Fall 2027 cycle · AADSAS closes February 5, 2027. Is it too late to apply?

Dental School List Help

There are 66 dental schools in the United States and 10 in Canada, and each looks for different applicants. Below is a free guide to building a realistic dental school list, plus a checklist. If you want an expert to build it with you, our 30-minute school selection session is $247.

Dr. Todd Chastain, DMDHansuja ChaurasiaCelina (Chaeyun) Yang

Dr. Todd, Hansuja & Celina

9.8/10 from 39 surveyed students

Free guide

How to build a dental school list

A good list balances where you are likely to get in with where you would love to go, and it is affordable to apply to. Use these steps.

  1. 1

    Start with your numbers

    Compare your overall GPA, science GPA and DAT with each school's recent class profile. Schools near or below your numbers are your realistic core.

  2. 2

    Check residency rules

    Many public schools take mostly in-state students. Your own state's schools usually belong at the top of the list.

  3. 3

    Look at mission fit

    Some schools focus on research, others on community or rural care. Pick schools whose mission matches your experiences.

  4. 4

    Balance reach, target and likely schools

    Include a few reaches, but most of your list should be schools where your profile is typical of accepted students.

  5. 5

    Count the cost

    Every school adds an AADSAS fee and often a secondary fee, plus interview travel. Make sure you can afford every application on the list.

Check your list

  • Your in-state schools are on it
  • Most schools match your GPA and DAT range
  • You meet each school's prerequisites
  • You checked out-of-state acceptance rates
  • Each school fits your goals or experiences
  • You can afford every application fee
Want expert help?

How it works with us

  1. 1

    Share your profile

    GPA, DAT, state of residence, experiences and goals.

  2. 2

    1-on-1 session

    A 30-minute video or phone call with our admissions team.

  3. 3

    School-by-school review

    We go through the pros and cons of each school you are considering.

  4. 4

    Your custom list

    You leave with a school list built around your profile.

Package and price

  • $247
  • 30-minute 1-on-1 session
  • Pros and cons of each school
  • List built around your stats

School Selection

$247
  • 30 minute video/phone session with our in-house expert to determine which schools are the best fit for you and compile a school list that makes sense
See details

There are 66 dental schools within the United States and another 10 in Canada. Each dental school program looks for certain characteristics in their applicants. Do you know which schools are a good fit for you?

The school selection service includes a 1-on-1 video sit-down for 30 minutes to determine which schools are a good fit for you and which aren't. Our in-house expert will customize a dental school list based on your needs with the information you provide us. Our admissions expert will explain the pros and cons of each school you're applying to and have a customized school list put together just for you.

Not sure which fits? Book a free 15-minute call or compare all prices.

How many dental schools should I apply to?

There is no single right number. It depends on your GPA, DAT, residency and budget. Applicants with numbers close to the average for their schools can apply to fewer; applicants with weaker numbers or few in-state options usually need a wider list. We help you find the number that balances your chances with what you can afford.

What happens in the school selection session

Before the call you share your stats and the schools you are considering. In the 30-minute session our admissions team explains which schools are a good fit and which are not, the pros and cons of each, and puts together a list that makes sense for you.

Meet the tutors

Dentists and dental students who went through admissions recently. Press play to hear from them; your tutor is matched after the free call.

Dr. Todd Chastain, DMD, Applicant mentor & DAT Biology tutor
10+ yrs tutoringPracticing dentist

Dr. Todd Chastain, DMD

Faculty, UAB School of Dentistry

35 yrs
Private practice
10 yrs
Mentoring
DMD
UAB, 1991

For the past 10 years, Dr. Chastain has mentored pre-dental students through applications and interviews, and every one he has guided is now a practicing dentist. He taught dental students in the clinic at UAB and now teaches biology at the University of North Alabama, so he also tutors DAT Biology. He knows what admissions committees look for and how to help you stand out.

