Getting top-quality education is the most important part of the journey to becoming a dentist or any dental profession. The Best dental schools in Florida are capable of providing top-quality dental education at an affordable price to domestic and international students.
It is no longer a news that Florida is home to some of the best schools in America. In fact, Florida is consistently ranked among the top 5 best states for education in the U.S. According to U.S News 2022 ranking, Florida is the third best state for education in the U.S.
Best dental schools in Florida awards a D.D.S or D.M.D degree in the field of dentistry. They also offer advanced dental education programs, as well as continuing education programs.
In this article, we’ve put together a list of the 15 best dental schools in Florida, as well as other dental school-related topics.
Table of Contents
Accreditation for Dental Schools in Florida
The commission on Dental Association (CODA) is the accrediting agency for dental schools in America, including dental schools in Florida.
It accredits dental schools and programs including advanced dental education programs and allied dental education programs in the United States.
CODA was created by American Dental Association’s Council in Dental Education in 1975 and is nationally recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE) as the sole agency to accredit dental and dental-related education programs conducted at the post-secondary level.
Note: If you wish to study any dental or dental-related program in Florida, do well to check if it is accredited by CODA. Graduates of unaccredited dental schools may not be able to sit for licensure examinations.
Florida Licensure Examinations for Dental Students
After the successful completion of any dental or dental-related program, the next step is to sit for licensure examinations accepted in Florida.
The state of Florida approved the following examination agencies to administer licensure exams:
1. Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA)
The Commission on Dental Competency Assessments (CDCA), formerly known as North East Regional Board of Dental Examiners (NERB), is one of the five examination agencies for dentists in the United States.
CDCA is responsible for administering the following examinations
- ADEX Dental Exams
- ADEX Dental Hygiene Exams
- Florida Laws and Rules Dental Exam
- Florida Laws and Rules Dental Hygiene Exam.
2. Joint Commission on National Dental Examination (JCNDE)
The Joint Commission on National Dental Examination (JCNDE) is the agency responsible for the development and administration of the National Board Dental Examination(NBDE) and National Board Dental Hygiene Examination(NBDHE).
The purpose of the examinations is to assist state boards in determining the qualifications of dentists and dental hygienists who seek licensure to practice dentistry or dental hygiene.
The Most Common Programs Offered by Dental Schools in Florida
Most dental schools in Florida offer the following dental programs:
- Dental Hygiene
- Dental Assisting
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
- Advanced Education in General Dentistry
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedic
- Periodontics
- Endodontics
- Prosthodontics
- Dental Public Health.
Requirements needed for Dental Schools in Florida
Each dental school or dental program has its own admission requirements.
Most dental schools in the US, including Florida, requires the following:
- A Bachelor’s degree in Health Science program (preferably medicine program).
- High grades in prerequisite science courses: biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and physics
- Dental Admission Test (DAT) Scores.
What are the Best Dental Schools in Florida?
Below is a list of the 15 Best Dental Schools in Florida:
- University of Florida
- Nova Southeastern University
- Florida National University
- Gulf Coast State College
- Sante Fe College
- Eastern Florida State College
- Broward College
- Hillsborough Community College
- South Florida State College
- Indian River State College
- Daytona State College
- Palm Beach State College
- Florida SouthWestern State College
- LECOM School of Dental Medicine
- Valencia College.
15 Best Dental Schools in Florida
1. University of Florida
The University of Florida (UF) is a public land-grant research university in Gainesville, Florida. UF is among the best public universities in America.
Established in 1972, the University of Florida College of Dentistry is the only publicly-funded dental school in Florida. UF College of Dentistry is a national leader in dental education, research, patient care, and community service.
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.
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 for-profit university in Hialeah, Florida, established in 1982. It has three campus locations and an online learning option.
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)
Gulf Coast State University is a public college located in Panama City, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System.
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. Sante Fe College
Sante Fe College is a public college located in Gainesville, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System.
Health Sciences at Santa Fe College consists of Allied Health, Nursing, and Dental programs.
Sante Fe College 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, formerly known as Brevard Community College, is a public college in Brevard County, Florida. It is a member of the Florida College System.
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 located in Broward County. It is one of the nation’s leading colleges for students seeking rewarding healthcare careers.
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 community college located in Hillsborough County, Florida. It is among the Florida College System.
Founded in 1968, Hillsborough Community College is currently the fifth largest community college in Florida’s State College System.
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 is a public college in Florida, with campuses in Highlands, DeSoto, Hardee counties, and Lake Placid. It is part of the Florida College System.
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 is a public college with its main campus in Fort Pierce, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System.
Indian River State College offers the following dental programs:
- Dental Assisting Technology and Management, A.S.
- Dental Hygiene, A.S.
11. Daytona State College (DSC)
Daytona State College is a public college located in Daytona Beach, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System.
Daytona State College is the premier source for educational and advanced training in Central Florida.
DSC School of Dental Science offers the following dental programs:
- Dental Assisting (certificate)
- Dental Hygiene, A.S.
12. Palm Beach State College (PBSC)
Founded in 1933 as Florida’s first public community college. Palm Beach State College is also the fourth largest of the 28 colleges in the Florida College System.
PBSC offers the following dental programs:
- Dental Assisting, CCP
- Dental Hygiene, AS.
13. Florida SouthWestern State College
Florida SouthWestern State College is a public college with its main campus in Fort Myers, Florida. It is part of the Florida College System.
Its School of Health Professions offers two dental programs, which include:
- Dental Hygiene, A.S.
- Local Anesthesia for the Dental Hygienist (continuing education program).
14. LECOM School of Dental Medicine
Lake Eric College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) is a private medical college in Florida. LECOM is a leader in medical education.
LECOM School of Dental Medicine offers a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program. The DMD program prepares students for the practice of general dentistry through a unique and innovative curriculum.
15. Valencia College
Valencia College is a community college founded in 1967, with locations in Orange and Osceola counties.
Its Allied Health Division, located in Orlando, Florida, offers a Dental Hygiene program.
The Dental Hygiene Associate in Science (A.S.) degree program at Valencia College is a two-year program that prepares you to go directly into a specialized career as a dental hygienist.
Valencia College’s dental hygiene program was established in 1977 and graduated its charter class of 23 students in 1978.
Frequently Asked Questions on the Best Dental Schools in Florida
What is a Dental School?
A dental school is a tertiary educational institution or part of such an institution, that offers dental degree and certificate programs, as well as continuing education programs.
How many years does it take to become a Dentist?
It generally takes eight years to become a Dentist: four years to earn a bachelor's degree, and four years to earn a D.M.D or D.D.S degree
What is the average first-year cost of dental school?
According to American Dental Association (ADA), In 2020-21, the average first-year cost of dental school (including tuition and mandatory general fees) was $55,521 for residents and $71,916 for non-residents.
How many Dental Schools are accredited in the US?
According to American Dental Association (ADA), there are about 69 accredited dental schools in the US.
How much do Dentists earn in Florida?
According to indeed.com, the average salary for a dentist is $148,631 per year in Florida.
Where can I work after graduating from Dental School?
Graduates of dental schools can work in hospitals, nursing homes, and public health clinics.
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Conclusion
If you have an interest in pursuing a career as a dentist or any dental profession, you should consider the best dental schools in Florida.
We have now come to the end of this article, we hope this article was helpful to you. In case, you have any questions, let us know in the Comment Section.
