About
The Columbia University College of Dental Medicine (CDM) stands as a pillar of excellence in dental education, patient care, research, and community service, seamlessly integrated within the world-renowned Columbia University Irving Medical Center (CUIMC) in Washington Heights, New York City. Founded in 1852 as the New York College of Dentistry and later merging with Columbia University in 1923, it holds the distinction of being the first U.S. dental school to be affiliated with a university and a major medical center. This historic integration established its foundational philosophy: that dentistry is a specialty of medicine. This principle continues to guide its mission to advance oral and systemic health through preeminent education, groundbreaking research, comprehensive patient-centered care, and a profound commitment to underserved communities.\n\nCDM's mission is multifaceted, aiming to educate the next generation of leaders in dental medicine—including DDS candidates, postdoctoral residents, and PhD researchers—within an environment that emphasizes evidence-based practice, critical thinking, and ethical professionalism. Its unique position within a top-tier academic medical center allows for an unparalleled interdisciplinary approach. Students and faculty collaborate daily with colleagues in medicine, nursing, public health, and engineering, fostering a holistic understanding of patient health where oral conditions are recognized in the context of whole-body wellness. This is a core part of its value proposition, setting it apart from standalone dental schools or clinics.\n\nThe College operates a comprehensive Faculty Dental Practice for private patients and extensive teaching clinics where supervised dental students and residents provide a wide array of services. This dual model ensures access to cutting-edge, specialized care while fulfilling its educational mandate. Its clinical expertise spans every dental specialty, including periodontics, orthodontics, oral surgery, endodontics, pediatric dentistry, and prosthodontics, with a particular strength in complex, multidisciplinary cases. The Center for Precision Dental Medicine and the cutting-edge Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology exemplify its forward-looking focus on personalized care and regenerative sciences.\n\nWhat truly sets Columbia University College of Dental Medicine apart is its symbiotic relationship with NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital and its deep roots in the local community. Through initiatives like the Community DentCare network, CDM provides critical dental services to schoolchildren and residents in Northern Manhattan, addressing significant health disparities. Its research enterprise is robust, investigating frontiers from craniofacial biology and salivary diagnostics to health policy, consistently ranking among the top NIH-funded dental institutions. The combination of Ivy League academic rigor, a clinically rich and diverse patient population, a commitment to translational 'bench-to-bedside' research, and an enduring social mission creates an institution that is not merely a dental school but a transformative force in global health. It cultivates dentists who are both master clinicians and compassionate healthcare leaders, poised to shape the future of the profession.
Additional Details
Specialization:
Comprehensive dental education (DDS, postdoctoral, PhD programs), advanced patient care across all dental specialties, and pioneering biomedical research in oral health, with a unique focus on the oral-systemic health connection within an academic medical center.
Years of Experience:
172
Education & Certifications:
Accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Awards Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degrees, numerous postdoctoral certificates (e.g., in Orthodontics, Periodontics, Endodontics), Master of Science (MS), and Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degrees. Faculty hold board certifications in their respective dental specialties.
Professional Memberships:
American Dental Association (ADA), American Dental Education Association (ADEA), American Association for Dental, Oral, and Craniofacial Research (AADOCR), International Association for Dental Research (IADR), and various specialty academies (e.g., AAO, AAP).
Awards & Recognitions:
Consistently ranked among the top dental schools in the nation for NIH research funding. Recognized for its Community DentCare program's public health impact. Faculty and alumni have received prestigious awards including the Norton M. Ross Award, ADA Gold Medal Awards, and induction into the National Academy of Medicine.
Pricing & Insurance:
Pricing varies widely based on service complexity and provider level (faculty vs. supervised resident). The Faculty Practice operates on a private fee-for-service model. The teaching clinics offer reduced fees for care provided by supervised trainees. CDM accepts a wide range of dental insurance plans, including Medicaid (for eligible services in teaching clinics), and participates with many major PPO networks. Patients are advised to contact the specific practice (Faculty Practice or clinic) for detailed fee and insurance information.
Customer Reviews
Despite a general aversion I hold toward dental visits, I must genuinely express that my experiences at this particular practice have consistently been enjoyable and exceptionally positive. The entire staff is remarkably thorough, consistently demonstrating a high level of professionalism in every interaction. Beyond their efficiency, they are notably friendly, creating a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that helps alleviate any apprehension. This level of dedication and care has led me to recommend them highly to anyone seeking dental services.
Specifically, my dentist, Mr. Matt Farrell, stands out as a true professional. He possesses excellent communication skills, always taking the time to explain in detail the current state of my dental health and precisely what procedures or treatments are recommended. This detailed explanation ensures I am fully informed and comfortable with the plan moving forward, reflecting his commitment to patient understanding and care.
I went to to the school to get work done. All they did was work on the tooth until I was in constant pain and then stopped. Now they say I need a root canal but my insurance doesn't cover it. Why even start working on a tooth when you are aware of this? I would not recommend the school to anyone. I am a veteran but they don't care. All they care about is money. They also billed insurance company for procedures not even done. See attached photo.
The administration is TERRIBLE !!!!! There was no follow up call for my upcoming appointment which i made 2 months prior to the appointment date - to find out they booked me for a day that the clinic is closed - I wouldn't have known if i did not call them to ask was everything okay with my apt. When the rep ( JADEN ) noticed the day it was schedule the clinic was closed he hung up on me!!!! I had to call back for them to tell me theres not other appointments until 2 months and theres nothing she can do.
Terrible before even seeing a Dr! Appts are call back
Wait list and they can’t give you a round about fee! Ridiculous! To have students work on you and you could possibly pay the same as an experienced specialist! And very oddly they say they only work with Medicaid, seems a bit discriminatory!
If it’s drill and fill, or yank and scram, probably four or five stars. I won’t know because I never got to “yank and scream", so I give it only one star.
After more than nine weeks of pain, angst, and hope, I got to “oral surgery consultation”. After lengthy discussions between student and “others” a treatment plan was approved.
Thirteen days later, I turned up to get my tooth extracted. After sitting more than two hours in the dentist chair, I was told that the student could not proceed with the procedure because her faculty refused to approve the treatment.
So, after months of waiting, all I was left with was pain, more angst, and no hope.
This is a training facility where the left hand has no idea what the right hand is doing, causing pain to the victim.
I picked this place because of its association with the NY Presbyterian Hospital. What a painful mistake. It's like comparing heaven and hell.