  • DAT Biology
  • Applications
  • Interviews
  • Personal statement
Celina (Chaeyun) Yang, DAT & admissions coach
Dental student

Celina (Chaeyun) Yang

University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine

25 AA
DAT score
7
Interviews
Penn
Dental school

First-year Penn Dental student who scored a 25 AA on the DAT, with a 27 in Biology and a 28 in Quantitative Reasoning. Celina has tutored science from high school through college, and she goes over every practice question with you, right or wrong, so a lucky guess never hides a gap.

  • DAT Biology
  • Quantitative Reasoning
  • Personal statement
  • Secondaries
Hansuja Chaurasia, DAT tutor & advisor
Dental student

Hansuja Chaurasia

University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine

UConn
Dental school
B.S.
Allied Health
Tutor
DAT & advising

UConn Dental student who has worked as a private DAT tutor and application advisor. Hansuja's strongest DAT sections were Reading Comprehension and Biology, and her sessions focus on why an answer is right, not just what it is, so you can handle questions you haven't seen before.

  • DAT
  • Application advising
Dental student · D1
Photo coming soon

Neil Desai

Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine

24 AA
2024 DAT
30
Chemistry
3.92
GPA

BS Human Biology with honors from Michigan State. Coaches every DAT section, from biology and orgo to PAT and QR.

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Orgo
  • PAT
  • QR
  • RC

What students say

9.8/10 from 39 surveyed students

Video review
“The Future Dental Prep Tutoring Program and my tutor helped me immensely. My favorite part was the mock interviews, which perfectly simulated the real experience. I am incredibly grateful for the guidance and support that helped me succeed!”

Gabriela Green

JR
Julia R.★★★★★
“The personal statement express was a lifesaver!!! I wasn't even going to apply this application cycle; however, with a last minute change of plans, I found myself scrambling to get everything finished. I had just written my personal statement, and was about to submit my application, and I was able to get feedback just a few hours after I sent it. The advice was very thorough and helpful! I actually talked with a dental school admissions committee on the phone to receive application feedback, and they said I had one of the best personal statements they had ever seen. Thank you Future Dental Prep!!!”
EN
Elisa N.★★★★★
“I used the Personal Statement Express Overview that is offered by Future Dental Prep because I was finished with writing my personal statement, but I couldn't find the "perfect" final draft. I wanted an honest opinion from someone who didn't know me. Using this service was a wonderful experience! My assigned expert contacted me through email and thoroughly reviewed my personal statement within a day. The review included an overview of each paragraph with comments on the content, ways to improve the structure of the paper and grammatical corrections. In addition, my expert rated my paper out of 10 and wrote a summary of how the paper was put together and his thoughts on enhancement. The courteous feedback and timeliness of service was exactly what I needed to feel confident in my personal statement. It helped me to take what I wrote and make it into a strong, well-structured personal statement that I loved.”
EP
Emily P.★★★★★
“My experience with Future Dental Prep admissions was great. There was a great communication which allowed making the phone call appointment very easy. The phone call itself was very helpful for me. Before making the phone call, I was very unsure of where I stood regarding which schools I have a chance in being admitted, but my consultant made it very clear for me. He carefully answered all the questions I had and even allowed me to ask questions after the session. Now I feel confident regarding what school I will be applying to.”
CJ
Chris J.★★★★★
“My personal experience with Future Dental Prep has been outstanding. My consultant was very responsive and helpful throughout the process of completing my personal statement. I would highly recommend this service to anyone wanting to craft an immaculate personal statement.”

Frequently asked questions

How long is the school selection session?

30 minutes, by video or phone, with a member of our admissions team.

What should I bring to the session?

Your GPA (overall and science), DAT scores or target, state of residence, main experiences, and any schools you are already considering.

Can you help if I have a low GPA or DAT?

Yes. A careful school list matters most for applicants below the average. We focus on schools where your profile has a realistic chance.

Is school selection included in a bigger package?

Yes. The Complete Application Package includes school selection along with personal statement, secondaries, experiences and interview coaching.

Still deciding?

Tell us where you are in the cycle. A free 15-minute call, no obligation.

Book a free call →