Best Dental Schools in Colorado 2024 | All You Need to Know

Going to the school of dentistry is the only way to become a dentist, and that will demand you know how much each school will cost in Colorado. This article will show you all you need to know about the best dental schools in Colorado.

Dentistry is a professional occupation that requires a lot of training that can only be taught in a dental school.

In dentistry schools, professionals with a wealth of experience in theory and practice will introduce you to the theoretical and practical aspects of being a dentist.

All courses in the school of dentistry will nurture students in that line of profession and how to become a professional.

Depending on how far you want to go, you can acquire a bachelor’s degree at the primary level in dentistry schools, and you can also pursue a master’s or doctoral degree.

As a prerequisite to practice as a dentist in Colorado, you must obtain a dentistry degree in Colorado from an accredited dental school.

The good news is that such schools of dentistry that CODA approves will train you to become a dentist professional existent in Colorado (Co).

Without accreditation by the Colorado Board of Dentistry, you cannot obtain a license to practice. Because we do not want you to make the mistake of attending an unaccredited school, we have made a list of the best schools of dentistry in Colorado.

Here in this article is a list of dental schools in CO based on accreditation, tuition cost, and academic excellence.

In addition, we have made sure that you are aware of the aspects to consider before enrolling in dentistry schools. You will also find how much each dental school will cost before making a choice.

Let’s start!!!

ALSO READ: Best Schools For Dental Hygienist In Colorado

Are there Dental Schools in Colorado (CO)? 

Colorado is a western U.S. state with a diverse landscape of arid desert, river canyons, and the snow-covered Rocky Mountains, which the Rocky Mountain National Park protects. 

Colorado is home to many universities, colleges, and high schools.

Out of the 24,000 U.S. public high schools, there were 363 Colorado schools and 4646 Colorado elementary, middle & high schools. 

But when it comes to dental schools, there is just one Dentistry school in Colorado. 

As you will find out later, this dental school will train you to become a dentist and qualify for work opportunities in Colorado.

How Long Do Dental Schools Take to Complete?

It takes around 8 years of education before you can become a full-fledged dentist.

First, you must study for a bachelor’s degree in any field. 

Then you must obtain a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD) or a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. 

After the academic commitment to becoming a dentist, the next is to write the national and state examinations.

Without passing this exam, you cannot get a license as a dentist anywhere, not even in Colorado.

Hence, you need to enroll in any of the top-ranking dental schools in Co that will help equip you with the knowledge, skills, and expertise required to become a dentist. 

What Factors to Consider When Choosing From the Dental Schools in Co?

Although you don’t have to worry about choosing a dental school in Colorado because there is just one option in the state.

However, there are important things you must look out for and consider before studying the available options.

If the school cannot provide you with the best education for your career, you can look for other options, such as the Best Dental Schools In Missouri.

So, to assist you in making your decision, we have compiled a few pieces of information that will serve as a reference while selecting dental schools outside Colorado.

Here are some things to think about when looking for dental schools in Co;

1. Type of Dentistry Program You Wish To Apply.

The dentistry schools in  Colorado offer bachelor’s degrees at the undergraduate level and a doctorate program.

Usually, the doctorate program is accessible to students who want to become general dentists or specialists.

There is also an opportunity to earn certified certificate programs, which is an alternative to diploma and degree programs. 

Certificate programs have a shorter duration, although they are less than degrees.

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

2. The School’s Reputation.

Trust me; you don’t want to go to a school with no track record of academic excellence.

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

An institution’s reputation is in rankings and delivers great education that prepares you for your job.

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

3. The Expense Of Education

How Much Does a Dental School Cost?

The tuition costs should be an important consideration while selecting a school from the list of dental schools in Co.

You should know how much it will cost to attend dental school in Colorado. 

What is the total cost to complete a degree and become a dentist in Colorado?

Before selecting from the list of dental schools, keep this in mind.

4. The  Duration Of Programs.

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 hygienist training because it also impacts how much you can spend on tuition.

ALSO READ: Best Schools For Dental Hygienist In Missouri

How Do I Become a Dentist in Colorado?

Every process begins with a step that applies to becoming a dentist.

This journey is long, with years of hard work and the practical application of theories taught in class.

Without a guide, you may quit after the first four years.

Here is a guide on how to become a Colorado dentist;

1. Complete A Bachelor’s Degree

Students must complete at least 90 hours of an undergraduate program.

Any undergraduate program. 

Applicants who choose a pre-dental or a science-related major will be required to complete an unrelated curriculum to meet prerequisite criteria.

This is a prerequisite before reaching dental school.

Students should be vigilant about their grades and study habits even at this level, as GPAs play a profound role in dental school admissions.

2. Have A High Score In The Dental Acceptance Test.

A dental acceptance test is an important part of applying to dentistry schools in Co.

It’s a 5-hour test that comprises 280 questions on natural science, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.

