Frequently Asked Questions
This section is designed to answer many of the questions asked by dentists who received their dental education outside the United States or Canada and wish to obtain a dental license in the United States. Every effort is made to have the most current information available, but state licensure requirements often change. You should contact the individual state dental board where you wish to become licensed to obtain the most up-to-date information.
- What type of visa do I need to enter the United States?
- What is an accredited dental education program?
- I did not graduate from a dental school accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation or the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. What do I need to do to become licensed in the United States?
- What is advanced standing and where can I find a list of dental schools that accept international dental graduates into their programs for advanced standing?
- What is an International Dentist Program?
- If I do not have a DDS or DMD from an accredited dental school, but received my dental specialty education in an accredited U.S. or Canadian program, can I become licensed in the U. S.?
- Where can I find a list of dental schools that accept international dental graduates into advanced education programs?
- What is a Canadian Qualifying Program?
- If I complete a Qualifying Program in a Canadian dental education program, will I be eligible for licensure in the U.S.?
- Do I need to take a TOEFL/ TSE examination in order to be admitted to an advanced standing or advanced education program in a dental school?
- What is the Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc?
- Are there any materials I can use to prepare for the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE)?
- What are the AADSAS, PASS and Match Programs?
- What is the cost for tuition in a dental education program and am I eligible for scholarships or financial aid?
- I have completed an accredited postgraduate residency (PGY-1) program, but do not have a DDS or DMD degree. Can I apply for a dental license in those states that allow the option of completion of a PGY-1 instead of a clinical examination (for example, CT, NY, MN)?
- What can I do to prepare for the clinical examinations?
- Am I eligible to practice as a dental hygienist in the U. S. with my international dental degree?
- What employment opportunities are available to me if I do not have a U. S. dental license?
- Am I eligible to join the ADA?
- If I am enrolled in a U.S. dental education program, am I eligible for membership in the American Student Dental Association?
- How can I find out about the areas of the United States that are in need of dentists?
- What other resources are available for dentists who received their dental education outside the United States or Canada and wish to obtain a dental license in the United States?
What type of visa do I need to enter the United States?
There are two main classifications of visas that typically apply to the international dentist: nonimmigrant-academic student and immigrant-member of a profession. Information about these and other classifications may be obtained from a U.S. embassy or consulate in a foreign country or from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Immigration and Naturalization Service  (National Customer Service Center 1-800-375-5283 within United States only).
Return to Top
What is an accredited dental education program?
The ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) recognizes predoctoral and postdoctoral dental education programs through a process known as accreditation. Programs are recognized as accredited if they meet certain standards set forth by CODA's rigorous review process. By virtue of a reciprocal agreement with the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada, dental education programs in Canada are also considered CODA accredited. Applicants for licensure in the United States and Canada are required to be graduates of accredited programs in nearly all states and provinces.
Return to Top
I did not graduate from a dental school accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation or the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. What do I need to do to become licensed in the United States?
Licensure requirements vary from state to state. Note: It is important to contact the state board of dentistry where licensure is sought to obtain the most up-to-date information about licensure requirements. Download the following document for more information about what is needed to obtain a dental license.
- Step by Step to U.S. Licensure for International Dental Graduates | PDF file/26.5k
Return to Top
What is advanced standing and where can I find a list of dental schools that accept international dental graduates into their programs for advanced standing?
The advanced standing process allows individuals to be admitted into the dental curriculum and receive credit for previous educational experiences. Many U.S. dental schools accept international dental graduates for advanced standing by admitting them into the second or third year of the program.
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) publishes a book that is available for purchase on the website titled ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools. This book contains useful information such as characteristics of each program, admission requirements, student selection factors, application information, estimated costs, financial aid and more. International dentists may find this book helpful when selecting and applying to dental school in the United States.
Return to Top
What is an International Dentist Program?
A few dental schools offer International Dentist Programs (IDP) that are separate from their other dental education programs. Most of these programs grant a DDS or DMD degree, but some may grant a certificate of completion. The certificate of completion may satisfy licensure eligibility requirements only in the state where the program is located.
