Application Process

Each year, the Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine enrolls approximately 117 outstanding students into its four‑year DMD program. Our incoming class contributes to a diverse, mission‑driven community committed to excellence in oral health care.

Admissions at GSDM use a holistic review process that weighs academic achievement alongside personal qualities and experiences. Candidates are evaluated on scholastic performance (including GPA, DAT scores, and course rigor), fitness and aptitude for dental study, and non‑cognitive attributes such as leadership, resilience, empathy, integrity, and commitment to service and diversity.

We employ a standardized scoring rubric and structured, calibrated interviews to promote fairness, consistency, and reduced bias. By integrating quantitative academic data with qualitative assessments of personal attributes and mission fit, GSDM selects future dental professionals who exemplify excellence, compassion, and dedication to advancing oral health.

AADSAS online application

Applications to GSDM go through AADSAS (https://aadsas.cas.myliaison.com/applicant-ux/#/login )^®. To learn more, access the AADSAS application and resources. The AADSAS application opens in mid‑May for submitting application materials. Components of the AADSAS application include:

• AADSAS application form, including a personal statement
• Three letters of evaluation (two from faculty and one additional academic or personal reference), or a pre-health committee evaluation
• Official academic transcript(s); candidates who complete additional coursework after submitting their application should submit updated transcripts to AADSAS during the Academic Update periods
• Scores from the Dental Admissions Test (DAT) or the Canadian Dental Admissions Test (CDAT), taken within four years of application. Official scores must be submitted through AADSAS (DAT) or issued directly to GSDM (CDAT). Candidates may email unofficial scores to applydmd@bu.edu. However, applications will be considered incomplete and will not be reviewed until official scores are received.

GSDM application fee

Instructions on how to submit payment of the $80 GSDM application fee will be emailed to candidates after GSDM receives their AADSAS application. Candidates participating in the ADEA AADSAS Fee Assistance Program (FAP) may request a GSDM application fee waiver.

GSDM application deadline

The AADSAS application deadline for GSDM is December 15. However, we strongly encourage applicants to submit their materials as early as possible.

Reapplicants

Applicants who applied in a previous admissions cycle and wish to reapply must submit a new AADSAS application for the current cycle. Reapplicants should highlight the steps they have taken, and accomplishments achieved since their prior application that strengthen their preparation for dental school.

Timeline

GSDM reviews applications on a rolling basis. GSDM receives applications a few weeks after they are submitted to AADSAS, due to processing requirements. Upon GSDM’s initial review, the applicant is sent receipt confirmation and a link to the GSDM application fee payment portal.

When the application is complete and under review by the admissions committee, GSDM notifies the applicant. GSDM re-reviews applications throughout the admissions cycle, checking for new letters of evaluation, transcript updates, and DAT scores.

Interviews are conducted starting in September and running through March, although individuals are occasionally invited for interviews outside this timeframe.

Admissions decision notifications are sent from December 15 through July. If an applicant has not yet received notification of a decision, then their application is still under consideration.

Interviews

GSDM continues to offer a remote interview experience for predoctoral applicants, including a Zoom interview with a member of the admissions committee, Zoom sessions with student Admissions Ambassadors, Student Affairs, and Student Financial Services/Housing Resources, and use of a customer relations management (CRM) system to deliver an engaging, personalized, stage-based web experience with access to descriptive program guides, cost of attendance and financial aid information, and additional information such as housing resources.

Due to the high volume of applications, GSDM does not grant informational or informal interviews to applicants or prospective applicants.

Campus Visits

The Admissions office cannot accommodate drop-in visitors and does not arrange in-person meetings with applicants. As we are located within a healthcare facility, we cannot offer tours to prospective applicants. However, applicants who have been interviewed and invited to interview will be invited to Visit Days, which is offered throughout the interview cycle. Visit Days are scheduled on Sundays, when no patient care is taking place, allowing Admissions Ambassador–led tours to include the patient treatment centers.

Each Sunday Visit Day lasts approximately six hours and includes breakfast and lunch, a presentation by the Dean of Admissions, and interactive discussions and a Q&A panel with the Deans of Admissions, Student Affairs, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB), along with alumni participants; a current student Q&A panel; a student organization fair; and technology demonstrations in the Simulation Learning Center during the dental school tour.