How to Use the ADEA CAAPID Directory to Shortlist Programs (2026)
The CAAPID directory is ADEA’s free CAAPID Program Finder, which lists every Advanced Standing program that takes applications through ADEA CAAPID. Open it, filter by deadline, length, state and citizenship, then read each program profile for required tests, TOEFL minimum and bench test. Below: what it shows, what it leaves out, and a scorecard to turn 47 programs into a shortlist.
How The Study Boards helps you build your CAAPID shortlist
- School strategy: in Master the CAAPID Application, Dr. T spends a 45-minute strategy session on which schools fit your profile, and a five-faculty bench reviews your personal statement, letters and CV.
- Profile Review with Dr. T: a one-on-one review of your draft with a written summary of fixes.
- The numbers that open programs: our INBDE Premium Boards course (35,000+ questions, nightly live tests at 9 PM New York time) and our TOEFL course for dentists lift the INBDE and TOEFL results that decide which programs stay on your list.
Our courses are extremely personalised: red lines and assignments are given to you on the go, the course learns from the way you study, and faculty are there to assist you. See our full plan.
What the CAAPID directory is, and how to open it
ADEA now calls it the ADEA CAAPID Program Finder. “CAAPID directory” and “CAAPID participating programs” mean the same thing.
ADEA describes it as a listing of all participating programs in ADEA CAAPID, the centralised application service for Advanced Standing applicants.1 Each profile includes contact information, program requirements and a description of the program.3 You do not need an account to use it.
Click Browse all programs. On 14 October 2026 the list showed 47 programs.1
Each card shows the school, state, degree (D.D.S. or D.M.D.), program size, program length, application open date, application deadline and program start date.
Click a school name to open its full profile. Use Add to Favorites to build a list, or Compare to see up to 4 programs side by side.
The Apply Now button takes you to the CAAPID application login. The finder only gives you information. Our CAAPID login and application walkthrough covers what to do next.
The 6 filters, and how to use each one
These are the only filters on the list page as of October 2026.1
Program SizeA slider from 1 to 100 seats. Many sizes are marked “estimate”, so treat them as a guide.
LengthThree buckets: 0-24 months, 25-30 months and 30+ months.
StatePick one or more states if family or work ties you to a region.
Program StartFilter by start month. January is the most common start (22 of 47 programs).
Application DeadlineFilter by deadline month. Start with this one if you are short on time.
U.S. Applicants Only“Accepts only US citizen or legal permanent resident”. Choose No to see programs open to everyone.
How to read a program profile
Every profile has the same three layers. Tap each one.
Quick facts and contacts
- Program size, program length, application open date, deadline and start date.
- The “Last updated on” date, and named admissions contacts.
- A description where schools say what they value, such as clinical experience, research or teaching.
The Program Information table
- Degree Awarded: D.D.S. or D.M.D. Both lead to the same licence exams.
- Supplemental Application and Supplemental Fee: Yes or No. In our check, 46 of 47 profiles said Yes to a supplemental fee.
- US citizen or green card only: Yes or No. This is your first deal-breaker.
- Bench Test: Yes or No.
- Required Standardized Tests: usually NBDE, INBDE and TOEFL. One program lists the DAT instead.
The instruction sections
- Citizenship and Immigration Eligibility: who may apply and whether the school helps with student visa paperwork.
- Transcript Evaluation: which evaluation the school accepts. Some accept only ECE course-by-course; see our credential evaluation timeline.
- Letters of Evaluation: how many letters and from whom.
- TOEFL Requirement: the minimum score, section minimums and how old the score may be.
- National Board Requirement: whether you must pass the INBDE before the deadline.
- Other Requirements: CV rules, interview steps and supplemental fee amounts.
What the directory does not give you
No tuition fieldTuition is not one of the listed fields. Get it from each school’s own website.
No interview fieldInterview format appears only in some profiles’ free text. Many say nothing.
