Dental School Timeline 2027: AADSAS Dates & DAT Plan

Short Answer: Fall 2027 = 2026–27 AADSAS Cycle

If you want to start dental school in Fall 2027, you apply in the 2026–27 ADEA AADSAS cycle (summer 2026), not in 2027.

Official 2026–27 dates (ADEA):

Confirm on ADEA AADSAS — always the source of truth.

General (non-year-specific) process: dental school application timeline. Opening mechanics: when does AADSAS open?.

Month-by-Month Plan (Fall 2027 Entry)

Late 2025 – Early 2026 (now → spring)

• Lock prerequisites and request letters of evaluation early
• Start DAT content if you have not — plan 4–6 months of serious prep
• Shadowing hours and experiences should already be underway (shadowing guide)
• Draft personal statement outlines before May rush

January – May 2026

• Register for the DAT (eligibility windows; schedule Prometric early)
• Target DAT by spring / early summer 2026 so scores arrive before or soon after submit
• Remember: scores are on the 200–600 scale (DAT 200–600 explained); old “20 AA” ≈ 420 AA
• April 15 — apply for FAP if eligible
• May 12 — open AADSAS; enter coursework carefully
• Texas applicants: track TMDSAS dates separately (often early May)

June – August 2026

• June 2 — submit as early as your transcript/DAT plan allows
• Expect verification often ~4–6 weeks after complete materials
• Complete secondaries quickly; take Casper if your schools require it (often May–June)
• Interview invites can start mid/late summer for early, strong files

September – December 2026

• Interview season
• Academic Update #1 (Aug 13–Sep 29) for summer grades
• December 15, 2026 — Decision Day (full explainer)

January – Summer 2027

• Waitlists, additional offers, deposit decisions (plan for ~April single-seat norms)
• Academic Update #2 into early February
• Matriculate Fall 2027

DAT Timing for 2027 Matriculation

Retake policy details: Should I retake the DAT?.

Looking Ahead: Fall 2028 / 2027–28 Cycle

If you are a sophomore or junior aiming at Fall 2028 entry, you will apply in the 2027–28 cycle (roughly May–June 2027 submit — exact dates publish closer to the year).

What to do in 2026–27 while Fall 2027 applicants are in-cycle:

• Finish prereqs + upward GPA trend
• Build shadowing and leadership depth
• Take DAT when content is fresh — many aim spring 2027
• Watch ADEA for 2027–28 FAP / open / submit / Decision Day announcements

Do not invent dates for 2027–28 until ADEA posts them. Use 2026–27 as the template pattern.

Checklist Before You Submit (June 2026)

• All colleges listed; coursework matches transcripts
• DAT taken or date planned and disclosed
• LORs requested with deadlines
• Personal statement proofread
• School list matches GPA/DAT reality ([GPA requirements](/blog/dental-school-gpa-requirements))
• FAP applied if eligible
• Shadowing hours documented

FAQ

When do I apply for Fall 2027 dental school? Summer 2026 (AADSAS opens May 12; submit from June 2, 2026).

When is Decision Day for Fall 2027 entry? December 15, 2026.

When should I take the DAT for 2027 entry? Ideally by late spring / early summer 2026, with room for a retake.

What about Fall 2028? That is the 2027–28 cycle — prepare academically in 2026–27; submit around May/June 2027 once dates are posted.

Next Step

Pick your entry year (2027 vs 2028), reverse-plan DAT and submit week, then execute weekly.

Want a personalized 2027 calendar (DAT date + school list)? Schedule a free call.