Phillip EdwinLos Angeles is home to some of the most prestigious dental schools in the world, offering a range of programs from Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees to advanced specialty training and dental hygiene programs. The city’s dental schools are renowned for their cutting-edge research, comprehensive clinical training, and commitment to serving diverse communities.
This guide highlights fifteen of the best dental schools and programs in the Los Angeles area, based on academic reputation, research output, and program offerings.
Top 15 Dental Schools in Los Angeles
1. Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
Since 1897, the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC has provided students with unique, intensive clinical experiences using the most advanced techniques and technologies in the field. The school admits 144 students each year for the curriculum leading to the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, with students beginning clinical experience in their first year.
The program covers 11 consecutive 14-week trimesters and maximizes the interrelationship of all basic sciences and clinical detail sciences required by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. Graduates form a tightly knit community of proud alumni who provide top-notch patient care, conduct world-class research, and lead the oral health field. USC is ranked as the second-highest funded dental school by the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, receiving over $12.8 million in funding .
2. UCLA School of Dentistry
Established in 1964, the UCLA School of Dentistry is ranked among the top-10 dental schools in the world by the Shanghai Global Ranking of Academic Subjects, with over $18 million in research contracts and grants received in recent years. The school admits 88 student dentists each year for the incoming four-year DDS program and 30 foreign-trained dentists for the two-year Professional Program for International Dentists.
The school currently has an average DAT score of 23 and an overall GPA of 3.87, the highest of any class in school history. The school offers 13 specialty clinics, with over 128,000 patient visits in recent years . The UCLA School of Dentistry is ranked #26 globally in the QS World University Dentistry rankings.
3. UCLA Professional Program for International Dentists (PPID)
The UCLA PPID is a 25-month program designed for foreign-trained dentists who wish to earn a DDS degree in the United States. The program size is 30 students, and it commences with a curriculum focused on didactic, pre-clinical, and clinical preparatory instruction before students are fully integrated into the third-year class.
Applicants must have passed NBDE Parts I and II or the INBDE, and meet a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 95. The program grants students the same opportunities in research, clinical experience, professional development, and extracurricular activities as traditional UCLA SOD students.
4. USC Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry offers an advanced standing program for internationally trained dentists who wish to practice in the United States.
This program provides international dental graduates with the opportunity to earn a DDS degree through a rigorous curriculum that builds upon their existing dental education. Students receive intensive clinical training and didactic instruction to prepare them for dental practice in the U.S. The program is designed to help international dentists integrate into the American dental profession and meet the requirements for licensure.
5. USC Endodontics Residency Program
USC offers a 24-month advanced education program in endodontics leading to a certificate. The program provides students with in-depth scientific knowledge and clinical experience in endodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and advanced root canal therapy.
Residents receive training in both conventional and surgical endodontic techniques, as well as the management of dental trauma and endodontic emergencies. The program emphasizes evidence-based practice and research, preparing graduates for careers in private practice, academia, or research.
6. USC Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Residency Program
USC offers a 48-month certificate program in oral and maxillofacial surgery, as well as a 72-month combined program leading to both a certificate and an MD degree through the Keck School of Medicine.
The program provides comprehensive training in the full scope of oral and maxillofacial surgery, including dentoalveolar surgery, dental implants, orthognathic surgery, trauma, and pathology. Residents gain extensive clinical experience at USC-affiliated hospitals and clinics, developing the skills needed for both academic and private practice careers.
7. USC Orthodontics Residency Program
USC offers a 34-month advanced education program in orthodontics leading to a certificate. The program provides comprehensive training in orthodontic diagnosis, treatment planning, and biomechanics, utilizing the latest technologies and techniques in the field. Residents gain clinical experience treating a diverse patient population, including children, adolescents, and adults. The program emphasizes research and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for leadership roles in orthodontics.
8. USC Pediatric Dentistry Residency Program
USC offers a 24-month advanced education program in pediatric dentistry leading to a certificate. The program provides comprehensive training in the oral health care of infants, children, adolescents, and patients with special health care needs. Residents receive training in behavior guidance, preventive dentistry, restorative techniques, sedation, and hospital dentistry. The program emphasizes community service and prepares graduates for careers in private practice, academia, or public health.
9. USC Periodontology Residency Program
USC offers a 36-month advanced education program in periodontology leading to a certificate. The program provides comprehensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal diseases and the placement of dental implants.
Residents receive training in both surgical and non-surgical periodontal therapy, as well as advanced techniques in bone grafting and soft tissue management. The program emphasizes research and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates for careers in periodontology.
10. USC Prosthodontics Residency Program
USC offers a 36-month advanced education program in prosthodontics leading to a certificate. The program provides comprehensive training in the restoration and replacement of teeth, including fixed and removable prosthodontics, implant prosthodontics, and maxillofacial prosthetics.
Residents gain extensive clinical experience treating complex cases, utilizing the latest materials and technologies. The program prepares graduates for careers in private practice, academia, or hospital-based prosthodontics.
11. USC Operative and Adhesive Dentistry Residency Program
USC offers a 26-month program leading to a Certificate in Advanced Operative and Adhesive Dentistry, with a program size of four students.
The program provides students with in-depth scientific knowledge and clinical experience in minimally-invasive adhesive dentistry, esthetic and functional rehabilitation, digital dentistry (CAD/CAM), cariology, dental biomaterials, implant dentistry, and advanced esthetic treatment planning. Students gain teaching experience by assisting with the Doctor of Dental Surgery program, and biomaterials research is an integral part of the curriculum.
