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How to Apply to Dental School

The application process typically begins 15 to 16 months before matriculation into dental school. A centralized application service (ADEA AADSAS) is used submit your application. ADEA AADSAS opens in mid-May each year.

ADEA AADSAS

The ADEA Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS) is a centralized application processing service available to applicants applying to participating U.S. dental schools. Most DMD and DDS granting dental schools use ADEA AADSAS as their primary application method. There is a fee associated with this application service. See the ADEA AADSAS Fee Assistance Program (FAP) for information concerning financial assistance.

Starting your AADSAS Application (Tips)
ADEA AADSAS Applicant Help Center
List of ADEA US and Canadian Dental Schools (Member Institutions)

ADEA AADSAS Fee Assistance Program

The ADEA AADSAS Fee Assistance Program (FAP) assists students who demonstrate financial hardship by helping to reduce the cost of applying to dental school through ADEA AADSAS. See the link below to learn more about this program, the eligibility requirements, and application process.

International Students Applying to U.S. Dental Schools

According to the American Dental Education Association (ADA) if you are an international student, you are qualified to apply to most dental schools in the United States and Canada. However, each dental school has different policies on admission requirements and may require international students to demonstrate English language proficiency by taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). The ADEA suggests that International students check the Financial Aid Office of each dental school that they wish to apply to see what financial aid opportunities are available. While you must be a U.S. citizen or permanent resident to qualify for federal financial aid, there may be other opportunities for financial assistance. The ADEA website suggests students check out eduPASS for information on financial aid for international students, including scholarships, loans, helpful organizations and the process for applying for aid.