Dental School Rankings: How to Use Them Wisely
When you start researching dental schools, one of the first things you will find is a ranked list. It seems like an easy way to sort dozens of programs. A number next to a school name can feel reassuring.
Dental school rankings deserve a closer look before you rely on them. In this guide, you will learn where these lists come from, what the dental education community thinks of them and which factors give you a clearer picture of each school. You will also get a short checklist for comparing programs based on what matters to you, from accreditation and cost to clinical training and student support.
What dental school rankings measure
Most dental school rankings you find online come from private companies, websites and consulting firms. Each one chooses its own criteria. Some weigh research funding. Others look at board exam results, admissions data or reputation surveys. Because the formulas differ, the same school can rank very differently from one list to the next.
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) has taken a clear position on this. Its 2022 Policy on Dental School Rankings, described in an ADEA leadership post, calls rankings "arbitrary in the weighting of the various criteria." It also states that schools "should be discouraged from using such rankings in student recruitment materials."
That does not mean rankings are useless. A list can introduce you to programs you had not heard of. It works best as a starting point for your own research.
Best dental schools: best for whom?
Searches for the "best dental schools" are common. The best school for one student may be a poor fit for another. A research-heavy program may suit someone who wants an academic career. A school with strong community clinics may suit someone drawn to public health. Your goals decide what "best" means.
Factors to compare instead of a ranking
Use official sources for each school and record the date you checked.
Accreditation
In the United States, the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) reviews dental programs against shared standards. You can confirm a program's status in CODA's program directory. Accreditation is a basic requirement for licensure in nearly every state.
Cost of attendance
Tuition and living costs vary widely, and residency status can change the price. Compare full cost-of-attendance estimates, including fees and living costs.
Clinical training and outreach
Ask how early students begin supervised patient care. Find out whether the school runs community clinics or rural rotations.
Student support
Look for academic advising, tutoring, wellness services and mentoring. Ask current students how easy it is to get help.
Location and residency
Many public schools give preference to in-state applicants. Location also affects cost of living and where you might build professional connections.
For a broader view of the path ahead, read our guide to entering dental school. If you are applying in Canada, see our guide to dental schools in Canada.
How to build your own comparison
Create a simple spreadsheet with one row per school and one column for each factor above. Add a final column titled "What I still need to verify." Fill it in with official information from each school.
Then add your own priorities. Do you want to stay near family? Are you interested in public health? Do you learn best in small classes? Weight the factors that matter most to you.
Talk with people who know the schools well. Current students can describe daily life, workload and support. Your pre-health advisor may know how past applicants from your college experienced each program. Write down what you learn next to each school, along with the date and the source.
Experience can help you define those priorities. Learning in community settings may show you which kind of dental education you want. Our article on experiential learning in dentistry explains why hands-on learning matters. A dental service learning trip is one way to gain that perspective. On Smiles Movement trips, students shadow local dental professionals at mobile clinics and help with oral health education for children in partner communities.
Choose a school that fits your goals
Rankings can start your search, and your own priorities should finish it. If you want to see dental care in community settings as you decide what matters most, Smiles Movement can help. Fill out the form or download our brochure to get more information about upcoming programs and trip dates.
Frequently asked questions about dental school rankings
Are there official dental school rankings?
The rankings you find online come from private organizations, each using its own criteria. ADEA's 2022 policy discourages schools from using rankings in recruitment materials.
What is more important than a dental school's ranking?
Accreditation, cost, clinical training, student support, location and how well the program matches your goals usually tell you more.
How do I check if a dental school is accredited?
Search the program in CODA's online directory. Make sure the listing matches the exact degree program you plan to apply to.