Dental schools in Florida offer a variety of programs to prepare students for careers in dentistry. Students can choose from accredited dental schools in Florida or nationally accredited programs. Florida dentists can typically practice in any of the state’s 67 counties.
The best dental schools in Florida are ranked to help you make a better decision when it comes time to apply. When people think of Florida, they often envision fun in the sun: beaches, warm weather, welcoming locals and tourists alike. And while the natural beauty of the state is a great attraction, there’s more to Florida than just that. Its cities are vibrant with culture and exciting nightlife, as well as its natural feel and flat terrain make it ideal for biking, hiking and enjoying sports. As you may expect, there are also many incredible opportunities for dental students in the Sunshine State.
There are a number of dental schools in Florida. If you are interested in becoming a dentist, then you will need to decide which dental school is the best fit for your needs. Below are some of the best dental schools in Florida.
1. University of Florida
The University of Florida College of Dentistry is the dental school at the University of Florida. The college offers degrees in four programs: Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS), Master of Science in Biomaterials and Graduate Certificate in Orthodontics.
The University of Florida College of Dentistry was established in 1908 as the College of Dental Surgery, and it is one of the oldest dental colleges in the United States. It was originally located on campus at what is now known as Old Main but moved to its current location on Archer Road in 1939 after having grown too large for its original facilities.
The college has more than 4,500 students enrolled each year and has been highly ranked by U.S. News & World Report and other publications over the years. In addition to offering comprehensive training programs for future dentists, it also provides continuing education opportunities for practicing dentists as well as other healthcare professionals who work with patients with oral health needs.
The University of Florida College of Dentistry offers 16 degree and certificate programs, some of these programs include:
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
DMD/Ph.D. dual program
Advanced education in General Dentistry
Endodontics
Operative and Esthetic Dentistry
Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
Periodontics
Prosthodontics.
2. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is a private research university, with its main campus in Davie, Florida. Founded in 1964, as Nova University of Advanced Technology.
Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine is the first dental college established in Florida.
Nova Southeastern University is one of the top dental schools in Florida. It offers a four-year degree program leading to the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
The school accepts about 100 students each year. It admits qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, disability or sexual orientation.
Nova Southeastern University offers several resources for prospective students like a library and computer lab along with career services and financial aid assistance. The faculty is comprised of over 100 full-time professors who are committed to excellence in teaching and research.
The school has an endowment fund worth more than $25 million which helps finance various projects that benefit the community and local economy.
The College offers the following programs:
Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
Advanced Education in General Dentistry
Endodontics
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
Periodontology
Advanced Speciality Program in Prosthodontics.
Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine also offers continuing education programs, recognized by ADA CERP.
3. Florida National University (FNU)
Florida National University is a private, non-profit institution founded in 1968. The school has a total undergraduate enrollment of 1,979, its setting is urban, and the campus size is 125 acres. It utilizes a semester-based academic calendar system and electronic classroom technology. Florida National University’s ranking in the 2018 edition of Best Colleges is Regional Universities South. Its tuition and fees are $20,520 (2018-19).
The program at Florida National University provides students with an opportunity to earn an education that will prepare them for careers in dental hygiene. Students in the program will take courses such as oral anatomy and physiology, oral pathology, periodontics and restorative dentistry. They also have the option of completing clinical hours at one of 13 off-campus facilities.
Students at Florida National University are required to complete 48 hours of clinical experience prior to graduation. These clinical hours can be completed at any approved dental facility within the state of Florida or outside of it as long as approval has been granted by the university’s administration prior to beginning study there.
FNU offers both undergraduate and continuing education programs, which include:
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.
4. Gulf Coast State University (GCSC)
The Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) is the largest of the 11 institutions that comprise Florida’s State College System and the third-largest public institution in the state.
The college began in 1947 as a state-supported teachers’ college offering two-year associate degrees. It was renamed Gulf Coast Junior College in 1965 and expanded its offerings to include bachelor’s degrees. In 1989, it became a four-year institution and changed its name to Gulf Coast State College.
The main campus is located on U.S. 98 in Panama City Beach, with additional campuses in Apalachicola, Chipley, Graceville, Port St. Joe, Tallahassee and Tampa Bay Area Center for Advanced Transportation (Tampa).
Gulf Coast offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate programs at various locations throughout Northwest Florida, Tampa Bay Area Center for Advanced Transportation (Tampa) and Tallahassee campuses; as well as online programs through Internet2’s University Network Exchange (UNET).
GCSC offers 3 dental programs, which include:
Dental Assisting, V.C.
Dental Hygiene, A.S.
Dental Medicine Option, Liberal Arts, A.A.
The Dental Assisting and Dental Hygiene programs offered by GCSC were initiated in 1970 and 1996, respectively.
5. Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
The Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is located in Erie, Pennsylvania. It offers a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree program as well as a Master of Science in Dental Surgery degree program. The college is accredited by the American Osteopathic Association’s Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation (COCA). The school’s student population consists of 660 students and its faculty include more than 50 full-time professors.
The curriculum at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine is designed to provide students with the necessary knowledge for a successful career in medicine. The curriculum consists of four years of basic science and two years of clinical training.
The first two years include a mixture of didactic lectures, small group sessions and hands-on laboratory work. The third year consists of clerkship rotations at affiliated hospitals around the country, while the fourth year focuses on electives and research opportunities.
