If you are planning to apply to dental school, you have probably searched for acceptance rates. The numbers can feel intimidating at first. They can also be confusing, because different sources measure different things.
In this guide, you will learn what official data says about the dental school acceptance rate in the United States and why rates vary so much between schools. You will also learn how to read these numbers in a useful way. Most importantly, you will see which parts of your application are in your control, so you can spend your time and energy where it counts most.
The American Dental Association's Health Policy Institute tracks applicants and enrollees. According to ADA data on dental education, there were 12,491 applicants for the Fall 2024 entering class, and 6,719 of them enrolled as first-year students. That means roughly 54 percent of applicants enrolled.
Interest keeps growing. The American Dental Education Association reported that more than 13,600 people applied for the 2025 entering class, the highest level in a decade. ADEA also noted that the ratio of applicants to enrollees has been rising.
A national figure is an average across many schools. A few things to keep in mind:
For a specific school, look at its admissions page or the ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools.
Some students reapply and are admitted in a later cycle. If you are not accepted, ask schools for feedback when they offer it. Then look honestly at your application. You might retake a course, prepare again for the DAT, or add more time in dental settings. A gap year can give you space to grow and to apply with a stronger, clearer story.
Dental schools review applications as a whole. GPA and DAT scores show academic readiness. Schools also want to know why you chose dentistry and how you work with people. Most applications include:
Our guide to the best extracurriculars for dental school explains how to choose activities that reflect your interests.
You cannot control the size of the applicant pool. You can control how prepared you are. Focus on these steps:
Experience matters for more than your application. It helps you confirm that dentistry is the right path before you invest years of study. A dental service learning trip is one way to see dental care in a new setting. On Smiles Movement trips, students shadow local dental professionals at mobile clinics and help with oral health education for children in partner communities. To keep accurate records of every experience, read how to track volunteer hours.
Acceptance rates are one part of the picture. Your preparation, experiences, and reflection are the parts you can shape. If you want to learn alongside dental professionals and partner communities, Smiles Movement can help you take that step.
Fill out the form or download our brochure to get more information about upcoming programs.
ADA data shows that 6,719 of 12,491 applicants enrolled in the Fall 2024 entering class, or about 54 percent. Rates vary widely by school.
Admission is competitive, and the number of applicants has grown in recent years. Strong preparation across academics, experience, and reflection helps you present a complete application.
Many applicants apply to several schools to improve their chances. Build a list based on fit, location, cost, and each school's recent class data.