Dental Schools That Require CASPer: List + What to Expect

What Is the CASPer Test?

CASPer stands for Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics. It’s part of a bigger group of assessments under Acuity Insights Assessments (formerly Altus Suite). CASPer is designed to evaluate soft skills—things that don’t show up in your GPA or DAT score.

If you’ve ever had to explain how you handled a tricky situation or what you’d do in a tense moment, that’s the kind of thinking CASPer measures. It’s like a personality test, but with real scenarios instead of vague "rate yourself from 1–10" questions.

Unlike traditional tests that measure what you know, CASPer focuses on how you think. It aims to capture the nuances of your decision-making style, particularly under pressure. The test reflects real-world, often messy scenarios that future dental professionals may encounter. Whether it's navigating an ethical dilemma in a clinic or dealing with interpersonal conflict in a professional setting, CASPer is designed to see how you respond.

How CASPer Works

The CASPer test is administered online in a proctored environment, meaning your webcam and keyboard activity are monitored throughout. It typically lasts about 65-85 minutes and consists of two types of sections: video-based scenarios and word-based scenarios.

Each scenario presents a situation, followed by two questions. You must answer within a strict time limit—typically 3.5 minutes for written responses or one minute per question if responding by video. There’s no pausing, and once your time is up, your responses are locked in.

Scenarios range from ethical dilemmas to workplace conflicts to more abstract questions about values or decision-making. You won’t see technical science questions or academic problems here. Instead, the test is designed to challenge your emotional intelligence and critical thinking.

The pressure of answering quickly is part of the design. It forces you to think on your feet, much like real-world patient interactions. There’s no time to overthink or edit your words, which makes preparation important.

Why Dental Schools Use It

Dental schools are looking for students who are academically strong—but also mature, ethical, and self-aware. CASPer is one way to measure those qualities. It doesn’t replace your DAT or GPA, but it gives admissions committees a fuller picture.

Let’s say you and another applicant have nearly identical GPAs and DAT scores. But your CASPer score shows stronger communication and empathy under pressure. That could tip the scales in your favor. Especially at schools that emphasize professionalism and clinical readiness.

In a clinical environment, strong interpersonal and ethical decision-making skills can be just as critical as academic knowledge. CASPer claims to help identify candidates who may not shine on paper but excel in empathy, teamwork, and communication—traits that matter once you're working with patients. You might be asked how you’d handle a disagreement between coworkers, respond to an ethically grey situation, or deal with stress in a team setting.

While the DAT tests your science knowledge, reading comprehension, and perceptual ability, CASPer tests something else entirely—your values, your problem-solving instincts, and your ability to stay calm and ethical in messy situations. Think of it as the "people skills" exam.

Dental Schools That Require CASPer

Every year, the list changes slightly. Some schools drop CASPer. Others add it. That’s why it’s important to check each school’s admissions site before finalizing your application.

Based on previous cycles and updates, these U.S. dental schools are expected to require CASPer:

• East Carolina University School of Dental Medicine
• Howard University College of Dentistry
• Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine (Arizona and Illinois campuses)
• Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health (ATSU)
• Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry
• Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
• University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Dentistry
• University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental Medicine
• Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental Medicine

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, refer to the following official sources: CASPer / Acuity Insights Registration and ADEA Dental School Directory. Or check school-specific admissions pages.

Some schools may also require applicants to complete additional Acuity Insights components, like Duet, an optional component that some programs now consider. It's a value alignment tool comparing your priorities with those of the school.

It’s also worth noting that some programs may accept CASPer scores but not require them outright. Others might encourage taking the test as a supplemental part of a holistic review process. Either way, always double-check with each program. Even minor changes in requirements can impact your timeline and strategy.

Canadian Dental Schools and CASPer

In Canada, CASPer is more commonly used for medical school admissions than dental. A few programs used to require it but have since moved away. Still, it’s best to check each school’s requirements. Changes often happen without big announcements.

If you’re applying to both U.S. and Canadian dental schools, be prepared for a mixed set of requirements. You might need CASPer for one and not the other. Planning ahead helps avoid surprises close to the deadline.

How to Register for CASPer

To take the CASPer test, you'll need to create an account on the Acuity Insights website. From there, you’ll search for the test tied to the programs you’re applying to, select a test date, and pay the appropriate fees.

As of the current admissions cycle, the base fee is around $60 USD, with an additional fee for each school you send scores to—usually around $16 per school. Plan ahead, because test dates fill up, and missing your school’s deadline can delay or disqualify your application.

Make sure your computer and internet setup meet the technical requirements: a stable connection, functioning webcam and microphone, and an appropriate browser. CASPer cannot be taken on a mobile device or tablet.

How to Prepare for CASPer

While you don’t need several months of intensive study, preparing for CASPer is absolutely worth your time. Start by familiarizing yourself with the test structure and practicing timed responses to sample scenarios. This helps build your confidence and gets you used to organizing your thoughts quickly under pressure.

Instead of memorizing "model answers," focus on developing a clear structure in your responses and learning the right approach to the different types of CASPer questions. A solid approach for a scenario-type question, for example, might look like this: identify the core issue and most vulnerable parties in the scenario, gather more information on the situation, state your reasoning for taking one action or another, and consider other perspectives. Keep your tone respectful and professional.

Don't forget to practice for the video response sections too. Record yourself and watch it back. Are you making eye contact? Are your answers clear and concise? Does your tone convey empathy and maturity?

Do Dental Schools Actually Use CASPer Scores?

CASPer is scored by human raters—not AI. Each scenario you answer is evaluated by a different person to reduce bias. You won’t receive your full score, but you will be placed in a quartile: top 25%, second 25%, and so on. Schools receive a breakdown of your performance but don’t always share how heavily it weighs into their decisions.

For some schools, CASPer is just one more layer in a broad, holistic review. For others, it can help determine who gets invited for dental school interviews. If your GPA or DAT score is borderline, a strong CASPer performance can help boost your profile.

That said, a low CASPer score likely won’t get you automatically rejected, but it could raise questions if the rest of your application doesn’t strongly support your readiness. Like any part of the process, it’s one piece of the whole.

Schools rarely publish how much weight they assign to CASPer. The safest assumption? It matters enough to prepare seriously—but not so much that it overshadows the rest of your application.

CASPer Validity and Reporting

It’s important to know that your CASPer score is only valid for one admissions cycle. You’ll need to retake the test each year you apply, even if you previously scored well. Scores cannot be carried forward or reused in future cycles.

Also, you can’t take the test more than once per cycle. So if you feel like you underperformed, you don’t get a redo. That’s why preparation—especially timed practice—is essential. Choose your test date carefully and make sure it fits your schedule.

Final Thoughts

If CASPer is on your to-do list this cycle, take it seriously—but don’t let it overwhelm you. Unlike the DAT or your GPA, this isn’t about memorization or test-taking skills. It’s about your ability to respond thoughtfully in situations that mirror real life.

Check each school’s requirements early. Give yourself time to register, prepare, and test in a calm, focused way. And remember: CASPer is not the whole story. But when it’s required, it’s worth showing up ready.

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To your success,

Your friends at BeMo

BeMo Academic Consulting