Howard University College of Dentistry, founded in 1881, is one of the oldest dental schools in the United States and is the most prominent HBCU dental school in the country. Located on Howard University's Washington, DC campus, the college has trained more Black dentists than any other institution in US history. Howard Dental has a deep historical and ongoing mission to train dentists who will serve Black and underserved communities, address oral health disparities, and promote dental health equity across the United States. The school benefits from Howard's position as a major research university in the nation's capital.
What makes it different
Applications via ADEA AADSAS. Howard University College of Dentistry is the foremost HBCU dental school in the United States, with a 140-year history of training dentists who have served Black communities across the country. The school's Washington, DC location provides access to federal oral health policy, government health agencies, and major dental research institutions.
Course & teaching
Traditional curriculum. 4-year DDS curriculum with traditional and integrated elements. Patient care begins in Year 2 at Howard's dental clinic, which serves a predominantly Black and underserved patient population in Washington, DC. Community rotation opportunities with DC community health centers and underserved neighborhood dental sites.
Research strengths
Howard University College of Dentistry (DDS) has notable research strength in Oral health disparities, Dental health equity, Oral-systemic health in Black communities, Periodontal disease, Oral cancer disparities.
Interview
Howard University College of Dentistry (DDS) interviews via Traditional one-on-one or panel interview at Howard University campus, Washington, DC. Howard University College of Dentistry conducts traditional faculty interviews at its Washington, DC campus, typically one to two sessions of 30–45 minutes each. As the most prominent HBCU dental school and a historic producer of Black dentists in the United States, Howard interviews strongly emphasize commitment to serving underserved communities, oral health equity, the oral-systemic health connection, and awareness of health disparities affecting Black and minority communities. Manual dexterity experience, dental shadowing, and genuine motivation for dentistry are also assessed. The interview day includes a tour of Howard's dental facilities and an opportunity to interact with current students and faculty.
Intake
Approximately 75–80 students per year.
At a glance
Founded in 1881, based in Washington, DC. Programmes offered: General Dentistry, Oral Health Equity, Pediatric Dentistry, Prosthodontics, Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.
