**Official 2026 Ortho Pass/Interviews/Match/Non- match**

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
Here is the list from last year so everyone can have an estimate of the interview timeline:

1. 8/12 (email) Iowa, Interview 9/27 with a social on 9/26
2. 8/21 (email) Seton Hill, Interview 9/20 with a social on 9/19
3. 8/23 (email) St. Barnabas Hospital, Interview 10/9 with a social on 10/8
4. 8/26 (email) UIC, interview 10/01, 10/02, 10/03, with social 10/01 or 10/02
5. 8/26 (email) Colorado, Interview 9/26, 9/27, 9/30
6. 8/27 (email) Oklahoma, Interview 10/18,10/25, social night before
7. 8/29 (email) IUSD (Indiana), Interview 10/7-10/8 (2-day interview)
8. 9/6/24 (Email) Tufts, interview dates 10/3 or 10/17, 10/24. Socials on 10/2 or 10/16th
9. 9/6/24 (phone call) Michigan, interview 10/7 or 10/14. Socials on 10/6 or 10/13
10. 9/6/24 (Phone call) University of Tennessee interview dates 10/25 and 10/28 with socials the night before.
11. 9/6/24 (email) Touro interview dates 9/25,26 or 10/9,10 with social night before
12. 9/6/24 (email). LSU interview dates 10/24 or 10/25 with social
13. 9/9/24 (email) UT Health Houston interview dates 10/17 or 10/18 with socials night before
14. 9/9/24 (phone call) UAB interview dates 10/10 or 10/11
15. 9/9 (email) UNMC interview 10/7 or 10/8 with social the night before.
16. 9/9 (phone call) Loma Linda interview 10/7, 10/8
17. 9/10 (email) University of Florida, interview 10/15 with social 10/14 evening
18. 9/10 (email) MUSC interview 10/17 or 10/18 with social on 10/17
19. 9/11 (email), AT still University of Arizona, Interview 10/7- 10/8
20. 9/11 (phone call): University of Tennessee 10/25 and 10/28 with socials night before.
21. 9/12 (phone call) Roseman interviews 10/02 or 10/03 with social night before
22. 9/13 (phone call) Texas A&M interview 10/15, 10/16, 10/17 with social 10/15 or 10/16
23. 9/15/24 (email) OHSU 10/18 or 10/21 with socials on 10/17 or 10/20
24. 9/16/24 (email) OSU 10/21 with socials on 10/20
25. 09/17/24 (email) SIU 10/7 with no social
26. 09/17/24 (email) UBC 10/26 (via zoom)
27. 09/18/24 (email) Harvard 10/23 with social 10/22
28. 09/18/24 (email) UMKC interview 10/21 with social 10/20
29. 9/18/24 (email) CTOR interview 9/26 w/ social night before
30. 9/19 (phone call) Albert Einstein Medical Center interview 10/23 with social night before
31. 9/19 (email) Columbia interview 10/21 or 10/22 with socials the previous night
32. 9/19 (email) Boston University interview 10/28, 29, social the evening before
33. 9/19 (email) Pacific 10/21 or 10/22, Social night before
34. 9/20 (email) UCSF 10/29th, Social 10/28th
35. 9/20 (email) Minnesota 10/21, Social 10/20
36. 9/20 (email) UCLA 10/15, 10/16 social 10/15
37. 9/20 (email) Columbia: same dates that everyone said but they sent another batch I think
38. 9/20 (phone call) Augusta 10/21 w a possible social on 10/20
39. 9/22 (email) University of Washington 10/14 interview with social on 10/13
40. 9/23 Marquette (email) 10/28 and 10/29 interviews with 10/28 social.
41. 9/23 (email) Saint Louis interview 10/22, 10/23, 10/31, 11/1 with socials the evenings before
42. 9/23 (email) Nova southern university 10/29, social on 10/28
43. 9/24 (email) Case Western 10/30th afternoon or 10/31st morning with social on 10/30th evening
44. 9/24 (email and phone call) West Virginia University 11/4 with reception 11/3
45. 9/25 (email) Detroit Mercy: interviews 10/31 or 11/1
46. 9/25 (email) VCU: 10/24 and 10/25 all day
47. 9/25 (email) University of Pittsburgh 11/01 and 11/04 with socials on 10/31 and 11/03
48. 9/25 (phone call) UNC 10/28 and 10/29 with optional socials the evenings before
49. 9/25 (phone call) Bronxcare 10/14 or 10/15 with social 10/14
50. 9/26 (email) Rutgers 10/14, 10/15 with social evening before
51. 9/26 (email) University of Connecticut 10/24, 10/25 with socials the evenings before
52. 9/26 (email) University of Louisville 10/17, 10/18 with socials the evening before
53. 9/27 (call) Medstar 10/26, social 10/25
54. 9/27 (email) University of Maryland 10/22 with social 10/21
55. 9/27 (email) University of Buffalo 10/18, 10/21
56. 9/28 (email) UNLV 10/21 or 10/22, no info on social yet
57. 9/30 (email) UPenn 10/23 or 10/29 w/ socials night before
58. 10/3 (email) U Rochester Eastman 10/11 over ZOOM
 
