Most Affordable Dental Schools

Career Karma

Attending dental school, like any other professional school, is expensive. This high cost has made several students abandon their dreams of entering the dental profession. However, that doesn’t have to be you. If you’ve dreamt of becoming a dentist but want to avoid the high cost of dental school, this article will help you discover the cheapest dental schools in the US.

The cheapest dental degrees ensure that students can break down their cost of attendance or gain access to adequate financial aid. In this guide, we explore the most affordable dental schools in the US and their top programs, as well as the financial aid options available and how to apply for one.

What Are the Most Affordable Dental Schools in the US?

The most affordable dental schools in the US are East Carolina University, Augusta University, and the University of Nevada-Los Angeles. These dental schools offer quality dental programs and ensure students looking to become dentists can look forward to a fixed and consistent tuition payment structure.

How Much Do the Cheapest Dental Schools Cost?

The cheapest dental schools cost between $5,000 to $30,000 a year. This cost of education includes annual tuition and other mandatory fees. According to a survey by the American Dental Association for the 2021-2022 academic year, the average cost of dental schools during the first year is $56,698 for residents and $74,866 for non-residents.

Cheapest Dental Schools Cost Breakdown

• Tuition and Fees. The tuition rate for dental students is charged based on their residency. Typically, non-residents pay more than residents. The mandatory fees for dental students include general, application, technology, and dental clinic fees.
• Student Insurance. Medical and dental insurance plans are usually part of the direct cost for some dental universities and are optional for others. The medical and dental benefits include routine preventative visits, simple medical procedures, and some complex surgeries. You can apply for a medical insurance waiver if you already have comparable health coverage.
• Instruments. Like medical‌ students, dental students are required to own and use clinical instruments and equipment during their program. Your instrument fee may include a routine and emergency dental coverage kit. Some of the typical instruments covered include a restorative kit, periodontal kit, coupling kit, and rotating kit.
• Books and supplies. You’ll be expected to pay for textbooks and school supplies each year. This expense is not directly tied to your tuition cost in most schools, so you can reduce the total cost in some areas.
• Living costs. Most schools offer campus living options, which reduce your housing expenses significantly while in school. If you choose to live outside the campus, you should know your housing cost may include transportation and food.

Why You Should Attend a Dental School

You should attend a dental school if you’re fascinated by the dental profession and would like to make a difference in human lives. This service-oriented profession is well respected and has long-term relevance. Private dentists earn a high and stable income, yet enjoy a lot of autonomy, unlike doctors. You can easily cultivate a work-life balance as a dentist.

According to the Grand View Research report, the dental services market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.4 percent globally by 2028. This includes dental implants, periodontics, laser dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, orthodontics, dentures, and endodontics. The growth rate in the US is 5.3 percent.

Best Dental School Career Options

The best dental school career options include orthodontist, dentist, dental scientist, and maxillofacial surgeon. These career paths are amongst the highest paying and most popular in the dentistry industry. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts an eight percent job outlook growth for dentists, accounting for 11,100 new jobs.

Dental School Graduate Salary

The average salary for a dentist graduate is $142,991, according to PayScale. Typically, a dental graduate has a doctoral degree in dental medicine or dental surgery. Those who earn this salary range often have below two years of work experience. These professionals are mostly general dentists, as specialist dentist roles offer considerably higher average salaries.

Can You Attend Dental School for Free?

Yes, you can attend dental school for free if you’re on some form of educational sponsorship, such as a scholarship, employee sponsorship, crowd-funding, or grant. In reality, full funding for dental school is ‌scarce. Your best bet would be to use a combination of financial aid programs to cover your tuition.

However, if you’re yet to commit to a payment plan, you can use free online resources to gain some insight into dental education. Platforms such as MOOC List offer free online courses and exercises to students who can’t afford a college degree at the moment. This is a good way to review your fitness for the field, before committing large sums of money. 

Cheapest Dental Schools That Won’t Break the Bank

What Are the Cheapest Dental Schools? A Deep Dive

Paying for Dental School With Financial Aid

Federal grants, private loans, private loans, and work-study programs are ideal ways to reduce or eliminate the cost of dental schools. Before you settle on a payment plan, you should know what each financial aid entails. If you’re still wondering how to afford college, the section below will give you some answers.

