NYU College of Dentistry
General Information of NYU College of Dentistry
Overview
The NYU College of Dentistry (often called NYU Dentistry) is a historic and highly influential dental school located in New York City, part of New York University. Founded in 1865, it is the third-oldest dental school in the United States and the largest in terms of student enrollment among U.S. dental schools. Its mission is to prepare dentists, dental hygienists and oral health professionals who provide comprehensive, compassionate care, lead in research, and serve local and global communities.
With a diverse patient population in the heart of Manhattan, students gain early and extensive clinical exposure beginning in their first year, working in multiple specialty clinics, treating a broad range of patients and engaging in service-learning. The curriculum integrates basic sciences, clinical skills, research, and leadership training, and supports pathways for international dentists and postdoctoral specialty training. With more than 1,900 enrolled students and hundreds of thousands of annual patient visits, NYU Dentistry offers unmatched scale, clinical breadth and opportunity for aspiring oral health professionals.
Contact Information
Address: 433 First Avenue, Suite 125, New York, NY 10010, United States petersons.com+1
Phone Number: 212-998-9800 dental.nyu.edu
Email Address: dental.admissions@nyu.edu (approximate admissions email)
School Facts
| Fact | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1865 Vikipedi |
| Type | Private dental school within NYU |
| Parent Institution | New York University |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) |
| Location | Manhattan, New York City, New York |
| Largest U.S. Dental School | Educates ~10 % of U.S. dentists annually Caapidsimplified |
NYU College of Dentistry Rankings
| Ranking Organization | National / U.S. Rank | Other / Global Rank |
|---|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings by Subject (Dentistry 2025) | =23 for NYU in Dentistry QS China+1 | — |
| “Top 10 Dental Schools in America 2025” list | #1 listed for NYU Dentistry https://www.nysmda.com/ | — |
| General U.S. dental-school rankings lists | Consistently among top dental schools nationally atxdentistry.com | — |
NYU College of Dentistry Academics
Faculties / Departments
At NYU College of Dentistry students study across multiple academic and clinical units, including:
- Department of Comprehensive Care (General Dentistry)
- Department of Orthodontics and Divisions of Orthodontic Training
- Department of Periodontics and Implant Dentistry
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Medicine and Pathology
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health
- Department of Prosthodontics and Restorative Dentistry
- Department of Endodontics
- Division of Dental Hygiene, Department of Dental Hygiene
- Center for Global Oral Health and Specialty Training
Courses and Programs / Majors
Programs at NYU College of Dentistry include:
- Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) – the primary dental degree for first-time dental students dental.nyu.edu
- Advanced Standing DDS for internationally trained dentists – 28-month full-time track programs.adea.org
- Dental Hygiene Bachelor’s and Master’s programs (in New York State only dental hygiene at NYU) dental.nyu.edu
- Post-doctoral specialty residencies and certificate programs in orthodontics, periodontics, prosthodontics, oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, implant dentistry
- Laboratory, research and PhD-level opportunities associated with oral biology and biomaterials
Online Learning
While much of the curriculum at NYU College of Dentistry is hands-on and clinic-based and therefore on-campus, the institution offers online modules and blended learning for some didactic components, continuing education courses and specialty training. Particularly postdoctoral programs may leverage virtual instruction, simulation, digital dentistry platforms and remote learning adjuncts, allowing flexibility in portions of advanced programs.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Typical Range / Middle 50% |
|---|---|
| Dental Admission Test (DAT) – Accepted Students | Academic Average ~21.1; Perceptual Ability ~20.4; Science ~20.7 joinleland.com+1 |
| Overall GPA (incoming DDS students) | Mean ~3.62; Science GPA ~3.51 Booster Prep |
Retention and Graduation Rates
NYU College of Dentistry has historically maintained strong retention and graduation rates owing to its robust support structures, high clinical engagement, and dedicated faculty. The large scale of the school allows early clinical immersion, simulation training and continuous progression monitoring. Although specific public retention-rate figures for each class are not broadly published, the school’s reputation in both clinical preparation and research outcomes indicates a high level of student success leading to licensure and specialist opportunities.
