California is a desirable location for many students contemplating a degree in dentistry because of its thriving higher education sector, diversified population, and simply exceptional weather. Dental hygienists in California earn an average of nearly $65,000 annually, making them some of the highest-paid dental professionals in the nation.
Prospective dental students will find what they’re searching for in the Sunshine State, whether they desire a known university in a major city like Los Angeles or San Francisco, or a small but distinguished program to gain experience serving a smaller community. For prospective dentists and researchers, many of these schools rank among the top universities worldwide, not just the finest in California.
Based on acceptance rates, here are the best dental schools in California.
The Best Dental Schools in California
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6. Loma Linda School of Dentistry (Loma Linda, CA)
The Loma Linda School of Dentistry combines clinical expertise with a commitment to caring for each patient’s overall well-being under the tagline “service is our calling.” At Loma Linda, which is a part of the Seventh-day Adventist Church’s higher education system, religious ideals are central to the medical education program. The dental school is renowned throughout the world for its emphasis on spirituality and commitment to community service.
A doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree, a bachelor of science in dental hygiene, a certification in orthodontics or pediatric dentistry, and many other degree programs are available to students at Loma Linda. University students are treated at the Loma Linda University Student Clinics by students under the strict supervision of academic members with extensive training and expertise. This allows students the ability to apply what they have learned in a real-world context with nearby professional assistance.
Loma Linda only accepts 6.4% of applicants. Depending on the degree program, different admissions standards apply. Candidates for the DDS degree must present evidence of their academic education in the sciences, at least 50 hours of observation in a dental office, and a minimum GPA of 2.7, however a GPA of 3.5 or above is advised. The dental hygiene program requires incoming undergraduate students to demonstrate 20 hours of observation and supply three reference letters.
5. University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry (San Francisco, CA)
The University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is a top option for potential students looking for a top-tier dental school in California because it is situated in the center of San Francisco, one of the most coveted urban areas in the country. The school’s humanistic education model, which promotes respect for all people and acknowledges each student’s capacity for growth, has earned it national acclaim.
Another important element at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is innovation. The expedited DDS program, which reduces a four-year study course into three years, is only offered at one school in the entire country of United States. Students at Arthur A. Dugoni have the exceptional opportunity to begin clinical training from day one of the program, which is a major factor in the high demand for graduates when it comes time for them to begin their professional careers.
Although applicants will need to stand out from the crowd due to the 6.3% admission rate, students shouldn’t be deterred from applying. In fact, creating a student body that is varied and well-rounded across all of the school’s distinct programs is a crucial component of its vision. Candidates for the dental hygiene program should have taken biology and chemistry courses in high school and have a minimum GPA of 2.7.
4. UCLA School of Dentistry (Los Angeles, CA)
The UCLA School of Dentistry offers numerous chances for learning and development for prospective students who want to practice dentistry and establish themselves as true leaders in their field. UCLA’s dentistry school is listed as the sixth-best dental school in the world by the Academic Ranking of World Universities. It has a top-notch academic program and faculty members that are well-known for their research, leadership, and teaching abilities.
As a recent illustration, UCLA researcher Dr. Cun-Yu Wang, a professor, led a team to investigate ways to improve immunotherapy treatments’ capacity to combat cancer cells in the head and neck.
No of their specific interests, students will find knowledgeable teachers and a top-notch learning environment at the university’s 15 academic divisions and 13 recognized postgraduate programs. While the Section of Dental Anesthesiology offers teaching, research, and clinical practice in the realm of pain management, the Section of Restorative Dentistry teaches students how to restore the function and appearance of teeth that have been destroyed or deformed. The Division of Public Health and Community Dentistry at the UCLA School of Dentistry provides students with a wealth of information and the opportunity to interact with regional organizations.
The UCLA School of Dentistry offers a wide range of study options, so prospective students must thoroughly investigate the ones they are interested in to know exactly what the admissions committee will be looking for. This dentistry school in California is the fourth most exclusive overall, with an admittance rate of just 6.2%.
3. UCSF School of Dentistry (San Francisco, CA)
The UCSF School of Dentistry in San Francisco has a history that dates back to 1881, and during that time it has provided dental education and influenced public health through scientific research. Today, the school prepares students to acquire the academic knowledge, critical thinking, and clinical abilities they require to succeed, whether those careers be in the public sector, academia, or as dental professionals.
Particularly in California and around the country, UCSF is renowned for providing some of the best possibilities for conducting research. As a top academic institution, the university receives around $34 million in funding each year to support staff and student research on crucial topics like head and neck cancer, craniofacial biology, and stem cells. The Global Oral Health Program is a unique UCSF project that addresses oral health concerns impacting people worldwide, and it offers students interested in dental health outside of the United States the chance to join engaged.
With an acceptance rate of 5.8%, the UCSF School of Dentistry is a popular choice for students.
2. University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry (Los Angeles, CA)
The University of Southern California Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry is an outstanding private university noted for its clinical education, research activities, and outreach initiatives to the local community. It prepares future oral health practitioners to succeed in their area. Herman Ostrow provides unique specialist degree programs like the master of science in biomedical implants and tissue engineering and the master of biomaterials and digital dentistry, while many students opt to pursue a doctor of dental surgery.
Since the institution was founded in 1897, dentistry students today have the chance to contribute to their distinguished academic legacy. From Floyde E. Hogeboom, who is credited with creating pediatric dentistry as a contemporary specialization, to Anna M. Pattinson, who is well-known for holding the position of Editor in Chief of the scholarly journal Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, graduates of Herman Ostrow have made significant contributions to the dental profession over the years.
Each program has its unique curriculum and admission standards, but with an overall acceptance rate of 4.9%, it will be difficult to get into any of Herman Ostrow’s programs. Be prepared to present science prerequisites, letters of recommendation from science professors, and perhaps a letter of recommendation from a dentist who is currently practicing.
1. Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (Pomona, CA)
Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine is California’s most selective dental school, only accepting 2.1% of applicants. It also has the highest acceptance rate of any dental school in the state. One of the most cutting-edge Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) programs in the nation is offered by this famous college. Its curriculum is built on what dentists will need to know in the future and incorporates a variety of instructional approaches inside its cutting-edge facilities.
DMD students at WesternU can benefit from a wealth of clinical experience working with actual patients in the community, as well as interprofessional learning opportunities that highlight the significance of each healthcare professional in improving teamwork and communication to reduce adverse patient outcomes. Dental students receive training in both the scientific and clinical techniques as well as the business management aspects of dentistry. Graduates leave this program with the strongest foundation possible for starting their careers in practice and rising to the top of their field.
The DMD program at WesternU receives about 2,800 applications, and it only accepts about 70 students at a time. Prospective students must convince the admissions committee that they are adaptable, well-rounded, and academically prepared to take on the challenge if they want to enroll in this demanding and rewarding program. Additionally advantageous are prior involvement in community education initiatives and prior knowledge of oral healthcare.