Federal Grants

Federal grants are an ideal way to pay for dental school. However, not all grants can be accessed by graduate dental students. As a dental graduate student, you can apply for a Teacher Education Help for College and Higher Education (TEACH) grant if you can ‌commit to a stipulated teaching service after graduation.

Dental students who are not interested in teaching can apply for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). To qualify, you need to fill out your FAFSA and have certain financial needs.

Federal Loans

Dental students are eligible for loans as part of their financial aid package which they must pay back with interest. Direct unsubsidized loans and direct plus loans don’t come with an interest waiver. The upside to this is that these loans are not limited to students with financial needs. As long as you’re enrolled in a school that takes part in the Direct Loan program, you can apply.

Private Loans

Private loans are ideal for students looking to secure immediate funds to cover their dental school tuition fees or students who have lower credit scores. Private lenders usually offer loans at interest rates higher than that of federal lenders. Some of the top private lenders in the US include Ernest, Ascent, and Sallie Mae.

Work-Study

If you don’t want to repay borrowed funds or rely on grants, you can apply to work-study programs along with your financial aid application. Work-study programs are an ideal way to avoid student loan debt and make extra money for purposes beyond tuition, such as room and boarding, transportation, and meals. Work-study programs are also a good way to build real-world experience to boost your value to potential employers.

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How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Dental School Program

Submitting a federal aid application is the only way to access any of the federal aid programs. Depending on the outcome of your aid application, you are given a combination of financial aid awards. Below is a step-by-step guide for securing federal financial aid.

1. Step 1. Conduct preliminary research to understand the financial aid options available in your school. You can access this information through the financial aid page on your school’s website or the FAFSA website.
2. Step 2. Gather the documents you’ll need to submit before starting your application. You’ll need to submit it before the deadline to maximize your aid. The documents needed include your social security number, driver’s license, your parent’s social security number if you’re a dependent student, alien registration if you’re not a citizen, tax documents, and cash income reports.
3. Step 3. Once you’ve submitted your Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) form, it is reviewed. You are then sent a Student Aid Report (SAR). To view your SAR, log into your fafsa.gov account. Ensure the information represented on the SAR is accurate before resubmitting.
4. Step 4. The next step is to accept the aid offer. Your school’s financial aid office determines the amount of aid you can receive as a student. Once you’re contacted, ‌evaluate the aid types offered and accept those that don’t require repayment first.
5. Step 5. To continue receiving financial aid awards, you must reapply each year.

Best Dental Scholarships

• National Health Service Corps Scholarship | Amount: tuition and fees for up to four years. This annual scholarship was designed for students looking to become primary health care professionals. Students from dentistry, nursing, and medical disciplines who are citizens and studying in the US are welcome to apply.
• Dental Trade Alliance Scholarship | Amount: $5,000-$25,000. This scholarship was designed to provide aid to dental students with financial needs, academic excellence in dentistry coursework, and active involvement in community service. Candidates must be nominated by their dean to qualify for the award.
• Audacity to Dream Scholarship | Amount: $10,000-$20,000. In partnership with Colgate, the National Dental Association Foundation was created to provide aid to dental school students who display competence in research, community service, and leadership. Candidates must have a GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and submit four letters of recommendation.
• ADEA/GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare Preventive Dentistry Scholarship | Amount: $2,500. Each year, 12 postdoctoral dental school students are awarded tuition aid if they demonstrate a strong interest in preventive dentistry, have a good academic background, are an ADEA member, and have been nominated by their dean of dental school as worthy candidates.
• ICD-WUDAA Scholarship program | Amount: $2,500. This annual scholarship was designed to reduce dental school debt for dental students. To qualify for this scholarship you must express a financial need and be in good standing with an accredited US dental school.

Cheapest Undergraduate Dental Schools

Below is a list of the cheapest undergraduate dental schools for learners looking to pursue careers in dentistry. These degrees increase your chances of being admitted into top doctoral dental programs.

