What Dental Schools Require CASPer? A Complete U.S. Dental School Guide 

If you are applying to dental school in the United States, you may have heard about the CASPer test and wondered, “What dental schools require CASPer?”

CASPer is an online situational judgment test used by some health professional programs to evaluate qualities that may not be fully shown by grades, test scores, or a traditional application. These qualities can include communication, professionalism, empathy, ethical reasoning, collaboration, resilience, and decision-making.

CASPer is not required by every dental school. In fact, only a relatively small group of U.S. dental programs use it, and the requirements can change between admission cycles. Some schools require CASPer for their traditional DMD or DDS applicants, while others use it only for specific advanced-standing or international dentist programs.

For the 2026–2027 application cycle, official school information confirms CASPer requirements at several dental programs, including the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, University of Utah School of Dentistry, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine in certain pathways, and UCLA’s Professional Program for International Dentists. Other programs may appear on third-party CASPer lists, but applicants should always confirm the requirement directly with the dental school before registering for the test.

This guide explains what CASPer is, which dental schools require it, who needs to take it, how the test works, how it differs from the DAT, how to prepare, and what applicants should know before applying.

What Is CASPer for Dental School?

CASPer is a situational judgment test, often called an SJT. It is designed to measure how applicants think about realistic situations involving people, communication, ethics, teamwork, professionalism, and other personal qualities.

Instead of asking you to memorize large amounts of scientific information, CASPer presents scenarios and asks you to explain how you would respond.

For example, a question may describe a disagreement between two people, a difficult workplace situation, an ethical problem, or a situation involving a patient or colleague. You may then be asked what you would do, why you would do it, and what factors you would consider.

The goal is not simply to find one “correct” answer.

Dental schools that use CASPer are generally interested in how applicants approach difficult situations and explain their reasoning.

The University of Utah describes its dental CASPer assessment as an open-response situational judgment test that evaluates social intelligence and professionalism.

Case Western Reserve University similarly describes CASPer as part of its broader Acuity Insights assessment process and uses it to complement other parts of its admissions review.

What Dental Schools Require CASPer in the United States?

The answer can change by application year and by program. This is one of the most important points applicants should understand.

A number of online lists contain older dental school requirements. Some also combine U.S. and Canadian programs or include requirements that applied to a previous application cycle.

For the 2026–2027 cycle, the following programs have current public information showing CASPer use or a CASPer requirement for a particular dental admission pathway.

Also read:How Much Is Loma Linda Dental School Tuition? A Complete DDS Program Cost Guide

University of Louisville School of Dentistry

The University of Louisville School of Dentistry requires CASPer for applicants to its DMD program.

The school’s current DMD admissions information states that all applicants are required to complete CASPer as part of the application. Applicants must complete the assessment before their application is reviewed and evaluated. Louisville also states that it does not require Duet.

This makes Louisville one of the clearest examples of a U.S. dental school where CASPer is an actual admissions requirement rather than simply an optional assessment.

Applicants should remember that CASPer is only one part of the application. Louisville also considers academic performance, DAT scores, letters of evaluation, dental observation, and other admission factors.

University of Utah School of Dentistry

The University of Utah School of Dentistry requires the United States CASPer 2 assessment for the 2026–2027 application cycle.

The school specifically identifies the United States CASPer 2 assessment as a requirement and describes it as an open-response situational judgment assessment focused on social intelligence and professionalism.

The University of Utah’s dental application information also lists official CASPer results among the application materials.

This means applicants who are applying to Utah should not treat CASPer as an optional part of the application.

Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine

Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine requires applicants to complete Acuity Insights Assessments, including CASPer.

The school’s current DMD admissions checklist says all applicants must complete the Acuity Insights assessment process. CASPer is described as a 90- to 110-minute online, open-response situational judgment test. The school also specifies the U.S. Professional Health Sciences test and does not accept the Canadian version for this requirement.

This is an important detail.

Applicants should not assume that any version of CASPer will automatically satisfy a dental school’s requirement. The test type and application stream can matter.

