, you can apply to one of Ostrow’s many residency programs, which range from endodontics to advanced operative and adhesive dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orofacial pain, periodontics, and so forth. This wide range of specializations makes USC one of the best dental schools in California.

While Ostrow has the most expensive attendance cost of all top California dental schools, they are also the only California dental school among the top schools to host their scholarship database. You can log into the USC Scholarship Universe portal to apply for their share in the over $2 million available in scholarship funds each year. These extensive financial aid opportunities help make Ostrow one of the best dental schools in California.

Apart from the need- and merit-based scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities are available to students on an individual basis. Beyond these, you can apply for support to help pay for housing, equipment, childcare, and some uninsured health-related expenses.

4. Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine

Overall Acceptance Rate: 2.3%

In-State Acceptance Rate: 1.4%

Average GPA: 3.35

Average DAT Score: 20

Total Cost of Attendance: $136,089

Notably, the acceptance rate for WU CDM is low, at 2.3%. The majority comes from California, and there is a near-equal gender distribution. An interprofessional practice and education program is what one should expect at WU CDM. You will gain a model of healthcare that is integrative and chiefly regards open communication between the different medical fields.

The curriculum for the DDM program is a special approach to training students to excel in various careers, including research and private practice. You will learn the most up-to-date approaches to today’s healthcare rather than some outdated modules. You will also have access to education and cutting-edge technology.

More than 40% of graduates from the DMD program go on to practice in underserved communities. If you aim to serve in these same areas, you’ll find a supportive environment at WUCDM. Although the program is highly competitive, the admissions process requires only five prerequisites, each completed with a minimum grade of C, and does not mandate a full bachelor’s degree for application.

A minimum of 40 hours of shadowing or work experience in an oral health care setting—such as acting as a dental hygienist, assistant, or technician—is required, though the school recommends significantly more to be a competitive candidate, ideally at least 100 hours.

Despite its small list of degree programs, or perhaps because of it, the school offers only a four-year DDS program, a two-year program for foreign-trained dentists, and an Advanced Education in General Dentistry residency in partnership with NYU Langone Health hospital. Additionally, the school provides various online certificate programs for practicing dental professionals to enhance their skills in specific procedures.

5. The University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry

Overall Acceptance Rate: 6.9%

Average GPA: 3.5

Average DAT Score: 22

Total Cost of Attendance: $146,654

Located in San Francisco, this dental school offers an accelerated three-year DDS program—the first of its kind in the United States. It’s as old as most of the other dental schools in California, but it has innovated in terms of changing dental education to be more human-centered. You’re getting more time with patients, but you’re learning in smaller classes, and you’re having much more interaction with the faculty.

However, if you are concerned about how long it takes to become a dentist, know that the school also offers variations on its three-year degree and allows undergraduate students to apply at various stages during their undergrad to enter the DDS program earlier. You can choose to:

• Complete only two years of your bachelor’s and then join the three-year program (2+3).
• Do three years of your undergraduate degree then into the three-year graduate entry program (3+3).

Neither of these pathways is easy to get into. You need at least a 3.70 GPA for the shorter program (2+3) and at least a 3.05 GPA for the longer option (3+3), where you complete a full bachelor’s degree before starting the three-year accelerated program.These requirements are typical of the best dental schools in California.

You don’t need a bachelor’s degree to apply to the DDS program, but to be eligible, you’ll need to complete at least five prerequisite courses and have a minimum of 40 shadowing hours. If you’re an internationally trained dental graduate, Dugoni offers a two-year accreditation program that provides the same courses and faculty experience as the three-year domestic track—setting it apart as one of California’s best dental schools.

You can also pursue a Bachelor of Dental Hygiene, which allows you to enter the DDS program once you meet all application requirements. If you’re already a working dental professional or dentist, you’ll have your choice of six residency programs, ranging from traditional Advanced Education in General Dentistry to the innovative Dental Sleep Medicine Fellowship. These offerings all contribute to Dugoni’s reputation as one of the best dental schools in California.

What Is the Study of Dentistry All About?

Dentistry, often referred to as dental or oral medicine, is defined by the American Dental Education Association as the profession focused on preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases and conditions that affect the teeth, jaw, and surrounding oral tissues.

