Your grades and test scores show what you know. A dental school letter of recommendation shows who you are. It gives admissions committees a view of you from someone who has watched you learn, work, and grow.
Strong letters take time to earn. They come from relationships you build over months or years. In this guide, you will learn how letters work in the ADEA AADSAS application, who makes a good writer, and when to make your request. You will also find a simple checklist to help your writers describe you with specific, honest examples.
How the dental school letter of recommendation process works
In AADSAS, letters are called letters of evaluation. According to the ADEA GoDental FAQ, you can submit four individual letters, or one committee letter plus up to three individual letters. Your writers upload their letters directly through Liaison Letters. You cannot submit a letter for them.
ADEA also notes a change for the 2026–27 cycle. Evaluators are now asked to answer a set of questions about their relationship with you and your personal qualities. This makes one thing even clearer: your writers need to know you well.
Requirements still vary by school. Some ask for letters from science faculty. Some request a letter from a dentist. The University of Florida College of Dentistry, for example, asks for three letters or one committee letter. Check each school's page before you choose writers. Our guide to entering dental school covers the other parts of the application.
What is a committee letter?
Some colleges have a pre-health committee. It collects your letters and writes one summary letter on behalf of your school. Ask your pre-health office during your first or second year if this option exists. Committee letters often have their own internal deadlines and interviews.
Who to ask for a letter
Choose people who have seen your work over time. Common writers include:
- Science professors who taught you in smaller classes or labs
- A dentist you shadowed or worked with
- A supervisor from a job, research lab, or service program
The title of the writer matters less than the depth of the relationship. UF's admissions team advises against letters from family members. It also warns that a letter from a well-known person who barely knows you adds little value.
Build relationships before you ask
Go to office hours and ask real questions. Stay with one volunteer site long enough for supervisors to know your name. Take on responsibility when you can. Our article on why real-world experience matters explains how consistent involvement builds the kind of record a writer can describe.
Structured programs can also put you in front of mentors who see you work for several days in a row. On a dental service learning trip, students support local dental teams and learn about community oral health. If you join any program, ask early whether its staff can serve as references and how that process works.
How and when to ask
Ask at least two to three months before you plan to submit your application. The AADSAS cycle usually opens in mid-May, and submissions begin in early June. Asking in early spring gives your writers time to write a thoughtful letter.
Make your request in person or in a personal email. Give your writer an easy way to say no. A hesitant writer may produce a weak or late letter.
When someone agrees, send a short packet:
- Your resume or activity list
- A draft of your personal statement
- The schools you plan to apply to and any specific requirements
- Your target date for the letter
- Two or three specific moments you shared, as gentle reminders
Follow up with a polite reminder if the deadline gets close. Send a thank-you note after the letter is submitted. Later, let your writers know where you were accepted. For more ways to present your experiences, read about building a strong dental school resume.
Build relationships that lead to strong letters
The best letters come from people who have watched you serve, learn, and grow. If you want to work alongside dental professionals in a structured setting, Smiles Movement programs can be a meaningful step.
Fill out the form below to get more information about our upcoming programs.
Frequently asked questions about dental school letters
How many letters of recommendation do I need?
AADSAS accepts up to four letters, or one committee letter plus up to three individual letters. Each school sets its own minimum and preferred writers, so check every school on your list.
Should I waive my right to see my letters?
Many pre-health advisors recommend waiving your right of access. It signals trust in your writers and confidence in their honest evaluation.
Can a dentist I shadowed write my letter?
Yes. Some schools require or prefer a letter from a dentist. Choose one who observed you for a meaningful amount of time and can describe your professionalism.