The Best Dental Schools & Programs in Florida

Florida is home to some of the best dental schools in the United States. If you are considering pursuing a career in dentistry and looking for the best dental schools in Florida, this article will provide you with valuable insights. Let’s take a detailed look at the best dental schools in Florida.

The Top Dental Schools in Florida

Choosing the right dental school is a crucial step in the journey to becoming a successful dentist. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which schools offer the best education and opportunities. In this article, we will take a detailed look at the top 10 dental schools in Florida, providing you with valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

1. University of Florida College of Dentistry

• Location: Gainesville, Florida
• Acceptance Rate: 5.23%
• Application Deadline: November 1
  • Target Deadline: September 1
• Tuition:
  • $41,720/year (in-state)
  • $68,200/year (out-of-state)
• Specialties Offered:
  • Operative and Esthetic Dentistry
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology
  • Orthodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Endodontics
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Pathology
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Prosthodontics

The University of Florida College of Dentistry is consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the nation. Its comprehensive curriculum covers all aspects of dentistry, with a focus on evidence-based practice. Students at this esteemed institution have access to state-of-the-art facilities and renowned research programs, allowing them to gain valuable hands-on experience and contribute to groundbreaking dental research.

2. Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine

• Location: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
• Acceptance Rate: 7%
• Application Deadline: November 15
• Tuition: $77,463/year
• Specialties Offered:
  • Restorative Sciences and Public Health Dentistry
  • Endodontics
  • Maxillofacial Medicine
  • Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Orthodontics
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Periodontology
  • Prosthodontics

Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine offers an innovative approach to dental education. With its patient-centered care model and emphasis on community service, students not only gain valuable clinical skills but also make a positive impact on underserved communities. The school's commitment to experiential learning ensures that graduates are well-prepared to address the diverse oral health needs of their future patients.

3. LECOM School of Dental Medicine

• Location: Bradenton, Florida
• Acceptance Rate: 3.2%
• Application Deadline: December 15
• Tuition:
  • $58,505 (1st-3rd year)
  • $58,215 (4th year)
• Specialties Offered:
  • Dental Anesthesiology
  • Dental Public Health
  • Endodontics
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Oral Medicine
  • Orofacial Pain
  • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontics

The LECOM School of Dental Medicine focuses on training dentists to provide comprehensive patient care. Its curriculum integrates biomedical sciences, clinical sciences, and clinical experiences, ensuring that graduates have a well-rounded education. Students at LECOM also have the opportunity to participate in community outreach programs, further enhancing their understanding of the importance of oral health in the broader community.

The Top Dental-Related Programs in Florida

1. University of Florida – Hialeah Dental Center

• Program: General Dentistry Residency
• Location: Hialeah, Florida
• Application Deadline: October 1
• Tuition:
  • $46,466 (fall & spring)
  • $23,233 (summer)

University of Florida – Hialeah Dental Center offers a comprehensive 24-month Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) Residency Program tailored for internationally educated dentists seeking certification to practice in the United States, particularly in Florida and neighboring states. Graduates typically choose to remain in the Miami-Dade area, where they serve diverse urban communities while gaining hands-on experience and educational enrichment under faculty supervision. This intensive program aims to bolster residents' proficiency and confidence in all facets of general dentistry, including exposure to various dental specialties. The competitive selection process involves inviting promising candidates for a one-day interview in the fall, with admission offered annually to a class of 12 students in early summer.

2. Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics

• Program: Orthodontics Residency
• Location: Jacksonville, Florida
• Acceptance Rate: 18%
• Application (via ADEA PASS):
  • Application closes: February 14, 2025
  • First Program Deadline: July 1, 2024
• Tuition: $95,000/year

The Jacksonville University School of Orthodontics takes a holistic approach to patient care. With a strong foundation in osteopathic principles, students learn to consider the whole patient when developing treatment plans. This unique perspective allows graduates to provide comprehensive care that addresses not only the dental needs of their patients but also their overall well-being.

