The Application Process
Individuals applying to the Advanced Digital Prosthodontics and Implant Fellowship, Dental Education Learning and Teaching Academy (D.E.L.T.A.) Fellowship, Doctor of Science (DSc) in Dental Research Esthetic and Operative Dentistry Fellowship, and Master of Science programs must complete the attached Tufts application. The application cycle opens May 8, 2024.

Individuals applying to Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD), Endodontics, General Practice Residency (GPR), Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Periodontology and Prosthodontics must utilize the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) sponsored by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). Please contact PASS at 617-612-2065,or visit www.adea.org. Individuals intending to apply to several schools are best served by utilizing the common PASS application, which will be accepted at Tufts in lieu of the separate Tufts application. If applying through PASS, please do not complete the Tufts application in addition to the PASS application.

Please be aware that applicants can submit no more than three Tufts Direct applications during one application cycle. If an applicant submits materials for more than three programs, only the first three applications received will be processed. Any additional applications will be not be processed.

The Office of Admissions processes the applications and facilitates the adherence to administrative policies designed to ensure equity in the treatment of all applicants. The respective department will only review applications when they are complete. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. In addition, interviews are only granted to individuals whose applications have been reviewed by post-graduate faculty.
Application Requirements:

Individuals applying directly to Tufts must submit the following information:
  • A complete application form
  • The DENTPIN is an identification number for applicants and students involved in the US dental education system and standardized testing programs. Please visit https://www.ada.org/en/education/manage-your-dentpin for more details.
  • $125 fee (must be paid online, a link to the payment site is attached to this application). Tufts University Students and Alumni are not required to pay the processing fees. 
  • Official transcripts from all post-secondary education completed prior to enrolling in dental school. The transcripts can be sent digitally through your institution. If your institution does not provide digital transcript, the transcript must be sent in sealed and signed envelopes. If the university awarded you a degree, the degree conferral must be included on the transcript;
  • An official dental school transcript. he transcripts can be sent digitally through your institution. If your institution does not provide digital transcript, the transcript must be sent in sealed and signed envelopes. If the university awarded you a degree, the degree conferral must be included on the transcript;. If you have completed your degree, the degree conferral must be included on the transcript. If your university does not post your degree on the transcript, you must submit an official letter from the Registrar’s Office at your dental school that verifies completion of the DMD or DDS degree;
  • Three letters of recommendation (in English) from the following individuals –the dean of your dental school, a department chairperson or faculty member, and an additional reference of your choice. The identified individual must hold (or have held) the title associated with his/her name. Have the letters of reference returned to you in sealed and signed envelopes and forward them with your application;
  • A copy of your curriculum vitae that includes a list of academic honors, military service with dates (if applicable), membership in dental societies, extracurricular activities while in dental school (including continuing education courses), and any additional activities (including continuing education courses) since completing dental school (if applicable);
  • A personal statement. Please address the aspect(s) of the selected postdoctoral program that interest(s) you and your plans after completion of the program.
  • If you are a graduate of a US or Canadian dental school, an official copy of your National Dental Board (NDB) Examination, Part I and II results are required. You must also list your results, and the date you took the examination(s), on the designated section of the application form. Please visit http://www.ada.org/JCNDE.aspx to obtain a score report request form. Accepted students who are completing their dental education at a US or Canadian dental school will also be required to submit official National Dental Board (NDB) Examination, Part I upon application and Part II results prior to matriculation.
  • If you are a foreign-trained applicant, you do not need to submit NDB examination results. If you have completed the examination, though, please submit your scores and list your results, and the date you took the examination(s), on the designated section of the application form. Exception: All foreign- trained applicants to the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery program are encouraged to take and submit scores for Parts I and II of the National Dental Board Examination. Those foreign-trained applicants applying to the Endodontics, General Practice Residency, Orthodontics programs and Canadian citizens applying to the Advanced Education in General Dentistry are required to submit scores for Parts I and II of the National Dental Board Examination by the time of matriculation.
  • For the Doctor of Science or Master of Science in Dental Research program applicants, an additional essay is required. In 300-500 words an applicant should describe their research experience, the reason they want to pursue the Doctorate or Masters in Dental Research and ideas for a research topic. Please note the Dental Sleep Medicine and Dental Education Learning and Teaching Academy cannot be combined with the Master of Science program.
  • Meet the standards of health established by the university. For protection against hazards of illness or injury and to comply with Massachusetts state law, the student must enroll in the university’s health insurance plan. Waiver of this requirement is possible if the student can demonstrate that comparable insurance coverage has been secured.
  • The Office of Admissions at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine reserves the right to request additional information at any time to complete an assessment of a candidate’s abilities and capabilities.