NYU College of Dentistry Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
Applicants to NYU’s DDS program are required to demonstrate strong academic performance in prerequisite science courses, a competitive DAT score and overall GPA. While the college does not publish SAT/ACT ranges for DDS applicants (as they apply at the graduate level), the DAT and GPA targets (GPA ~3.5-3.9; DAT Academic ~21) provide clear benchmarks. joinleland.com+1
NYU College of Dentistry Acceptance Rate
| Program Level | Approximate Acceptance Rate |
|---|---|
| DDS Program (First-time applicants) | ~12.4% (based on ~2,994 applicants with ~371 matriculants for Class of 2026) joinleland.com+1 |
NYU College of Dentistry Application Requirements
Prospective DDS applicants must apply via the AADSAS (American Dental School Application Service) and submit a thorough application including official transcripts showing completion of required prerequisite coursework (biology, chemistry, physics, English, etc.), DAT scores (taken within recent years), a personal statement describing career goals and motivation for dentistry, letters of recommendation (often two from science faculty plus one additional letter or committee evaluation), résumé or description of dental-shadowing/healthcare experience, and demonstration of commitment to professional ethics and service. For advanced standing applicants (international dentists) additional documentation of prior dental degrees and credentials is required. The admissions committee considers academic metrics alongside extracurricular healthcare exposure, manual dexterity, leadership qualities and potential for clinical success. joinleland.com+1
Application Process
- Complete and submit AADSAS application with all transcripts and DAT scores
- Submit supplementary materials required by NYU College of Dentistry (personal statement, letters of recommendation, résumé/experience)
- Participate in any required interviews or screening (including possible virtual interview format)
- Submit financial aid/loan documentation if seeking support
- If accepted, complete matriculation and orientation, fulfil health clearance, immunization and technical standard requirements
NYU College of Dentistry Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Program | Deadline Approximation |
|---|---|
| DDS Program First-Year Entry (Class of 2026) | Application window opens early; typical submission by January of matriculation year; Class size ~371 for recent years joinleland.com |
Essay Prompt
Applicants are generally required to submit a personal statement in which they articulate why they wish to pursue dentistry at NYU College of Dentistry, reflect on their relevant experiences (shadowing, service, research), describe their leadership or community involvement, and explain how they will contribute to the dental profession. The prompt emphasizes readiness for professional practice, adaptability, manual and interpersonal skills, ethics and lifelong learning. joinleland.com
NYU College of Dentistry Scholarships
NYU College of Dentistry offers a variety of scholarships, fellowships and awards for students excellence in academics, leadership, service and research. Incoming students may be considered for merit-based scholarships and need-based grants. In addition, specialized awards may target diversity, global health interest, community service or research involvement. Applicants should engage early with the financial aid office to identify competitive scholarship opportunities and timing for applications.
NYU College of Dentistry Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Program | Estimated Annual Tuition / Fees |
|---|---|
| DDS Program (2025-2026 tuition) | $106,962 tuition for year one dental.nyu.edu |
| Mandatory Fees (year one) | ~$337 dental.nyu.edu |
| Instruments/Equipment (year one) | ~$6,960 dental.nyu.edu |
Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics
The NYU College of Dentistry student body is diverse in gender and geography. For example, the twelve-month entering class for DDS reports around 60 % female and 40 % male. dental.nyu.edu Among matriculants, ~31.3 % are in-state (New York), ~55.5 % out-of-state, and ~13.2 % international students. perfect-dentalclinic.com+1 The average age of first-year enrollees is about 23 years old. Booster Prep
Low-Income Students / Students with Disabilities
NYU College of Dentistry provides support services and financial aid opportunities for students from low-income backgrounds and those with disabilities. The school’s financial aid office, disability services, and student resources support counseling, accommodations in clinics and labs, and scholarship access. These supports reflect the institution’s commitment to access and equity in dental education, ensuring that students from underrepresented or resource-limited backgrounds can succeed in the rigorous clinical and academic environment of dental training.
