The best dental colleges offer hands-on training and cutting-edge research.
While there are no official rankings to determine the best dental schools in the nation, the best dental colleges are typically considered to be those that offer advanced research beyond teaching dental students the practice of dentistry. The best dental schools often offer advanced degrees such as the Ph.D. or a number of joint-degree programs.
University of Minnesota
Among the most celebrated dental programs in the nation is the School of Dentistry sponsored by the University of Minnesota. The program confers a number of different degrees, including Doctor of Dental Surgery and a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. The school also offers an "early decision" program that trains students wanting to serve rural communities. Bachelor's and master's degrees are also offered in the field of dental therapy. The program conducts research in a variety of fields as well including fluoride research, virology, biomaterials and the relationship between dental health and the rest of the body. The school sponsors a number of different research centers such as the Minnesota Center for Biomaterials and Biomechanics.
University of Minnesota
School of Dentistry
515 Delaware St. SE
Minneapolis, MN 55455
612-625-9982
dentistry.umn.edu
University of Michigan
Another dental program of repute is located at the University of Michigan. Like the University of Minnesota, Michigan's program is a leading research institution and offers various degree options, including a bachelor's degree in dental hygiene. Dental hygienists employed in the field without a degree also have the opportunity to complete their education through online classes. Doctoral degrees offered at Michigan include the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and the Ph.D. The Ph.D. program emphasizes the areas of dental surgery and oral health sciences. Research interests include the fields of pediatric dentistry, endodontics and orthodontics, among others.
University of Michigan
School of Dental Medicine
1011 N. University
Ann Arbor, MI 48109
734-763-6933
dent.umich.edu
Boston University
Boston University's School of Dental Medicine is another well regarded program among the dental community. Degree options offered through the school are the Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD), the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and the Doctor of Dental Science (DscD). Post-doctoral certificates offered are in oral biology, health services and policy, periodontology, molecular and cell biology, clinical research, restorative sciences and biomaterials. The program's departments in fields such as oral and maxillofacial pathology, pediatric dentistry and oral biology also reflect the varied research interests emphasized by the school.
Boston University
School of Dental Medicine
100 E. Newton St.
Boston, MA 02215
617-353-2000
dentalschool.bu.edu
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