Are you an ambitious student interested in studying dentistry and looking for affordable dental schools for international students worldwide? If so, sit back, relax with your favorite beverage, and read on until the end. You will learn about the best universities, colleges, and institutes offering top dental programs for both domestic and international students, along with their rankings.
This article will provide information on the best dental schools that offer a direct path to realizing your dream of becoming a dental professional. The education-focused site YouthGro has conducted extensive research and compiled a list of the top dental colleges for both domestic and international students.
YouthGro has gathered information about the most affordable dental schools worldwide from reliable sources, ensuring the accuracy of the content and meeting your expectations.
Relax as we guide you through the world of top-tier yet affordable dental schools, including colleges and universities. These top 7 dental schools welcome anyone interested in pursuing dentistry, whether at the undergraduate, master’s, or PhD level.
Dental School Prerequisites and Requirements
Pursuing medical-related courses demands significant time and patience. However, having the right information helps you understand what to expect and how to achieve your goals.
Similar to other medical professions, dental care necessitates years of training and hands-on experience.
Preparing for the appropriate courses and university internships will increase your chances of success in this field.
When working towards a bachelor’s degree, ensure the courses you select are part of the pre-dental program’s curriculum.
Don’t worry, as many of the required pre-dental courses overlap with the essential science classes. Depending on your dental program, you may require up to 8 credits in subjects like physics, general chemistry, biology, and organic chemistry.
Job shadowing with a dentist
While you work toward meeting the degree requirements, you’ll likely need to gain part-time experience with several dentists before applying to dental school.
Most dental programs typically mandate that applicants complete 100 hours of job shadowing experience and receive mentoring from multiple dentists to gain insight into various office operations.
Engage in Extracurricular Activities
Strengthen your dental school application by joining clubs and other activities to show that you are a well-rounded and committed student. Look for local opportunities and consider becoming a member of a biology or health club.
Become a Member of the Student National Dental Association
Joining the Student National Dental Association can significantly enhance your chances of getting into top dental schools. This membership not only strengthens your application but also connects you with fellow dental students and professionals through various departmental events.
Pass the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
During your junior year, you have the opportunity to take the 4.5-hour Dental Admission Test (DAT). Successfully passing this exam is essential for gaining admission to any dental school you are interested in.
Building a Strong Dental School Application
Crafting a strong application is essential for securing admission to dental schools. Research your desired schools, taking into account their location and program costs, to make an informed decision.
Your advisor can provide a list of reputable schools that align with your goals, giving you several options to consider.
Participate in an Admissions Interview
Once you’ve applied to dental school, you might be invited for an interview. Prepare by reflecting on your strengths and improving your communication skills. Interviewers often evaluate your personality and willingness to assist others.
Following these tips can improve your chances of getting into the dental college of your choice.
List of Best Dental Schools for International Students
Harvard University is a world leader in university rankings across various fields of study, including dentistry. The Harvard School of Dental Medicine, located in Boston, offers a range of dental courses and lower-level programs. In the QS World University Rankings for Dentistry 2024, Harvard is ranked 10th and 7th respectively, cementing its status as one of the top dental schools globally.
- Location: Boston, Massachusetts, United States
- Acceptance Rate: Up to 3.7%
- Tuition Fee: Approximately $85,070 per year
- Employment Rate: Up to 86.9%
Karolinska Institute (KI) is renowned for being one of the top dental schools for international students, celebrated for its innovative teaching methods. The institution boasts a strong academic reputation and a high citation rate in academic papers. It is also highly regarded among educators. According to the QS World University Rankings, Karolinska Institute is ranked 7th overall, 1st in the field of dentistry, and 12th in the overall World University Rankings.
- Location: Stockholm, Sweden
- Acceptance Rate: International student-friendly
- Tuition Fee: £9,250 ($12,280) per year for UK applicants; £43,500 ($57,720) per year for international students
- Employment Rate: Up to 88.8%
King’s College London, part of the University of London, is one of the top dental schools for international students and the most prestigious dental school in the UK, graduating over 150 dentists annually. It offers a five-year BDS undergraduate program, providing local and international students with the opportunity to gain dental experience in several world-class hospitals. As of the time of this writing, King’s College London ranks 3rd in the QS World University Rankings for dentistry and 12th overall in the World University Rankings, establishing it as one of the premier dental universities.
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Acceptance Rate: Up to 13%
- Tuition Fee: £9,250 ($12,280) per year for local students; £43,500 ($57,720) per year for international students
- Employment Rate: Up to 83.2%
The University of Michigan is renowned as one of the top dental schools globally for international students, noted for its excellent athletic programs. Situated on a picturesque campus in Ann Arbor, this American university’s dental school is a leading institution worldwide. It holds the top spot in the QS World University Rankings for Dentistry and is ranked 19th in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
- Address: Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Acceptance Rate: 28.6%
- Tuition Fee: $68,370 per year
- Employment Rate: 90.2%
University College London (UCL)
UCL is one of the premier dental schools in the U.K., consistently ranked among the top dental schools worldwide. The Dental Institute is globally recognized as one of the most influential dental research organizations. It holds the 7th position in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings and the 12th position in the QS World University Rankings for Dentistry.
- Location: London, United Kingdom
- Acceptance Rate: Approximately 7.43%
- Tuition Fee: $12,000 to $14,000 per year
- Employment Rate: Up to 99.2%
The University of Hong Kong, an international institution located in Pokfulam, Hong Kong, is the first university established in the region, with a history spanning over a century. This research-intensive university boasts 111 professors ranked among the top 1% of scientists globally by Thomson Reuters’ Essential Science Indicators. It is ranked 4th in both the QS World University Rankings for Dentistry and the Times Higher Education World University Rankings.
- Location: Pokfulam, Hong Kong
- Acceptance Rate: About 10%
- Tuition Fee: HK$42,100 per year for local students and HK$164,000 per year for international students
- Employment Rate: Up to 83.7%
Located in the northwestern metropolis of Seattle, the University of Washington offers world-class dental training and education. This institution is highly selective and recognized for its exceptional programs. The dental school is ranked 11th by the QS University Ranking for Dentistry and 15th by the Times Higher Education World University Ranking, making it one of the best dental universities globally.
- Location: Seattle, Washington, United States
- Acceptance Rate: Up to 45.4%
- Tuition Fees: From £77,160 to $102,000 per year
- Employment Rate: Unreported