Students will be required to take courses in biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, pathology, pharmacology, biochemistry and psychology. They will also be required to take courses in patient care such as nursing assessment and medical ethics.
The clinical training at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine includes rotations in internal medicine, family medicine and obstetrics/gynecology. Students must complete all four-year core curriculum requirements before beginning their clinical rotations.
Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine offers the following dental programs:
Dental Hygiene, A.S.
Dental Hygiene Bridge, A.S.
Dental Assisting, C.T.C.
6. Eastern Florida State College
Eastern Florida State College is a public institution that offers degrees from the associate level to the doctoral level. The school was founded in 1968, and it has an open admissions policy. The campus is located in Melbourne, Florida, about 60 miles south of Orlando. EFSC has an enrollment of over 16,000 students, including more than 2,700 graduate students.
Eastern Florida State College offers students more than 100 degree programs at the bachelor’s level and master’s level. Some of the most popular majors include business administration, biology, criminal justice and psychology. The school also offers several pre-professional programs such as nursing and physical therapy. Students can choose from two different types of degrees: associate of arts or associate of science degrees (both require 60 credit hours). Graduates receive a diploma upon completion of their studies.
Eastern Florida State College also offers a wide range of undergraduate certificate programs in fields such as business administration, accounting, computer networking technology and marketing management. Graduate certificates are available in many areas including accounting information systems, healthcare management and occupational safety & health compliance management.
EFSC has several campuses throughout central Florida including Melbourne Beach Campus in Melbourne Beach; Cocoa Campus in Cocoa; Palm Bay Campus.
Eastern Florida State College offers the following dental programs:
Dental Assisting Technology and Management, A.S.
Dental Hygiene, A.S.
Dental Assisting, A.T.D.
7. Broward College
Broward College is a community college with two main campuses in Fort Lauderdale and Davie, Florida. It also has several satellite centers around the county, including in downtown Miami and Tamarac. The school was founded in 1961 and has an annual enrollment of about 60,000 students.
The Broward College website states that its mission is to provide accessible learning opportunities for students at all levels of academic achievement, from those seeking basic skills certification to those pursuing a four-year degree or advanced certificate. The school offers more than 100 degrees and certificates in more than 30 fields of study.
Broward College offers the following dental programs:
Dental Assisting, A.S.
Dental Hygiene, A.S.
Dental Assisting, A.T.D.
8. Hillsborough Community College
Hillsborough Community College is a public, two-year institution with four campuses in Hillsborough County, Florida. Founded in 1968, Hillsborough Community College is currently the fifth largest community college in Florida’s State College System.
HCC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) to award associate degrees, certificates, and transferable credits toward baccalaureate degrees. It is also accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate degrees.
The college offers more than 150 career programs at all levels of study, including associate degrees, technical certificates, workforce certificates and adult basic education/GED preparation. There are more than 40 student clubs and organizations on campus.
HCC offers the following dental programs:
Dental A.A. pathway
Dental Assisting, PSAV
Dental Assisting, A.S.
9. South Florida State College (SFSC)
South Florida State College (SFSC) is a state college located in Miami, Florida. It was established in the year 1966 and has been operating for over 50 years. The college has a student population of about 20,000 students from all ethnic backgrounds and religions.
The college offers associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees, associate of science and bachelor of science degrees in various fields such as business administration, accounting, finance and marketing among others.
The college has campuses in Highlands, DeSoto, Hardee counties, and Lake Placid it also has an off-campus center in Miami Gardens. The off-campus center houses all the administrative offices including president’s office, vice president’s office and financial aid office among others.
South Florida State College offers the following dental programs:
Dental Assistant, C.C.
Dental Hygiene, A.S.
10. Indian River State College
Indian River State College, in Fort Pierce, Florida, is a state college that offers more than 60 degrees and certificates. The school’s main campus is located on a 300-acre site that provides students with a wide range of athletic and recreational facilities.
The college has an open admissions policy for most programs. Students who have completed high school but do not meet the minimum GPA or SAT requirements can enroll in the school’s pre-college program to improve their academic skills and prepare for college-level work.
The school also offers vocational training programs in fields such as cosmetology, culinary arts and business administration. Students can take advantage of a variety of support services including tutoring and counseling services as well as opportunities to participate in student organizations, clubs and organized activities.
Indian River State College offers the following dental programs:
Dental Assisting Technology and Management, A.S.
Dental Hygiene, A.S.
Requirements needed for Dental Schools in Florida
The requirements for dental school in Florida depend on the type of degree you wish to pursue. Here is a list of the requirements that you need to meet:
Bachelor’s Degree:
A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for admission into any dental program. You can either have an undergraduate degree or a graduate (master’s) degree. However, having an undergraduate degree is much easier than having a graduate degree, because it does not require as much time or money as the latter does.
DAT Score:
The DAT exam is taken by almost everyone who wants to get into dental school. This test consists of multiple choice questions and physical tests that measure your ability to handle problems under pressure and think quickly. Your score from this test will determine whether or not you get accepted into dental school or not.
GPA:
Your GPA is another important factor that determines whether or not you will be accepted into dental school. The higher your GPA is, the better chance you have of getting accepted into a good school.
In the end, there are a lot of great dental schools in Florida, so you can’t go wrong with any of them. Just think about your priorities and consider your location preferences. Once those are decided, it should be much easier to find a dental school that meets your needs. Now get out there, look at the schools that interest you, and see which one fits the bill for you.
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