How to Choose Which Dental Schools to Apply To
When you're prepping for dental school applications, one of the biggest decisions you'll make is where to apply. With over 65 dental schools in the U.S. alone, narrowing down your list can feel overwhelming — but making smart, strategic choices can significantly improve your chances of getting accepted.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when choosing which dental schools to apply to — so you can build a balanced, targeted list that aligns with your goals.
1. Know Your Stats (and Theirs)
Start with an honest look at your academic profile:
DAT Score
Overall GPA
Science GPA
Coursework Rigor
Clinical/Shadowing Hours
Then, compare your stats with the average stats of accepted students at different schools. Most dental school websites (or the ADEA Dental School Explorer) publish this information.
👉 Tip: Apply to a mix of:
Reach schools (where your stats are below average)
Target schools (stats are in range)
Safety schools (stats are above average)
2. Consider the Cost (In-State vs. Out-of-State)
Dental school is expensive — and tuition varies dramatically:
In-state tuition can save you $100K+ over four years
Private schools and out-of-state public schools often cost more
👉 Questions to ask:
Do you qualify for in-state residency?
Will you be happy living in that area for 4+ years?
Does the school offer scholarships or financial aid?
3. Location, Location, Location
You’ll be living there for 4 years — maybe more — so the location matters.
Urban vs. rural?
Close to home or far away?
Climate preferences?
Cost of living?
Bonus: Some schools are located near underserved areas, which can offer unique clinical experiences or loan repayment incentives.
4. Look at Curriculum Style and Special Programs
Not all dental schools teach the same way.
Do you prefer:
Traditional lecture vs. problem-based learning?
Early clinical exposure vs. preclinical years first?
Opportunities for research or dual degrees?
Also consider:
Specialty exposure
Community-based rotations
Outreach opportunities
👉 Check the school’s website or student forums to understand how the curriculum fits your learning style.
5. Class Size and Culture
Class size varies widely — from ~50 to over 140 students.
Consider whether you’d thrive in a small, tight-knit group or a larger, more diverse class.
Look into the school culture, support systems, and student life.
Reading student testimonials, checking Reddit/DentalTown threads, or connecting with current students can give you real insights into what it’s like.
6. Consider Mission and Fit
Some dental schools have specific missions, like:
Serving underserved populations
Focusing on primary care or rural dentistry
Promoting research and innovation
Make sure your goals, values, and interests align with the school's mission. This will also help when writing your secondaries and interviewing!
7. Check Application Requirements
Before adding a school to your list, make sure you can meet their:
Prerequisite coursework
Letters of recommendation criteria
Shadowing or experience expectations
Secondary application essays
Some schools also require additional components, like CASPer, manual dexterity tests, or interviews with specific formats (MMI, group, traditional).
💡 Final Thoughts
There’s no magic number of dental schools to apply to, but most students submit 10–15 applications. Choosing wisely based on your stats, goals, budget, and lifestyle can improve your odds and reduce stress during the cycle.
Need Help Building Your School List?
At Dental School Declassified, we offer 1:1 application strategy advising, mock interviews, and DAT tutoring to help you craft a strong application — and make confident decisions every step of the way.
📩 Book a free consultation or follow us on social media for more pre-dental tips!