University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry — PPID

The UCLA School of Dentistry requires CASPer for applicants to its Professional Program for International Dentists, commonly called PPID.

This is a very important distinction because the PPID program is an advanced-standing program for internationally trained dentists. It is not the same as applying to UCLA’s traditional four-year DDS program.

UCLA’s current PPID admissions page states that all applicants must complete the CASPer assessment through Acuity Insights. The page describes CASPer as an online, open-response situational judgment test and states that the exam must be taken before the application deadline.

Therefore, international dentists considering UCLA PPID should include CASPer in their application planning.

California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine

California Northstate University College of Dental Medicine also uses CASPer in certain admission pathways.

For example, the university’s College of Health Sciences pathway information lists successful completion of the CASPer exam among the benchmarks for students seeking a priority interview with the College of Dental Medicine.

Because California Northstate has multiple pathways and admission routes, applicants should not assume that the exact same CASPer rule applies to every applicant.

The safest approach is to check the requirements for the specific program and application pathway you are using.

Other Programs and Why Online Lists Can Be Confusing

Some online dental school directories currently list additional schools as requiring CASPer, including programs that may have used CASPer in a previous cycle or may have requirements limited to a particular applicant group.

For example, third-party lists have included Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry, University of Detroit Mercy, University of Colorado’s advanced-standing program, High Point University, and Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences among dental programs associated with CASPer.

However, current official school pages do not always support those listings in the same way.

This matters because admissions requirements change.

For example, University of Detroit Mercy specifically states that CASPer is no longer required for its dental program.

The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine also states that CASPer is no longer required for its Advanced Standing International Student Program.

Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences currently describes an AADSAS application followed, if invited, by a Kira Talent assessment and an interview. Its published dental admission requirements do not list CASPer as a current requirement.

These examples show why copying an old “dental schools that require CASPer” list can lead to mistakes.

Dental Schools That Do Not Currently Appear to Require CASPer

Not every dental school uses CASPer.

Some dental schools rely on the traditional combination of academic records, prerequisite courses, DAT scores, letters of recommendation, personal statements, interviews, dental experience, and other application materials.

The absence of CASPer does not mean a school has a less comprehensive admissions process.

For example, PNWU’s current dental admissions process includes AADSAS, academic requirements, shadowing, community service, letters of recommendation, a possible Kira Talent assessment, and an in-person interview. CASPer is not listed as a required assessment on its current requirements page.

This is an important lesson for applicants: every dental school has its own admissions philosophy.

Why Do Some Dental Schools Require CASPer?

Dental schools receive applications from students with strong academic backgrounds.

Grades and standardized tests can show academic preparation, but they may not fully show how someone communicates, handles conflict, responds to ethical situations, or works with other people.

Dentistry is a patient-centered profession.

A dentist must communicate with patients, dental hygienists, dental assistants, specialists, laboratory professionals, office staff, and other healthcare professionals.

Dentists also make decisions that affect patient care.

Because of this, some schools want additional information about an applicant’s personal and interpersonal qualities.

CASPer can provide another piece of information for that purpose.

It does not replace grades or dental admissions requirements. Instead, schools that use it generally consider it alongside the rest of the application.

What Does CASPer Measure?

CASPer is designed around situations rather than traditional academic questions.

The specific assessment format can change, but applicants can generally expect scenarios that require them to think about issues such as:

• Communication
• Empathy
• Professionalism
• Ethics
• Collaboration
• Problem-solving
• Resilience
• Self-awareness
• Decision-making
• Fairness and equity

The University of Utah identifies characteristics such as collaboration, communication, empathy, equity, ethics, motivation, problem-solving, professionalism, resilience, and self-awareness as areas associated with its CASPer process.

These skills are relevant to dentistry because dental professionals regularly deal with people who may be anxious, uncomfortable, confused, frustrated, or worried about cost and treatment.

Is CASPer the Same as the DAT?

No.

CASPer and the DAT serve very different purposes.

The DAT, or Dental Admission Test, is an academic and aptitude examination used by many dental schools.

