About
The NYU College of Dentistry, located at 345 E 24th St, New York, NY 10010, stands as a beacon of excellence in dental education, patient care, and research, serving as one of the nation's premier institutions for advancing oral health worldwide.[1][2][3] Founded in 1865 as the New York College of Dentistry in a modest rental space on 22nd Street and Fifth Avenue in Manhattan, it began with just 31 students and 10 faculty members, driven by a mission to promote altruism in dentistry while delivering first-rate education. Only nine of the original students graduated in the inaugural class, but this humble start laid the foundation for what would become a global leader. In 1925, the college merged with New York University, evolving into the NYU College of Dentistry and solidifying its position at the forefront of dental research, postdoctoral education, and policy development.[2] Today, it educates nearly ten percent of the nation's dentists, enrolling approximately 1,600 students from around the world, with a student body that is roughly fifty percent female and fifty percent minority, reflecting its commitment to diversity and inclusion.[2][3]
At the heart of NYU Dentistry's ethos is its mission: to partner with students in achieving academic excellence, providing the best oral health care, and engaging in research, scholarship, creative endeavors, and service to improve the health of highly diverse populations in New York City and beyond.[1][5] This mission manifests through an evidence-based curriculum that emphasizes the seamless connection between research and clinical practice, preparing graduates to treat patients across the lifespan with solid, data-driven approaches.[3] The college offers specialty training in key areas such as endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, prosthodontics, and implant dentistry. It also houses the only dental school-affiliated dental hygiene program in New York State and runs an extensive continuing education program for professionals.[1]
NYU Dentistry's patient care arm is equally renowned, delivering approximately 300,000 visits annually to one of the most multiethnic and multicultural patient populations in the nation.[1][5] Services encompass quality, affordable, comprehensive care for all ages, featuring the latest dental treatments and techniques—many pioneered right here by its distinguished faculty.[3] Faculty researchers have made pioneering contributions in caries research across age groups, salivary diagnostics, oral cancer, bone health, behavioral studies, HIV research, pain control, implant dentistry, new dental materials, fluoride and sealant use for caries prevention, bonding techniques for aesthetic restoration, facial deformity correction, and adult orthodontics.[1] The college's state-of-the-art clinical and research facilities further empower students and faculty to translate knowledge into exceptional patient outcomes and groundbreaking advancements.[5]
What truly sets NYU Dentistry apart is its unwavering dedication to community outreach and addressing oral health disparities, embodying a unique value proposition that blends cutting-edge academia with real-world impact.[4] Programs like 'Smiling Faces, Going Places,' a mobile dental van initiative, deliver comprehensive care to underserved children at public schools and Head Start facilities across New York City's five boroughs.[1][4][5] Free oral health and oral cancer screenings reach thousands annually, while global outreach models provide essential care, service-learning opportunities, and foster volunteerism.[1] Specialized centers, such as the Oral Health Center for People with Disabilities—recently bolstered by the appointment of Dr. Rita Bilello as clinical director in 2024—and the Veterans Oral Care Access Resource (VOCARE), supported by a $1 million alumni gift, exemplify its commitment to vulnerable populations.[3] The Center for Oral Health Policy and Management, founded in 2021, tackles systemic issues like dentist shortages and fragmented dental benefits through interdisciplinary advocacy.[4]
Unlike competitors, NYU Dentistry integrates education, research, and service into a holistic model that not only trains top-tier professionals but actively improves global health equity. Its location in the world's most diverse city amplifies interdisciplinary collaboration across NYU's ecosystem, broadening knowledge horizons and preparing students for a multicultural world.[4] With pioneering faculty, massive patient volume for hands-on experience, and innovative programs bridging access gaps, NYU College of Dentistry isn't just a school—it's a transformative force redefining oral health care. Whether through research on salivary diagnostics for early disease detection or mobile vans bringing smiles to underserved kids, it consistently delivers on its promise of excellence, altruism, and impact, making it the unparalleled choice for dental education and care.[1][2][3][4][5]