Would anyone be willing to share which programs are known for being "highly competitive" in terms of class rank/gpa/GRE scores? AKA which programs only look at you if you're #1 or 2 in your class?
 
VCU is known to favor applicants who graduate at the top of their dental school class, typically those ranked #1 or #2. Similarly competitive programs include UNC, UCSF, UCLA, Texas programs, Michigan, UW, UConn, and a few hospital-based programs in the Northeast. In general, orthodontic programs that are known to be clinically strong, less expensive, shorter duration, and/or offer stipends tend to be the most competitive.


That being said, the Northeast hospital-based programs, as well as UCLA and UCSF, pay their residents a salary/provide health benefits, which likely contributes to their high competitiveness in terms of GPA, class rank, GRE scores, research experience, and other qualifications.
 
Last edited:
Does anyone know if adding the unofficial GRE scores to the PASS is sufficient before being admitted to any school? A lot of programs just mention that the scores need to be sent to a certain code but do not mention if before or after getting admitted.
 
This might be a dumb question, but does anyone know if we should get some kind of email about receiving the PASS application or an invitation to do a supplemental application before we also submit the additional application stuff? For example, UT in Memphis requires you to mail in a picture of yourself with an essay in addition to the PASS application...should I be doing that now or should I wait until I get some kind of confirmation that they got my PASS application?
 
Does anyone know if adding the unofficial GRE scores to the PASS is sufficient before being admitted to any school? A lot of programs just mention that the scores need to be sent to a certain code but do not mention if before or after getting admitted.
Some schools want the official GRE score sent to them. I believe it tells you in their supplemental applications. I haven't submitted my application yet so I'm not sure though.

How much information are you all writing on the description for the experiences and achievements? I was just writing one super short sentence on everything. Should be we writing more detailed stuff?
 
Some schools want the official GRE score sent to them. I believe it tells you in their supplemental applications. I haven't submitted my application yet so I'm not sure though.

How much information are you all writing on the description for the experiences and achievements? I was just writing one super short sentence on everything. Should be we writing more detailed stuff?
I asked around and what from what I understood it is better just write a short concise description and if you feel like there's more to add, use short bullet points maybe
 
Do you know if all schools give priority to those who apply early, or is this the case for only a select few programs?
 
Do you know if all schools give priority to those who apply early, or is this the case for only a select few programs?
Personally, I know of multiple current residents who didnt get their apps in until June/July. So may not make a big difference
 
VCU is known to favor applicants who graduate at the top of their dental school class, typically those ranked #1 or #2. Similarly competitive programs include UNC, UCSF, UCLA, Texas programs, Michigan, UW, UConn, and a few hospital-based programs in the Northeast. In general, orthodontic programs that are known to be clinically strong, less expensive, and/or offer stipends tend to be the most competitive. That being said, the Northeast hospital-based programs, as well as UCLA and UCSF, pay their residents a salary, which likely contributes to their high competitiveness in terms of class rank, GRE scores, research experience, and other qualifications.
Also want to add Iowa to the list! And I know a few residents at Ohio State received a full ride and a salary.
 
