ADEA GoDental Jumpstart
A Dynamic In-person Regional Event
ADEA GoDental Jumpstart is a dynamic in-person regional event designed specifically for first- and second-year undergraduate students exploring a future in dentistry.
Each year, ADEA hosts one Jumpstart event in each of our four U.S. regions:
Northeast | Southern | Midwest | Western
These one-day experiences are hosted by a dental school in each region and provide early exposure, hands-on learning and direct interaction with admissions representatives. A smaller event size allows students to build connections and learn the skills to support their dental school application journeys.
If you’re thinking about dental school, or even just exploring, this is where your pathway begins.
Why Attend?
The journey to dental school starts earlier than many students realize.
ADEA GoDental Jumpstart helps students build clarity and confidence at the beginning of their undergraduate experience.
By participating, you can:
- Understand what dental schools are looking for
- Plan your coursework strategically
- Learn how to build meaningful experiences
- Connect with admissions professionals and current dental students
- Gain exposure to the clinical environment and leave with a roadmap
Who Should Attend?
Jumpstart is designed specifically for first- and second-year undergraduate students exploring oral health professions.
This program is ideal for students considering dentistry, interested in science and healthcare, or seeking clarity on the dental school pathway. To ensure access to all, the program is designed for students to have an opportunity to attend an event in your region.
If you are:
- Considering dentistry but unsure where to begin,
- Interested in science and health care or
- Looking for clarity about the dental school pathway,
Jumpstart is for you!
Upper-level students are encouraged to attend the ADEA GoDental Recruitment Event held each year in March, which better aligns with that stage of preparation.
What Is the Program About?
A regional experience with national impact!
- 4 regional events annually
- 75 students per event (~300 total annually)
- 5–8 dental schools represented per event
- Focused, personalized experience
By keeping the event intentionally focused and regional, students receive meaningful interaction and personalized engagement.
What to Expect
- Hear from current dental students about their application experience,
- Learn from keynotes that offer guidance and advice,
- Get hands-on experience with an activity in the clinic,
- Engage with other predental students and build connections and
- Meet with dental school admissions staff in person.
Student Registration
Registration opens approximately eight weeks prior to each event.
To be sure you receive the invitation, join the ADEA GoDental Community.
Eligibility Requirements
Must be a first- or second-year undergraduate student
Must complete required application questions
Spots are limited to 75 students per region to ensure meaningful interaction and hands-on engagement.
Registration closes when capacity is reached.
What’s Included
- Full-day programming
- Hands-on lab activity
- Breakfast and lunch
- Event materials
- Networking access
There is no cost to attend. Attendees are responsible for their own travel and accommodation arrangements.
2026 Host Locations
Southern ADEA GoDental Jumpstart
April 25, 2026 | University of Alabama Birmingham School of Dentistry
Northeast ADEA GoDental Jumpstart
July 25, 2026 | University of New England College of Dental Medicine
Western ADEA GoDental Jumpstart
Sept. 12, 2026 | California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine
Midwest ADEA GoDental Jumpstart
Oct. 11, 2026 | University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Past Host Locations
2025
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Adams School of Dentistry
- University of Colorado Anschutz School of Dental Medicine
2024
- Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a cost to attend?
Jumpstart is a free event, but participants are responsible for all their travel-related expenses.
Are any prerequisites or experience required?
No prior dental experience or academics are required.
What is the dress code?
Business casual attire is recommended.
How many students can attend?
Each event will accommodate up to 75 students, which keeps the program personalized and provides a bigger impact on attendees.
Are meals provided?
Breakfast, lunch and a snack are provided.
Each year, ADEA hosts four Jumpstart events in each region of North America.
2026 Date & Location
Southern
April 25, 2026
University of Alabama Birmingham School of Dentistry
Northeast
July 25, 2026
University of New England College of Dental Medicine
Western
Sept. 12, 2026
California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine
Midwest
Oct. 11, 2026
University of Minnesota School of Dentistry
Questions?
Please email GoDental@adea.org