Pre-Dental Application Process

The majority of U.S. dental schools require students to apply through the American Association of Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS). This entails completing one standardized application, which is then processed by AADSAS and sent to the individual mdental schools you have designated.

AADSAS application on or around June 1

AADSAS application closes on or around February 1 each year

Plan on completing the AADSAS application during the summer of the year preceding admission. Applications may be submitted beginning mid-June. Each school has a specific application deadline, which in noted in the online AADSAS application. Consult each dental school’s website for the most accurate deadline dates. Since many dental schools have a rolling admission process, begin interviews in September, and admit a large number of highly qualified applicants as early as December 1, it is to your best interest to submit your application early. Don’t procrastinate!

Transcripts

An official transcript is required to be submitted from each college/ university you have attended to the AADSAS Verification Department. You must submit a college transcript from ALL colleges attended (including post secondary option courses, summer school classes, and even courses from which you withdrew).

Letters of Evaluation

To request letters you need to complete the: Gustavus Letter of Recommendation Online System

Your AADSAS also accepts and distributes letters of evaluation (sometimes called letters of recommendation) with your AADSAS application. Different schools have different reference requirements. For example, some may ask for two letters from science faculty members and one from a previous employer. Others may want letters from a dentist or a non-science faculty member. Make sure to check what the schools you apply to are asking for.

Supplemental Application Process

After submitting your AADSAS application, be sure to check with the schools to which you are applying to find out the required supplemental materials and fees. Most schools have supplementary materials, these may include: letters of recommendation from faculty & supervisors, additional essays, employment information, etc. You should have all of this information completed and returned as early as possible after a school requests the information. A few dental schools have individual applications that must be obtained directly from the schools. Those schools are indicated on the DAT form; you need only call the schools to obtain their application form.

For example, the U of MN- Twin Cities Supplemental Application will ask for the following:

• Explanation of Academic Difficulties

• Statement of Orientation to Dentistry

• Statement of Contribution to the Program and to Diversity

• Activities/ Honors

• Work Experience

Interviewing

If all goes well, you’ll have an opportunity to interview at some of your selected dental schools from October through March of your senior year. Plan on financing trips to these schools, as you are responsible for all costs of transportation and lodging. Because the interviews occur during the academic year, it will necessitate making arrangements with your professors regarding absence from class.

U of M short course: Interviewing Skills for a Health Profession

Get interview feedback from students interviewing at the various Dental Schools @ the Student Doctor Network.

Interview Stream is a great place to practice.

Notification of Acceptance:

December to May is the typically timeline for notification, with the majority of applicants being admitted in December for most schools.

*Special Note: for those who decide to apply following their senior year of college, their timeline will just be shifted accordingly. There is NO disadvantage to applying later than your junior or senior year… and many of our current students in dental school have done just that. Sometimes it is advantageous to acquire more experience, and giving yourself an extra year (s) can often allow this to happen.

Updated 4/2/2014HAB