Dentists in the U.S. must have a degree from an accredited dental school.
The Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredits dental schools across the U.S. to ensure students receive the high quality education and training they need to be able to best serve patients after graduation. There are 11 CODA-accredited dental schools in the Western U.S., located in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.
University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry
The Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry at the University of the Pacific is located in San Francisco was founded in 1896. It's the only dental school in the U.S. that offers an accelerated three-year Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program, which shaves off one year from the traditional length of dental programs. Dental students and residents complete their clinical rotations at clinics in San Francisco, Union City and Stockton.
University of Washington Health Sciences School of Dentistry
Located in Seattle, the Health Sciences School of Dentistry at the University of Washington was founded in 1945. The school offers the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in a four-year program. Fourth-year dental students have the opportunity to provide care in more than 15 community-based clinics statewide during their clinical training. Admission to the program is competitive, and preference is given to Washington residents.
University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine
The School of Dental Medicine offers the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree at the University of Colorado's Anschutz Medical Campus in Aurora. The school also offers post-doctoral programs in orthdontics and dentofacial orthopedics, a 36-month advanced periodontal therapies curriculum, and an international dental student program that allows qualified graduates of dental programs in foreign countries to earn a DDS degree.
A.T. Still University Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health
The Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health at A.T. Still University in Mesa was the first accredited dental school in Arizona. Graduates of the school receive a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and a certificate in public health management. The DMD is a four-year program, with the first two years focused on classroom work and the last two focused on clinical work. The school also offers a post-graduate program leading to a certificate in orthodontics.
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