Here are the top 20 master’s-level dentistry programs in the United States for 2026. These include MS, MSD, MDS, and specialty master’s programs in orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral biology, and dental public health. These rankings are based on research output, specialty training strength, faculty reputation, specialty residencies, and global dental rankings. The United States has 78 accredited dental schools offering advanced and specialty training programs.

Top 20 Master’s Programs for Dentistry in the United States (2026)

1. Harvard University ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dental Medicine
   Boston, Massachusetts
   Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Orthodontics, Periodontics
   Harvard is the most selective dental school in the U.S. with elite research integration and medical collaboration.

2. University of Michigan ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dentistry
   Ann Arbor, Michigan
   Master’s programs: Orthodontics, Prosthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Health Sciences
   Consistently ranked among the top dental schools globally and nationally.

3. University of California, San Francisco ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dentistry
   San Francisco, California
   Master’s programs: Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, Orthodontics
   Leader in dental research and public health innovation.

4. University of Pennsylvania ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dental Medicine
   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
   Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Periodontics, Endodontics
   Ivy League program with strong research and clinical specialization.

5. University of North Carolina Adams ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dentistry
   Chapel Hill, North Carolina
   Master’s programs: Orthodontics, Oral Biology
   One of the strongest specialty training programs nationally.

6. Columbia University College of Dental Medicine
   New York, New York
   Master’s programs: Orthodontics, Periodontics, Prosthodontics
   Integrated training with Columbia’s medical school.

7. University of Washington ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dentistry
   Seattle, Washington
   Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Orthodontics
   Top ranked for specialty training and clinical excellence.

8. UCLA ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dentistry
   Los Angeles, California
   Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Advanced Clinical Training
   Globally ranked dental research powerhouse.

9. New York University College of Dentistry
   New York, New York
   Master’s programs: Clinical Research, Orthodontics, Oral Biology
   Largest dental school in the United States with strong specialty offerings.

10. Ohio State University College of Dentistry
    Columbus, Ohio
    Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Orthodontics
    Top ranked research and specialty training institution.

11. University of Maryland ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dentistry
    Baltimore, Maryland
    Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Dental Public Health
    One of the oldest and most respected dental schools.

12. University of Connecticut ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dental Medicine
    Farmington, Connecticut
    Master’s programs: Dental Science, Prosthodontics
    Strong research funding and faculty support.

13. University of Pittsburgh ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dental Medicine
    Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
    Master’s programs: Dental Public Health, Oral Biology
    Excellent specialty and research programs.

14. Boston University Henry M. Goldman ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dental Medicine
    Boston, Massachusetts
    Master’s programs: Oral Health Sciences, Periodontology
    Known for strong clinical training and patient care exposure.

15. University of Florida College of Dentistry
    Gainesville, Florida
    Master’s programs: Dental Science, Orthodontics
    Strong clinical and research outcomes.

16. University of Iowa College of Dentistry
    Iowa City, Iowa
    Master’s programs: Oral Science, Prosthodontics
    Highly respected specialty programs.

17. University at Buffalo ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dental Medicine
    Buffalo, New York
    Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Orthodontics
    Top SUNY dental specialty training center.

18. Rutgers ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dental Medicine
    Newark, New Jersey
    Master’s programs: Dental Science, Periodontics
    Strong research and clinical training.

19. University of Minnesota ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dentistry
    Minneapolis, Minnesota
    Master’s programs: Oral Biology, Prosthodontics
    Strong interdisciplinary research programs.

20. University of Southern California Herman Ostrow ÌÇÐÄ´«Ã½ of Dentistry
    Los Angeles, California
    Master’s programs: Craniofacial Biology, Orthodontics
    Strong private dental school with global reputation.

Why These Are the Best Master’s Dentistry Programs

These universities dominate advanced dentistry education because they offer:

Advanced specialty training such as orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, and oral surgery
Major NIH research funding and laboratory access
High clinical patient volume and specialty exposure
Strong residency placement and academic career pipelines

Harvard, Michigan, UCSF, Penn, and UNC consistently rank at the very top globally and nationally for dentistry education and specialty training.

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