Freshman to Junior Year: Preparing for the Application
The first few years of your undergraduate education should be spent fulfilling prerequisites, excelling in your coursework, and beginning to gather experiences related to dentistry. It’s also crucial to start preparing for the Dental Admission Test (DAT) during this period.
Spring of Junior Year: Take the DAT
Most students take the DAT in the spring of their junior year. This allows enough time to retake the test if necessary. Make sure to prepare adequately, as your DAT score is a crucial part of your application.
Summer Before Senior Year: Submitting Your Application
The application process begins in the summer before your senior year. The American Dental Education Association’s Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) usually opens in early June. You’ll need to submit your transcript, DAT scores, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
Fall of Senior Year: Interviews
After reviewing applications, dental schools invite select candidates for interviews. This typically takes place in the fall of your senior year.
Winter of Senior Year to Spring: Acceptances
After the interview process, dental schools start extending offers of acceptance. This usually begins in December and continues through the spring.
1 Year Later: Matriculation
You will typically start dental school about a year after you submit your application.
Summary
* The first few years of your undergraduate studies should be focused on fulfilling prerequisites, gaining dental experiences, and preparing for the DAT.
* The DAT is usually taken in the spring of your junior year.
* Applications are generally submitted in the early summer before your senior year through AADSAS, including your transcript, DAT scores, personal statement, and letters of recommendation.
* Interviews typically occur in the fall of your senior year, and offers of acceptance are extended from December through the spring.
* Matriculation into dental school usually occurs one year after application submission.