How to Choose the Right Dental School for You: Factors to Consider
Applying to dental school is a major milestone—but deciding where to apply (and ultimately attend) can be just as important as preparing for the DAT or writing your personal statement.
At Dental School Declassified, we’ve worked with pre-dental students, and we know that choosing the right dental school is about more than just rankings. It’s about finding a place where you can thrive academically, professionally, and personally.
Here’s a breakdown of the most important factors to consider when choosing the right dental school for you.
1. Cost and Financial Aid
Dental school is a big investment. Tuition and fees can vary by tens of thousands of dollars per year depending on the school and your residency status.
Things to consider:
In-state vs. out-of-state tuition
Cost of living in the area
Availability of scholarships or financial aid
Average student debt upon graduation
💡 Pro Tip: Don't overlook public schools just because they're less flashy—many offer excellent training at a significantly lower cost.
2. Location and Lifestyle
Where you go to school will shape your daily life for the next 4 years. Make sure the location aligns with your lifestyle, support system, and mental health needs.
Ask yourself:
Do you want to be close to home or are you open to relocating?
Are you comfortable with cold winters or big city traffic?
Is there affordable housing and a community you’d enjoy outside of school?
Your success in dental school is about more than academics—your environment matters, too.
3. Curriculum Style and Learning Environment
Not all dental programs are structured the same way. Some emphasize early clinical exposure, while others are more research-oriented or lecture-heavy.
Key differences to look at:
Traditional vs. PBL (Problem-Based Learning)
Early hands-on experience vs. later clinical exposure
Integrated curriculum vs. compartmentalized courses
Grading style: letter grades, pass/fail, or honors/pass/fail
Consider how you learn best, and choose a school that supports your academic strengths.
4. Class Size and Student Culture
Your classmates will be your support system—and your future colleagues. A good cultural fit can make a big difference in your overall experience.
Things to evaluate:
Size of each incoming class
Collaboration vs. competition among students
Diversity of the student body
Access to student organizations, leadership roles, or outreach programs
💬 Tip: Reach out to current students or alumni to get a feel for what the culture is really like.
5. Clinical Experience and Facilities
You’re going to dental school to become a competent, confident clinician—so take a close look at the quality and quantity of hands-on experience you’ll receive.
Questions to ask:
When do students start seeing patients?
What types of clinical procedures are required for graduation?
Are the clinics up-to-date and well-staffed?
Is there exposure to diverse patient populations?
Schools with strong clinical programs will prepare you better for practice—and make your transition after graduation smoother.
6. Board Exam Pass Rates and Residency Match Success
Strong academic and clinical training should translate into success on licensing exams and residency placements.
Check out:
NBDE/INBDE pass rates
Percentage of students pursuing specialty programs
Match rates for competitive specialties (like ortho, oral surgery, endo, etc.)
These stats reflect how well the school supports your academic and career goals.
7. Support Services and Mentorship
Dental school is intense. Access to academic support, career advising, and mental health services can make a big difference in your ability to stay balanced and succeed.
Look for:
Faculty mentorship and academic advising
Mental health and wellness programs
Research or externship opportunities
Dedicated offices for career and residency advising
A strong support system can help you not just survive—but thrive.
8. Accreditation and Licensure
This one might seem obvious, but make sure every school you consider is CODA-accredited. Without this accreditation, you won’t be eligible for licensure in the U.S.
Additionally, check if the school prepares you for licensure in your desired state, especially if you plan to practice somewhere with specific clinical exam requirements.
Final Thoughts
The best dental school for you isn’t necessarily the one with the biggest name or fanciest building—it’s the one that aligns with your goals, learning style, and values.
At Dental School Declassified, we help students not only get into dental school, but also choose programs where they can grow into the kind of dentist they want to be. From school list building and personal statement coaching to mock interviews and DAT tutoring, we’re with you every step of the way.
🎓 Need help picking the right dental schools for your goals?
📩 Book a one-on-one advising session with an expert advisor.
