Texas is home to several prestigious and affordable dental schools that offer world-class education, cutting-edge clinical training, and strong community outreach. Whether you’re aiming for a DDS, DMD, or a specialty program, Texas provides a broad range of opportunities to launch a successful dental career. In this guide, we’ll explore the top dental schools in Texas, including stats like DAT scores, tuition, and expert tips to help you stand out in the application process.
Top 10 Best Dental Schools in Texas
1. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of Dentistry
Founded in 1905, UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry is located in the Texas Medical Center, one of the largest healthcare complexes in the world. Students have access to cutting-edge research facilities and diverse clinical rotations. The curriculum is patient-centered, incorporating technology, evidence-based treatment planning, and early hands-on experience.
The school is also recognized for its community outreach initiatives, including mobile clinics and service-learning programs that allow students to deliver dental care in underserved areas. The program includes options for advanced education in specialties like periodontics and prosthodontics.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Houston, TX
- Acceptance Rate: ~7%
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Average DAT Score: 21.5
- Total Cost of Attendance: ~$45,000/year (in-state)
Tip: This school values well-rounded applicants. Refine your statement with Dental School Personal Statement Editing from Code Blue Essays.
2. Texas A&M University College of Dentistry
Originally established as Baylor College of Dentistry, this institution became part of Texas A&M University System and is now a hub for dental innovation in downtown Dallas. It serves one of the most diverse patient populations in the nation. The school focuses on early clinical experiencesg , comprehensive care clinics, and an inclusive learning environment.
Students benefit from research opportunities in craniofacial biology, dental biomaterials, and oral health disparities. Texas A&M also offers a number of postdoctoral programs in specialties such as oral and maxillofacial surgery and pediatric dentistry.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Dallas, TX
- Acceptance Rate: ~8.5%
- Average GPA: 3.65
- Average DAT Score: 20.9
- Total Cost of Attendance: ~$30,000/year (in-state)
3. University of Texas Health San Antonio School of Dentistry
UT Health San Antonio’s School of Dentistry is consistently ranked among the top schools in research and clinical education. The school offers a strong biomedical science foundation paired with extensive community outreach programs. Students begin direct patient care during their second year.
With more than 200,000 patient visits annually, the school ensures comprehensive exposure to dental care. UT San Antonio also provides dual degree programs (DDS/MPH) and specialty residencies in orthodontics, endodontics, and prosthodontics.
Quick Facts:
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- Acceptance Rate: ~7.5%
- Average GPA: 3.7
- Average DAT Score: 21.1
- Total Cost of Attendance: ~$45,000/year (in-state)
4. Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (Proposed)
Texas Tech HSC is planning a new dental school in El Paso, designed to expand access to dental care in underserved communities across West Texas. The proposed school will likely offer a community-based, primary care-oriented curriculum with a focus on preventive dentistry.
Though still under development, the initiative is backed by public funding and reflects the growing need for oral healthcare professionals in rural Texas.
Quick Facts:
- Location: El Paso, TX (planned)
- Status: Proposed
- Expected Start Year: TBA
5. Baylor College of Dentistry – Graduate Programs
As part of Texas A&M College of Dentistry, the Baylor name is still commonly used when referring to its renowned graduate programs. The school offers a wide array of specialty residencies including oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, periodontics, and pediatric dentistry.
These programs attract top candidates nationally due to their rigorous academic standards and access to extensive patient care experiences. Baylor graduate programs are known for their clinical excellence and research opportunities.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Dallas, TX
- Programs: Orthodontics, Periodontics, Oral Surgery, Pediatric Dentistry
- Tuition: Varies by program
6. UTHealth School of Dentistry – Advanced Education Programs
UTHealth Houston also offers several CODA-accredited postdoctoral residency programs, including General Practice Residency (GPR), Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD), endodontics, prosthodontics, and oral pathology. Residents receive advanced training through rotations in both academic and hospital settings.
These residencies prepare dentists for careers in academia, hospital dentistry, or private practice with an advanced skill set. The environment is supportive, research-friendly, and highly interdisciplinary.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Houston, TX
- Programs: GPR, AEGD, Endodontics, Oral Pathology
- Accreditation: CODA-accredited
7. Texas A&M AEGD Residency
This Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program at Texas A&M College of Dentistry provides one year of advanced training beyond dental school, focused on restorative dentistry, implant placement, and medically complex patients.
The program includes hospital rotations and allows residents to build confidence in treating a wide range of dental cases. It is ideal for new graduates seeking additional experience before entering private practice or applying to specialty programs.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Dallas, TX
- Program: AEGD Residency
- Duration: 1 year
8. San Antonio Military Medical Center – Dental Residency Programs
As part of the Department of Defense’s medical education system, San Antonio Military Medical Center offers elite training for military dentists. Programs include Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Prosthodontics, and General Practice Residency.
These programs are known for rigorous surgical and emergency dental care training, making graduates highly sought after in both military and civilian settings. Only U.S. military personnel are eligible to apply.
Quick Facts:
- Location: San Antonio, TX
- Programs: Oral Surgery, Prosthodontics, GPR
- Eligibility: U.S. military personnel only
9. Veterans Affairs North Texas Health Care System – GPR Residency
This General Practice Residency (GPR) program, hosted at the VA hospital in Dallas, emphasizes comprehensive treatment planning for medically compromised and elderly patients. It’s ideal for those pursuing hospital dentistry or public health.
Residents manage complex cases involving prosthetics, endodontics, and oral surgery in a real-world hospital environment. This experience equips dentists to work in high-pressure healthcare systems.
Quick Facts:
- Location: Dallas, TX
- Program: GPR Residency
- Duration: 1 year
10. Roseman University College of Dental Medicine (Nearby Option)
While not located in Texas, Roseman University in South Jordan, Utah, is a popular choice among Texas applicants. Its innovative, competency-based curriculum and supportive student environment have gained national attention.
Students benefit from a unique team-based learning approach, a modular schedule, and advanced training in digital dentistry. The program encourages professional development and community engagement.
Quick Facts:
- Location: South Jordan, UT
- Acceptance Rate: ~5%
- Average DAT Score: 21.6
- Tuition: ~$95,000/year
Conclusion
Texas dental schools provide high-quality education at competitive tuition rates. From the community focus of Texas A&M to the research strengths of UTHealth and the upcoming opportunities at Texas Tech, aspiring dentists have excellent choices in the Lone Star State. Make your application stand out with expert help from Code Blue Essays — whether it’s personal statement editing or mock interview prep.
FAQs
How many accredited dental schools are in Texas?
There are currently 3 CODA-accredited DDS programs and several advanced education residencies.
Which Texas dental school is the most affordable?
Texas A&M College of Dentistry offers some of the lowest in-state tuition rates.
Are Texas dental schools competitive?
Yes. Most schools accept fewer than 10% of applicants. Strong DAT scores and well-written applications are essential.
Do Texas dental schools accept out-of-state students?
Yes, but priority is often given to Texas residents. Some schools have separate admission quotas.