Before exploring the duties of a dentist, here are some of the major fields of dentistry residency programs you must know. These programs are mostly offered at the best dental schools in California.

• Advanced Education in General Dentistry
• Dental Anesthesiology
• Canadian General Practice Residency
• US General Practice Residency
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Orthodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics

Why Choose Dentistry?

According to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics, dental jobs will grow by 5% from 2023-2033. The ratio of practicing dentists to the population varies significantly, ranging from about 42 to 108 dentists per 100,000 people, according to the American Dental Association. This highlights the importance of selecting the best programs at top dental schools in the U.S. So, considering a career in dentistry? Here are just a few reasons why you should pursue it

1. Restore the oral health and transform the lives of patients

Whether providing preventive care, performing restorative procedures, alleviating pain, or enhancing dentofacial aesthetics, a dentist often has the privilege of making a real, positive difference in a patient’s life—even within a single visit. The satisfaction and joy of restoring oral health and boosting a patient’s confidence is a rewarding aspect of the profession.

2. Earn a good salary

According to the 2023 ADA Health Policy Institute Survey of Dental Practice, the average annual net income for general practitioners who own all or part of their practice is $218,220, while dental specialists earn an average of $335,920. Income levels vary across the country and depend on the type of practice.

3. Being precise and accurate

Compared to the uncertainties often encountered in medicine, dentistry offers a level of precision that many find appealing. The work can be mechanical and repetitive, which some may find comforting. In most cases, you can provide patients with clear prognoses, supported by precise tools that allow you to perform your work with accuracy.

What Makes a Good Dental School in California?

A few key criteria should guide the search for the best dental schools: the institution’s reputation, student opportunities, and available residency programs. When researching a dental school, be sure to take a close look at the following:

1. Educational resources and academic reputation

Is this a dental school with a challenging, well-rounded curriculum that will let you explore multiple areas of dentistry? Are strong academic and career advising services available? Focus on those known to hold their students to high standards of excellence.

2. Average GPA and DAT scores

The best dental schools in California are also likely to attract some of the best applicants, and that is typically reflected in the statistics of the students they accept. While most do not declare a minimum GPA or Dental Admission Test score for their applicants, the best dental schools generally are home to students with an average GPA of 3.6 to 3.8 or above and a DAT average score of 20 to 22 or above.

3. Clinical and research opportunities

Are there ample clinical opportunities available to students as early as their first year in the program? More important to you, perhaps, will be whether those clinical opportunities will provide you with experience in learning areas of specialization and serving the types of communities that you envision for your future career as a dentist. The best dental schools in California ensure that students have access to these clinical opportunities early in their education.

Are extensive research opportunities available to students as early as the first or second year of the program? Are these research opportunities matched to your interests and goals? Or are you going to scramble with dozens of other students for one place? The best dental schools in California provide substantial research budgets, funding for new equipment, regular training, and generous grants or stipends. Choosing the best dental schools in California can ensure that your educational experience is comprehensive and well-supported.

Usually, the best dental schools will have several local clinics in partnership with which students take part in extensive clinical work under different contexts.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many dental schools are in California?

There are seven dental schools in California.

2. Do I need to be a resident of California to apply to dental schools in the state?

No, you can apply as an out-of-state applicant. Most of these schools get more applications from out-of-state students. You just need to check the residency requirements for each school. Some will have opportunities for you to pay in-state tuition if you qualify.

3. Are dental schools in California expensive?

If you want to enter a dental school in California, you should be ready to pay anywhere from $110,000 to $150,000 per year. The best dental schools in California can be expensive; this is because it may involve many varied fees, cost-of-living, and equipment expenses when compared to other schools.

Takeaways

• Some of the best dental schools in California are UCLA School of Dental Medicine, UCSF School of Dental Medicine, and Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry at USC.
• Dentistry can indeed be a very lucrative career. The average annual net income is $218,220 for general practitioners who own all or part of their practice, and $335,920 for dental specialists.
• If you’re eager to get into the best dental schools in California but unsure how to do so, then we got you. AdmissionSight is a top college entrance expert, with over a decade’s experience in helping students just like you get into the schools of their dreams.