ADEA, National Matching Service combine postdoc services

Mar 29, 2009

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) has partnered with National Matching Services (NMS) to offer a single access point to register for both organization's postdoctoral placement services, the ADEA announced.

Beginning May 15, 2009, applicants will be able to register for the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (ADEA PASS), the Postdoctoral Dental Matching Program (Match), or both from a shared registration portal provided on the ADEA PASS Web site.

ADEA PASS is an application service for individuals applying to 560 participating advanced dental education (postdoctoral) programs. The Match determines the final placement of applicants into more than 400 general and specialty dental residency programs.

Combining the point of registration for the two services produces a single, more convenient online experience, the ADEA said. The majority of ADEA PASS applicants also participate in the Match. Applicants for the Match will register through the portal on the ADEA PASS Web site, but will not be required to complete ADEA PASS applications to submit their Match information and payment. Previously, Match participants registered by mail directly with NMS.

"The new shared registration process is extremely efficient," said NMS President Elliott Peranson. Applicants will enter all necessary data at the ADEA PASS Web site, select either or both services, and submit and pay through ADEA. ADEA PASS and NMS will maintain separate customer service centers to provide assistance for their respective services and operations.

ADEA PASS simplifies the application process by providing one standardized format, relieving applicants of the need to complete multiple applications. Advanced dental education programs benefit by receiving uniform information on all applicants. ADEA PASS serves only as an information clearinghouse and does not influence the advanced dental education programs' appraisal or selection of applicants. Each program has the right to request supplemental information from applicants.

The Match determines the final placement of applicants into positions after the application and evaluation process is completed. For programs that participate in the Match, no offers are made directly to applicants.

After all interviews and evaluations are completed, each applicant submits to the Match a list of the desired programs in order of the applicant's preference. Similarly, each program submits a list of desirable applicants in order of the program's preference. The Match then places individuals into positions based on submitted preferences.