Student Body
| Category | Value (Approximate) |
|---|---|
| Total Students (DDS + hygiene + postgraduate) | >1,900 (as reported) https://www.nysmda.com/ |
| DDS Class Size (recent) | ~371 students for entering class of 2026 joinleland.com |
| International Student Percentage | ~13% of entering DDS class Booster Prep |
University Diversity
NYU College of Dentistry emphasizes a richly diverse student and patient body. Located in Manhattan, the school serves a broad cross-section of populations, enhancing students’ exposure to cultural, socioeconomic, linguistic and clinical diversity. The dental school recruits students nationally and internationally, with significant representation of out-of-state and global learners. The inclusion of international, minority and underserved-community-oriented applicants supports a learning environment where inter-professional and culturally competent care are central. The breadth of patient visits—over hundreds of thousands annually—further underscores diversity in clinical experience. This inclusive and globally-oriented culture prepares graduates to practice in complex, multi-cultural healthcare settings and to serve emerging populations with oral health needs nationwide and abroad.
Average Earnings
Graduates of NYU College of Dentistry typically enter high-earning careers, reflecting both the prestige of the institution and the comprehensive clinical and specialty training provided. For general dentists in New York, median early-career earnings are often above $200,000 annually; specialists such as orthodontists, oral surgeons and implant dentists may earn significantly more. Considering the considerable investment in tuition and training at NYU Dentistry, the robust income potential helps enable graduates to manage their educational debt and pursue leadership pathways in private practice, academia, philanthropic dentistry or public health. perfect-dentalclinic.com+1
NYU College of Dentistry Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
The faculty and staff at NYU College of Dentistry include full‐time professors, clinical instructors, specialist faculty, simulation lab coordinators, research scientists, academic advisors, clinic administrators and staff supporting student success, clinic operations and patient care. Their collective expertise supports the large scale of the institution, advanced clinical facilities, and extensive patient‐care networks. With over 900 teaching and clinical professionals reported, the faculty infrastructure is robust. https://www.nysmda.com/
Faculty Profiles
Faculty at NYU College of Dentistry are recognized leaders in dental research, clinical education and specialty practice. They hold national and international awards, publish peer-reviewed work in oral biology, implant dentistry, biomaterials, global health and digital dentistry. Notable faculty include specialists in hard-tissue biology, cranio-facial research and oral transplant surgery. Their active practice, research funding and clinical leadership ensure that students learn from educators who bridge the cutting edge of science and everyday patient care. Vikipedi+1
NYU College of Dentistry Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
Students at NYU College of Dentistry are based in the Greenwich Village / Union Square district of Manhattan, New York City, which offers a vibrant urban experience. While the dental school itself is highly specialized, students leverage the broader NYU campus life with access to housing, dining, student organizations, wellness and recreation services. On-campus housing (NYU residence halls) may be available, though many dental students live in nearby Manhattan apartments or commute. Housing costs reflect the high-cost urban environment, and students are advised to budget accordingly. Student life is enriched by involvement in dental societies, global outreach initiatives, simulation competitions, research clubs and service learning in NYC’s diverse communities.
Transportation
NYU College of Dentistry’s Manhattan location ensures excellent transportation access. Public transit options include the New York City subway, buses, and commuter rail services, enabling easy travel to clinical sites across the city and region. On-campus and adjacent clinic buildings are pedestrian friendly, and students may also access the broader NYU shuttle network, bicycle routes and rideshare options. The urban setting enables convenient mobility for laboratory, clinic, research and community engagement activities while supporting metropolitan professional life.