3. Florida Institute for Advanced Dental Education

• Program: Certification for Foreign-Trained Dentists
• Location: Miami, Florida
• Application Deadline: September 1
• Specialties/Curriculum Offered:
  • General Dentistry
  • Periodontology
  • Endodontics
  • Implantology 1 – 2
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Orthodontics

The Florida Institute for Advanced Dental Education offers an accredited Advanced Education General Dental (AEGD) program tailored to foreign-trained dentists seeking comprehensive training in all aspects of general dentistry. Accredited by the American Dental Association through the Commission on Dental Accreditation, this accelerated certificate program is designed to cultivate excellence in clinical practice, research, and teaching. With access to up to 16 operating rooms per week at the Miami Dade Community College Hygiene Clinic, students gain valuable hands-on experience while providing exceptional patient care and community service. The institute's mission is rooted in fostering a culture of lifelong learning, advancing knowledge in oral health sciences, and promoting professional integrity and cultural diversity among its students and faculty.

See the Florida Institute for Advanced Dental Education curriculum here.

4. University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

• Program: Residency in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Location: Miami, Florida
• Application Deadline: September 1
• Tuition: $55,000/year
• Specialties Offered:
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Head and Neck Oncology
  • Microvascular Reconstructive Surgery

The University of Miami Miller School of Medicine offers a comprehensive curriculum in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Dentistry that combines didactic learning with hands-on clinical experiences. The school's commitment to research and community service ensures that graduates are well-rounded dental professionals. Students have the opportunity to work alongside renowned faculty members who are actively involved in cutting-edge research, further enhancing their understanding of the latest advancements in the field of dentistry.

5. Barry University

• Program: Biomedical foundation, comparable to the first year of dental school
• Location: Miami Shores, Florida
• Target Application Deadline:
  • July 15 (Fall semester)
  • December 1 (Spring semester)
  • March 31 (Summer semester)
• Tuition: $1,050/credit

Barry University provides a personalized and supportive learning environment. Small class sizes and dedicated faculty members allow for individualized attention and mentorship, helping students develop their skills and reach their full potential as dental professionals. The school's emphasis on patient-centered care ensures that graduates are not only technically proficient but also compassionate and empathetic toward their patients.

6. Florida A&M University

Program for specializing in Pre-Dentistry

• Program: Pre-Dentistry Track
• Location: Tallahassee, Florida
• Application Deadline: November 1
• Tuition:
  • $4,554 (in-state)
  • $16,500 (out-of-state)

Florida A&M University is committed to addressing the oral health disparities in underserved communities. Students at this institution gain valuable experience through community engagement programs and comprehensive clinical training. By actively participating in outreach initiatives, students develop a deep understanding of the social determinants of oral health and learn how to effectively serve diverse populations with limited access to dental care.

7. St. Petersburg College

Program for specializing in Dental Hygiene

• Program: Bachelor of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene
• Location: St. Petersburg, Florida
• Application Deadline:
  • November 15 (Spring semester)
  • July 15 (Fall semester)
• Tuition:
  • $5,300 (resident)
  • $17,600 (non-resident)

St. Petersburg College offers Florida's sole Dental Hygiene Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) degree, which is delivered entirely online. As the state's first and only program of its kind, it stands as one of the largest degree completion initiatives nationwide. Geared towards licensed dental hygienists seeking to advance their careers in areas like practice management, education, or sales, this comprehensive program provides flexibility and interactive learning opportunities. With no campus or residency requirements, students progress through the program in cohorts over 24 months, engaging in lively discussions facilitated by dedicated faculty. The curriculum, structured to accommodate working professionals, features sequential courses delivered over six to eight weeks, with a capstone experience integrating career interests through teaching, mentoring, and observation. This fully online program empowers dental hygienists to enhance their professional prospects across various healthcare disciplines, positioning them for success in a rapidly evolving industry landscape.

Top Dental School Admissions Coaches

Florida offers a range of exceptional dental schools that provide high-quality education and unrivaled learning experiences. When considering the best dental schools in Florida, it's essential to consider factors such as accreditation, curriculum, facilities, reputation, location, and financial opportunities. With the comprehensive overview and detailed analysis provided in this article, aspiring dentists can make informed choices regarding their dental education journey in the Sunshine State.

Leland provides personalized guidance and support to aspiring dental students, helping them navigate the competitive admissions process with confidence. With their expertise in crafting compelling applications and preparing for interviews, these coaches empower students to present their best selves and secure admission to their dream dental schools.

Read these next: How to Get Into Dental School: Essential Tips and Guidelines and Navigating Dental School Acceptance Rates: Strategies for Success