Updated: October 15, 2026
You’ve decided that you want to pursue a career in dentistry. ! Now comes the daunting task of applying to dental school. One of the key decisions you have to make is how many schools to apply to. It can be overwhelming trying to decide, but don’t worry—we’re here to help you figure out the best approach for your unique situation. U.S. Dental Schools
Do Your Research and Create a List
The first step in deciding how many dental schools you should apply is doing your research and creating a list of schools. Start by looking at the requirements for each school and make sure they are realistic for your academic and/or professional background. If they are, then add that school to your list. Prioritize schools whose eligibility requirements, admissions criteria, and mission fit your preparation and goals. A school’s overall acceptance rate alone does not determine your individual admission chances. Once you have created a list, review it and see how many schools it contains; this will give you some insight into how many applications you should submit.
Types of Applicants
The number of applications you should submit also depends on what type of applicant you are. For example, if you have excellent grades, test scores, and recommendations, then it might be beneficial for you to apply to more than one school so that you can increase your chances of getting accepted somewhere (and potentially receive multiple scholarship offers). If your grades or test scores are less competitive, review each school’s eligibility requirements and admissions criteria carefully. Build a realistic school list based on your complete application, program fit, and budget rather than choosing a fixed number based on grades or scores alone.
Consider Your Budget
It’s important not forget about budget when deciding how many dental schools to apply too. For the 2026–2027 application cycle, ADEA AADSAS charges $264 for the first program and $115 for each additional program. Individual dental schools may also charge supplemental application fees. These costs can add up quickly when applying to multiple dental schools. Plan your application budget early and check each school’s deadline. ADEA recommends submitting during the summer rather than waiting until deadlines approach; consider costs alongside the time needed to complete and process your applications.
Applying to dental school can seem like an intimidating process, but with proper research and forethought it doesn’t have too be! The best way decide how many dental schools should I apply too is by researching each program's admission requisites (making sure they are realistic given your credentials), considering what type of applicant you are (e.g., highly competitive vs average), and taking into account your current financial situation (to determine if now is a good time financially). All these factors will help guide towards making an informed decision regarding which programs best suit your needs! Good luck!