Top 35 Dental Schools in the USA for International Dentists: Admissions, Fees, and Key Requirements

Are you a foreign-trained dentist or international dentist dreaming of pursuing a DDS or DMD program in the United States? Navigating the process can be complex, especially when it comes to identifying the right schools that are international dentist-friendly. In this comprehensive guide, we present a detailed list of dental schools across the USA, including TOEFL requirements, bench test policies, seats available, and fees—all designed to help you make informed decisions about where to apply.

Whether you’re looking for schools in the Northeast, Midwest, South, or West, this guide is crafted to provide you with the best possible roadmap. With dental preceptorship programs, DDS or DMD programs, and clear paths to obtaining a U.S. dental license, these schools are well-suited for international dentists aiming to practice in the USA.

Pro Tip: Research Your Target Schools Thoroughly

To enhance your chances of getting into your preferred dental school, it’s essential to learn as much as possible about each school. Knowing details about the school's type, founding history, and area of expertise can make a significant difference when answering supplemental questions required during the application process. This knowledge demonstrates genuine interest and helps you tailor your responses, making a stronger case for why you're an excellent fit for their program.

Northeast USA

1. Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine (Massachusetts)

- Seats: 100

- Bench Test: No

- TOEFL: 90

- Fees: $280,000

2. New York University (NYU) College of Dentistry (New York)

- Seats: 30-40

- Bench Test: No

- TOEFL: 100

- Fees: $270,000

3. University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine (Pennsylvania)

- Seats: 35

- Bench Test: No

- TOEFL: 90

- Fees: $240,000

4. The Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry, Temple University (Pennsylvania)

- Seats: <20

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 100

- Fees: $200,000

5. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (New York)

- Seats: 15

- Bench Test: No

- TOEFL: 100

- Fees: $250,000

6. University at Buffalo, School of Dental Medicine (New York)

- Seats: 24

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 79

- Fees: $210,000

7. University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine (Pennsylvania)

- Seats: 8-10

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 100

- Fees: $250,000

Midwest USA

8. University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry (Illinois)

- Seats: 52

- Bench Test: No

- TOEFL: 80

- Fees: $360,000

9. Indiana University School of Dentistry (Indiana)

- Seats: 15

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 100

- Fees: $400,000

10. Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (Illinois)

- Seats: 6-10

- Bench Test: No

- TOEFL: 100

- Fees: $310,000

11. Marquette University School of Dentistry (Wisconsin)

- Seats: Varies

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 79-100

- Fees: $120,000–180,000

12. University of Iowa College of Dentistry (Iowa)

- Seats: 4

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 100

- Fees: $225,000

13. University of Minnesota School of Dentistry (Minnesota)

- Seats: 16

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 94

- Fees: $300,000

Southern USA

14. University of Texas Health San Antonio (Texas)

- Seats: 20

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 92

- Fees: $320,000

15. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry (Alabama)

- Seats: 24

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 79

- Fees: $180,000

16. Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry (Tennessee)

- Seats: 10

- Bench Test: No

- TOEFL: 100

- Fees: $300,000

17. Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry (Virginia)

- Seats: 10

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 90

- Fees: $450,000

18. Louisiana State University School of Dentistry (Louisiana)

- Seats: 5

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 100

- Fees: $400,000

19. University of Louisville School of Dentistry (Kentucky)

- Seats: Not Decided

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: N/A

- Fees: $200,000

Western USA

20. University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) School of Dentistry (California)

- Seats: 20

- Bench Test: No

- TOEFL: 95

- Fees: $410,000

21. University of Southern California (USC) Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry (California)

- Seats: 34

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 92

- Fees: $270,000

22. Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (California)

- Seats: 32

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 80

- Fees: $270,000

23. University of the Pacific, Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry (California)

- Seats: 57

- Bench Test: No

- TOEFL: 92

- Fees: $300,000

24. Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (California)

- Seats: 20

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 79

- Fees: $420,000

25. University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine (Nevada)

- Seats: 8

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 98

- Fees: $190,000

26. University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine (Puerto Rico)

- Seats: 20

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 80

- Fees: $200,000

Additional Noteworthy Schools

27. University of Michigan School of Dentistry (Michigan)

- Seats: 50

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 100

- Fees: $320,000

28. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry (North Carolina)

- Seats: 5

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 94

- Fees: $120,000

29. University of Washington School of Dentistry (Washington)

- Seats: 10

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 83

- Fees: $350,000

30. University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (Colorado)

- Seats: 20

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 100

- Fees: $290,000

31. University of Florida College of Dentistry (Florida)

- Seats: 30

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 80

- Fees: $210,000

32. Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine (Florida)

- Seats: 15-20

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 79

- Fees: $295,000

33. Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine (Arizona)

- Seats: 30

- Bench Test: No

- TOEFL: 92

- Fees: $350,000

34. Roseman University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine (Utah)

- Seats: 18

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 100

- Fees: $290,000

35. A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health (Arizona)

- Seats: 25

- Bench Test: Yes

- TOEFL: 92

- Fees: $325,000