The ADA Guide for International Dentists: The State Licensure Process

This downloadable guide assists internationally trained dentists in understanding and navigating the U.S. dental education and licensure processes. Contains information about admission to the U.S., state licensure requirements, applying to a dental education program, preparing for written and clinical licensing examinations, finding employment or starting a practice, ADA membership and more.

Table of Contents

Admission to the United States

Nonimmigrant-Academic Student
Nonimmigrant-H-1B Specialty Occupation Worker
Immigrant Visa
Refugees

State Dental Licensure Requirements

Education, Written and Clinical Examination Requirements
Applying for a License
Temporary and Provisional Licensure
Accredited Dental Education Programs, State Boards of Dentistry and Clinical Testing Agencies
Quick Reference: Summary of the State Licensure Process for International Dentists

Preparing for the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE)

Helpful Tips for Examination Day
Study Materials
Continuing Education Courses
General Study Tips
Tips for Taking the Test

Applying to a Dental Education Program

Admission to a Traditional D.D.S./D.M.D. Dental Education Program
Admission to a D.D.S./D.M.D. Program with Advanced Standing
Admission to an Advanced Dental Education Program
Tuition and Other Educational Costs
Stipends
Financial Aid

Preparing for the Clinical Licensing Examinations

ADEX
State Membership in the Clinical Testing Agencies
The Clinical Examination
Candidate Eligibility
Application Process
Clinical Examination Content
Finding Patients
Equipment
Sample Instrument List
Liability Insurance
Infection Control Procedures
Common Reasons for Failure and Dismissal
Preparing for the Examination
Continuing Education Courses
Board Preparation Courses

Finding Employment or Starting a Practice

Opportunities for Unlicensed Dentists
Opportunities for Licensed Dentists
Identifying Areas in Need of Dentists
Starting Your Own Practice

The American Dental Association (ADA)
Types of ADA Membership for International Dentists

Resources

Dental Publishing Companies
Dental Supply and Equipment Companies
Accredited Dental Education Programs that May Grant Advanced Standing Status to International Graduates or Have International Dentist Programs
Advanced Dental Education Programs that May Accept International Dental Graduates
State Educational Requirements for International Dental Graduates
Glossary of Terms
Useful Links