The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the top dental schools in California because of its excellent education programs, research facilities, and strong career outcomes for graduates. Along with UCLA, many other dental schools and colleges in California are worth considering for aspiring dentists.
These institutions offer quality academic programs, hands-on clinical training, modern facilities, and affordable tuition options. Some schools focus on research opportunities, while others excel in community service and patient care.
If you are seeking the best dental schools and colleges in California, this guide includes all the details, such as acceptance rates, tuition fees, popular courses, and what makes each school unique. This will help you choose the right dental university.
Best Dental Schools in California (2026 Picks)
This article compares the top dental schools in California based on acceptance rate, tuition, and academic offerings to help students make an informed decision.
Here is a quick overview of California’s top dental schools.
| Best Dental Colleges in California | Acceptance Rate | Tuition Aid (After Financial Aid) |
|---|---|---|
| University of the Pacific | 97% | $17,874 |
| University of California – Davis | 37% | $14,920 |
| University of California – Santa Barbara | 29.1% | $9,691 |
| University of California-San Diego | 24% | $14,895 |
| University of California – Irvine | 21% | $9,691 |
| University of California – Los Angeles | 9% | $11,627 |
| University of California – Riverside | 69% | $13,223 |
| University of California – Santa Cruz | 47.1% | $12,852 |
| University of California – Berkeley | 11% | $15,240 |
| University Of Southern California | 12% | $25,972 |
Note: Tuition fees may change over time, depending on the university’s criteria. So, it is best to contact the university directly for the current dental fee structure.
Please remember that when evaluating dental schools, the dental school acceptance rate is a critical factor for applicants seeking the right academic fit. Let us find out:
1. University Of the Pacific
| Founded | 1851 |
| Acceptance Rate | 93% |
| Enrolment | 8,645 |
| Average Tuition Fee | $17,874 |
| Link | Here |
The University of the Pacific School of Dentistry ranking consistently places it among the top dental schools in the U.S. due to its strong career outcomes and clinical excellence.
The university is known for its academic excellence, comprehensive clinical training, and career support. It also commits to community service, research opportunities, and interprofessional education.
Graduates of the University of the Pacific’s dental school are highly sought after by dentists nationwide. In 2023, the school had a 99% employment rate for its graduates.
Popular Courses: Dental Hygiene, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Pre-Dentistry, International Dental Studies
2. University Of California – Davis
| Founded | 1905 |
| Acceptance Rate | 37% |
| Enrolment | 40,050 |
| Average Tuition Fee | $14,920 |
| Link | Here |
The University of California–Davis stands out as a premier dental school in California, offering a complete and exceptional dental education.
UC Davis Dental School acceptance rate is high as it has a reputable history, top rankings, outstanding faculty, and research opportunities.
A common question is, does UC Davis have a dental school? The answer is UC Davis provides strong pre-dental programs and related health science courses..
It will provide an ideal environment with clinical experience, state-of-the-art facilities, vibrant student life, a strong alumni network, and a commitment to community engagement. Hence, UC Davis Dental School has positively impacted students in the field of dentistry.
3. University Of California – Santa Barbara
| Founded | 1891 |
| Acceptance Rate | 29.1% |
| Enrolment | 26,420 |
| Average Tuition Fees | $9,691 |
| Link | Here |
The minimum GPA you require to get admission to UCSB is 3.0 in all A-G courses.
Compared to other dental colleges on the list, Santa Barbara’s acceptance rate is pretty decent, at 29.1%. The after-aid tuition fees are also affordable. However, that is only valid for in-state students. If you do not reside in California, the after-aid tuition fee is $45,568.
One perk of getting admission to UCSB is that CoE is smaller, which helps students get more comfortable with their faculty.
4. University Of California – San Diego
| Founded | 1960 |
| Acceptance Rate | 24% |
| Enrolment | 41,885 |
| Average Tuition Fee | $14,895 |
| Link | Here |
As a top-tier dental school, the University of California-San Diego offers an outstanding academic program that will prepare you for a successful career in dentistry.
The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive education in oral health, combining rigorous coursework with hands-on clinical training.
As a student, you will gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art clinical facilities, working closely with experienced faculty members. By treating patients from the surrounding community, you will develop essential clinical skills while providing much-needed dental care.
5. University Of California – Irvine
| Founded | 1965 |
| Acceptance Rate | 21% |
| Enrolment | 35,937 |
| Average Tuition Fees | $9,691 |
| Link | Here |
Out of the 439 National universities, Irvine has ranked number 33. With over ten campuses, UCI is considered the Public Grant Land Research University and has been declared an “R1 Doctoral University” because of its high research activity.
Remember that to be eligible for UCI, you must have a 3.0+ GPA in the A-G subjects.
For every 100 applicants, 21 reserve their spots. If you consider yourself a scholar enough or are ready to put in extra hard work, then Irvine will be an ideal dental university for you!
6. University Of California – Los Angeles
| Founded | 1919 |
| Acceptance Rate | 9% |
| Enrolment | 32,932 |
| Average Tuition Fee | $11,627 |
| Link | Here |
First on my list is the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), which is widely recognized as one of the best dental schools in California.
Known for its excellence in education, research, and patient care, UCLA’s School of Dentistry will offer you a comprehensive and rigorous dental program.
7. University Of California – Riverside
| Founded | 1907 |
| Acceptance Rate | 69% |
| Enrolment | 26,809 |
| Average Tuition Fees | $13,233 |
| Link | Here |
With a 76% graduation rate, UCR is a full-time program that lasts less than six years. The Public Research University is ranked 76 out of 439 national universities and requires a minimum 3.0 GPA for admission. However, if you live outside the United States, you must have at least a 3.4 GPA.