Most Affordable Dental Associate Degree Programs

1. Mesa Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene | $85/credit (Maricopa county resident); $441/credit (out of county). This program is for students looking to become primary carer oral health professionals. Through completion of 92 to 102.5 credits, you’ll explore topics such as human anatomy, microbiology, CPR for healthcare providers, and physiology.
2. City Colleges of Chicago (Malcolm X) | Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene | $146/credit (in district); $384/credit (out of district); $481/credit (out of state). This 74-credit program educates students on basic patient care and the various preventive oral health care services. At Malcolm X community college, students are prepared to excel in any dental hygiene licensure exam.
3. Ivy Tech Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene | $149.55/credit (in state); $292.57/credit (out of state). This program allows students to take part in a variety of community patient care. It lasts for two years, during which you can expect lab work, classwork, and clinical practice for 16 to 26 hours per week.
4. Community College of Philadelphia | Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene | $159/credit (Philadelphia resident); $477/credit (non-resident). This program prepares you to take on roles as oral health educators and clinicians. It also prepares you for the national or regional board dental hygiene examination. You’ll be required to complete 83 credits over four years.
5. Tyler Junior College | Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene | $211/credit (in district); $271/credit (out of district); $295/credit (out of state). If you’re looking to join this high-paying profession, this 68-semester-hour program prepares you to treat and prevent oral diseases to maintain oral health over two years.

Most Affordable Dental Bachelor’s Degree Programs

1. Clayton State University | Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene | $169.33/credit (in state); $616.07/credit (out of state). This 120-credit program includes a basic licensure track. Students may complete 54 credits in major course requirements, some of which include dental anatomy, radiology, nutrition, and interactive communication.
2. Utah Tech University | Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene | $219.44/credit (resident); $701.48/credit (non-resident). This program was designed to prepare students for professional licensure and certification. You’ll be allowed to earn 126 credits through a multidisciplinary curriculum in five semesters.
3. Wichita State University | Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene | $228.09/credit (resident); $540.27/credit (non-resident). This accredited program prepares you for national, state, and clinical board examinations. You can complete it in two years through a full-time study format. The minimum GPA to apply is 2.75 and a grade of C in all college work.
4. Farmingdale State College | Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene | $295/credit (New York State resident); $708/credit (out of state). This program prepares you for entry-level roles in oral healthcare. You’ll be allowed to earn 125 credits through courses such as oral pathology, oral radiology, pharmacology, seminar, and clinical dental hygiene.
5. Youngstown State University | Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene | $320.09/credit. In nine semesters, students must complete 121 to 122 credits in pre-dental courses, including courses in microbiology, general psychology, allied health chemistry, and quantitative reasoning.

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Cheapest Graduate Schools for Dental

Most dental schools offer master’s degrees, doctoral degrees, and professional degrees in dental surgery or dental medicine. Below are some of the cheapest graduate dental schools to earn an affordable graduate degree in a dental science-related discipline.

Most Affordable Dental Master’s Degree Programs

1. The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill | Master of Science in Dental Hygiene Education |$586.23/credit (resident); $1,602.45/credit (non-resident). This 22-month program prepares you for lucrative careers in dental administration, research, teaching, and management. You must complete 41 to 46 credits in specialized dentistry topics, including applied pharmacology, advanced intraoral functions, and advanced clinical endodontics.
2. The Ohio State University | Master of Science in Dentistry | $772.50/credit (instructional fee). This program offers coursework and clinical experience in science topics such as oral pathology, dental anesthesiology, endodontics, orthodontics, periodontics, pediatric dentistry, oral and maxillofacial surgery, and prosthodontics.
3. The University of Louisville | Master of Science in Oral Health Sciences | $775/credit (residents); $1,575/credit (non-resident). This research-based program encompasses thesis research and a final oral examination. In two years, the student is required to complete didactic courses and start their research project in areas such as biochemistry, oral immunology, microbiology, and genetics.
4. The University of Minnesota | Master of Science in Dentistry | $1,044/credit. This degree program prepares you for leadership positions in research, education, and clinical administration. In 18 months, you’ll be expected to earn 14 credits in dental education, biostatistics, and health care administration.
5. The University of Iowa | Master of Science in Oral Science | $12,065/year (resident); $31,012/year (non-resident). This program includes independent research which may lead to a thesis. You’ll be expected to complete a minimum of 30 credits of graduate coursework and a final examination.

