The best dental schools in Florida are able to provide local and foreign students with an inexpensive dentistry education of the highest caliber.
Florida has some of the greatest schools in the United States; this is no longer news. In fact, Florida is consistently ranked among the top five states in the United States for education. Florida is the third-best state for education in the United States, according to U.S. News 2022.
The Best Dental Schools in Florida provide D.D.S. or D.M.D. degrees in the area of dentistry. In addition, they provide programs for advanced dental education and continuing education.
In this post, we have compiled a list of the 15 Best Dental Schools in Florida, in addition to other dental school-related information.
Getting prepared for dental school
To be eligible to apply to dentistry schools, students must possess a bachelor’s degree and satisfy certain prerequisite requirements (courses required by the dental school). At the University of Texas, students can receive a bachelor’s degree and complete necessary coursework. They will be required to declare a major, as pre-dental is neither a major nor a program at UT. Biologists, chemists, and biochemists are common specializations for dentistry school applicants.
These majors cover the majority of courses required for admission to dental programs and will help students prepare for the Dental Admissions Test (DAT). However, other degrees can also prepare students for health professions; therefore, students are urged to major in a field in which they excel and should contact with a pre-health professions counselor regarding course work.
Essential prerequisite courses for dentistry school (Each dental school has its own set of prerequisites, and students applying to multiple schools must research each school’s entrance requirements): Biology I(1) and II(2) laboratory-based General Chemistry I(1) and II(2) laboratory courses. Organic Chemistry I(1) and II(2) laboratory courses. Physics I(1) and II(2) laboratory-based Biochemistry could be required in some schools.
To be prepared to take the DAT, a majority of the prerequisites must be satisfied. Prepare to take the Dental Assessment Test (DAT) in the late spring/early summer of their freshman year if you plan to proceed directly to dental school after graduating from UT. Before applying to dental schools, take the DAT.
Dental School Application
Students enroll one year previous to the start of dentistry school (summer of middle school through fall of senior year). Each year, applications are accepted beginning in June, and each institution has its own application date. The majority of dental schools have rolling admissions, so they evaluate student files as soon as they are received.
Candidates are urged to apply as soon as possible! Observe now what to anticipate from the application.
Details on dental schools and more.
The standard duration of dentistry school is four years. The first two years are devoted to basic biology classes, while the following two years are spent on clinical research, direct patient care, and/or clinical rotation. Trainees get a D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or (Dental Surgeon) or D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine) or (Dental Surgeon) upon completion of their training (Dentist).
Each university will determine what type of degree to provide based on the identical qualifications. Dentists can practice general dentistry or pursue advanced dental training in one of nine specialist areas upon graduation. The duration of higher education varies from one to three years, depending on the major. Options with a specialty and duration.
Accreditation for Best Dental Schools in Florida.
The Commission on Dentistry Associations (CODA) accredits dental schools in the United States, including those in Florida. It accredits dentistry schools and programs in the United States, such as the Advanced Dental Education Program and the Allied Dental Education Program. CODA was founded in 1975 by the American Dental Association’s Council on Dental Education and is nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) as the exclusive entity that accredits dental education programs and postsecondary dental services.
Note: If you wish to enroll in a dental or dental-related program in Florida, verify the program’s CODA accreditation status. Non-accredited dental schools may prohibit their graduates from taking the license exam.
Florida License Examination for Dental Students After completing any dentistry or dental-related curriculum successfully, the next step is to pass Florida’s recognized licensure tests. The State of Florida has authorized the following organizations to provide certification exams:
Commission on Dental Competence Evaluations (CDCA)
Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), originally known as the Northeast Regional Dental Examination Board (NERB), is one of five organizations in the United States responsible for examining dentists. CDCA is responsible for the following examinations: ADEX dental examination, ADEX Dental Hygiene Exam Florida Law, and Code Dental Review Dental Hygiene Review of Florida Statutes and Regulations.
Joint Commission on the National Dental Exam (JCNDE) The Joint Commission on National Dental Examination (JCNDE) is in charge of creating and implementing the National Examination of Dental Examinations (NBDE) and the National Examination of Dental Hygiene (NBDHE).
The exam’s goal is to assist the state board in determining the qualifications of dentists and dental hygienists seeking a license to practice dentistry or dental hygiene.
