Things to Know
- The list of preferred programs you submit to the Match is called a Rank Order List.
- You must log into the online NMS Match System to enter and certify your Rank Order List by the Rank Order List Deadline for each Phase of the Match.
- If you do not intend to submit a Rank Order List for the Match, you must withdraw from the Match using the NMS Match System.
Open Dates
Phase I
Applicants for ORTHO, PERIO, PROS, ANES and Canadian GPR positions:
| NMS Match System Opens For Rankings | October 27, 2025 |
| Rank Order List Deadline | November 12, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time |
Phase II
Applicants for AEGD, US GPR, OMS and PED positions:
| NMS Match System Opens For Rankings | December 10, 2025 |
| Rank Order List Deadline | January 14, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time |
Strategy
The Match Algorithm is designed such that it cannot be gamed or manipulated.
The only strategy is to rank your choices in order of your true preferences, without considering how you expect to be ranked by any program.
Rank all programs to which you applied that would be acceptable. Submitting a longer list of programs may reduce your chances of being left unmatched.
Do not rank any program that you consider unacceptable (i.e., you would not want to be matched to the program under any circumstances). You can only be matched to a program that appears on your Rank Order List.
Certify Your Rank Order List
You must certify your Rank Order List in the NMS Match System in order for it to be used in the Match. Certifying your Rank Order List lets NMS know it is ready to be used in the Match.
You can make changes to your list even after it is certified, until the Rank Order List deadline. If you make changes to a list that has been certified, you simply have to certify your list again before the deadline for it to be used in the Match.
Couples
Two applicants who are participating in the same Phase of the Match and who wish to coordinate their matches (e.g., obtain positions in the same geographic location) may participate in the Match as a Couple.
Rankings User Guide
Consult the Rankings User Guide for detailed instructions for submitting your Rank Order List in the NMS Match System.
Rankings User Guide