I was under the impression that schools don't look at applications till their respective deadline?
Not always. I know my program started looking at them last year before the deadline, they may have even finalized their initial interview list before the deadline. Doesn’t mean you need to have your application in by June, but I definitely wouldn’t wait until the last minute
 
Can you submit your application if you are still waiting on the letter from the dean? I requested it the week the application opened and my school said it could take up to 6 weeks for them to send it lol. Did everyone else's schools send them right away?
 
Hey, I'm currently working on my application right now and wondering what I should be put for weeks and hours for some of the clubs and organizations I'm involved in. For example, I have been a member for the Academy of General Dentistry for 3 years. Should I say 40 hours? 156 weeks?
 
Hey, I'm currently working on my application right now and wondering what I should be put for weeks and hours for some of the clubs and organizations I'm involved in. For example, I have been a member for the Academy of General Dentistry for 3 years. Should I say 40 hours? 156 weeks?
For a lot of the things that I'm a general member of like AGD I've been putting 1 hour a week. It seems weird to me to put anything higher. I doubt they really care about the time of a lot of these things though??
 
For a lot of the things that I'm a general member of like AGD I've been putting 1 hour a week. It seems weird to me to put anything higher. I doubt they really care about the time of a lot of these things though??
Thanks! that makes since. I'll probably do the same thing.
 
Has anyone seen a student get in with no GRE score? I still haven’t taken it but planning on it.. will it be ok if I take it first week of July ? Some are telling me to submit my application for now and then do GRE to increase chances
 
Has anyone seen a student get in with no GRE score? I still haven’t taken it but planning on it.. will it be ok if I take it first week of July ? Some are telling me to submit my application for now and then do GRE to increase chances
Yes, I know people who have gotten accepted to schools without the GRE. Also know people who have gotten in with extremely low GRE scores (very low 140s in each section)
 
Hi, has anyone previously applied to GSO? Does it make sense to apply if you're not able to show that you have 3 years of tuition and living costs in your bank account?!
 
are you guys adding externships or visits to ortho programs on your CV?
 
Is a top 20 class rank good enough to put on your CV, or should you only include it on your CV if you are top 10?
 
oops... I didn't put it on there at all!🤣 I just put my GPA and I figured my class rank would be on my transcript.
Yeah, it doesn't make a difference. All the programs will see it inputted in PASS in that one section either way.
 
Anyone applying this year with ADAT score instead of GRE?

Also, when do most applicants submit their application?
 
Anyone applying this year with ADAT score instead of GRE?

Also, when do most applicants submit their application?
I would double check which schools you are applying to because it's much more common for schools to want GRE scores and not ADAT scores.

I think most people submit as soon as they can, I haven't submitted mine because I'm still waiting on my Deans letter and one more letter of rec. Some people say they start looking at applicants right away and some say they don't start looking until after the deadline. I wanted to submit early but you can't really do anything when you are waiting on letters lol
 
If anyone is applying to Tufts, can you advise what approach you took? Their website states "limit your personal statement to 2500 characters maximum", however on ADEA PASS, it says "3000 characters maximum."
 
If anyone is applying to Tufts, can you advise what approach you took? Their website states "limit your personal statement to 2500 characters maximum", however on ADEA PASS, it says "3000 characters maximum."
I would use their actual website - 2,500 max
 
What are everyone's thoughts on the new bill? I have been considering withdrawing my applications to the majority of programs I apply to, except for hospital-based programs.

Already over $200k in debt from federal loans
 
If anyone is applying to Tufts, can you advise what approach you took? Their website states "limit your personal statement to 2500 characters maximum", however on ADEA PASS, it says "3000 characters maximum."
I thought the ADEA PASS characters maximum was 4,500 for personal statement?
 
What are everyone's thoughts on the new bill? I have been considering withdrawing my applications to the majority of programs I apply to, except for hospital-based programs.

Already over $200k in debt from federal loans
What does the new bill change? Surely you haven't been banking on getting out of paying those loans back right?
 