Most Affordable PhDs in Dental Universities

1. Ohio State University | Doctor of Philosophy in Oral Biology | $772.50/credit (instructional fee). You can complete this program in five or six years. You’ll be allowed to choose an area of study like biomaterials, microbiology and microbiome, hard tissue, immunology and inflammation, cellular and molecular biology, or neuroscience.
2. University of Illinois | Doctor of Philosophy in Oral Sciences | $6,083/semester (in-state); $12,678/semester (out of state). This research-focused degree program can be completed in four or five years. You’ll be required to pick one of three possible tracks, which include biomaterials science, cellular, molecular and developmental biology, or immunology/biology.
3. Virginia Commonwealth University | Doctor of Philosophy in Oral Health Research | $6,309/9-15 credits (in state); $12,978/9-15 credits (out of state). This degree program equips students with a strong background in oral biology, biochemistry, and molecular biology. Students with a bachelor’s degree may need to complete 102 credits, comprising 35 credits in didactic course work and 67 credits in research.
4. University of Minnesota | Doctor of Philosophy in Oral Biology | $21,588/semester (resident); $38,992/semester (non-resident). This program covers five core research areas, namely biomaterials, tissue engineering, microbiology, epithelial biology, and bone biology. During four years, enrolled students will take part in coursework, written and oral examinations, seminars, and dissertations.
5. The University of Iowa | Doctor of Oral Sciences | $12,564/year (resident); $31,511/year (non-resident). This program includes the completion of a comprehensive exam and independent research work, which may lead to a dissertation defense. Candidates may earn 72 hours of graduate credits over four years.

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How to Choose a Good and Affordable Dental School

According to the American Dental Association, there are 69 accredited dental schools in the United States. Conducting an initial school search will allow you to find out which of the schools and education programs align with your academic and career goals. Generally, your decision should be based on the factors below.

School Location

If you’re concerned about reducing your cost of living, you should apply to dental schools in states with the lowest cost of living. Dental schools, like medical schools, are very expensive. Besides tuition, you need to cover factors like your housing cost, feeding, and transportation. These costs can substantially increase your overall cost of education if you don’t make the location a priority during your decision-making.

Curriculum Content

You should look for schools that offer you a balanced combination of clinical work and classroom learning. To succeed in the industry, you need interdisciplinary knowledge. Ideally, your classroom learning shouldn’t be streamlined. You should be allowed to take courses in art, natural science, and applied science disciplines.

The Reputation of the School and Program

The school you attend can boost your value to potential employers and industry partners. To ensure you make the right choice, stick to programs that hold national rankings or have been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation.

There are several advantages to attending a nationally ranked school. Besides giving you a quality education, it exposes you to an influential social network, state-of-the-art facilities and resources, industry partnerships, and employment opportunities.

Ease of Entry

Most dental schools practice selective admission. You need to take the dental admission test (DAT) or equivalent and submit your dental school application to the ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service in most cases. Stick to schools that don’t have too many entry requirements or pay little emphasis on personal achievement if you don’t have a strong academic or work background.

Program Size

Smaller program sizes promote cooperation and offer a sense of belonging. It also provides an opportunity for the student to interact with their peers and faculty. However, larger programs offer you a more diverse student background and more student organizations and club options, all of which can optimize your campus experience.

Tips for Saving Money While Attending Dental School

• Financial Aid. Take advantage of student financial aid. As a dental student, you can access grants and part-time jobs. The general rule is to ensure you have a stable income stream while you’re in school. You can also apply for scholarships.
• Avoid Debt. Don’t rely on federal or private student loans. While a student loan relieves you of financial stress in the short run, it can lead to huge student debt in the future. Focus on methods that don’t require you to repay funds.
• Cut Living Costs. Live on campus. Living off-campus has benefits, but it’s not a great way to cut down on your cost of schooling. Campus living eliminates extravagant spending on food and transportation. It is also secure.
• Student Deals. Take advantage of student discounts and offers. Whether it’s buying a new laptop for college or grabbing a cup of coffee, source out brands that reduce the prices of products and services for students.
• Budget. Live on a budget. All of your efforts won’t matter if you can’t implement financial prudence. To get started, you should explore valuable resources on budgeting and financial management. 

Cheapest Online Dental Schools

Online dental schools are now a viable option for dental and medical students. While you may still be required to visit campus for lab work, you can do most of your classes remotely. This flexibility is ideal for working students. Below are the best online dental schools to enroll in today.

