Top Dental Schools in Kansas: Best Programs & Opportunities
Kansas offers several excellent programs in dental hygiene and dentistry-related fields. While the state does not currently have a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) program, students can still pursue high-quality dental hygiene degrees and pre-dental programs at accredited institutions. Additionally, aspiring dentists in Kansas often consider nearby states, such as Missouri, for full dental degree programs.
This guide provides an in-depth look at the top dental schools in Kansas, their offerings, financial aid opportunities, and how to take the next step in your dental career.
Top Dental Schools in Kansas
Why Study Dental Hygiene or Pre-Dental in Kansas?
Kansas has affordable tuition, high-quality programs, and strong industry connections, making it a great place for students interested in dental hygiene and pre-dentistry. Graduates from Kansas dental hygiene programs enjoy excellent job prospects, with many working in private clinics, hospitals, and public health settings.
Although Kansas does not have a dental school that grants DDS or DMD degrees, students can begin their studies here and later apply to nearby institutions in Missouri, Nebraska, or Colorado to complete their professional training.
Top Dental Schools & Programs in Kansas
Wichita State University – Dental Hygiene Program
Location: Wichita, KS
Wichita State University (WSU) offers one of the top dental hygiene programs in Kansas, leading to a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. The program provides hands-on training, clinical experience, and community outreach opportunities.
Key Highlights:
- Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
- State-of-the-art dental clinic for hands-on learning
- Small class sizes for personalized instruction
- Prepares students for licensure exams required to become a registered dental hygienist (RDH)
Visit Wichita State University’s Dental Hygiene Program
Scholarship & Financial Aid Information
Flint Hills Technical College – Dental Hygiene Program
Location: Emporia, KS
Flint Hills Technical College offers a highly competitive Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene. This program provides clinical training, coursework in dental sciences, and hands-on patient care experience.
Key Highlights:
- Two-year program designed for fast-track career entry
- Prepares students for the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE)
- Modern dental labs with real-world patient interactions
- Excellent job placement rates after graduation
Visit Flint Hills Technical College’s Dental Hygiene Program
Scholarship & Financial Aid Information
Johnson County Community College – Dental Hygiene Program
Location: Overland Park, KS
Johnson County Community College (JCCC) offers an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Dental Hygiene, preparing students for careers in preventive dental care. The program combines theory, clinical practice, and patient care training.
Key Highlights:
- Two-year program with strong hands-on training
- Accredited by CODA and recognized for high-quality instruction
- State-of-the-art training labs and equipment
- Strong partnerships with local dental clinics for internships and job placement
Visit JCCC’s Dental Hygiene Program
Scholarship & Financial Aid Information
Manhattan Area Technical College – Pre-Dental Program
Location: Manhattan, KS
For students planning to pursue dentistry (DDS or DMD degrees), Manhattan Area Technical College offers a pre-dental program designed to help students complete the necessary coursework before transferring to a full dental school.
Key Highlights:
- Provides foundational courses in biology, chemistry, and anatomy
- Affordable tuition and transfer agreements with dental schools
- Prepares students for the Dental Admission Test (DAT)
- Excellent academic support and advising for aspiring dentists
Visit Manhattan Area Technical College
Scholarship & Financial Aid Information
Top Dental Schools Near Kansas
Because Kansas does not have a full DDS or DMD program, students often choose to complete their professional education in neighboring states. Below are some excellent dental schools near Kansas:
University of Missouri-Kansas City (UMKC) – School of Dentistry
Location: Kansas City, MO
UMKC offers a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) program, which is the closest full dental school option for Kansas residents. The program emphasizes clinical experience, research opportunities, and leadership development.
Key Highlights:
- One of the top-ranked dental schools in the Midwest
- Extensive clinical training and state-of-the-art facilities
- Affordable tuition for Kansas residents through regional agreements
- Dual-degree options available (DDS/PhD)
Visit UMKC’s School of Dentistry
Scholarship & Financial Aid Information
Creighton University School of Dentistry
Location: Omaha, NE
Creighton University, located in Nebraska, offers a DDS program with a strong emphasis on hands-on training. Many Kansas students attend Creighton due to its commitment to community-based dentistry and high licensure exam pass rates.
Key Highlights:
- Nationally recognized dental school with high student satisfaction
- Focus on clinical patient care from the first year
- Research opportunities for students interested in dental innovation
- Strong career placement and alumni network
Visit Creighton University’s School of Dentistry
Scholarship & Financial Aid Information
How to Choose the Right Dental Program in Kansas
If you’re considering a career in dental hygiene or dentistry, here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting a program:
Accreditation – Ensure the program is accredited by CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) for the best career outcomes.
Program Type – Decide whether you want an associate’s degree (AAS) in dental hygiene or plan to pursue a full DDS/DMD degree.
Licensing Preparation – Look for programs that prepare you for national and regional board exams.
Cost & Financial Aid – Check for scholarship and financial aid opportunities to reduce student debt.
Clinical Experience – Programs with hands-on training and internship opportunities provide better job prospects.
Conclusion
While Kansas does not have a full DDS/DMD dental school, it offers top-tier dental hygiene and pre-dental programs. For those pursuing a career as a dental hygienist, schools like Wichita State University, Flint Hills Technical College, and JCCC offer excellent education and job placement. Aspiring dentists can complete their pre-dental education in Kansas before applying to dental schools in Missouri, Nebraska, or Colorado.
Ready to start your journey in dentistry? Explore the links above for program details, admissions requirements, and financial aid opportunities!
With this guide, you are well on your way to finding the right college or university in Kansas to achieve all of your academic goals!
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