In today’s post, I want to share what I believe are the top 10 military friendly dental schools. This list comes from extensive research online, plus insights from several people we interviewed, and my own opinion. Any information we got from another website is properly cited and sourced.
Top 10 Military Friendly Dental Schools
Here is my complete list of military friendly dental schools. I’ll start with # 10 and work my way down to # 1.
# 10: Texas A&M University of Dentistry
Coming in as the # 10 military friendly dental school we have the Texas A&M University of Dentistry.
As a distinguished resource for dental education in Texas for more than 100 years, Texas A&M College of Dentistry in Dallas is dedicated to combining higher education and research with community service.
The college opened its doors in 1905, was affiliated with Baylor University from 1918 to 1971 and spent the next 25 years as an independent, private institution.
In 1996, the college entered an entirely new era as a member of The Texas A&M University System. In 1999, the college became a founding member of the Texas A&M Health Science Center. The college’s current name, Texas A&M College of Dentistry, reflects the college’s alliance with Texas A&M University, which occurred in 2013.
Source: Texas A&M Dental School
# 9: Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
In our # 9 spot, we have the prestigious Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.
The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine, often abbreviated CDM, is one of the twenty graduate and professional schools of Columbia University. It is located at 630 West 168th Street in Manhattan, New York City.
According to American Dental Education Association, CDM is one of the most selective dental schools in the United States based on average DAT score, GPA, and acceptance rate. In 2014, 2,029 people applied for 80 positions in its entering class. The median undergraduate GPA and average DAT score for successful applicants in 2014 were 3.7 and 23, respectively.
Source: Wikipedia
# 8: University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry takes our # 8 spot on our list of military friendly dental schools.
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is the state’s only dental school and the only dental school in the northern tier of states between Wisconsin and the Pacific Northwest. We are a regional resource to five states for dental education, consulting services, patient treatment, and ongoing continuing dental education.
The School of Dentistry educates general dentists, dental specialists, dental therapists, dental hygienists, dental educators and research-scientists. For more than two decades, we’ve offered specialty training in six ADA-recognized specialties: Endodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontics and Prosthodontics.
We also offer an advanced education program in TMD and orofacial pain, oral biology, dental hygiene, and oral health for older adults.
Source: University of Minnesota
# 7: Louisiana State University School of Dentistry
In our # 7 spot on our list of military friendly dental schools, we have the Louisiana State University School of Dentistry.
In all likelihood, the LSU School of Dentistry (LSUSD) has impacted your personal health care. Three out of every four dentists and dental hygienists practicing in Louisiana today are graduates of the school.
From a national perspective, LSUSD is unique among the more than 65 dental schools in the United States because it offers degrees in dentistry, dental hygiene and dental laboratory technology. By training students in all aspects of dentistry, LSUSD offers a level of training that has resulted in the school’s reputation for outstanding clinical education.
From 1972 to 2016, the LSU School of Dentistry has graduated over 5,500 dental health professionals by conferring degrees as follows:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery: The incoming freshman class is comprised of approximately 65 students. The grade-point average of the class is around 3.5 and the majority of students come from Louisiana.
- Dental Hygienist Students receive a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. Each year 38 students are accepted, 32 for the program in New Orleans and six for the program in Lafayette.
- Dental Laboratory Technology: This two-year program offers an Associate of Science and accepts 12 students.
In addition to these academic programs, LSUSD offers advanced training programs in the following areas:
- Endodontics
- General Dentistry Residency
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics
LSUSD is committed to educating dentists and dental hygienists throughout their careers. The school enjoys a national reputation for its continuing education program, which attracts dentists from throughout the United States. Courses are offered at locations throughout Louisiana, including Shreveport, Monroe, Alexandria, New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Lafayette and Lake Charles.
Source: LSU Dental School
# 6: University of Michigan School of Dentistry
The University of Michigan School of Dentistry takes our # 6 spot on our list of military friendly dental schools.
The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is the dental school of the University of Michigan, located in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Established in 1875, the School of Dentistry engages in oral and craniofacial health care education, research, patient care and community service. It is currently the number one ranked dental school in the U.S. and fifth in the world according to two independent rankings.
The University of Michigan was the first state university in the world and the second university in the United States to offer education in dentistry. (Harvard was the first).[3] The University of Michigan was also the first to provide graduate-level dentistry education. Four of its faculty members have been elected president of the American Dental Association.
The Sindecuse Museum of Dentistry is housed within the School of Dentistry.
Source: Wikipedia
# 5: University of Colorado Denver School of Dentistry
Coming in at # 5 we have the University of Colorado Denver School of Dentistry.
The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine is nationally-recognized for the quality of its educational programs, its interdisciplinary research and its excellent clinical care programs that contribute to the health and well being of many of Colorado’s most underserved citizens.
Situated in the heart of the Rocky Mountain West, the School of Dental Medicine is located on the growing University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora, CO.
As a vibrant member of the campus and local community, the School of Dental Medicine educates more than 400 students, receives about $5 million in external research funding and provides nearly 100,000 clinical visits both on the Anschutz Medical Campus and across the state of Colorado.