Most Affordable Online Dental Bachelor’s Programs

• Minnesota State University | Online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene | $367.90/credit. You can complete your degree through the standard or accelerated learning track. In one or two years, you’ll explore online courses such as advanced dental hygiene practice, technology in oral health, and dental hygiene care planning.
• Old Dominion University | Online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Completion | $374/credit (in state residents); $407/credit (out of state). This 120-credit program includes lower-level courses in human anatomy and physiology, lifespan development, and basic bacteriology.
• the University of New Haven | Online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Completion | $540/credit.  If you’ve earned an Associate Degree in Dental Hygiene, this degree completion program can boost your earning potential and knowledge depth. Students must complete 30 credits over one or two years through courses in oral medicine, instructional planning, and an internship.
• Ohio State University | Online Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Completion | $4,584/semester (12-18 credits). This flexible online program is designed for licensed dentists who are also associate degree holders. Courses in this program include practice management, periodontal therapy, research methods, and interpretation.
• Northern Arizona University | Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene Degree Completion Program & Concurrent Enrollment Program | $11,160/academic year.  This online degree program was designed for students on a dental school waiting list, working professionals, or associate degree holders looking to advance their knowledge of dental hygiene. You’ll be expected to complete 120 credit units to graduate with this degree.

Most Affordable Online Dental Master’s Programs

• University of New Mexico | Online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene | $428.12/credit.  This 30-credit online program equips dental hygienists to solve dental hygiene problems across dental care settings through research, project, an internship, and oral health coursework. To qualify for this program, you need active dental hygiene licensure and a bachelor’s degree.
• Old Dominion University | Online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene | $571/credit (Virginia residents); $595/credit (out of state). The program requires 34 credits or 37 credits for the non-thesis track. You’ll be allowed to tailor your degree to fields such as marketing, management/administration, education, research, and community health.
• The University of Minnesota | Online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene | $989/credit. This 34-credit program can be completed primarily online. You’ll be allowed to choose between education or a management track for careers in dental management, education, and community health centers.
• Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences  | Online Master of Science in Dental Hygiene | $1,325/credit. This 36-credit online program offers students learning tracks in education and public health. Both tracks include three credit concentrations spread over two years and six semesters. Graduates go on to become dental educators, researchers, and administrators.
• Ohio State University | Online Master of Dental Hygiene | $5,780/semester (above eight credits). This online program is ideal for licensed dental hygienists with bachelor’s degrees who wish to expand their knowledge through dental hygiene laboratory practice, research, and clinical instructions.

Will Attending an Online Dental School Save Me Money?

Yes, attending an online dental school will save you money. As an online student, you don’t have the same expenses as in-person students. For one, distance learning offers you the flexibility and autonomy to maximize your time and funds. It also saves you money on meals, housing, commuting, textbooks, and other school supplies.

Benefits of Online Dental Programs

• It boosts focus and productivity. Remote learning offers you the opportunity to set and achieve your educational goals on your terms. You don’t experience the distractions a typical college life offers. You can design your work schedule to emphasize your learning needs and focus on the task at hand.
• It reduces the cost of education. Online learning is an ideal way to cut down on your college costs. You won’t have to spend much money commuting or securing campus housing since you can attend college from home. Most schools offer lower tuition for their online programs than in-person programs.
• It allows you to work while studying. Online education eliminates the need to choose between school and work. You can hold down a steady-paying job, especially as a freelancer, if you choose an online study format.
• You’ll have access to more learning resources. Online students have access to a wide range of student support and feedback. You can look forward to a better response from the faculty and the admissions team because of the absence of physical interaction. You can also take advantage of an online tutoring center or community.
• It’s an opportunity to sharpen your virtual skills. Online learning allows you to build virtual skills such as digital communication, organization, and administration. Since you would have to rely on several virtual tools for learning and communication, you can market these skills to potential employers or clients.

Highest-Paying Dental Careers

Best Dental Jobs Explained

The best-paying jobs in healthcare for dental school graduates are those that allow them to specialize in the dentistry field. As a specialist, you can easily build credibility as an expert, which leads to an increase in your earning potential. You should know that the figures listed in the table are not fixed for all states, as some states pay higher than others.

Dental Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Dental Schools

We chose the most affordable dental colleges based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.

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