International Dental Graduates : American Dental Education Association

International Dental Graduates

Many international students participate in predoctoral and postdoctoral dentistry programs in North America. They include:

International students who do not possess a dental degree. Most U.S. and Canadian dental schools accept international applicants, but some schools are restricted to accepting applicants from their jurisdictions. Check individual school websites for specific information about any applicant restrictions.

Admission to a traditional predoctoral dentistry program. There are 63 predoctoral dental education programs in the United States and 10 predoctoral education programs in Canada. Currently 62 U.S. dental schools and one Canadian dental school participate in ADEA AADSAS, a centralized application service that enables applicants to submit a single application that is distributed to as many schools as the applicant selects.

Individuals who possess a dental degree from a country other than the United States or Canada.

Advanced standing programs for international dental graduates. These programs, offered at more than 30 North American dental schools, are designed for individuals who wish to become licensed to practice dentistry in the United States or Canada. In nearly all U.S. jurisdictions, a dentist must have graduated from a U.S. or Canadian dental school to qualify for licensure. Advanced standing programs are designed for individuals who want to obtain a U.S. or Canadian dental degree in the shortest amount of time. Contact individual programs for applications to advanced standing programs for international dentists. The American Dental Association maintains a current listing of programs.
ADEA launched the Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (CAAPID) application in 2009. The ADEA CAAPID application allows international dental graduates to submit a single application and set of credentials that will be distributed by ADEA to all participating programs designated by the applicant. Programs receive all application materials online through the ADEA CAAPID admissions officers portal. Programs can continue to request supplemental materials from applicants.
Currently 40+ dental schools offer these programs, which enable international dental graduates to obtain a U.S. or Canadian dental degree. Please visit the ADEA CAAPID website for more information on how to apply to advanced standing programs utilizing the ADEA CAAPID service.
Learn more with the ADA Guide for the International Dentist.
Advanced dental education (postdoctoral) programs. Many advanced dental education programs, also known as postgraduate or specialty programs, accept graduates of international dental schools. More than 600 advanced programs participate in ADEA PASS, the Postdoctoral Application Support Service, a centralized application service that permits applicants to submit a single application that is distributed to all programs selected by the applicant. Check the PASS Search Engine for programs that participate in PASS and for programs that accept international applicants. For a complete list of all accredited advanced dental education programs in the U.S, please visit the ADA website.

Special Admission Requirements for International Applicants

In addition to admission requirements for all applicants, international students may be asked to provide additional information to the schools or programs to which they are applying. This list includes requirements for many programs, but it is not exhaustive. Check with individual schools or programs for any additional admission requirements.

Documentation of English language proficiency. Check individual school and program websites for English language proficiency requirements. Many programs require the TOEFL or other examination.
Evaluation of international transcripts. Most schools and programs require a detailed course-by-course evaluation of international transcripts that is completed by a recognized credential evaluation service. Some schools and programs specify certain services that must be used. Check individual school and program websites for specific requirements.
Proof of finances for individuals possessing non-permanent resident visas. Many schools and programs require documentation of ability to finance their studies at a U.S. or Canadian dental school or program. Check school and program websites for specific requirements.