Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Michael Tijani
For both local and international students, California remains a top choice destination for studies. Not only does California have friendly weather and a varied landscape, but it also has a demographically diversified population, with substantial immigrant populations from all over the world. California houses some of the best high-ranking institutions across the states and in the world in general.
If you’re a resident of California or anywhere else in the world seeking to pursue a career in dentistry, we have carefully compiled some of the best dental schools in California to aid you in making the best decision in your career pursuit.
So What Are The Best Dental Schools in California?
Below is a list of some institutions with the best dental schools in California, their various acceptance rates, average GPAs, and DATs.
1. Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC
The Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry’s challenging dental education and its expert faculty members strives to equip and educate its future oral health professional with the necessary skills they need to become instrumental tool in healthcare delivery.
In addition to the Doctor of Dental Science (DDS), the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC also offers online dental master’s degrees and certificate programs in Community Oral Health, Oral Pathology and Radiology, Orofacial Pain and Oral Medicine, Geriatric Dentistry, and a Pain Medicine program in partnership with the Keck School of Medicine of USC.
Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry has an acceptance rate of 4.26%, with an average GPA of 3.5 and an average DAT of 20.0
2. Loma Linda University School of Dentistry
Since its establishment in 1953, the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry has been home to a vibrant, varied, and innovative community of students and faculty members. The school has trained several competent and compassionate oral healthcare specialists who have in one way or another contributed immensely to the oral healthcare profession around the world.
Loma Linda offers various degrees in dentistry including; a doctor of dental surgery degree; a bachelor of science degree in dental hygiene; and master of science degrees and certifications in advanced specialty programs.
To qualify for the Doctor of Dental Science (DDS) degree program, interested applicants must show proof of academic prowess in sciences with at least 50 hours of dental practice observation and provide three (3) reference letters.
With an average GPA of 3.3, the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry has an acceptance rate of 4.75% with an average DAT of 19.9.
3. University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry is an internationally recognized dental school dedicated to providing its students with a world-class dental education as well as comprehensive, affordable patient treatment for adults and children.
To qualify for the Doctor of Dental Science (DDS) degree program at the Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry, applicants must meet an average GPA and DAT of 3.6 and 22.0 respectively. Also, the school has an acceptance rate of 5.1%
4. Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine
The 4-year Doctor of Dental Science program at the Western University of Health Sciences College anchors on facilitating innovative ideas through the use of modernized and technological approaches to dental education.
Students do not entirely focus on oral health they are also trained to understand inter-professional learning with other health professions.
Admission into the Western University of Health Sciences College of dental medicine is super competitive in fact, it is the most competitive dental school in California with a very low acceptance rate of 2.45% with an average GPA and DAT of 3.3, and 20.0 respectively. Aside from the GPA and the DAT, interested applicants must prove beyond reasonable doubt that they are fully prepared for the intellectual demands of the dental profession.
Also, applicants who have previous involvement in community education programs and also have a prior understanding of oral healthcare stand a higher chance of getting admitted.
5. UCLA School of Dentistry
UCLA School of Dentistry prepares its students through innovative and impactful oral health research to provide comprehensive, affordable, and world-class dental treatment for all ages.
The UCLA School of Dentistry has a total of 15 postgraduate training programs which include Dental Anesthesiology, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery Internship, Endodontics, Advanced Education in General Dentistry (Westwood & Venice), Advanced Prosthodontics, Periodontics, General Practice, Maxillofacial Prosthetics, Oral & Maxillofacial Radiology, Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry (Westwood & Venice) and Orofacial Pain & Dysfunction.
UCLA School of Dentistry has an acceptance rate of 4.5% with an average GPA of 3.7 and a DAT of 22.0
6. UCSF School of Dentistry
Since its establishment in 1881, the UCSF School of Dentistry has produced hundreds of expert oral health practitioners through dental education and impacting healthcare delivery through scientific research. Over these years, the UCSF School of Dentistry programs has grown to become a prominent center for dental and craniofacial health. In addition to the available DDS programs, the school also has an array of Ph.D., post-graduate, and residency programs.
Furthermore, the UCSF School of Dentistry has an acceptance rate of 4.7% with an average GPA of 3.5 and an average DAT of 21.0
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Conclusion
In this article, we painstakingly selected some of the institutions with the best dental schools in California to aid you to make an informed decision in your career journey in dentistry. Furthermore, we have put our very best into ensuring the accuracy of the information provided in this article. But then, kindly have in mind that admission statistics and data are dynamic and are subject to change at any time by these institutions. Therefore, we always encourage you to verify these details from the official school admissions office.
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