It includes areas related to natural sciences, perceptual ability, reading comprehension, and quantitative reasoning.

CASPer is a situational judgment assessment.

The purpose is not to test whether you remember biology or chemistry facts.

A simple way to understand the difference is:

DAT asks whether you have the academic and perceptual foundation expected for dental school.

CASPer asks how you may respond to challenging interpersonal and professional situations.

Some dental schools require the DAT but do not require CASPer.

Other schools may require both.

A strong DAT score does not automatically replace CASPer when CASPer is required.

Likewise, doing well academically does not remove the need to complete CASPer.

Is CASPer Required for Every Dental School?

No.

This is one of the most important answers to the question “what dental schools require CASPer?”

CASPer is not a universal dental school requirement in the United States.

Only certain programs use it.

The requirement may also depend on the exact program.

A school may require CASPer for an international dentist program but not for its traditional DDS or DMD program.

Another school may use CASPer for all applicants.

A third school may remove CASPer in a future application cycle.

For this reason, applicants should make a separate checklist for every dental school they plan to apply to.

Do All Applicants at a CASPer School Need to Take It?

Not necessarily.

The answer depends on the school’s admission pathway.

There are several possible situations.

A dental school may require CASPer for:

• All traditional DMD applicants
• All traditional DDS applicants
• International or advanced-standing applicants only
• A specific pathway or special program
• A particular application cycle

UCLA provides a good example because its current CASPer requirement is clearly connected to its Professional Program for International Dentists.

This is why simply seeing the name of a dental school on a CASPer list is not enough.

You need to determine which program the requirement applies to.

CASPer for International Dental Applicants

Internationally trained dentists should pay especially close attention to CASPer requirements.

Advanced-standing dental programs can have very different application systems from traditional four-year DDS or DMD programs.

Many advanced-standing programs use ADEA CAAPID, and schools may have additional requirements involving English proficiency, credential evaluation, board examinations, interviews, clinical experience, and other assessments.

UCLA’s PPID program, for example, uses CAAPID and has additional supplemental requirements before the CASPer stage.

Other schools may have completely different policies.

The key point is that international applicants should never assume that a CASPer requirement for one program applies to every dental program at that institution.

How Long Is the CASPer Test?

The exact CASPer format and timing can change between testing cycles.

Current school information gives a useful idea of the range.

Case Western Reserve University currently describes its CASPer assessment as a 90- to 110-minute online, open-response situational judgment test.

Other dental programs may describe the assessment differently depending on the version used.

Applicants should therefore use the current Acuity Insights information and their school’s instructions rather than relying on an old test-preparation article.

What Kind of Questions Are on CASPer?

CASPer questions are generally based on situations involving people and decisions.

You may be given a scenario and asked how you would respond.

A situation could involve:

• A disagreement between coworkers
• A communication problem
• A fairness issue
• A mistake
• A conflict within a team
• A professional responsibility
• A difficult conversation
• A situation where multiple people have different needs

The test is not simply asking whether you are “nice.”

It is looking at your reasoning.

For example, an effective answer may recognize that two people have different perspectives, identify the main problem, explain what information is needed, and describe a fair and professional response.

What Is the Best Way to Answer CASPer Questions?

There is no single perfect answer to every CASPer question. A strong response should be thoughtful, balanced, and practical. First, identify the main problem and consider the people involved. Think about safety, fairness, communication, and professional responsibilities before deciding what to do. Avoid making quick or extreme judgments. Instead, try to understand the situation, consider possible harm, communicate respectfully, and choose a reasonable professional response. Good CASPer answers usually show empathy while also demonstrating responsibility and sound judgment..

How Should Dental Students Prepare for CASPer?

Dental students can prepare for CASPer by practicing reasoning, communication, and time management. Start by understanding how situational judgment tests work, then practice realistic scenarios and explain your answers clearly. Focus on considering different viewpoints instead of trying to find one perfect answer. For example, if a patient is upset about treatment, consider their concerns, listen carefully, communicate clearly, and respond with empathy and professionalism. The goal is to show mature judgment and thoughtful decision-making rather than memorized answers.

