Top 25 Dentistry Schools In Texas (2026)

Texas is home to a distinguished and competitive landscape of dental education, anchored by four state-supported dental schools that collectively prepare the majority of the state’s future dentists. The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio (UT Health San Antonio) holds the prestigious #1 ranking in Texas and is nationally recognized among the top dental schools, while each institution offers unique strengths in research, clinical training, and specialized programs.

With the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Services (TMDSAS) providing a unified application process, aspiring dentists can apply to all four schools through a single portal. Additionally, the state features pre-dentistry programs at universities that serve as pathways to these professional schools.

Top 25 Dentistry Schools In Texas

1. UT Health San Antonio School of Dentistry

UT Health San Antonio is the #1 ranked dental school in Texas, holding the 30th position globally in the 2024 Academic Ranking of World Universities and ranking 12th among U.S. dental schools. The school is nationally recognized for its excellence in education, research, and community impact, with top-tier NIH research funding and an internationally distinguished faculty.

It serves over 600 students across DDS, dental hygiene, and postgraduate programs and operates three new research centers in regenerative sciences, pain therapeutics, and global community oral health. The school offers 18 degrees and programs, including the DDS, bachelor’s and online master’s in dental hygiene, and postgraduate certificates in nine dental specialties.

2. Texas A&M College of Dentistry (Dallas)

Founded in 1905 as the State Dental College, Texas A&M College of Dentistry is celebrating over 120 years of leadership in oral health education and is the largest oral health care provider in North Texas.

The college has graduated more than 9,000 students and currently enrolls 587 students across DDS, dental hygiene, and graduate programs, with 106 first-year dental students and 32 first-year dental hygiene students. The college offers 10 dental specialties and features a state-of-the-art $180 million clinic and education building completed in 2020. Approximately 90% of its dental students are Texas residents, and most graduates remain in Texas to practice.

3. UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry

UTHealth Houston is the first dental school in Texas and remains the only dental school in the Texas Gulf Coast region, with a proud history of over 120 years of graduating more than 13,000 dentists, dental hygienists, and specialists. The school holds the #1 position in Texas for NIH research funding and is a leader in advancing oral health through innovative programs, leading-edge research, and compassionate clinical care in the heart of the Texas Medical Center.

It offers six educational pathways including the DDS, dental hygiene, advanced education, preceptor programs, international dental training, and continuing dental education. More than 85% of its graduates choose to remain in Texas, supporting oral health across the state.

4. Texas Tech University Woody L. Hunt School of Dentistry (El Paso)

Located in West Texas, the Woody L. Hunt School of Dentistry is one of the four state-supported dental schools in Texas and serves the El Paso region. While newer than the other Texas dental schools, it is part of the state’s commitment to expanding dental education and addressing the critical need for oral health providers in underserved areas. The school participates in the TMDSAS application process and offers a DDS program designed to prepare graduates for practice in diverse communities.

5. Midwestern State University – Pre-Dentistry Program

Midwestern State University offers a Pre-Dentistry program that serves as a direct pipeline to dental school through the Dental Early Admissions Program (DEAP), a 3+4 partnership with UT Health San Antonio Dental School. This program allows students to begin dental school after their third year of college, with credits earned in dental school transferred back for their bachelor’s degree. The university provides comprehensive pre-dental advising, helping students meet the rigorous prerequisites and competitive standards required for admission to Texas dental schools.

6. University of Texas at Austin – Pre-Dentistry Advising

UT Austin offers robust pre-health advising for students interested in dentistry, providing guidance on the prerequisite courses required for dental school admission, including biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, English, and statistics. The university’s strong science programs and research opportunities prepare students for the competitive DAT exam and dental school applications. Students benefit from UT Austin’s extensive pre-health resources and its location in a major academic hub.

7. Texas A&M University – Pre-Dentistry Advising

Texas A&M University provides comprehensive pre-dental advising through its health professions office, helping students prepare for the rigorous application process to the College of Dentistry and other Texas dental schools. Students can pursue relevant undergraduate majors while receiving guidance on DAT preparation, shadowing opportunities, and the TMDSAS application process. The university’s connection to the Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas provides valuable pathways for aspiring Aggie dentists.

8. University of Houston – Pre-Dentistry Advising

The University of Houston offers pre-health advising for students pursuing careers in dentistry, with strong science programs that prepare students for dental school prerequisites and the DAT. The university’s location in Houston, home to the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry, provides students with access to shadowing and clinical observation opportunities in one of the nation’s largest medical centers. UH’s pre-dental advising helps students build competitive applications for Texas dental schools.

9. Texas Tech University – Pre-Dentistry Advising

Texas Tech University provides pre-health advising for students interested in dentistry, with strong science programs and guidance on the competitive application process. Students can complete the required prerequisite coursework while receiving support for DAT preparation, shadowing, and the TMDSAS application. TTU’s connection to the Woody L. Hunt School of Dentistry in El Paso offers a direct pipeline to dental education in West Texas.

10. Baylor University – Pre-Dentistry Advising

Baylor University offers comprehensive pre-health advising for students pursuing careers in dentistry, with rigorous science programs and a strong emphasis on undergraduate research and service. Students receive guidance on completing prerequisites, preparing for the DAT, and building competitive applications for Texas dental schools. Baylor’s commitment to undergraduate education and health professions placement makes it a strong choice for aspiring dentists.

11. Texas State University – Pre-Dentistry Advising

Texas State University provides pre-health advising and a strong science foundation for students pursuing dental careers. Students can complete the required prerequisites while receiving guidance on shadowing opportunities, DAT preparation, and the TMDSAS application process. The university’s location between Austin and San Antonio provides access to diverse clinical observation opportunities.

