The University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry was established as the College of Dentistry by The Regents of the University of California on September 7, 1881. Professional programs currently offered by the school include a program that leads to the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree (minimally four years in length); and postgraduate programs in advanced general dentistry, dental public health, endodontics, oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontology, prosthodontics, and a general practice residency. There is also a two-year International Dentist Program, leading to the Doctor of Dental Surgery degree for graduates of dental schools outside the US or Canada. All of these programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation. In conjunction with the UCSF Graduate Division, Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degree programs in Oral and Craniofacial Sciences are also available. A Bachelor of Science degree in dental sciences is available to students in the four-year dental curriculum who have not already earned a bachelors degree.

The School of Dentistry sponsors affiliated dental and dental auxiliary programs in hospitals and community colleges, offers continuing education courses through its Continuing Dental Education program, and conducts research and delivers patient care services in all areas of dental practice. The dental clinics record more than 140,000 patient visits per year.

The School of Dentistry facilities, including its newly rennovated clinics on Parnassus Avenue and in the community, its research laboratories, campus facilities, and library, make it one of the best equipped settings anywhere in the nation in which to conduct education, patient care, and research.