Dental School Timeline 2027: AADSAS Dates & DAT Plan

Short Answer: Fall 2027 = 2026–27 AADSAS Cycle

If you want to start dental school in Fall 2027, you apply in the 2026–27 ADEA AADSAS cycle (summer 2026), not in 2027.

Official 2026–27 dates (ADEA):

Confirm on ADEA AADSAS — always the source of truth.

General (non-year-specific) process: dental school application timeline. Opening mechanics: when does AADSAS open?.

Month-by-Month Plan (Fall 2027 Entry)

Late 2025 – Early 2026 (now → spring)

• Lock prerequisites and request letters of evaluation early
• Start DAT content if you have not — plan 4–6 months of serious prep
• Shadowing hours and experiences should already be underway (shadowing guide)
• Draft personal statement outlines before May rush

January – May 2026

• Register for the DAT (eligibility windows; schedule Prometric early)
• Target DAT by spring / early summer 2026 so scores arrive before or soon after submit
• Remember: scores are on the 200–600 scale (DAT 200–600 explained); old “20 AA” ≈ 420 AA
• April 15 — apply for FAP if eligible
• May 12 — open AADSAS; enter coursework carefully
• Texas applicants: track TMDSAS dates separately (often early May)

June – August 2026

• June 2 — submit as early as your transcript/DAT plan allows
• Expect verification often ~4–6 weeks after complete materials
• Complete secondaries quickly; take Casper if your schools require it (often May–June)
• Interview invites can start mid/late summer for early, strong files

September – December 2026

• Interview season
• Academic Update #1 (Aug 13–Sep 29) for summer grades
• December 15, 2026 — Decision Day (full explainer)

January – Summer 2027

• Waitlists, additional offers, deposit decisions (plan for ~April single-seat norms)
• Academic Update #2 into early February
• Matriculate Fall 2027

DAT Timing for 2027 Matriculation

Retake policy details: Should I retake the DAT?. There is no national list of exam days: DAT dates 2027.

Looking Ahead: Fall 2028 / 2027–28 Cycle

If you are a sophomore or junior aiming at Fall 2028 entry, you will apply in the 2027–28 cycle. The month-by-month plan, including what ADEA has and has not published, is in Dental school timeline 2028. Exact open and submit dates publish closer to the year.

What to do in 2026–27 while Fall 2027 applicants are in-cycle:

• Finish prereqs + upward GPA trend
• Build shadowing and leadership depth
• Take DAT when content is fresh — many aim spring 2027
• Watch ADEA for 2027–28 FAP / open / submit / Decision Day announcements

Do not invent dates for 2027–28 until ADEA posts them. Use 2026–27 as the template pattern.

Checklist Before You Submit (June 2026)

• All colleges listed; coursework matches transcripts
• DAT taken or date planned and disclosed
• LORs requested with deadlines
• Personal statement proofread
• School list matches GPA/DAT reality ([GPA requirements](/blog/dental-school-gpa-requirements))
• FAP applied if eligible
• Shadowing hours documented

FAQ

When do I apply for Fall 2027 dental school? Summer 2026 (AADSAS opens May 12; submit from June 2, 2026).

When is Decision Day for Fall 2027 entry? December 15, 2026.

When should I take the DAT for 2027 entry? Ideally by late spring / early summer 2026, with room for a retake.

What about Fall 2028? That is the 2027–28 cycle — prepare academically in 2026–27; submit around May/June 2027 once dates are posted.

Next Step

Pick your entry year (2027 vs 2028), reverse-plan DAT and submit week, then execute weekly.

Want a personalized 2027 calendar (DAT date + school list)? Schedule a free call.