12. University of North Texas – Pre-Dentistry Advising

The University of North Texas offers pre-health advising for students interested in dentistry, with strong biology, chemistry, and biochemistry programs that fulfill dental school prerequisites. Students receive support for DAT preparation and the competitive application process, with advisors helping them build strong applications for Texas dental schools.

13. Texas A&M University – Kingsville – Pre-Dentistry Advising

Texas A&M University-Kingsville provides pre-health advising for students pursuing dental careers, offering strong science programs and guidance on the application process. Students can complete prerequisites while receiving support for DAT preparation and the TMDSAS application. The university’s connection to the Texas A&M College of Dentistry provides a pathway to professional dental education.

14. University of Texas at Arlington – Pre-Dentistry Advising

UT Arlington offers pre-health advising and a strong foundation in the sciences for students preparing for dental school. Students receive guidance on prerequisite coursework, DAT preparation, and building competitive applications for Texas dental schools. The university’s location in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex provides access to shadowing and clinical observation opportunities.

15. University of Texas at Dallas – Pre-Dentistry Advising

UT Dallas provides pre-health advising for students interested in dentistry, with strong science programs and guidance on the competitive application process. Students can complete prerequisites while receiving support for DAT preparation, shadowing opportunities, and the TMDSAS application. UT Dallas’s reputation for academic excellence supports students seeking admission to competitive dental schools.

16. University of Texas at San Antonio – Pre-Dentistry Advising

UTSA offers pre-health advising for students pursuing dental careers, providing guidance on prerequisite coursework, DAT preparation, and the competitive application process. Its location in San Antonio provides students with direct access to UT Health San Antonio’s School of Dentistry for shadowing and clinical observation opportunities, creating a valuable regional pipeline.

17. Texas Woman’s University – Pre-Dentistry Advising

Texas Woman’s University provides pre-health advising for students interested in dental careers, with strong science programs and guidance on the application process. Students receive support for DAT preparation, shadowing opportunities, and building competitive applications for Texas dental schools.

18. University of Texas Rio Grande Valley – Pre-Dentistry Advising

UTRGV offers pre-health advising for students pursuing dental careers, providing guidance on prerequisite coursework and the application process. The university serves the Rio Grande Valley region, addressing the need for dental professionals in underserved communities and preparing students for application to dental schools.

19. University of Texas at Tyler – Pre-Dentistry Advising

UT Tyler provides pre-health advising and a strong science foundation for students preparing for dental school. Students receive guidance on completing prerequisites, DAT preparation, and building competitive applications for Texas dental schools.

20. Angelo State University – Pre-Dentistry Advising

Angelo State University offers pre-health advising for students interested in dental careers, with strong science programs and guidance on the application process. Students receive support for DAT preparation and building competitive applications for Texas dental schools.

21. Stephen F. Austin State University – Pre-Dentistry Advising

SFA provides pre-health advising for students pursuing dental careers, with strong science programs and guidance on completing prerequisites and preparing for the DAT exam. Students receive support for building competitive applications for Texas dental schools.

22. West Texas A&M University – Pre-Dentistry Advising

West Texas A&M University offers pre-health advising for students interested in dentistry, providing guidance on prerequisite coursework, DAT preparation, and the application process. The university serves the Texas Panhandle region and prepares students for admission to dental schools, including the new Woody L. Hunt School of Dentistry.

23. Sam Houston State University – Pre-Dentistry Advising

SHSU offers pre-health advising for students pursuing dental careers, with strong science programs and guidance on the application process. Students receive support for DAT preparation, shadowing, and building competitive applications for Texas dental schools.

24. Tarleton State University – Pre-Dentistry Advising

Tarleton State University provides pre-health advising for students interested in dentistry, offering guidance on prerequisite coursework and the competitive application process. Students receive support for DAT preparation and building strong applications for Texas dental schools.

25. Texas A&M International University – Pre-Dentistry Advising

TAMIU offers pre-health advising for students pursuing dental careers, with guidance on prerequisite courses and the application process. The university serves the Laredo region, helping prepare students for application to dental schools to address the need for dental professionals in border communities.

Comparison Table

Success Tips for Applying to Dental School

Start by understanding that all dental schools in Texas use the Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Services (TMDSAS) for a single, unified application process, so you can apply to multiple schools with one application.

The academic requirements for admission to dental school include courses in biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, physics, English, and statistics, with a recommended 30 to 40 hours of science credits.

Aim for a strong GPA and DAT score; the average GPA for accepted students is 3.6-3.7, while the average DAT score is around 19 out of 30. Texas A&M’s recent admitted students had an average overall GPA of 3.8, reflecting the competitive nature of admissions.

Gain shadowing and volunteer experience, as leadership activities, job shadowing, and volunteering are important factors in the admissions process.

Apply early; the TMDSAS application portal opens May 1, and while the deadline is October 1, submitting early is strongly recommended as dental colleges begin extending offers on December 15.

Ensure you meet Texas residency requirements, as 90% of accepted students must come from Texas.

Closing

Texas offers a focused and competitive landscape for dental education, anchored by four state-supported dental schools, with UT Health San Antonio holding the #1 ranking in Texas and national recognition for excellence.

Each school provides unique strengths, from UTHealth Houston’s leadership in research and its role as the state’s first dental school to Texas A&M’s comprehensive clinical training in North Texas and the new Woody L. Hunt School of Dentistry serving West Texas. With a unified application process through TMDSAS and strong pre-dentistry pathways at universities across the state, aspiring dentists have clear routes to these programs.

When choosing a school, consider rankings, research focus, clinical training, location, and alignment with your career goals. Note that all information, including program details and admissions requirements, is subject to change, so it is essential to verify current details directly with each institution and through official TMDSAS resources.