No acceptance ratesADEA’s own reapplying page says programs receive an average of 30 applications for each available spot.7
Deadlines, length, TOEFL minimums and bench tests
We opened all 47 profiles on 14 October 2026 and counted. Use these patterns to plan your next cycle.2
CAAPID deadlines cluster in early summer
Each program sets its own deadline, and you can submit until 11:59 PM Eastern Time on that date.6 The 2026-27 cycle opened on 5 March 2026 and closes on 29 January 2027.4 Program deadlines by month:
Still open on 14 October 2026
| Program | Deadline | US citizen or green card only? |
|---|---|---|
| Boston University | 15 October 2026 | No |
| UTHealth Houston | 30 October 2026 | Yes |
| Meharry Medical College | 1 November 2026 | No |
| Marquette University | 1 January 2027 | No |
| University of Colorado | 29 January 2027 | No |
| Virginia Commonwealth University | 29 January 2027 | No |
Touro and University of New England already show 2027 dates. Planning for 2027-28? Use the months above and confirm new dates when the finder updates.
Program length
10 programs run 24 months or less, 30 run 25 to 30 months, and 7 run longer.2
TOEFL minimums on the new 1-6 scale
TOEFL iBT score reports moved to a 1-6 scale on 21 January 2026, and most profiles now give both scales.2 Here is where programs set their minimum overall score on the new scale:
Some schools also set section minimums (Harvard, UAB, VCU and Florida, for example), and some give only an old-scale or “recommended” score. Read the full TOEFL section every time. Our TOEFL iBT course for dentists is built for the 2026 format.
INBDE and bench test
45 of 47 profiles list the NBDE or INBDE among required tests, but timing differs. Meharry wants a pass before its deadline; UCSF calls the boards optional but strongly recommended.2 If you have not passed yet, see our INBDE course blueprint.
36 of 47 profiles say “Bench Test: Yes”. At some schools the bench test is part of the interview visit: USC’s onsite interview includes one, Nebraska’s on-site interview includes a manikin-based skills test, and UTHealth Houston charges a nonrefundable $300 for its hand skills assessment.2 See bench test exercises by school, and prepare with our bench test plan.
Interview format, where profiles mention it
| Program | What the profile says |
|---|---|
| NYU | Asynchronous recorded video interview, then an in-person Advanced Standing Candidate Day for finalists |
| Columbia | Online asynchronous recorded video assessment for selected applicants |
| Boston University | Interview required; held by live video unless told otherwise; typically May to November |
| UT San Antonio | Recorded virtual interview first, then an in-person interview |
| Indiana | Virtual assessment for qualified applicants |
| USC | Onsite interview by invitation, including a bench test and a group session |
Recorded video interview on the list? Read our recorded video interview guide and the interview prep guide.
How to shortlist programs: 7 filters, in this order
Rule programs out first. Then rank what is left by fit.
Set “U.S. Applicants Only” to No, then confirm the citizenship section on each profile. If you need a student visa, look for wording about I-20 support.
Your INBDE result, TOEFL score and credential evaluation must reach CAAPID in time. For the 2026-27 cycle, the last date for transcripts and test scores to be matched was 5 February 2027, 5 PM ET.4 Give yourself weeks of buffer before each program deadline.
Passed? Every board-requiring program is open. Waiting for a result? Drop programs that need a pass before their deadline.
Check the overall minimum and every section minimum. A 4.5 overall with a 4.0 in speaking can fail a program that sets 4.5 per section.
CAAPID costs $264 for the first program and $115 for each additional one.3 Most programs add their own supplemental fee, paid directly to the school.5 Profiles we read listed $45, $80, $100, $150 and $250. Tuition comes from each school’s website. Our cost to apply breakdown has the full picture.
Be honest. Out of practice on a typodont? Start bench practice now, or weight no-bench programs higher.
A recorded video interview, a live video interview or an in-person day you must travel to? Then weigh family, cost of living and where you want to practise.
