U.S. Dental School Applicants and Enrollees, 2013 Entering Class

Abstract

This report examines the characteristics of dental school applicants and enrollees using data from the 2012–13 application cycle of the American Dental Education Association's Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (ADEA AADSAS℠). The report presents data on the demographic composition and academic preparation of applicants, first‐time enrollees, and total first‐year enrollees during the application cycle. The data indicate that the number of applicants showed a small increase from the previous year, and the number of first‐time, first‐year enrollees continues to rise. The number of first‐time, first‐year enrollees in 2013 was 5,769, an increase of 1,535 first‐time, first‐year enrollees over the number in 2000. However, this is still less than the peak in 1978 (6,301). This increase reflects both the opening of new dental schools and expansion of existing class sizes at some dental schools. By contrast, the percentage of underrepresented minority applicants and enrollees increased only slightly. The results highlighted in this study have important implications for dental educators, health professions advisors, and members of the broader dental community.