What Are the Best Graduate Level Dental Schools?

Students who are interested in the dental field have many options available to them in addition to general dentistry. Career opportunities include orthodontics, oral surgery and periodontal specialties. To enter any of the sub fields, such as dental hygienists or dental assistants, a bachelor’s degree is recommended. However, to enter the specialty areas, a minimum of a graduate degree is needed. If oral surgery is selected, pathology and radiology are also options. Once a two or four year accredited dental hygiene program is completed, students can sit for the required state licensure exams. There are many types of graduate level dental degrees. They include a Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Master of Business Administration. 

Although graduate level dental schools have similar curriculum, there are specialty classes that help shape the direction of the student’s careers. The programs are diverse, so before embarking on your degree, you should take some time to consider your goals. New York University has one of the best dental programs at this level. It was the first successful dental school in the state. It has also been the pioneer of new technologies, such as the dental X-ray and was the first educational facility to fully institute a digitalized dental school curriculum. Its focus is on the Master of Science degree. Emphasis is on clinical research, biomaterials and biology/oral biology.

Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine is one of the country’s best graduate level dental schools. Founded in 1958, it was the first to focus on specialty dental education. In the late 1980’s, it implemented a program where students could receive practical experience in a supervised environment. The focus of the program is on research in areas such as health policy and services, clinical and periodontal studies. It has affiliations with other schools at Boston University as well as research institutes worldwide. The University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Dentistry offers a Master of Science, focused on Oral Biology. Founded as the Kansas City Dental College in 1881, it has gown and expanded in the past century.

It is known for its technologically advanced instructional settings, clinical facilities and administrative offices. The University of Kentucky in Lexington is comprised of two departments as well as twelve divisions. Known for its innovative approach to dental education, graduate level dental students specialize in Orofacial Pain, Orthodontics and Periodontics. They receive a Master of Science degree and a specialty certificate. There are several types of graduate degrees that offer a wide variety of career pathways.  Although some individuals do not progress further than a bachelor’s in Dental Hygiene, a large percentage of students attend the best graduate level dental schools. As the experience and education levels progress, the job opportunities become more focused and salary levels increase.