5 Best Dental Schools in Chicago 2024 | How to Apply

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Best Dental Schools in Chicago: There is a distinction between choosing the top and cheap dental schools in Illinois, IL.

One of the first things people notice about others is their teeth. A healthy smile is more than just a pleasant expression; it’s also a leading indicator of general health. 

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Pursue a profession in dentistry to help save the world from tooth decay.

Dentistry is a course program available at various universities worldwide that aims to improve students’ oral health by preparing them to become professionals.

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Chicago, a state in the United States with a track record of academic excellence, has exceptional institutions with good dental school study programs.

Dental schools in Chicago, IL, are not just the best in the USA; some of the schools’ tuition fees are cheap, even with the level and quality of education.

Most of these schools have state-of-the-art facilities and contemporary dental health equipment, allowing students to gain hands-on experience as dentists and hygienists.

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As a result, we have studied the top and cheap dental schools in Chicago, Illinois, to help you choose.

We’ve also answered questions that can assist you in starting a career in dentistry if you ever want to open your own office.

Let’s get started!!!

ALSO READ: Best Dental Hygienist Schools in Chicago

Should I Study Dentistry In Chicago?

To begin, you must understand the distinction between a dentist and a hygienist.

A dentist is a doctor, whereas a hygienist is not; a hygienist can still do more than an assistant. 

A dentist examines and treats your teeth, whereas a hygienist cleans them and helps you avoid illness.

While they appear to be in the same profession, their tasks are distinct and do not overlap.

Dentists diagnose and prescribe medications.

To become a dentist in Chicago, you must attend the best dental schools in Chicago with authorized programs.

While teaching their students how to give top-notch teeth treatment, Illinois dentistry schools present a variety of unique but great educational experiences.

Their students teach children in elementary school about teeth health

As a result, students do independent research and offer novels on tooth decay solutions.

Students also get access to the most treating-edge dental health technology.

Are there Dental Schools in Chicago, Illinois?

There are dental schools in Chicago, but they are just a few.

These schools focus on training you to become professional dentists through dental research and clinical.

At the end of the dental program, all students can get a hands-on education, preparing them to become licensed dental practitioners.

Below, you will find a list of accredited dental schools in Chicago, Illinois.

Also See: Top Best Dental Schools in Texas| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

What Courses do Chicago Dental Schools Offer?

As we stated earlier, the course: dentistry cuts across many areas and specializations.

Before enrolling in any of the Chicago-accredited dental schools, you should have known what path of the dental professional you want to specialize in.

Knowing what path to take in dentistry will help you choose a school tailored to your academic and career needs. 

Here are some of the career paths in dentistry you should know before you specialize;

  • Endodontics
  • Periodontics
  • Prosthodontics
  • Dental Hygiene
  • Dental Assisting
  • Pediatric Dentistry
  • Dental Public Health.
  • Dental Anesthesiology
  • Oral Medicine Dentistry
  • Orofacial Pain Dentistry
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
  • Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
  • Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedic
  • Advanced Education in General Dentistry.

ALSO READ: Best Dental Schools in Tennessee

What are the Important Factors to Consider When Choosing Dental Schools in Chicago, IL?

Before choosing a dental school, you must know what you are looking for.

If the schools in Chicago cannot offer you what you need, you can apply to other dental schools in other states of the US.

You can check out the Dental Schools in New York or the Dental Schools in Missouri.

So, to assist you in making an informed decision, we have compiled a few pieces of information that will serve as a reference while selecting a dental school.

Here is what to consider when choosing a dental school;

#1. Type of Dentistry Program Offered

Most dental schools offer bachelor’s degrees at the undergraduate level and a doctorate program at an advanced level.

There are also certificate programs in dentistry that serve as an alternative to diploma and degree programs in dentistry.

So, you must find out what degree the school offers and if that suits your academic needs.

#2. State of School Academic Reputation

You should look out for a school that has been in good academic standing over the years.

When it comes to selecting colleges, a high academic reputation is a crucial thing to consider.

You can judge a school’s reputation from rankings and its ability to deliver a great education that prepares you for your job.

Therefore, you must check through the years what the school represents in dentistry. 

Also, you can read the alumni reviews. 

Also See: 19 Cheapest Dental Schools in the World| Requirements & Cost

#3. Tuition Cost Of Dental Program

The tuition costs of dental schools should be the first thing in consideration when selecting a school from the list of dental schools in Chicago IL.

You should know how much it will cost you to attend dental school from beginning to completion.

#4. Duration of Dental Program 

As we have earlier stated, dentistry programs last 8- years, with 4 years earning a bachelor’s degree as an undergraduate and 4 years earning a DDS or DMD in dentistry schools.

This is a crucial consideration when selecting a school for dental training because it also impacts how much you can spend on tuition.

ALSO READ: Best Dental Schools In Colorado| All You Need To Know

What is the Cost of Studying Dentistry in Chicago Dental Schools in IL?

Tuition is calculated based on the number of students in each term.

It’s worth noting that dentistry schools in Illinois have two learning areas.

The residency status of a student is also put into consideration when determining the cost of the tuition rate.

Tuition and fees for online programs are calculated per credit hour per term. 

The status of a person’s residency isn’t taken into account.

