U.S. dental school applicants and enrollees, 2011 and 2012 entering classes

This report examines the characteristics of dental school applicants and enrollees using data from the 2010-11 and 2011-12 application cycles 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 these two application cycles. The data indicate that the number of applicants has decreased modestly during this time, yet the number of first-time, first-year enrollees continues to rise mainly reflecting the opening of new dental schools and expansion of existing class sizes at some schools. Findings also indicate reduced gaps by gender in dental school applicants and enrollees. By contrast, the percentage of underrepresented minority applicants and enrollees increased only slightly. The results highlighted in this study have important implications for health professions education advisors, dental educators, and members of the broader dental education community.