What are Some Well-Known Orthodontist Schools?

As an orthodontist, you can give comfort, confidence and improved health to patients by helping to properly align their teeth and mouth. Discover some of the best orthodontist schools in the country, and find out what degree programs they offer in the field.

What Should I Look For in a Top Orthodontist School?

Orthodontists are dental specialists who focus on teeth and jaw alignment. In order to successfully become a practicing orthodontist, you'll need comprehensive dental training at both the undergraduate and graduate level as well as further potential training specific to the field of orthodontics. When looking for a top school in the field, you should also consider the level of faculty experience and research accomplishments of the school to help determine that the school is truly at the forefront of the orthodontic profession. Top schools will be accredited by the American Dental Association's Commission on Dental Accreditation, because an accredited dental degree is mandatory to gain state licensure as a dentist, as well as licensure in a specialty area, such as orthodontics. These schools will also typically offer dental services to the public.

What Are Three of the Top Orthodontist Schools?

Harvard University - Cambridge, MA

Perhaps the most prestigious college in the country, Harvard University was ranked No. 2 in 'National Universities' by the U.S. News & World Report for 2019. Not only is the university highly regarded for overall academic achievement but its Harvard Dental School, founded in 1867, is the oldest dental school in the nation to be connected with a university medical department. You'll be able to achieve such degrees as:

Doctor of Dental Medicine
Master of Medical Sciences/Certificate in Orthodontics

University of Maryland - Baltimore, MD

The first dental college in the world, the University of Maryland School of Dentistry was founded in 1840. Staunchly devoted to research since its inception, the school was rank 15th nationally among dental schools in funding from the National Institutes of Health in 2014, and the university overall ranks No. 38 in 'Best Medical Schools: Research' at the graduate level by the U.S. News & World Report for 2019. Through the school's Orthodontics Department, you can also complete postgraduate orthodontics training. Program titles include:

Doctor of Dental Surgery
Postgraduate Orthodontics Certificate

University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, MI

The School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan has long had a prominent influence on the dental community. In 1901, the school launched the 4-year model of dental training which has since become the educational standard. Research opportunities and extracurricular activities are heavily emphasized as evidenced by 12 student groups and fraternities that you can choose to join. Degree titles offered that have bearing on your potential career as an orthodontist include:

Master of Science in Orthodontics
Doctor of Philosophy in Oral Health Sciences
Doctor of Dental Surgery

Other Schools with Top Orthodontic Programs

College/University	Institution Type	Location	Estimated Graduate In-State Tuition*
University of Alabama - Birmingham	Graduate, Public	Birmingham, AL	$8,000
Loma Linda University	Graduate, Private	Loma Linda, CA	$29,000
University of California - Los Angeles	Graduate, Public	Los Angeles, CA	$13,000
Howard University	Graduate, Private	Washington D.C.	$33,000
Jacksonville University	Graduate, Public	Jacksonville, FL	$14,000
University of Kentucky	Graduate, Public	Lexington, KY	$13,000
University of North Carolina	Graduate, Public	Chapel Hill, NC	$12,000
Boston University	Graduate, Private	Boston, MA	$53,000
Virginia Commonwealth University	Graduate, Public	Richmond, VA	$14,500
New York University	Graduate, Public	New York, NY	$45,000

*Source: NCES, U.S. Department of Education