DMD PASS Timeline & Tips

DMD students can prepare for PASS beginning the winter of their third academic year.

DECEMBER (winter of third academic year)

• Draft your resume
• Consider which specialties you want to pursue

JANUARY

• Finalize your resume
• Search residency programs, using the ADEA PASS Search Engine
• Consult GSDM Career Library

FEBRUARY

• Confirm your original DENTPIN# and save it for PASS login
• Note individual residency requirements (tests, transcripts, documents)

MARCH

• Finalize list of residency programs for which you will apply
• Continue tracking individual application requirements and deadlines
• Determine number of recommendations (2-4) needed per program

APRIL

• Request faculty or mentors in clinical and academic settings to complete recommendation letters
• Draft your personal statement(s)

MAY

• PASS opens! Learn more online.
• Attend “Navigating PASS” Career Resources Workshop
• Register for PASS
• Complete PASS “Institution Evaluation” section to request Dean’s Letter and complete the Dean’s Office required supplemental form for the Institution Evaluation
• Add your recommenders to the PASS “Professional Evaluation Form” section

JUNE

• Complete PASS sections and note character limits in text boxes
• Follow up with Career Resources to finalize resume and personal statement(s)
• Add your programs to the PASS “Program Designations” section
• Check in with faculty who will write your recommendation letters

JULY (Start of Fourth Academic Year)

• Request transcripts from the Registrar using the “Dental School Transcript Request Form” from the “Dental Schools Attended” PASS section once you have updated BU as your dental school
• Finalize and upload all documents for submission
• Complete all sections remaining in PASS and apply

AUGUST

• Submit applications (first round of deadlines takes place in the first week of August)
• Follow up with any required supplemental applications

SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER

• Review Match Registration
• Determine which programs require Match ranking and review phase deadlines
• Prepare for and attend interviews

JANUARY-MARCH

• Finalize any required Match rankings if applicable
• Receive and respond to final program offers 

GENERAL TIPS & CONSIDERATIONS

• Research programs as soon as possible through the ADEA PASS Search Engine
• Follow up with Career Resources regularly
• APPLY EARLY!!!

Please contact Career Resources at gsdmcr@bu.edu if you are unsure about anything regarding PASS and/or your application.