Initiatives to expand the reach of the school’s educational and clinical programs are helping to bring healthier, brighter smiles to communities across Colorado and around the world. With our expansion comes new opportunities to connect with the school as a potential student, volunteer or other valued member of our community.
As you learn about our school and profession, we invite you to share our school’s vision and contact us if you are interested in joining our community.
# 4: University of Florida College of Dentistry
Located in sunny Florida, the University of Florida College of Dentistry takes our # 4 spot on our list of military friendly dental schools.
Established in 1972, the University of Florida College of Dentistry is the only publicly-funded dental school in the state and ranks as a national leader in dental education, research and community service. The college is housed in the Dental Sciences Building located on the UF Health Science Center campus.
Our students and faculty participate in interdisciplinary learning and research that benefits the college and its patient community, resulting in a well-rounded curriculum that produces dentists skillful in the art and science of dentistry.
The college educates the state’s future dentists and dental specialists through 16 degree and certificate programs. Each year we admit a new class of 90+ D.M.D. students who are among the top predental students in the nation.
Students’ performance on standardized examinations is a benchmark of the quality of our academic programs. In June 2015, the college’s DMD Class of 2017 achieved an outstanding 100% first-time pass rate on Part One of the National Board Dental Exam, the seventh class in a row to achieve this benchmark of excellence.
# 3: University of Alabama Birmingham School of Dentistry
UAB’s School of Dentistry earns our # 3 spot on our list of military friendly dental schools.
At UAB’s School of Dentistry, we have strong dedication to imparting the next generation of dentist practitioners with knowledge, the kind of knowledge that empowers the brightest minds to provide the most powerful dental care. Our vast collection of great knowledge allows us to innovate and create breakthroughs.
Since our founding in 1948, we have developed a rich history of healthcare innovation and gained a national reputation for excellence. The UAB School of Dentistry continues to supply the community with nothing but the world’s most equipped and knowledgeable dentists with our accredited predoctoral and 8 accredited postdoctoral areas of study.
Source: UAB Dental School Website
# 2: University of Kentucky College of Dentistry
Go Wildcats! The University of Kentucky College of Dentistry earns our # 2 spot on our list of military friendly dental schools.
Founded in 1962, the University of Kentucky College of Dentistry is recognized as one of the nation’s outstanding dental institutions.
The college has a national and international reputation for its dynamic and innovative approaches to dental education. Doctoral and postdoctoral student dentists are treated with respect and as colleagues. The University of Kentucky emphasizes an environment of collegiality between faculty and students to create a unique educational setting that promotes learning.
The college is committed to providing its students with superior programs that prepare them to deliver competent care to patients throughout the Commonwealth and the nation.
# 1: University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Dentistry
Coming in at # 1, we have the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill School of Dentistry.
Established in 1950, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Dentistry was the first dental school in North Carolina, and was the state’s only dental school for 61 years. The North Carolina General Assembly of 1949 made creation of the School of Dentistry possible.
The first class — 40 students — was admitted in fall 1950, although the dental building was not occupied until September 1952, and classes were held in two Quonset huts. Also that month, on September 9, 1952, the school admitted its first patient – a prosthodontics patient – at 2 p.m.
Since that time, the school has grown to include four buildings (not including two that were demolished): First Dental; Brauer Hall; Tarrson Hall, which includes one of dental education’s best clinical teaching facilities; and Koury Oral Health Sciences, which is a state-of-the-art-facility that houses the majority of the school’s research laboratories, classrooms, a lecture hall that seats 220, and a 105-person simulation lab.
It is located within a dynamic health science campus that includes the schools of medicine, nursing, pharmacy and public health, and contributes to the spirit of collaboration among the health sciences at Carolina.
The full story of the UNC School of Dentistry is one that includes many people and buildings, but is built on the desire to serve North Carolina through excellence in education, research, service and patient care.
Selecting a Dental School
When it comes to selecting a dental school, here are a few things I would consider and do.
Compare at least three different universities so you have a good baseline. By comparing a few different schools, you will have a good perspective about what to look for, what you like, and what you don’t like.
Determine the actual out of pocket costs. Each school will have a different tuition cost. However, when you calculate the loans, scholarships and grants you are eligible for, you will have a much better idea about your actual out of pocket costs.
Visit a few potential schools. I suggest you take a site visit to at least two or three different dental schools. Tour the facilities. Talk with the staff. Talk with current and former students.
Talk with several dentists who attended the dental schools you are considering. This might just be my best piece of advice. Find out if there are some alumni in your local area that you could take out to lunch or interview, just to pick their brain.
Finally, make sure the school is accredited. This should be common sense for most people.
Final Thoughts
There you have it folks. This is my list of the top 10 military friendly dental schools. What are your thoughts? Do you agree or disagree with me? Leave a comment below to let me know what you think. I look forward to hearing from you.
Check out this book to learn how to prepare for dental school, breeze through admissions, and get the school of your choice. Order the book on Amazon.
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Chuck Holmes
Former Army Major (resigned)
Publisher, Part-Time-Commander.com
Email: mrchuckholmes@gmail.com
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