Dental School Application Timeline: Key Dates You Can’t Miss
Applying to dental school is an exciting but detail-heavy process. Missing even one important deadline can delay your acceptance by an entire year. That’s why having a clear, organized dental school application timeline is crucial for every pre-dental student.
In this post, we’ll break down the key dates you can’t afford to miss and give you a step-by-step schedule to help you stay on track.
Why the Dental School Application Timeline Matters
Dental school admissions are rolling, which means seats are filled as applications are reviewed. The earlier you submit, the better your chances of landing interviews and getting accepted. Submitting late can drastically lower your odds, even if you’re a strong applicant.
Dental School Application Timeline: Month-by-Month Breakdown
January – March: Prepare for the DAT
Finalize your DAT study schedule.
Register for the DAT exam. Test dates fill up quickly in peak season.
Consider taking the DAT by April or May for early application submission.
April – May: Gather Application Materials
Start writing your personal statement.
Request letters of recommendation from professors, dentists, and mentors.
Order official transcripts from all colleges attended.
Begin researching dental schools to decide where you’ll apply.
Mid-May: ADEA AADSAS Application Opens
The American Dental Education Association's AADSAS application typically opens in mid-May.
You can start inputting coursework, experiences, and personal information.
Early June: Application Submission Begins
AADSAS begins accepting official submissions in early June.
Aim to submit your application as close to opening day as possible to maximize interview opportunities.
July – September: Supplemental Applications and Interviews
Many dental schools send supplemental applications after receiving your primary application.
Complete and return supplementals quickly — schools value fast, thorough responses.
Interview invitations often begin in late summer.
August – February: Interviews
Dental school interviews typically run from August through February.
Continue preparing for interviews and updating schools with any new achievements.
December 1: Offers Begin
December 1st is the first day dental schools can send acceptance offers.
If accepted, you’ll typically have 15-30 days to respond and secure your seat with a deposit.
Spring: Final Decisions
Some schools maintain waitlists into the spring.
If you’re waitlisted, stay in contact and submit update letters to demonstrate continued interest.
Pro Tip: Submit Early for the Best Chance of Acceptance
The most competitive applicants submit in June or early July. Even though deadlines may extend into the fall, applying late drastically reduces your odds.
Key Dental School Application Dates at a Glance
January – March: DAT prep and registration
Mid-May: AADSAS application opens
Early June: AADSAS accepts submissions
July – September: Supplemental applications and interview invitations
December 1: Dental schools begin sending offers
Final Thoughts
Staying on top of the dental school application timeline is one of the smartest ways to set yourself apart. The earlier you apply, the more schools you’ll hear from — and the sooner you’ll be on your way to becoming a dentist.
👉 Check out our full application prep resources at Dental School Declassified. We’re here to help you every step of the way with DAT prep, application coaching, and personalized timelines.