The purpose of these programs is to ensure that the student attains the same knowledge and skills as graduates of accredited programs and to familiarize the international dentist with the oral healthcare delivery system in the U.S., the techniques and procedures used by U.S. dentists, standards of oral healthcare and the characteristics of the oral health needs of U.S. citizens.
Return to Top
If I do not have a DDS or DMD from an accredited dental school, but received my dental specialty education in an accredited U.S. or Canadian program, can I become licensed in the U. S.?
Most states require that graduates of international dental programs obtain additional general dentistry education at the predoctoral level and receive a DDS or DMD degree. A few states will accept completion of an advanced dental education program in a specialty or general dentistry instead of the predoctoral education. Information about states where international graduates may be eligible for licensure after completing advanced dental education programs can be viewed below.
- Summary of State Educational Requirements for International Dentists | PDF file/68k
Return to Top
Where can I find a list of dental schools that accept international dental graduates into advanced education programs?
Advanced education programs are beyond the predoctoral education level and are intended to provide proficiency in general dentistry (general practice residency (GPR), advanced education in general dentistry (AEGD) and in the nine ADA-recognized dental specialties: dental public health, endodontics, orthodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial radiology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, pediatric dentistry, periodontics and prosthodontics.
- Advanced Dental Education Opportunities for International Graduates | PDF file/56k
Some dental schools offer advanced dental education programs in the biomedical sciences and areas of dental practice that are not recognized dental specialties. These may include anatomy, anesthesiology, biochemistry, dental materials, immunology, implantology, microbiology, operative dentistry, oral biology, oral medicine, pharmacology and physiology. Depending on the program, advanced dental education programs can grant either a certificate or a Masters or PhD degree. Some programs offer options to earn both a certificate and Masters Degree. These programs may not meet states’ educational requirements for dental licensure.
Return to Top
What is a Canadian Qualifying Program?
Canadian Qualifying Programs are two-year supplemental university programs for graduates of non-accredited dental programs. They are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada. These programs grant a Certificate of Qualification in Dentistry rather than a dental degree to individuals who complete the program. The program is designed to assist students in preparing for the Canadian licensing examinations and in complying with eligibility requirements for licensure in Canadian provinces by ensuring that the educational experiences of the students are comparable to Canadian graduates.
As in the U.S. supplemental programs, the Qualifying Programs familiarize the international dentist with the oral healthcare delivery system in Canada., the techniques and procedures used by Canadian dentists, standards of oral healthcare and the characteristics of the oral health needs of Canadian citizens. See the section on “Canadian Qualifying and Advanced Standing Programs” in the document below.
Return to Top
If I complete a Qualifying Program in a Canadian dental education program, will I be eligible for licensure in the U.S.?
Currently, U. S. licensing jurisdictions do not recognize the Canadian Qualifying Programs as meeting the educational requirement for licensure. Since licensure requirements are subject to change, it is recommended that you contact the state board of dentistry where licensure is sought for the most accurate information about which education programs meet its educational requirement.
Return to Top
Do I need to take a TOEFL/ TSE examination in order to be admitted to an advanced standing or advanced education program in a dental school?
Yes, most dental schools require international dentists to successfully complete the Test of English as a Foreign Language/ Test of Spoken English for admission to their programs.
Return to Top
What is the Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc?
The Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) is a service used by the ADA Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE) to determine an internationally trained candidate’s eligibility to take the National Board Dental Examinations. The ECE report provides verification that the individual has graduated with a credential from a recognized dental education program in his/her country and that the curriculum includes the content areas covered in the examination. An in-depth study of course content is not performed during this evaluation. The ECE does not accredit dental education programs, and state dental boards typically do not utilize the ECE evaluation for the purposes of licensure.
Return to Top
Are there any materials I can use to prepare for the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE)?
The ADA Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE), which administers the NBDE Part I, Part II and the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE) recommends that candidates use textbooks and lecture notes as primary sources for studying. A list of reference texts for each National Board Dental Examination is available through the JCNDE (1-800-232-1694--US only).