12. USC General Practice Residency
USC offers a 12-month General Practice Residency program providing advanced training in comprehensive dental care. Residents gain experience in all areas of general dentistry, including restorative, surgical, endodontic, and emergency care, with an emphasis on treating medically complex patients.
The program prepares graduates for advanced clinical practice and can serve as a foundation for further specialty training. The residency combines clinical experience with didactic instruction in a hospital-affiliated setting.
13. UCLA Community-Based Clinical Education
The UCLA School of Dentistry offers extensive community-based clinical education through its network of affiliated clinics and community partners. With over 5,900 patients seen and more than 16,000 procedures performed at 23 different sites, students gain valuable experience serving diverse populations.
The school operates three practice locations, 13 specialty clinics, and 25 affiliated health clinics, with over 139,000 patient clinic visits administered in recent years. This community outreach provides students with hands-on training while serving the oral health needs of underserved communities.
14. USC Online Master’s Programs in Dentistry
USC offers online master’s degree programs in Geriatric Dentistry and Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine, as well as online graduate certificate programs in these fields. The MS in Geriatric Dentistry is a 37-month program, while the MS in Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine is also a 37-month program.
These programs allow practicing dentists to advance their education while continuing to work, providing flexibility for busy professionals. The online certificate programs in Geriatric Dentistry, Orofacial Pain, and Oral Pathology and Radiology are each 12 months in duration.
15. USC PhD in Craniofacial Biology
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry, in conjunction with the Graduate School, offers a PhD program in craniofacial biology. This research-intensive program prepares students for careers in academic research, teaching, and leadership in the dental and craniofacial fields.
The program is well-funded, enabling students to enrich their education through laboratory-based studies and bolster their clinical skills with strong scientific foundations. Students gain expertise in the biological and biomedical sciences as they relate to oral health and craniofacial development.
Comparison Table
| School | Type | Location | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC | Private Dental School | Los Angeles | Since 1897, 144 students/year, $12.8M+ NIH funding |
| UCLA School of Dentistry | Public Dental School | Los Angeles | Top 10 worldwide, 88 DDS students/year, 3.87 avg GPA |
| UCLA Professional Program for International Dentists | International Dentist Program | Los Angeles | 25-month program, 30 students, TOEFL 95+ required |
| USC Advanced Standing for International Dentists | International Dentist Program | Los Angeles | For foreign-trained dentists seeking DDS |
| USC Endodontics Residency | Advanced Specialty | Los Angeles | 24-month certificate program |
| USC Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery | Advanced Specialty | Los Angeles | 48-month or 72-month (with MD) program |
| USC Orthodontics Residency | Advanced Specialty | Los Angeles | 34-month certificate program |
| USC Pediatric Dentistry Residency | Advanced Specialty | Los Angeles | 24-month certificate program |
| USC Periodontology Residency | Advanced Specialty | Los Angeles | 36-month certificate program |
| USC Prosthodontics Residency | Advanced Specialty | Los Angeles | 36-month certificate program |
| USC Operative and Adhesive Dentistry | Advanced Specialty | Los Angeles | 26-month certificate, 4 students/year |
| USC General Practice Residency | Advanced Residency | Los Angeles | 12-month program, hospital-based |
| UCLA Community-Based Clinical Education | Clinical Training | Los Angeles | 23 sites, 5,900+ patients |
| USC Online Master’s Programs | Graduate Education | Online | Geriatric Dentistry, Orofacial Pain, 37 months |
| USC PhD in Craniofacial Biology | Doctoral Program | Los Angeles | Research-focused, well-funded |
Tips and Other Useful Information
DDS vs. Specialty Programs: Los Angeles dental schools offer both DDS programs and advanced specialty training. USC admits 144 DDS students per year, while UCLA admits 88, with the UCLA Class of 2028 achieving an average DAT score of 23 and GPA of 3.87. Specialty programs include endodontics, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontology, and prosthodontics, with program lengths ranging from 24 to 72 months.
International Dentist Programs: Both USC and UCLA offer programs for internationally trained dentists. The UCLA PPID is a 25-month program with 30 students, requiring NBDE or INBDE passage and a TOEFL iBT score of 95 or higher. USC also offers an advanced standing program for international dentists, and its Operative and Adhesive Dentistry program accepts international applicants with a DDS or equivalent degree and a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Research Funding: USC is ranked as the second-highest funded dental school by the National Institutes of Dental and Craniofacial Research, receiving over $12.8 million in funding. UCLA received over $18 million in research contracts and grants in recent years. Both schools offer well-funded research programs in craniofacial biology and oral health sciences.
Community Service and Clinical Experience: Both USC and UCLA emphasize community service and clinical training. UCLA operates three practice locations, 13 specialty clinics, and 25 affiliated health clinics, with over 128,000 patient visits in recent years . UCLA’s Community-Based Clinical Education program includes 23 different clinical sites, providing students with hands-on training while serving underserved communities.
Conclusion
Los Angeles is home to world-class dental education institutions, with the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and the UCLA School of Dentistry leading the way in DDS programs, advanced specialty training, and research.
From the prestigious, research-intensive programs at USC and UCLA to specialized residencies in endodontics, orthodontics, and oral surgery, the city provides a wealth of opportunities for aspiring dental professionals. Whether you are pursuing a DDS degree, seeking advanced specialty training, or completing a dental hygiene program, Los Angeles offers exceptional dental education options.