Likewise, your post-aid tuition fee will be around $13,692 if you are an in-state student. On the other hand, if you live outside California, you must pay about 46 K.
8. University Of California – Santa Cruz
| Founded | 1965 |
| Acceptance Rate | 47.1% |
| Enrolment | 19478 |
| Average Tuition Fees | $12,852 |
| Link | Here |
UCSC is not hard to get into, considering its 47.1% acceptance rate.
With an 82nd rank, the University of California requires a 3.76 to 4.71 High School GPA, a 20 to 30 ACT score, a 25 to 32 ACT English language ARTS score, and 590 to 690 for SAT Evidence-based Reading and Writing.
The average tuition fee before receiving financial aid at UCSC is $38,712. However, the rates are nearly half once your financial aid is confirmed.
9. University Of California – Berkeley
| Founded | 1868 |
| Acceptance Rate | 11% |
| Enrolment | 45,036 |
| Average Tuition Fee | $15,240 |
| Link | Here |
UC Berkeley’s dental school consistently ranks among the top dental schools in California and the United States. Their programs have a comprehensive curriculum, distinguished faculty, commitment to cutting-edge research, and patient-centered care.
Moreover, UC Berkeley Dental School is committed to serving the community. You can provide dental care to underserved populations through their outreach programs and partnerships with local clinics and organizations.
10. University Of Southern California
| Founded | 1880 |
| Acceptance Rate | 12% |
| Enrolment | 49,500 |
| Average Tuition Fee | $25,972 |
| Link | Here |
USC’s dental school is known for its strong academic program, clinical training, and research facilities. The school has a state-of-the-art clinical facility to help you practice skills on actual patients. The school also has several research centers dedicated to advancing the field of dentistry.
USC’s dental school is highly selective. According to research, in 2023, the school received over 4,000 applications and admitted only 300 students. The average GPA for admitted students is 3.8, and the average DAT score is 20.
11. California Institute Of Technology
| Founded | 1891 |
| Acceptance Rate | 3% |
| Enrolment | 2,238 |
| Average Tuition Fees | $29,379 |
| Link | Here |
The Private Research University in Pasadena is compared with MIT and Harvard. And why wouldn’t it? The admission process for this college is considerably high and is only open for “gifted students.”
However, if you score 35+ on the ACT and 1535+ on the SAT, you have a high chance of entering CALTECH. I recommend this University for financially stable students, as the average tuition fee is $83,598.
You can get financial aid, but then again, you must work to get a maximum scholarship. Keep in mind that the university does not offer dental programs. Instead, you receive routine checkups to maintain your oral hygiene.
12. Naval Post Graduate School – Monterey
| Founded | 1909 |
| Acceptance Rate | 39% |
| Enrolment | 37,402 |
| Average Tuition Fees | $26,000 |
| Link | Here |
Naval Post Graduate School of Monterey requires a 2.2 on a 4.0 grading system.
Out of which, the 112 quarter or 75 semester hours you dedicate are graded on a letter basis.
The university also offers research opportunities at a postdoctoral level. Now, you must be wondering who can join the school; there are no criteria. You can be an international student, a US military student, or a defense contractor and yet apply for the NPGS.
13. University Of California – San Francisco
| Founded | 1864 |
| Acceptance Rate | 11.3% |
| Enrolment | 9,212 |
| Average Tuition Fee | $45,698 |
| Link | Here |
The next one is the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), which is highly regarded as one of the best dental schools in California. UCSF School of Dentistry has a strong reputation for its exceptional education, innovative research, and commitment to advancing oral health care.
Graduates from UCSF are well-prepared to make significant contributions to dentistry and oral health care.
14. Loma Linda University
| Founded | 1905 |
| Acceptance Rate | 38% |
| Enrolment | 4,325 |
| Average Tuition Fee | $37,332 |
| Link | Here |
Loma Linda University, located in Loma Linda, California, is known for its strong academic programs, commitment to service, and integration of faith and health. Loma Linda University School of Dentistry offers a comprehensive dental education.
The dental program will prepare you to be a competent and compassionate dental professional. Hence, you will serve your communities with a strong purpose and dedication.
15. Stanford University
| Founded | 1885 |
| Acceptance Rate | 4% |
| Enrolment | – |
| Average Tuition Fee | $7,200 |
| Link | Here |
Stanford University School of Dentistry, founded in 1920, is one of the oldest dental schools in California. It is accredited by the American Dental Association (ADA) and is a member of the Association of American Dental Schools (AADS).
The school offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) and a Master of Science in Dentistry (MSD). The DDS program is a four-year program that includes classroom instruction, clinical rotations, and research.
With an incredibly low acceptance rate of just 4% at Stanford dental school, the university remains one of the most competitive in the country.
Related Reads:
Wrapping Up: UCLA Is One Of The Best Dental Schools In California For Studies
Schools like UCLA and UCSF offer strong programs with competitive acceptance rates. Also, institutions such as the University of the Pacific and others provide higher admission chances and quality education.
The best thing you can do is review each school’s tuition fees, clinical training opportunities, and graduate employment rates to decide on your dental school selection.
Take time to carefully compare these options. Visit campus websites, connect with current students, and apply to multiple programs to increase your chances of success in dental education.
FAQs
The requirements for admission to a dental school in California vary from school to school. However, most schools require applicants to have a bachelor’s degree, a high GPA, and a good DAT score.
The cost of attending dental school in California varies by school. However, the average tuition is around $150,000 per year.
The state has a large population and a growing demand for dental care. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, dental employment is projected to grow 13% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