Should You Take CASPer Early?

If a dental school requires CASPer, taking it early enough to meet the school’s deadline is usually a smart strategy.

Also read:What Does “Define Forensic Dentistry” Mean? A Complete Guide to Forensic Dentistry in the United States

Do not wait until the last possible testing date.

There can be problems with scheduling, technology, application processing, or score transmission.

Case Western Reserve University specifically encourages early test dates because its committee will not review an application until the CASPer scores have been received.

Applicants should build CASPer into their application timeline just as they would build in time for the DAT, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and other requirements.

How Much Does CASPer Cost?

CASPer costs can change by application cycle and by the number of schools to which you send results.

For the 2026–2027 cycle, the University of Rochester’s health-professions advising information lists the CASPer assessment at $85 for sending the result to up to nine schools, with an additional fee for each additional school.

Applicants should confirm the current fee directly through the testing provider before registering because pricing and policies can change.

Does CASPer Have a Passing Score?

CASPer is different from an academic test where applicants usually think about getting a particular numerical score.

Schools use CASPer results as part of their admissions process.

The meaning of the result can depend on the school’s evaluation system and the rest of the applicant’s file.

Therefore, applicants should not think of CASPer as simply “pass” or “fail.”

A strong academic applicant can still have weaknesses in other areas, and a student with an average academic profile may demonstrate valuable interpersonal qualities.

Dental schools that use CASPer generally decide how the assessment fits into their larger admissions process.

Does CASPer Matter More Than the DAT?

There is no universal answer.

It depends on the dental school.

The DAT remains an important part of dental school admissions at many institutions, particularly because it measures academic and perceptual skills relevant to dental education.

CASPer measures a different group of qualities.

It is therefore more useful to think of them as complementary rather than competing tests.

If a school requires both, applicants should prepare for both.

If a school does not require CASPer, there is usually no reason to take it solely because another dental school requires it unless another program you are applying to has the requirement.

Can a Good CASPer Result Compensate for a Low GPA?

Applicants should not assume that it can.

Dental school admission is competitive, and schools consider many factors.

A CASPer result is only one part of an application at schools that use it.

A strong performance on a situational judgment test does not automatically remove concerns about missing prerequisites, academic performance, DAT results, weak letters, limited dental experience, or other application issues.

Likewise, a strong GPA does not automatically make every other part of an application unimportant.

The best approach is to build a balanced application.

CASPer and Holistic Dental School Admissions

CASPer fits into the larger idea of holistic admissions.

Holistic admissions means the school does not look at only one number.

Admissions committees may consider:

• GPA
• Science GPA
• DAT
• Prerequisite courses
• Dental shadowing
• Community service
• Research
• Leadership
• Employment
• Personal experiences
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statements
• Interviews
• CASPer, when required

The importance of each factor varies by school.

For example, PNWU describes its dental admissions process as holistic and considers academic records, experiences, personal attributes, and alignment with its mission.

This illustrates why applicants should research the individual school rather than trying to find one formula for every dental program.

Common Mistakes Students Make With CASPer

One common mistake is treating CASPer like the DAT because CASPer focuses more on judgment and reasoning than memorization. Some students also give extreme answers without considering different viewpoints. Good responses should show balanced thinking, clear communication, empathy, fairness, responsibility, and professionalism. Another mistake is waiting too long to check the school’s requirements and deadline. Dental schools can change their CASPer requirements, test versions, or deadlines, so always check the latest information before taking the test.

How to Check Whether Your Dental School Requires CASPer

The most reliable approach is to use three steps.

First, visit the dental school’s official admissions page.

Second, look for the requirements for your exact program and application cycle.

Third, compare those instructions with the current CASPer information from Acuity Insights.

Do not rely only on an old blog post or a general list.

This is particularly important because some online lists currently contain schools that have changed their requirements.

University of Detroit Mercy, for example, explicitly says CASPer is no longer required for its dental program, showing how quickly these lists can become outdated.