What does the new bill change? Surely you haven't been banking on getting out of paying those loans back right?
With the new bill if you have +$200k in federal loans, you won't be able to get any federal loans for residency.

The new maximum amount of federal loans any individual can have is $200k, there is a cap now on the amount of loans you can get.
 
With the new bill if you have +$200k in federal loans, you won't be able to get any federal loans for residency.

The new maximum amount of federal loans any individual can have is $200k, there is a cap now on the amount of loans you can get.
Yeah I'm also worried about this. I really didn't think the bill was going to pass but I shouldn't be surprised anymore with the current administration. I've heard mixed things about it all and it's hard to find information on it all but I did read this:

"If you have already borrowed a Grad PLUS loan before July 1, 2026, you will be grandfathered in and can continue borrowing under the old Grad PLUS loan terms for the remainder of your program or for up to three academic years, whichever is shorter. If you have already taken out other types of federal student loans (undergraduate, graduate, or professional) before July 1, 2026, your existing loan limits and terms will generally remain unchanged. However, any new loans taken out after that date will be subject to the new borrowing limits, and your existing loan balance will count towards the new caps."

So I think since we already have taken out grad loans we should be ok?? from what I understand.
I'm just glad we are done with dental school, I feel really bad for the future dental and medical students out there.
 
However, any new loans taken out after that date will be subject to the new borrowing limits, and your existing loan balance will count towards the new caps."
This is where I think we wouldn't be able to get federal loans for residency. Practically all programs start after July 1st, 2026, and it would be for a new loan, not an existing one.

So I don't think it matters if you already have Grad PLUS loans. Simply because it would be for a new loan and after July 1st, 2026.
 
This is where I think we wouldn't be able to get federal loans for residency. Practically all programs start after July 1st, 2026, and it would be for a new loan, not an existing one.

So I don't think it matters if you already have Grad PLUS loans. Simply because it would be for a new loan and after July 1st, 2026.
That's what ChatGPT told me as well. If you have already met or exceeded the $200k, then you would no longer be eligible for Grad PLUS loans.
 
This is where I think we wouldn't be able to get federal loans for residency. Practically all programs start after July 1st, 2026, and it would be for a new loan, not an existing one.

So I don't think it matters if you already have Grad PLUS loans. Simply because it would be for a new loan and after July 1st, 2026.
This is what I thought too.
 
This is where I think we wouldn't be able to get federal loans for residency. Practically all programs start after July 1st, 2026, and it would be for a new loan, not an existing one.

So I don't think it matters if you already have Grad PLUS loans. Simply because it would be for a new loan and after July 1st, 2026.
Yeah, I think you're right. I think borrowers who took out loans before July 2026 will still be allowed to finish their graduate programs with whatever amount is needed. However, if they plan to take out additional loans for residency and have already exceeded the $200k cap, they likely won’t be eligible for new Grad PLUS loans to cover residency costs.
 
This is where I think we wouldn't be able to get federal loans for residency. Practically all programs start after July 1st, 2026, and it would be for a new loan, not an existing one.

So I don't think it matters if you already have Grad PLUS loans. Simply because it would be for a new loan and after July 1st, 2026.
I wouldn’t let this deter you from applying. There are many programs out there that are under 200k. Even if it’s slightly over that, take out private loans to cover the rest or moonlight as a dentist to cover the rest. Don’t overthink it at this point
 
Hi everyone, finally finished my GRE this week! For those programs due August 1st would I have met their deadline if I submit the PASS application and any supplementary information they require from their website by that date? Are there any programs where you submit a PASS application and then they send further supplemental material to be added?
 
Has anyone paid for the supplemental fee for MUSC? I haven't found a link or instructions anywhere. Should I email the program coordinator? TY
 
Hi everyone, finally finished my GRE this week! For those programs due August 1st would I have met their deadline if I submit the PASS application and any supplementary information they require from their website by that date? Are there any programs where you submit a PASS application and then they send further supplemental material to be added?
I think they'd want you to submit everything by the deadline. I've only heard of schools allowing you to take the INDBE afterwards, but they have to be submitted before Nov 1, otherwise they don't rank you.
 
Top