Shortlist scorecard
Open one profile, tick what is true for you, then clear it for the next program.
Worked example: from 8 programs to a shortlist
Hypothetical applicant and hypothetical programs
Dr. R, a BDS graduate with 4 years of practice. INBDE passed. TOEFL 4.5 overall, with 4.0 in speaking. No green card. Has not done a crown preparation on a typodont in 5 years. Set aside $2,000 for application fees.
| Program (hypothetical) | Deal-breakers | Fit points | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| A: TOEFL min 4.5 overall, bench test, live video interview | 4 / 4 | 3 / 4 | Shortlist |
| B: US citizens and green-card holders only | 3 / 4 | – | Drop |
| C: TOEFL min 5.0 | 3 / 4 | – | Drop for now |
| D: TOEFL 4.5 in every section | 3 / 4 | – | Drop for now |
| E: no bench test, recorded video interview then in-person day, high living costs | 4 / 4 | 3 / 4 | Shortlist |
| F: needs INBDE pass before a deadline Dr. R cannot meet | 3 / 4 | – | Drop |
| G: all fits, live video interview, near family | 4 / 4 | 4 / 4 | Shortlist |
| H: far away, long program, bench test | 4 / 4 | 2 / 4 | Backup |
The cost of the shortlist. Dr. R applies to A, E, G and backup H. The CAAPID fees are real; the supplemental fees are hypothetical.
Is Advanced Standing your route?
The CAAPID directory only lists Advanced Standing programs. After the boards, you have four routes in the US.
Advanced Standing / IDP, through ADEA CAAPID2 to 3 years to a US DDS or DMD. This is the route this directory serves: you earn a US dental degree, the standard path to a full licence.
AEGD, through ADEA PASSSome states give a limited licence after an AEGD. Rules vary by state. See our AEGD guide.
Residency directly, through ADEA PASSSpecialty programs take international dentists, but places are more competitive. Read CAAPID or PASS.
TeachingSome dentists work in dental education first and build a US career from there.
All 47 programs in the 2026-27 directory
Copied from each profile on 14 October 2026. Green deadlines were still open that day. Seat counts are as the school listed them.2
Show all 47 programs: deadline, length, bench test, citizenship
| Program | State | Degree | Length | Seats | Deadline | Bench test | Citizens / green card only |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.T. Still Missouri School of Dentistry and Oral Health | Missouri | D.M.D. | 28.5 months | 10 (estimate) | June 1, 2026 | Yes | Yes |
| Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine | Massachusetts | D.M.D. | 24 months | 100 | October 15, 2026 | No | No |
| Columbia University College of Dental Medicine | New York | D.D.S. | 30 months | 25 (estimate) | August 1, 2026 | No | No |
| Harvard School of Dental Medicine | Massachusetts | D.M.D. | 29 months | 8 (estimate) | May 5, 2026 | Yes | No |
| Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC | California | D.D.S. | 24 months | 34 | July 31, 2026 | Yes | No |
| Howard University College of Dentistry | District of Columbia | D.D.S. | 24 months | Up to 10 (estimate) | July 31, 2026 | Yes | No |
| Indiana University School of Dentistry | Indiana | D.D.S. | 30 months | 16 (estimate) | May 15, 2026 | Yes | No |
| Loma Linda University School of Dentistry | California | D.D.S. | 27 months | 32 | June 1, 2026 | Yes | No |
| Louisiana State University School of Dentistry | Louisiana | D.D.S. | 36 months | 5 (estimate) | August 15, 2026 | Yes | No |
| Marquette University School of Dentistry | Wisconsin | D.D.S. | 36 months | Up to 5 (estimate) | January 1, 2027 | Yes | No |
| The Maurice H. Kornberg School of Dentistry Temple University | Pennsylvania | D.M.D. | 24-36 months | 30 | July 15, 2026 | Yes | No |
| Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry | Tennessee | D.D.S. | 24 months | 10 | November 1, 2026 | No | No |
| New York University College of Dentistry | New York | D.D.S. | 28 months | 30-40 (estimate) | June 1, 2026 | No | No |
| Nova Southeastern University College of Dental Medicine | Florida | D.M.D. | 39 months | 35 | June 5, 2026 | Yes | No |
| The Ohio State University College of Dentistry | Ohio | D.D.S. | 28 months | 4 | July 31, 2026 | Yes | Yes |
| Ponce Health Sciences University | Puerto Rico | D.M.D. | 26 months | 30 | August 31, 2026 | Yes | No |
| Rutgers School of Dental Medicine | New Jersey | D.M.D. | 27 months | 40 | September 16, 2026 | No | No |
| Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine | Illinois | D.M.D. | 27 months | 6-10 (estimate) | June 5, 2026 | Yes | No |
| Touro College of Dental Medicine at New York Medical College | New York | D.D.S. | 24 months | 5 (estimate) | August 1, 2027* | Yes | No |
| Tufts University School of Dental Medicine | Massachusetts | D.M.D. | 29 months | 30-35 (estimate) | May 29, 2026 | No | No |
| UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry | Texas | D.D.S. | 27 months | 5 | October 30, 2026 | Yes | Yes |
| University at Buffalo School of Dental Medicine | New York | D.D.S. | 24 months | 20 (estimate) | June 1, 2026 | Yes | No |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry | Alabama | D.M.D. | 30 months | 24 | April 30, 2026 | Yes | Yes |
| University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry | California | D.D.S. | 25 months | 30 | June 30, 2026 | Yes | No |
| University of California, San Francisco School of Dentistry | California | D.D.S. | 36 months | 20 | June 15, 2026 | No | No |
| University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine | Colorado | D.D.S. | 24 months | 40 | January 29, 2027 | Yes | No |
| University of Florida College of Dentistry | Florida | D.M.D. | 45 months | Up to 2 (estimate) | October 1, 2026 | No | Yes |
| University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry | Illinois | D.M.D. | 28 months | Up to 52 (estimate) | June 15, 2026 | No | No |
| The University of Iowa College of Dentistry & Dental Clinics | Iowa | D.D.S. | 30 months | Up to 4 (estimate) | July 31, 2026 | Yes | No |
| University of Louisville School of Dentistry | Kentucky | D.M.D. | 28 months | 1 (estimate) | May 15, 2026 | Yes | No |
| University of Michigan School of Dentistry | Michigan | D.D.S. | 28 months | 20 | May 30, 2026 | Yes | No |
| University of Minnesota School of Dentistry | Minnesota | D.D.S. | 29 months | 18 | March 26, 2026 | Yes | No |
| University of Missouri Kansas City – School of Dentistry | Missouri | D.D.S. | 29 months | 9 | June 1, 2026 | Yes | Yes |
| University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Dentistry | Nebraska | D.D.S. | 29 months | 4-6 (estimate) | June 1, 2026 | Yes | Yes |
| University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine | Nevada | D.D.S. | 24 months | Up to 12 (estimate) | June 1, 2026 | Yes | No |
| University of New England College of Dental Medicine | Maine | D.M.D. | 29 months | 2 (estimate) | June 1, 2027 | Yes | Yes |
| University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Adams School of Dentistry | North Carolina | D.D.S. | 29 months | 8 | May 23, 2026 | Yes | No |
| University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry | Oklahoma | D.D.S. | 29 months | 18 | June 5, 2026 | Yes | Yes |
| University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine | Pennsylvania | D.M.D. | 29 months | 20 (estimate) | June 1, 2026 | No | Yes |
| University of Pikeville – Tanner College of Dental Medicine | Kentucky | D.M.D. | 25.5 months | 10 | October 1, 2026 | Yes | Yes |
| University of Pittsburgh School of Dental Medicine | Pennsylvania | D.M.D. | 24 months | 5-10 (estimate) | June 19, 2026 | Yes | No |
| University of Puerto Rico School of Dental Medicine | Puerto Rico | D.M.D. | 25 months | 20 | October 1, 2026 | Yes | No |
| The University of Texas at San Antonio | Texas | D.D.S. | 29 months | 20 | June 9, 2026 | Yes | No |
| University of Washington School of Dentistry | Washington | D.D.S. | 30 months | 20 (estimate) | June 1, 2026 | Yes | No |
| University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry | California | D.D.S. | 24 months | 57 | June 12, 2026 | No | No |
| Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry | Virginia | D.D.S. | 33 months | 10 | January 29, 2027 | Yes | No |
| Western University Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine | California | D.M.D. | 26 months | 20 | July 20, 2026 | Yes | No |
*Touro’s profile lists a 2027 deadline with a May 2027 start; confirm with the school. For every program’s tuition, interview format and full requirements, open its profile and the school’s own website. For a school-by-school overview, see our US dental schools guide and Advanced Standing programs for international dentists.
