About

Established in 1972, the University of Florida College of Dentistry is the only publicly-funded dental school in the state and ranks as a national leader in dental education, research, patient care and community service. The college is housed in the Dental Sciences Building located on the UF Academic Health Center campus.

Our students and faculty participate in interdisciplinary learning and research that benefits the college and its patient community, resulting in a well-rounded curriculum that produces dentists skillful in the art and science of dentistry.

Dental commencementThe college educates the state’s future dentists and dental specialists through 16 degree and certificate programs. Each year we admit a new class of 90+ D.M.D. students who are among the top predental students in the nation. Students’ performance on standardized examinations is a benchmark of the quality of our academic programs. The college’s DMD Class of 2022 achieved an outstanding 96% first-time pass rate on the Integrated National Board Dental Exam while the national average was 89%.

The college is nationally recognized for its oral health research enterprise, emphasizing infectious diseases in dentistry, bone biology, pain and neurosciences, and translational research to improve clinical care. The UFCD research enterprise now ranks 5th nationally among all U.S. dental schools in NIH funding according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research. We recruit mid-career basic scientists to achieve excellence in strong areas of research within the college, while also aligning the college with key research initiatives within the university and UF Academic Health Center, including: genomics of infectious diseases, immunology, autoimmunity, biostatistics, cancer epidemiology and prevention, cell biology/cell signaling, and pain and neurosciences. We also strive to recruit magnet investigators and junior investigators to provide a nucleus of clinical and translational researchers in areas where we presently have complementary strengths.

Pediatric dental resident and patientWe have a multi-faceted service mission encompassing patient care and community outreach and education. Through the UF Statewide Network for Community Oral Health, we improve access to dental care for Florida’s residents, focusing on vulnerable and indigent populations and special needs patients. Our students and faculty also give of themselves in providing free dental treatment to underserved populations during service missions abroad and at home.


Summer research program

Mission

Provide innovative dental education and deliver the highest degree of patient-centered care and service, while promoting discovery and the generation of knowledge through research, with strong commitments to community engagement, diversity and inclusion.

Vision

To be a global leader in dental education, research, patient care and service.

Values

We value excellence through high-quality comprehensive dental care, cutting-edge research and learner-focused education. We support a culture of dignity, respect, support and compassion fostered through a diverse and inclusive environment.