Total cost in detail

DENTISTRY (DMD)

  •  In-state ($17,383)   Out of state ($31,281)

You now have a better understanding of the cost of studying dentistry in Chicago.

Editor’s Pick: 10 Best Dental Schools in Missouri 2023 | Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

Must I do A Pre Dentistry Program in Dentistry Schools?

Pre-dentistry schools: Some schools and universities across the country offer this degree. 

Most universities offer pre-dentistry studies as a preparation program that does not qualify as an undergraduate major. 

Instead, the curriculum is intended to aid students in their preparation for dentistry school. 

Certain universities, however, allow students to earn a B.S. in Arts/Dentistry while also allowing them to apply to dental school one year earlier than is usually the case. 

This degree will give you a broad foundation for future dental school admission.

A pre-dentistry studies degree’s coursework focuses on all the prerequisites for dental school. 

General and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, biology, and math are the key subjects you’ll be required to take. 

You should be accepted into the dental school or university where you’ve chosen to study once you’ve finished all the needed courses. 

After completing a three-year pre-dentistry studies program, students usually spend a year in residence. 

This degree is perfect for those who want a more direct route to becoming a dentist.

What are the Cheapest Dental Schools in Chicago, Illinois?

Here is the list of good dental schools in Chicago;

#1. The University of Illinois at Chicago College Of Dentistry.

The University of Illinois at Chicago College Of Dentistry is involved in the Columbian Dental College, which was established in Chicago.

For over a century, we have offered the most comprehensive variety of basic and specialty dental care services for adults and children in Chicago – all in one location.

They teach students in various general and advanced specialized fields, such as endodontists (root canal), oral and maxillofacial surgeons, and pediatric and special needs dentists.

The college provides a four-year DMD degree, a two-and-a-half-year DMD-Advanced Standing degree, a Ph.D. and MS in oral sciences, and six advanced education/residency certificate programs.

Their relatively low tuition makes it one of the cheap dental schools in Chicago.

You might want to see this: Best Dental Schools in Indiana| All You Need to Know

#2. Southern Illinois University School Of Dental Medicine (Alton, IL).

The school is located in the rural community of Alton, il.

For various reasons, their programs are an amazing value.

The SIU School of Dental Medicine is Illinois’s only dental school located outside Chicago and within a 200-mile radius of St. Louis.

The intimate environment and small student body foster good student-to-faculty engagement. 

Graduates are prepared to be among the country’s best general practitioners of dentistry.

The most frequently claimed benefits of attending Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine are “Good teachers” and “Good job preparation.” However, respondents also mentioned “Hands-on training” as significant benefits.

The cost of attending Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine ranges from $100 to $120,000, with a typical cost of $120,000.

#3. Midwestern University College Of Dental Medicine (Downers Grove, IL).

They provide health-related disciplines and are primarily dedicated to training future healthcare workers.

It also prepares students for careers as dentists and other related fields, and it is one of the cheap dental schools in Illinois.

The faculty fosters a cooperative and supportive environment for student learning in one of our healthcare system’s most valuable and required professional fields.

The Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine-Illinois is committed to educating dentists who will display excellence in complete oral healthcare and information development and dissemination.

The Higher Learning Commission accredits the university, and the medical schools are also certified by the Commission on Osteopathic College Accreditation of the American Osteopathic Association.

Their tuition fee is below;

  • Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine $78,762
  • College of Dental Medicine-Illinois $88,212.

ALSO READ: Best Dental Schools in Colorado 2023 | All You Need To Know

Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Schools In Chicago 2023

Is Midwestern Illinois A Good Dental School?

With a 100 percent graduation record and 99 percent national board pass rate, Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine answers that question with a loud “Yes!” 

The college emphasizes the practical skills that students will need in the future.
Midwestern University’s College of Dental Medicine – Illinois (CDMI) is part of an amazing University that has a long history of providing remarkable educational experiences to students studying medicine, pharmacy, and other health-related fields.

Although dentists play an important role in society by teaching us how to care for our teeth and the relationship between our health and the foods we eat, they rarely receive the recognition that their colleagues in the medical field do.
Because top or cheap dentistry schools aren’t well-known, that doesn’t mean they don’t exist. 

Dentists, like their MD counterparts, must spend years in school developing their abilities and must go through rigorous training and testing before being allowed to practice.

Will Dentistry Be In Demand in 2030?

Predicting the future of dentistry is far from an exact science; rather, predictions are driven by a variety of factors and trends.

“If you ask me if we need more dentists, I would answer yes if they practice in rural and inner-city regions, treat a high number of Medicaid patients, and collaborate effectively with medical offices,

However, if they want to establish in saturated markets or middle- to upper-income urban locations with a sizable self-pay patient base, I would say no.”

Dentists must recognize that the self-pay patient base is decreasing, and the only thing keeping it from leaving totally is an aging population.

Is it Difficult To Study Dentists in Illinois?

Dentistry is a challenging qualification that requires the development and show of professional knowledge, from vocabulary to techniques. 

The curriculum you will follow during dentistry school will differ between institutions, but there are some essential similarities.

Conclusion

Go ahead and apply to the dental schools in Chicago IL with cheap tuition costs.

In summary, becoming a dentist in Chicago Is a good idea but it requires you to study in the best schools with an affordable tuition fee.

Best of luck!!

References

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