If you are applying to dental schools in summer 2025 for matriculation in fall 2026, then you need to begin to prepare this spring. Students applying to Texas schools through TMDSAS should be aware of differences in timelines. Please bookmark this page now and refer to it throughout the application process; this should be your first source when you have questions. If you are an alum who needs their NetID extended to view Box documents, please complete the Qualtrics Survey using a non Duke email to request sponsorship. Please review the action items and guidance below for each time period of your cycle. We encourage you to review the entire page before we start your cycle to have an idea of what to expect. Here is a brief guide:

The Application to Dental School: ADEA AADSAS

Texas Medical & Dental Schools Application Service: TMDSAS

The following outlines the action items you must complete to be eligible for a Duke HPA institutional letter packet for the 2026M cycle.

  • Be enrolled or have completed an undergraduate degree in Trinity or Pratt in the class years 2026-2020.
  • Declare your intent to apply by April 1, 2025, if you are a first time applicant.  
  • Declare your intent to apply by April 15, 2025, if you are a reapplicant.
  • Email completed 2026M Dental Essays to Dr. Keels no later than May 15, 2025.
  • Have submitted application(s) to the application service by June 30, 2025.
  • Upload a verified application to Duke HPA.  More directions forthcoming in Spring 2025.
    • AADSAS requests require a PDF of one of your verified applications.
    • TMDSAS requests require a PDF of your application for one school and a PDF of the email from TMDSAS stating your application has been sent to schools.
  • Monitor and respond to all emails from Duke HPA team members.
 
  • Talk to your recommenders early, at least six weeks before the application opens (mid-May, 2025). To determine who should write your letters, look at the web pages for the schools you are applying to because it varies. Provide the materials your recommenders may need (resume, cover letter, draft of personal statement, outline, etc.) and let them know that they will need to upload their letters directly to AADSAS.  If you are requesting an Institutional Letter Packet from Duke please refer to the process and requirements on our Letters of Recommendation page.
  • If you are requesting an institutional letter you will need to email your completed Predental Essay Questions and a photograph to Dr. Keels at keels001@duke.edu no later than May 15, 2025.  Please put “Request to set up an interview” as the subject to the email. Dr. Keels will then set up an interview with you.
  • Complete the DAT by May 2025.
  • Begin your AADSAS application when it becomes available in May 2025. If you are applying to Texas state schools, also begin your Texas application (TMDSAS) when it opens around May 1.
  • Please see the Duke Dental Application Guide for directions for adding your Institutional Letter packet to your application.
  • Have a transcript sent to AADSAS/TMDSAS with final spring grades.
  • Submit your AADSAS application as early as you can, so you will be considered in the first cycle. AADSAS cycle opens for submission in late May 2025.
  • Submit your application when the system opens in early June 2025.
  • Follow forthcoming directions for requesting your institutional letter packet.
  • Complete secondary applications.
  • Prepare for your interview using our resources.  Return here when you have an interview invitation to schedule Mock Interviews.  You may do one traditional and one MMI mock.  Schedule your mock interview with HPA.
  • Update your application if appropriate.
  • First acceptances are released on December 13, 2026; acceptances by schools not doing a rolling admission will be released in March and April. By April 1, you should be holding only one seat in a dental school. In April, AADSAS will release information to dental schools if you are holding more than one seat and an offer to you could be rescinded.