How to Research Dental Schools and Build Your Application List
When it comes to applying to dental school, one of the most overlooked (but incredibly important) steps is choosing the right schools to apply to. With over 70 dental schools in the U.S. and Canada, building your application list isn’t just about prestige—it's about strategy, fit, and maximizing your chances of acceptance.
At Dental School Declassified, we work with students every year who ask the same question:
"How do I even start choosing dental schools?"
This post breaks down how to research schools the smart way—and how to build an application list that sets you up for success.
🧭 Why Your School List Matters
Your school list determines:
Where you’ll spend the next 4 years
How much debt you’ll take on
What specialties and opportunities you’ll have access to
Your likelihood of getting in
A strategic list includes a mix of dream, target, and safety schools based on your stats, preferences, and goals. Let's break it down.
📝 Step 1: Know Your Numbers
Before you even look at school names, you need to understand your own application profile.
GPA (overall and science)
DAT score (or projected score if still studying)
Shadowing and clinical experience hours
State residency
Extracurriculars and leadership
Research or volunteer experience
These factors influence which schools are likely to consider you a competitive applicant.
🎯 Pro tip: If your stats are below a school's 10th percentile, it's probably a long shot. Aim for a balanced list.
🔍 Step 2: Use the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools
The ADEA Official Guide (digital or printed) is the most accurate and comprehensive source of dental school data. It includes:
Median GPA and DAT scores
In-state vs. out-of-state admissions data
Tuition and fees
Prerequisite courses
Class sizes
Special programs
Use this guide to create a spreadsheet and begin narrowing down schools.
🏫 Step 3: Deep-Dive into Dental School Websites
Once you have a shortlist, go straight to each school's website. Look for:
Curriculum structure (P/F grading, clinical exposure year, special tracks)
Mission statement and values
Research and outreach opportunities
Facilities and technology
Student life and diversity initiatives
Residency match data
✨ Ask yourself: Can I see myself thriving in this environment?
📍 Step 4: Consider Geography and Cost of Living
Location affects more than just weather. Think about:
In-state tuition discounts
Cost of living in cities vs. smaller towns
Proximity to support systems like family or friends
Whether you want an urban, suburban, or rural setting
Opportunities for externships or community outreach
💡 Don’t overlook schools just because they’re not in a big city—some smaller programs offer excellent clinical training and high acceptance rates.
💰 Step 5: Factor in Financial Fit
Dental school is a massive investment. Beyond tuition, check:
Estimated total cost of attendance
Scholarships or need-based aid
Opportunities for teaching assistantships or paid research
Loan repayment or financial literacy programs
🧾 Start thinking like an investor—this is your professional future, and cost matters.
💬 Step 6: Talk to Current Students or Alumni
First-hand insight is gold. Use forums like Reddit, Student Doctor Network, or your own network to:
Ask what they like/dislike about the program
Learn about workload and faculty support
Hear about their clinical experience and board prep
Get the “real” picture of what daily life is like
🔗 Pro tip: Many schools list student ambassadors or contacts on their websites—don’t be afraid to reach out!
🧠 Step 7: Create a Balanced School List
Now it’s time to build your list. A good breakdown:
2–3 reach schools (slightly above your stats)
4–6 target schools (your stats align well)
2–3 safety schools (you’re above average)
Most students apply to 10–15 programs. The key is balance: don’t apply to only top-tier schools, but don’t sell yourself short either.
🗂 Need Help Creating Your List?
At Dental School Declassified, our dental school advisors can help you:
Analyze your stats
Identify strategic matches
Create a school list that maximizes your ROI
Build a personalized timeline to hit every milestone on time
We’ve helped hundreds of students build data-driven school lists—and we’d love to help you, too.
Final Thoughts
Don’t underestimate the power of a smart school list. Choosing the right dental schools to apply to can make the difference between acceptance and rejection, debt or scholarships, stress or support. Do your homework now—and thank yourself later.
📍 Need help building your dental school list?
Book a one-on-one advising session at DentalSchoolDeclassified.com and get expert help creating a strategy that works.
