The number of individuals writing the Canadian Dental Association Dental Aptitude Test and the American Dental Association Dental Admissions Test for the first time is used as a measure of the number of new additions to the dental school applicant pool in each of the past 15 years. Dramatic changes have occurred during that period. Comparisons are made and similarities noted between the situations in the United States and Canada. A discussion of the probable causes of the differences highlights the changing government programs in the two countries, the perceptions of potential applicants, and the attitudes of members of the dental profession. Some suggestions for future action are proposed.