The test is administered by the American Dental Association the Dental Acceptance Test.

At least you require a minimum average of 19 out of 30.

3. Complete Your Doctoral Degree

We have discussed the programs available at dental schools that lead to a doctorate.

Dental schools in America offer two different types of programs that qualify students to practice as dentists once licensed: the Doctor of Dental Surgery and the Doctor of Dental Medicine. 

Find a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation to ensure licensure will be possible after graduation.

This program requires you to complete coursework and clinical rotations in the following courses;

• Endodontics
• Periodontics
• Prosthodontics
• Pediatric Dentistry
• Dental Public Health
• Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
• Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
• The Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology
• Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics

A doctorate will allow you to work on other degrees from home while working full-time.

4. Undertake Requirements for Licensure

Once you have fulfilled the academic requirements to become a dentist in Colorado, you need to obtain your license.

You will only receive a license if you attended any of the Colorado schools of dentistry as accredited by the dental board of Co.

You must pass two examinations covering written and clinical components.

The National Board Dental Examinations are administered by The Joint Commission on National Dental Examination and cover topics ranging from biomedical sciences, dental anatomy, and ethics to clinical dental subjects and patient management.

Clinical examinations are overseen by individual state boards of dentistry and use a regional testing center to manage the exam process

By completing these processes, you can become a certified and licensed dentist in Colorado.

What are the Colorado Dental Schools Admission Requirements?

Here are the admission requirements into dental schools in co divided into sections;

1. Prerequisite Admission Requirements

The following courses 

• General Biology or General Zoology with Lab (8 semester hours)
• General Chemistry with Lab (8 semester hours)
• Organic Chemistry with Lab (8 semester hours)
• General Physics with Lab, Algebra, or Calculus-based (8 semester hours)
• Microbiology, Lab not required (3 semester hours)
• General Biochemistry, Lab not required (3 semester hours)
• English Composition (3 semester hours)
• 90 semester hours with at least 30 hours of upper-division credit

The minimum requirement for admission is 90 semester hours of academic coursework, but completing a bachelor’s degree is strongly encouraged. 

2. Application Requirements

Applicants apply through the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) application service. 

Please send the following directly to ADEA:

• Completed AADSAS application – available online at American Dental Education Association (ADEA)
• ​Official transcripts from all colleges, universities, and professional schools you attended
• ​Letters of recommendation
  • Two letters from science instructors AND one letter from a non-science instructor, the dentist you shadowed or employer, OR
  • Pre-Dental Committee letter (must include two science instructors)                                                  

You will have to pay a $90.00 application fee.

3. Dental Admission Test

Applicants must complete the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), administered by the American Dental Association (ADA). Official DAT scores must be sent to AADSAS (see instructions for sending DAT scores under Standardized Tests). 

4. Application Fee Requirements

Applicants are required to pay a $90 supplemental application fee directly to the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. 

This fee is separate from any payments made to AADSAS and can only be made online via credit or debit card. 

ALSO READ: Top 10 Best Dental Hygiene Schools in New York City

What are the Requirements to Get a License in Colorado?

Before a license can be issued, the Board requires that all applicants complete all requirements.

To get Colorado Dental Board License, an applicant must be:

• At least 18 years old.
• A graduate of a dental school accredited by the American Dental Association Commission.
• Passed the following exams:
  • Dental National Board Examination
  • Colorado Laws and Rules Examination
  • The ADEX Dental Licensing Examination

Best Dental Schools in Colorado 2023

It’s a good time to get into dental schools and universities in Colorado in 2023.

But sadly, there is just one option for dental school in Colorado; here it is;

University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine.

• Average ACT: 24
• Average SAT: 1105
• Receiving Aid; 82%
• Acceptance Rate: 66%
• Phone: (303) 724-6900
• Ranking: #1 in Colorado, #59 in the United States and #67 in North America
• Location: 13065 East 17th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80045

The only dental school in the Rocky Mountain region, the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine, is a leader in innovation. 

University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine has 5 incredible dental programs, 3 residencies, and 8 clinics on the Anschutz Medical Campus. 

All dental students learn in all dimensions from virtual real-life experiences in clinics and hospitals. 

The school provides inter-professional experience, research activities, and patient care. 

Patients can get quality care from our esteemed faculty, staff, and students.

Frequently Asked Questions Dental Schools in Colorado

Conclusion

We hope you found value in this article on how to become a dentist by attending any of the dental schools in Colorado Co.

Keep in mind the important factors to consider when enrolling into any Dentistry schools in Colorado.

Also, before you make a choice, find out how much a dental school will cost you

Best wishes!!!

References

• https://dental.cuanschutz.edu/ – School of Dental Medicine
• https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/ Dental Schools & Dentist Careers How to Become a Dentist
• https://edurank.org/medicine/ – 4 Best Dental schools in Colorado
• https://www.newmouth.com/ – Best Dental Schools in the U.S.