While Illinois may not have a lot of dental schools, the ones that are there are highly regarded for their quality education and training programs. These schools are known for their rigorous curricula, experienced faculty, and state-of-the-art facilities, which all contribute to producing highly skilled and knowledgeable dentists.
In addition, Illinois has a strong healthcare infrastructure, with many hospitals, clinics, and private practices offering dental services. This provides dental students in Illinois with a wide range of clinical experiences and opportunities to gain hands-on experience in their field. Based on this, here are the top 3 dentistry schools in Illinois:
University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry: Located in Chicago, UIC Dentistry is the largest dental school in the state and one of the oldest in the nation. It offers a range of dental programs, including the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD), Advanced Standing DMD, Dental Public Health, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, and Endodontics. It’s known for its research and focus on community-based oral healthcare.
Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine: With campuses in Downers Grove and Glendale, Arizona, the Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine offers the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program. It focuses on a patient-centered approach and utilizes innovative teaching methods, including simulation technology.
Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine: Located in Alton, SIU School of Dental Medicine is the only public dental school in the southern half of the state. It offers the Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program and has a strong focus on rural health and serving underserved communities. It boasts the lowest tuition among dental schools in Illinois.
Here’s a table summarizing the key aspects of each school:
| School | Location | Programs | Focus | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry | Chicago | DMD, Advanced Standing DMD, Dental Public Health, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Endodontics | Research, community-based oral healthcare | Largest dental school in Illinois |
| Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine | Downers Grove | DMD | Patient-centered approach, innovative teaching methods | Simulation technology |
| Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine | Alton | DMD | Rural health, underserved communities | Lowest tuition among dental schools in Illinois |