How to prepare: our full plan
A shortlist only works if the application behind it is strong. Here is how The Study Boards helps.
Master the CAAPID ApplicationOur full application program, run for 7 years, with 300+ dental school acceptances:
- 5-faculty review of your personal statement, letters and CV
- A 45-minute strategy session with Dr. T on which schools fit your profile
- 3 mock interviews with Dr. Slesnick and Dr. T
- $1,800 for one cycle, limited to 40 students
Profile Review with Dr. TAlready have a draft? A one-on-one online session where Dr. T reviews your personal statement and CV, rates your overall strength and gives you a written summary of fixes.
- For ready-to-submit and early-stage applicants
- Send documents 24 hours before the session
Still need to pass the boards?Our INBDE Premium Boards course has 35,000+ questions and a Pass Guarantee. 99% of students who complete it pass on their first attempt.
Bench test and TOEFLBench test preparation led by Dr. Kaur, and a TOEFL iBT course for dentists built for the 2026 format.
Frequently asked questions
Where is the CAAPID directory?
How many CAAPID participating programs are there?
What are the CAAPID deadlines?
Does the CAAPID program directory show tuition?
How much does it cost to apply through CAAPID?
Can I trust everything in a program profile?
Related guides
Master the CAAPID Application
Personal statement, letters, CV, school strategy with Dr. T and 3 mock interviews, for one full application cycle.
Want a second pair of eyes on your shortlist?
Send us your list on WhatsApp. Our Admin Team with Dr. T and Dr. Kaur will contact you over WhatsApp.
References
- ADEA. ADEA CAAPID Program Finder: program list, filters and compare view (47 programs; checked 14 October 2026). programs.adea.org/CAAPID/programs
- ADEA CAAPID Program Finder: individual program profiles for all 47 programs, including Program Information, TOEFL, National Board and other requirement sections (checked 14 October 2026). Example: Boston University profile
- ADEA. Prepare to Apply: 2026-27 fees of $264 and $115; what profiles include. adea.org
- Liaison / ADEA CAAPID Applicant Help Center. Application Cycle Dates. help.liaisonedu.com
- Liaison / ADEA CAAPID Applicant Help Center. Application Fees: supplemental fees paid directly to programs. help.liaisonedu.com
- Liaison / ADEA CAAPID Applicant Help Center. Participating Programs and Eligibility: deadlines set by each program; 11:59 PM ET. help.liaisonedu.com
- ADEA CAAPID Program Finder. Recommendations for Reapplying: average of 30 applications per available spot. programs.adea.org
- The Study Boards. Master the CAAPID Application: program facts. parmjitllc.com
Current as of October 2026. Program details change every cycle and are written by the programs themselves. Confirm every requirement on the program profile and the school’s website before you apply. The worked example uses a hypothetical applicant and hypothetical programs.