Dentistry is a branch of medicine focused on detecting, diagnosing, preventing, and treating diseases and conditions affecting the teeth, gums, and other oral tissues. Oral health conditions include tooth decay, periodontal disease, tooth loss, oral cancers, and other conditions of the mouth, which is why dentistry is also closely associated with dental medicine and oral medicine.
With the development of technology in medicine and many other fields, the approaches and tools used in dentistry have also become more modern. In this article, we will look at some of the best dental schools in the world, with updated notes on current program names, degree options, and rankings.
Top Dentistry Schools in the World
1. University of Gothenburg
The University of Gothenburg, located in Gothenburg, is one of the excellent dental schools in Sweden and the world. Its Institute of Odontology is internationally ranked in dentistry and provides education for dentists, dental hygienists, and dental technicians, as well as doctoral research opportunities.
Undergraduate and professional studies at this institute include the Programme in Dental Hygiene, which is 180 credits and takes three years; the Dentistry Programme, which is 300 credits and takes five years; and the Programme in Dental Technology, which is 180 credits and takes three years. The Dental Hygiene and Dental Technology programs lead to bachelor’s degrees, while the Dentistry Programme leads to a Master of Science Degree in Dental Surgery. These programs are taught in Swedish, so applicants should check the language requirements before applying. Doctoral studies at the Institute of Odontology focus on research areas such as cariology, endodontics, oral medicine and pathology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, prosthodontics, and periodontology.
2. University of Michigan
The University of Michigan is a public university in Ann Arbor, Michigan, founded in 1817. The University of Michigan School of Dentistry is one of the best dental schools in the world and is the highest-ranked U.S. dental school in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Dentistry. It offers dental hygiene, D.D.S., master’s, Ph.D., specialty, and dual-degree options.
Undergraduate dental hygiene studies include the Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene and degree-completion options. The Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) is a full-time, four-year professional dental program. Graduate study includes the Master of Science in Dental Hygiene, master’s and Ph.D. options in Oral Health Sciences, specialty training, and dual degrees such as the D.D.S./Ph.D. program. These programs prepare students for careers in clinical dentistry, research, teaching, specialty practice, and oral health leadership.
3. Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam
- Study Program
- Location: Netherlands | Degree/s Offered: Bachelor’s, Master’s, Ph.D.
The Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam, also known as ACTA, is a specialized dental institution in Amsterdam, Netherlands. It is a collaboration between the dentistry faculties of the University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam. ACTA is highly ranked in dentistry and is among the leading dental schools in the world. It offers bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. pathways in dentistry, though students should note that the main Bachelor Dentistry and Master Dentistry programs are taught in Dutch.
The Bachelor Dentistry program requires Dutch proficiency, and the Master Dentistry program is a three-year, full-time program taught in Dutch. ACTA also trains Ph.D. students through its School of Ph.D. Studies. Students seeking English-taught options should check the latest ACTA program pages carefully, as language availability depends on the specific program or research pathway.
4. The University of Hong Kong
The University of Hong Kong is a public university in Hong Kong, founded in the early 20th century. Its Faculty of Dentistry was established in 1982 and is the only institution in Hong Kong that provides undergraduate and postgraduate dental degrees. The faculty is ranked second in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Dentistry.
Undergraduate study at this faculty consists of the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS), a six-year program that prepares students for dental practice. Due to legislative amendments to Hong Kong’s Dentists Registration Ordinance in 2024, BDS graduates must complete a one-year internship before full registration with the Dental Council of Hong Kong. Graduate studies are divided into taught postgraduate and research postgraduate options. Taught postgraduate programs include Master of Science and Master of Dental Surgery degrees, while research postgraduate studies include MPhil and Ph.D. programs.
5. King’s College London
King’s College London is a public university in London, United Kingdom, established in the first half of the 19th century. Its Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences is one of the top dental schools in the world and is ranked fifth globally in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026: Dentistry. The faculty offers undergraduate, postgraduate taught, and postgraduate research programs.
Undergraduate options include the Dental Therapy & Hygiene BSc, Dentistry BDS, Dentistry Entry Programme for Medical Graduates BDS, Dentistry Graduate/Professional Entry Programme BDS, and Enhanced Support Dentistry Programme BDS. Postgraduate taught courses include programs such as Aesthetic Dentistry MSc, Dental Public Health MSc, Endodontics MSc, Orthodontics MSc, and several clinical dentistry degrees and diplomas. Postgraduate research options include Dental and Health Sciences Research MPhil/Ph.D. and Ph.D. opportunities across the faculty’s research centers.
FAQS About Studying Dentistry
Which Dental Specialization Has the Highest Income?
If you are looking to earn more in dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery is one of the highest-paying dental specialties. U.S. wage data place oral and maxillofacial surgeons among the highest-paid occupations, with mean annual wages commonly above $300,000. However, income varies by country, employer, practice setting, experience, and local demand. In the United States, this specialty requires dental school followed by hospital-based residency training, which is typically at least four years.
What is the Highest Degree You Can Get in Dentistry?
The main professional dental degrees used in the United States are the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD). Although the names differ, they represent the same accredited dental education. Students interested in academic or research careers may also pursue research degrees such as a Ph.D. in oral health, dental sciences, or a related field.
Many schools around the world offer dental programs at undergraduate, professional, graduate, and postgraduate levels. However, it can be challenging to choose the best school for your academic goals, budget, language needs, and career plans. The schools listed above are strong options for students who want to build a career in dentistry. You may also be able to reduce your costs by applying for the currently open scholarships on our page.
We hope that this article on the best dentistry schools in the world was helpful. To learn more about studying abroad, check out the Available Programs for International Students!