The University of Colorado provides another example by stating that CASPer is no longer required for its advanced-standing international dental program.

CASPer Application Timeline for Dental School

A simple application timeline can make the process easier.

Before the Application Opens

Make a list of the dental schools you plan to apply to and check each school’s requirements separately. Note the program name, application service, DAT and CASPer requirements, prerequisite courses, shadowing hours, letters of recommendation, application deadlines, supplemental deadlines, and interview requirements. This helps you stay organized because every dental school can have different rules.

During the Application Period

Submit your main dental application as early as practical, then complete each school’s supplemental requirements. If CASPer is required, choose an appropriate test date and make sure your results are sent to the correct school and program before the deadline.

Before the Deadline

Check your application portal.

Confirm that your CASPer result has been received if the school provides that information.

Do not assume that simply taking the test means the admissions office has everything it needs.

What If a Dental School Changes Its CASPer Requirement?

Dental school admission requirements can change from one application cycle to another. If a school removes CASPer, follow its latest official requirements instead of taking an unnecessary test. If a school adds CASPer, make sure you complete it before the required deadline. Always check the school’s current admissions information or contact the admissions office if you are unsure.

Does Dental Experience Help With CASPer?

Dental experience can help indirectly.

Shadowing a dentist may expose you to real patient communication, teamwork, scheduling challenges, professionalism, and ethical situations.

However, CASPer is not a test of how many dental hours you have.

You do not need extensive dental experience to understand the basic principles of respectful communication and professional decision-making.

Your dental experiences may give you examples to think about, but the assessment focuses on your reasoning rather than your number of shadowing hours.

What Qualities Should a Future Dentist Show?

A future dentist needs more than strong science knowledge. Dentists work closely with patients, so good communication, empathy, patience, honesty, responsibility, teamwork, professionalism, problem-solving, and adaptability are important. Dentists should also listen carefully to patient concerns and make thoughtful decisions. These qualities can be important in situational judgment assessments like CASPer. Applicants should focus on showing their genuine personality and reasoning instead of trying to give answers they think an admissions committee wants to hear.

CASPer vs Interview for Dental School

CASPer and the dental school interview are also different.

CASPer is a standardized assessment completed online.

An interview allows an admissions committee to communicate directly with an applicant.

Both can explore communication and professional judgment, but they do so in different ways.

A dental school may use CASPer before interviews to obtain additional information about applicants.

An interview can then provide an opportunity to discuss motivation, experiences, communication style, and fit with the program.

If a school requires both, applicants should prepare for both.

Does Every Dental School Use the Same CASPer Version?

No.

The required test type can depend on the school and application stream.

Also read:Is Being a Dental Hygienist Hard? A Complete Guide to the Job, School, and Career

Case Western Reserve University, for example, specifically tells applicants to register for the U.S. Professional Health Sciences test and says it will not accept the Canadian version.

This is a critical detail.

Do not select a test simply because it has the word “CASPer” in its name.

Check the exact test type required by your dental school.

What Should You Do If You Are Applying to Several Dental Schools?

If you are applying to multiple dental schools, create a requirement spreadsheet.

You can use columns such as:

Dental School	DDS/DMD	DAT	CASPer	Shadowing	Letters	Interview
Case Western Reserve	DMD	Required	Required	Check school	Required	Required
University of Louisville	DMD	Required	Required	Required	Required	Check school
University of Utah	DDS	Required	Required	Check school	Required	Check school
UCLA PPID	DDS advanced standing	Program-specific	Required	Program-specific	Required	Required
California Northstate	DMD/pathway dependent	Program-specific	Pathway dependent	Check school	Check school	Check school

The table is only a planning tool. Requirements can change, so applicants should verify every item with the current admissions information before submitting an application.

What Dental Schools Require CASPer? Quick Answer

A concise answer is that CASPer is required by only a limited number of U.S. dental programs, and the list changes by application cycle.

For the 2026–2027 cycle, current official information confirms CASPer use for programs including the University of Louisville School of Dentistry, University of Utah School of Dentistry, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, UCLA’s Professional Program for International Dentists, and certain California Northstate pathways.

