The dental school application process is similar to that of other health-related programs. All fifty-five dental schools are members of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA), fifty of whom participate in the association's application service (AADSAS).
Dental schools place a great weight on the academic achievements of the candidate; grade point average and the Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores are the two most important. AADSAS calculates a variety of grade point averages including that in the sciences (with the emphasis on biology, chemistry, and physics) and the cumulative grade point average. Note that if you repeated a course, both grades will be used in calculating your grade point average.
The list of requirements also includes letters of recommendation, interviews, and "an assessment of the motivation and personal qualities of the applicant" as demonstrated through internships, summer experience, and extracurricular activities. Most of the deadlines are in fall, with some schools making admission decisions before January. Be sure to apply early!