Short Answer: 3 School Fee Waiver If You Qualify
The ADEA AADSAS Fee Assistance Program (FAP) helps eligible applicants with dental school application costs. If approved, you typically receive a fee waiver for three AADSAS-participating dental schools — ADEA has valued that at about $494.
Critical rule: Do not submit your AADSAS application before you receive FAP approval. Submitting early can make you ineligible for the waiver.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| What you get | Waiver for 3 AADSAS school designations |
| Income test | Combined AGI ≤ 300% of U.S. poverty guidelines |
| Docs | U.S. tax returns + FAFSA Submission Summary (and related earnings docs) |
| After approval | Submit AADSAS within 30 calendar days or forfeit |
Official hubs: ADEA FAP · FAP Help Center.
2026–27 Cycle Dates (Reference)
For the cycle tied to Fall 2027 entry:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| FAP opens | April 15, 2026 |
| FAP apply window (typical close) | Through May 15, 2026 (4:59 p.m. ET — confirm on FAP Help) |
| Decision emails begin | June 3, 2026 (most decisions by end of June) |
| Waiver use window | 30 days after approval notification |
| AADSAS opens / first submit | May 12 / June 2, 2026 |
If you are reading this after the 2026 FAP window closed, plan for 2027–28 FAP (ADEA indicates reopen around April 2027). Same logic applies — gather taxes and FAFSA early.
Cycle calendar: Fall 2027 timeline.
Income Limits (300% of 2025 Poverty Guidelines)
ADEA sets FAP eligibility at 300% of the federal poverty guideline (48 contiguous states / D.C. table):
| Household size | Max AGI (ADEA 300% guideline) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $46,950 |
| 2 | $63,450 |
| 3 | $79,950 |
| 4 | $96,450 |
| 5 | $112,950 |
| 6 | $129,450 |
| 7 | $145,950 |
| 8 | $162,450 |
| 9+ | Add $5,500 per extra person |
If multiple tax returns are required (e.g., you + parent/guardian), combine AGIs and compare to the household size limit. Citizenship is not required, but U.S. tax documentation is.
Always re-check FAP eligibility — tables update by year.
Documents You’ll Need
Typical packet:
- 2025 Form 1040 showing AGI (for the 2026 FAP year)
- W-2 / 1099 as applicable for you, spouse, and/or guardian
- FAFSA Submission Summary (SAI / Pell estimate accepted to simplify 2026 process)
- DENTPIN before you apply
You generally get one FAP submission — incomplete docs can mean denial. Decisions are final.
How to Use the Waiver Without Losing It
- 1Apply to FAP as early as the window opens (funding is limited / first-come among eligible)
- 2Wait for approval email — do not submit AADSAS yet
- 3When approved, open AADSAS and select three schools in one submit to use the full waiver
- 4Submit within 30 calendar days of the approval notice
Extra schools beyond three are paid normally. Budget those separately.
Bonus: Approved ADEA FAP status can also help with Casper fee assistance through Acuity Insights (upload proof when you reserve). Details: Casper for dental school.
FAQ
Who qualifies for AADSAS FAP? Applicants whose relevant household AGI is at or below 300% of the poverty guidelines and who submit required U.S. tax + FAFSA documentation.
How many schools does FAP cover? Three AADSAS designations.
Can I submit AADSAS while waiting on FAP? No — wait for the FAP decision first if you want the waiver.
When does FAP open for the next cycle? Historically mid-April; 2027–28 expected around April 2027 — confirm on ADEA.
Next Step
If cost is a constraint, reverse-plan FAP → AADSAS submit week before you finalize your school list.
Need a low-cost application strategy (FAP + school count + DAT timing)? Schedule a free call.
Written By
Dr. Alexander Takshyn
DMD, Admissions Consultant & Founder