The Most Competitive Programs Provided by Best Dental Schools in Florida
The majority of Best Dental Schools in Florida offer the following dental programs:
- Advanced Education in General Dentistry
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedic
- Periodontics
- Dental Hygiene
- Dental Public Health.
- Dental Assisting
- Prosthodontics
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Endodontics
Requirements for Best Dental Schools in Florida
Each dental school and dental program has its own admissions standards.
Florida, like the majority of dentistry schools in the United States, requires the following:
- A Bachelor’s degree program in Health Science (preferably medicine program).
- Biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physics are required prerequisites for medical school.
- Scores on the Dental Admission Test (DAT).
List of Best Dental Schools in Florida?
Listed below are the top 15 Best Dental Schools in Florida:
- Sante Fe College
- Eastern Florida State College
- Broward College
- Hillsborough Community College
- South Florida State College
- Indian River State College
- Daytona State College
- University of Florida
- Nova Southeastern University
- LECOM School of Dental Medicine
- Valencia College
- Florida National University
- Gulf Coast State College
- Palm Beach State College
- Florida SouthWestern State College
1. Sante Fe College
The public Sante Fe College is located in Gainesville, Florida. It is affiliated with the Florida College System.
At Santa Fe College, Health Sciences comprises of Allied Health, Nursing, and Dental programs.This College is recognized as one of the Best Dental Schools in Florida
Sante Fe College provides the subsequent dental programs:
- Dental Hygiene, A.S.
- Dental Hygiene Bridge, A.S.
- Assisting in Dentistry, C.T.C.
2. Eastern Florida State College
Formerly known as Brevard Community Institution, Eastern Florida State College is a public college in Brevard County, Florida. The institution is a part of the Florida College System.
The following dental programs can be found at Eastern Florida State College:
- A.S. in Dental Assisting Technology and Administration
- Dental Hygiene, A.S.
- Assisting in Dentistry, A.T.D.
3. Broward College
The community college Broward College is located in Broward County. It is one of the nation’s premier institutions for students seeking rewarding professions in healthcare.
Broward College’s dental programs are as follows:
- A.S. in Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene, A.S.
- Assisting in Dentistry, A.T.D.
4. Hillsborough Community College
Hillsborough Community College is a public community college in the Florida county of Hillsborough. It is affiliated with the Florida College System.
Hillsborough Community College was founded in 1968 and is currently the seventh largest community college in the Florida State College System.This College is recognized as one of the Best Dental Schools in Florida
The following dental programs are offered by HCC:
- Dental A.A. route
- PSAV Dental Assisting
- A.S. in Dental Assisting
5. South Florida State College (SFSC)
South Florida State Institution is a Florida state college with campuses in Highlands, DeSoto, and Hardee counties, as well as in Lake Placid. It is affiliated with the Florida College System.This College is recognized as one of the Best Dental Schools in Florida
The following dental programs are available at South Florida State College.
- Dental Assistant, C.C.
- Dental Hygiene, A.S.
6. Indian River State College
The main campus of Indian River State College is located in Fort Pierce, Florida. It is affiliated with the Florida College System.This College is also recognized as one of the Best Dental Schools in Florida
These dental programs are available at Indian River State College:
- A.S. in Dental Assisting Technology and Administration
- Dental Hygiene, A.S.
7. Daytona State College (DSC)
Daytona State College is a public institution of higher education located in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is affiliated with the Florida College System.
Central Florida’s top institution for education and advanced training is Daytona State College.
The following dental programs are offered by the DSC School of Dental Science:
- Dental Helping (certificate)
- Dental Hygiene, A.S.
8. University of Florida
In Gainesville, Florida, the Institution of Florida (UF) is a public land-grant research university. UF is one of the finest public institutions in the United States.
The University of Florida College of Dentistry, founded in 1972, is the only publicly-funded dentistry school in Florida. The University of Florida College of Dentistry is a national leader in dentistry education, patient care, research, and community involvement.This College is also recognized as one of the Best Dental Schools in Florida
The College of Dentistry at the University of Florida provides 16 degree and certificate programs, including the following:
- Doctor of dental surgery (DMD)
- DMD/Ph.D. dual program
- Superior training in General Dentistry
- Endodontics
- Surgical and Cosmetic Dentistry
- Maxillofacial and Oral Pathology
- Maxillofacial and Oral Radiology
- Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Dentistry in Pediatrics
- Periodontics
- Prosthodontics.