Some older online lists include schools that have since changed their requirements. University of Detroit Mercy and the University of Colorado are examples of programs whose current pages say CASPer is no longer required in the previously listed dental pathways.

Therefore, applicants should always verify the current requirement for the exact dental program they are applying to.

People Also Ask About Dental Schools and CASPer

Do dental schools require CASPer?

Some dental schools require CASPer, but most U.S. dental schools do not use it as a universal requirement. Requirements depend on the school, program, applicant type, and application cycle.

Is CASPer required for DDS programs?

It can be. Some DDS programs require CASPer, while others do not. For example, the University of Utah requires CASPer for its 2026–2027 DDS admission cycle.

Is CASPer required for DMD programs?

Some DMD programs require it. Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine and the University of Louisville School of Dentistry are examples of programs that currently use CASPer in their admissions process.

Do I need CASPer if my dental school does not require it?

Usually, no. If none of the dental programs you are applying to require CASPer, you generally do not need to take it simply because other schools use it.

Is CASPer harder than the DAT?

They are difficult in different ways. The DAT focuses heavily on academic and perceptual skills, while CASPer focuses on situational judgment, reasoning, communication, and professional qualities.

How to Build a Strong Dental School Application With CASPer

If your dental schools require CASPer, remember that it is only one part of your application. Focus on maintaining good grades, completing all required courses, preparing for the DAT, gaining dental experience, and building meaningful community service or leadership experience. You should also choose strong recommendation writers, write a clear personal statement, and prepare well for interviews. Add CASPer preparation to this overall plan instead of treating it as the only factor that can determine your admission.

Why CASPer Should Be Taken Seriously

Even though CASPer is not required by every dental school, it can matter significantly when a target program requires it.

A school that asks for CASPer is telling applicants that it wants additional information about qualities beyond academic performance.

That means applicants should take the assessment seriously.

At the same time, applicants should not become overly anxious about trying to discover a secret “perfect CASPer answer.”

There is no single sentence that guarantees admission.

Focus instead on mature reasoning, respectful communication, ethical thinking, and realistic decision-making.

Final Thoughts

If you are asking “what dental schools require CASPer,” the most important thing to remember is that CASPer is not a universal requirement for dental school in the United States. Only certain programs use it, and the exact requirement can depend on the school, program, applicant type, and admission cycle.

For the 2026–2027 cycle, current school information confirms CASPer requirements or use at programs such as Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, University of Louisville School of Dentistry, University of Utah School of Dentistry, UCLA’s PPID program, and certain California Northstate pathways. At the same time, some schools that appear on older CASPer lists have changed their policies.

The best strategy is to check every dental school’s current admissions page before registering for CASPer. If CASPer is required, prepare for it as a professional judgment assessment rather than as another science exam. With good preparation, clear reasoning, and a complete dental school application, you can approach the process with much greater confidence.

FAQs About What Dental Schools Require CASPer

Can I apply to dental school without taking CASPer?

Yes. Many U.S. dental schools do not require CASPer. You only need to complete it when a dental program you are applying to specifically requires it or when the program’s current instructions tell you to do so.

Can I use one CASPer result for multiple dental schools?

In many cases, CASPer results can be distributed to multiple programs, but the exact rules, fees, and eligible programs depend on the testing cycle and application type. Always check the current CASPer distribution rules before registering.

Should I take CASPer before submitting AADSAS?

It depends on the dental school’s instructions. Some schools require CASPer results before they will review an application, while others may allow different timing. Check the exact admissions timeline for every school on your list.

Does CASPer test dental knowledge?

No. CASPer is primarily a situational judgment assessment. It focuses on how you reason through interpersonal, ethical, professional, and decision-making situations rather than testing detailed dental science knowledge.

Can CASPer improve my dental school application?

CASPer can provide additional information about your interpersonal and professional qualities at schools that use it. However, it does not replace academic preparation, the DAT when required, prerequisites, dental experience, recommendations, interviews, or other parts of a complete dental school application.