ADEA DHCAS Expansion to Multi-track Dental Assisting Programs

The ADEA DHCAS is expanding to support multi-track programs that include both dental hygiene and dental assisting pathways within a single program structure.

This expansion allows eligible programs to manage applications for both pathways through one centralized platform.

The expansion will launch with the 2026–27 ADEA DHCAS application cycle, opening in October 2026.

A multi-track program is one that:

• Offers dental hygiene and dental assisting pathways,
• Operates under a shared or integrated admissions process and
• Has a coordinated curriculum or pathway structure.

These programs typically allow applicants to apply to one system and be considered for multiple tracks.

ADEA DHCAS multi-track participation is available to institutions that offer both dental hygiene and dental assisting educational pathways.

Eligibility is determined based on how the institution manages its admissions process and application review activities.

Programs interested in participating are encouraged to contact ADEA DHCAS to discuss their admissions model and participation options.

The following are not eligible for this expansion:

• Stand-alone dental assisting programs,
• Programs where dental hygiene and dental assisting are separate, independently managed programs and
• Programs without a shared admissions process. 

Yes. Depending on how your program configures its application, applicants may:

• Apply to a combined program,
• Be considered for multiple tracks within one application and
• Be routed based on program-specific admissions criteria. 

No, programs have flexibility to:

• Use one, unified application.
• Configure track-specific questions, prerequisites or document requirements.
• Customize the applicant experience based on their structure. 

Programs can streamline review by:

• Viewing all applicants in one system (WebAdMIT);
• Filtering applicants by track, qualifications or criteria; and
• Using custom fields and questions to differentiate applicants. 

No, there is no cost to institutions for participating in ADEA DHCAS.

Applicants will continue to pay:

• $50 for the first program,
• $35 for each additional program and
• Fee assistance is available for eligible applicants. 

Programs should do the following:

• Review whether their program meets multi-track eligibility criteria.
• Determine how their program wants to structure their application (combined vs. track-specific.)
• Prepare to configure:
• Questions,
• Prerequisites and
• Documents.
• Attend ADEA training sessions and use the provided guides. 

Yes, ADEA will provide:

• Step-by-step configuration guides,
• Video walkthroughs,
• Live and recorded training sessions and
• Direct support from your ADEA DHCAS Manager. 

Programs will benefit from:

• Streamlined admissions processes,
• Increased applicant visibility,
• Centralized data and reporting,
• Improved applicant experience and
• Reduced administrative burden.

If you are unsure, ADEA encourages you to:

• Reach out to your ADEA DHCAS Manager and
• Schedule a consultation to review your program structure.

We will work with you to determine eligibility and next steps.

At this time, the focus is on multi-track programs only.

Future expansion opportunities may be evaluated based on program needs and system capabilities.[

No. Participation is not based on curriculum design or academic structure.

Programs may have different curricula, course sequences, degree types, or educational requirements.

No. Programs may maintain separate admission requirements, prerequisite requirements, evaluation criteria, and selection processes. ADEA DHCAS can support varying admissions models within the same institution.

Possibly. Institutions that offer both programs are encouraged to contact ADEA DHCAS to discuss participation options. Eligibility is not determined solely by whether the programs are separate academically.

You can:

• Connect with your ADEA DHCAS Manager
• Attend upcoming training sessions and
• Access configuration guides and resources through ADEA communications.