9. Nova Southeastern University
As one of the Best Dental Schools in Florida, Nova Southeastern University is a private, Florida-based research institution with its main campus in Davie. In 1964, Nova University of Advanced Technology was established.
The College of Dental Medicine at Nova Southeastern University is the first dental school to be established in Florida.
The institution provides the following programs:
- Doctor of dental surgery (DMD)
- Education in Advanced General Dentistry
- Endodontics
- Maxillofacial and Oral Surgery
- Orthodontics
- Dentistry in Pediatrics
- Periodontology
- Program of Advanced Specialization in Prosthodontics.
The Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine also offers ADA CERP-approved continuing education programs.
10. LECOM School of Dental Medicine
Lake Eric College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is a Florida-based private medical school. LECOM is a pioneer in the field of medical education.
The Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program is offered by the LECOM School of Dental Medicine. The DMD curriculum trains students for the practice of general dentistry in a novel and progressive manner.This College is recognized as one of the Best Dental Schools in Florida
11. Valencia College
Valencia College is a 1967-founded community college with campuses in Orange and Osceola counties.
Its Orlando, Florida-based Allied Health Division provides a Dental Hygiene curriculum.
The Valencia College Dental Hygiene Associate of Science (A.S.) degree program is a two-year curriculum that prepares you for a specialized job as a dental hygienist.
The dental hygiene department at Valencia College was established in 1977 and graduated its first batch of 23 students in 1978.
12. Florida National University (FNU)
Florida National University is a private for-profit university founded in 1982 in Hialeah, Florida. It has three campuses and an online education option.This College is recognized as one of the Best Dental Schools in Florida
FNU provides both undergraduate and graduate degrees, which include the following:
- Dental Hygiene, A.S.
- Dental Laboratory Technology, A.S.
- Dental Laboratory Technician, C.E.D
- Dental Laboratory Technician – Full and Partial Dentures, C.E.D
- Dental Laboratory Technician – Crown and Bridge and Porcelain, C.E.D
- Dental Assistant.
13. Gulf Coast State University (GCSC)
Gulf Coast State University is a Florida public university located in Panama City. It is affiliated with the Florida College System.It is also recognized as one of the Best Dental Schools in Florida
GCSC provides three dental programs, including:
- Dental Assisting, V.C.
- Dental Hygiene, A.S.
- Dental Medicine Option, Liberal Arts, A.A.
GCSC launched its Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs in 1970 and 1996, respectively.
14. Palm Beach State College (PBSC)
Founded in 1933 as the first public community college in Florida. Additionally, Palm Beach State College is the fourth largest among Florida’s 28 institutions.This College is recognized as one of the Best Dental Schools in Florida
PBSC provides the subsequent dental programs:
- Dental Assisting, CCP
- Dental Hygiene, AS.
15. Florida SouthWestern State College
The main campus of Florida SouthWestern State College is located in Fort Myers, Florida. It is affiliated with the Florida College System.
The School of Health Professions has two dentistry programs, namely:
- Dental Hygiene, A.S.
- Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist (continuing education program).
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE BEST DENTAL SCHOOLS IN FLORIDA
How many years is the dental school program?
To become a dentist, it typically takes eight years: four years for a bachelor’s degree and four years for a DMD or DDS degree.
How much does the average first year of dentistry school cost?
According to the American Dental Association (ADA), the average cost of the first year of dental school for residents in 2020-21 (including tuition and required fees) is $55,521 and for non-residents it is $71,916.
How many dentistry schools in the United States are accredited?
The American Dental Association (ADA) reports that there are roughly 69 accredited dental schools in the United States.
How much do dentists in Florida make?
According to Indeed.com, the average annual compensation for a dentist in Florida is $1,8631.
Where can I get employment after completing dentistry school?
Graduates of dental schools can find employment in hospitals, nursing homes, and community health clinics.
Why is Florida a famous state?
The state legislature has designated Florida State University as a distinguished research university, and it is also renowned for its criminal justice programs and film school.
No schema found.Conclusion
If you are interested in pursuing a career as a dentist or in a dentistry-related field, you should investigate the top dental schools in Florida.
This article has now reached its conclusion; we hope you’ve found it to be informative.