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15 Best Dental Schools in Florida and Top School Ranking
Dentistry Schools in Florida: Florida’s top dental schools grant D.D.S. or D.M.D. degrees in dentistry. Along with continuing education classes, they also provide advanced dentistry education programs.
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The most crucial step on the road to becoming a dentist or working in any other dental profession is receiving a top-notch education.
Both domestic and foreign students can receive a top-notch dental education at a competitive price from Florida’s best dental schools.
The fact that Florida has some of the nation’s top educational institutions is no longer breaking news.
In fact, Florida consistently ranks as one of the top 5 states in the nation for education.
Florida is the third-best state for education in the US, according to the U.S. News ranking for 2022.
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Accreditation for Dental Schools in Florida
Dental schools in America, including those in Florida, are accredited by the committee on Dental Association (CODA).
In the United States, it accredits dentistry schools and programs, including allied dental education programs and advanced dental education programs.
The United States Department of Education (USDE) has designated CODA as the only organization authorized to accredit dental and dental-related education programs offered at the post-secondary level. CODA was established by the American Dental Association’s Council in Dental Education in 1975.
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.
Top Best 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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