Tutorials are available for both NBDE Parts I and II that will familiarize candidates with the mechanics of taking the NBDE on the computer (requires Microsoft Windows). Released past examinations are useful in familiarizing candidates with the test format. Copies of the released examinations are available in most dental school libraries and in the ADA library. They can also be purchased through the American Student Dental Association.
Return to Top
What are the AADSAS, PASS and Match Programs?
The Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) and the Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) are administered by the The American Dental Education Association (ADEA). These programs are available to all students applying to dental schools or postdoctoral dental education programs participating in the application service. These are computerized application services that simplify the application process by providing one standardized form, relieving applicants of the need to complete multiple applications. Dental schools benefit by receiving uniform information on all applicants.
National Matching Services, Inc. (NMS) is a postgraduate matching program that provides an opportunity for applicants and programs to evaluate each other fully, after which, both the program and applicant submit rank order lists to the Match Service indicting their preferences. Using the rank order lists, the matching service places applicants in appropriate programs. Contact the NMS Toronto office (1-416-977-3431) for more information.
Return to Top
What is the cost for tuition in a dental education program and am I eligible for scholarships or financial aid?
Tuition costs vary depending on if the institution is public or private and whether you are a resident of the state where the dental program is located. Information about tuition should be obtained from the individual institutions. The Financial Aid Office in the institution where you are enrolled will have information about financial aid that is available.
The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) publishes a book that is available for purchase on the ADEA website titled ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools. This book contains useful information including estimated costs and financial aid. This information is also available from the ADA Survey Center in published reports on predoctoral education.
Return to Top
I have completed an accredited postgraduate residency (PGY-1) program, but do not have a DDS or DMD degree. Can I apply for a dental license in those states that allow the option of completion of a PGY-1 instead of a clinical examination (for example, CT, NY, MN)?
No. Only graduates of accredited predoctoral dental education programs, who have earned a DDS or DMD degree and subsequently completed a postgraduate residency program, are eligible for the PGY-1 pathway to licensure.
Return to Top
What can I do to prepare for the clinical examinations?
The best way to prepare for the clinical examination is to thoroughly read the candidate’s guide for the specific examination you are taking. Contact the state or regional testing agency for this information. Many testing agencies also provide these guides on their websites.
Return to Top
Am I eligible to practice as a dental hygienist in the U. S. with my international dental degree?
Only the state of Florida currently grants eligibility for the clinical dental hygiene examination to international dental graduates who have taken and passed the National Board Dental Hygiene
Examination (NBDHE). If the international dentist successfully completes the written NBDHE and the Florida clinical examinations, he/she is eligible to apply for a Florida dental hygiene license.
Return to Top
What employment opportunities are available to me if I do not have a U. S. dental license?
International dentists who have not obtained a U.S. dental license may find opportunities for employment in dental industry or dental education. Examples include dental manufacturing, dental supply or pharmaceutical companies, teaching or university-based research. Positions in dental assisting and dental laboratory technology may also be available.
Return to Top
Am I eligible to join the ADA?
There are several membership categories that might be applicable to the international dentist. See Membership Categories and Applications on ADA.org to determine which category best suits your situation. See in particular Affiliate, Associate, Non-Practicing Dentist, ASDA/ADA and Graduate Student categories.
Return to Top
If I am enrolled in a U.S. dental education program, am I eligible for membership in the American Student Dental Association?
All students enrolled in and attending an ADA-accredited U.S. predoctoral dental education program are eligible for ASDA/ADA Predoctoral membership. The predoctoral membership dues include membership in both ASDA and the ADA. See ASDAnet.org for a membership application.
Return to Top
How can I find out about the areas of the United States that are in need of dentists?
Sources that you can utilize to determine areas of need include the following:
Return to Top
What other resources are available for dentists who received their dental education outside the United States or Canada and wish to obtain a dental license in the United States?
Return to Top
To view a PDF file, you need Adobe Reader. Click on the logo to download.
|
