Step By Step Guide To Becoming A Dentist In The US

The best way to work as a dentist in the US and become eligible to take the licensure examination is by completing a CODA-accredited program offered by a US dental school. If accepted into an international program, foreign-trained dentists can complete the condensed version of the traditional DDS/DMD program called Advanced Standing Programs, which are usually 2-3 years in length. With a DDS/ DMD, foreign dentists can earn an American Dental degree by which they are eligible to practice in any state in the US. In this article, you can read the step-by-step guide to becoming a dentist in the US.

Process to become a Dentist in the USA for international applicants

Guidelines to become a dentist in the US and obtain a license to practice as a general dentist include various steps such as ;

Step 1- Research thoroughly about the DDS/ DMD program and the requirements.

We name the first step of our guide to becoming a dentist in the US, research. Before candidates start going through the formalities such as the ECE reports or the National boards, I would suggest thoroughly researching the criteria for getting into an advanced standing program, the duration, the cost, student loan requirements, etc. This intensive program is rigorous and very difficult to get accepted into since there is a huge pool of international dentists wanting to pursue DMD/DDS. Weigh the pros and cons, the chance of success and the time needed, etc.

Step 2 – Documentation Required/ Foreign Education Reports/ ECE 

A credential evaluation compares academic and professional degrees earned in one country to academic and professional degrees earned in another country. Colleges participating in the ADEA CAAPID use credential evaluations to evaluate foreign education as part of the admission process. Applicants need to get a Course-by-course report from ECE for being eligible to appear for the Integrated National Board examination. Another type of evaluation is the World Education Services (WES) evaluation. 

Step 3 – Start Studying for the INBDE examination.

The integrated national board dental examination is a new examination INBDE for international dentists that has recently replaced the traditional NBDE Part 1 and Part 2 examinations. This examination tests students on their knowledge of basic sciences, case studies, science, and clinical knowledge. This examination needs to be taken in the US and requires in-depth studying of all dental subjects. Hence, prepare and study accordingly and appear for it when well prepared as the number of attempts show in it. It is scored as a pass or fail, and no score is given. This would be an important step in the process of becoming a dentist in the US as an international dentist 

Step 4 – Obtain the DENTPIN number.

The Dental Personal Identifier Number (DENTPIN) is a unique number for applicants and students involved with the US dental education system and standardized testing programs. The ECE evaluation is required to obtain the Dentpin number. 

Step 5 – Apply to American Dental Association (ADA) and Register and Schedule for INBDE

The next step involves scheduling to take the INBDE, which can be given only in the US. The Dentpin will be required to register and fix a date for the exam. Typically students register at least 2-3 months in advance so that they can be well prepared. 

Step 6 – Take the INBDE at a Prometric Exam Centre in the US

The INBDE is a 2-day examination, and usually, the first day is usually a full day with 360 questions asked, and the second day of examination is a half-day with 140 questions asked. Several Prometric centers offer this exam and can be chosen according to the candidates’ convenience.

Step 7 – Take the TOEFL examination.

The next step to achieve a DDS degree is to clear the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). It is a standardized test that measures the English Language ability of non-native speakers that wish to enroll in a university in the US and over 150 other countries. The TOEFL test is a highly competitive exam, and candidates are scored on a score of 120. Most US universities consider a score of 100 and above as a good score. However, all the universities have specific TOEFL eligibility criteria, which can be checked on their individual website.

Step 8 – Apply to Universities for DDS/ DMD through the CAAPID application.

Step 8 in our guide to becoming a dentist in the US would be filling the Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (CAAPID). The CAAPID application is usually open from March to February of each year, with different schools having varying deadlines and requirements. You can visit caapid.liaisoncas.com and begin an application. A few schools are not on the CAAPID portal and need to be applied directly. However, the majority of the universities which have international dental programs can be applied to through CAAPID. The application process is tedious and has four main sections and several requirements such as letters of recommendation(LOR), work profile, merits and certificates achieved, awards, etc. To collect all the paperwork and prepare a stellar Statement of Purpose (SOP) is crucial. The SOP is one of the most important aspects of your application since it reflects the inner you to the admissions committee. This is a strenuous and time-consuming step and needs to be done diligently by all candidates.

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Step 9 – Wait for Invitation to Interview 

Once you have applied, you just need to hope for the rest and look for an interview invitation. Some candidates receive no interview calls at all, while some may receive multiple interview invites. This totally depends on your application, profile, GPA, test scores, work experience, etc. While waiting for an interview, it is best to keep working on your language and presentation skills. Confidence and positivity are key factors to keep in mind while waiting for an invitation.

Step 10 – Prepare for the BENCH test.

Most dental schools test the international candidates on their hand skills, too, along with interviews and written exams. Therefore, bench preparation is essential and requires much effort. Ideally, candidates should start preparing themselves for bench tests by finding a course or even practicing at home on a mounted typhont. Consistent Practice and following proper steps will ensure a successful result at the hand skills exam and it is an important step to become a dentist in the US.

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Step 11 – Ace the Interview and Hands-On Clinical Test

To be able to earn a DDS as an international dentist, you should ace the interview. On the day of the interview and bench test, being confident and well-spoken is a must instead of being anxious. Questions asked by the interviewers should be concisely answered. If interviews are happening virtually via zoom, then online virtual meetings should be held.

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Step 12 – Wait for Acceptance to Program.

The next step is when candidates will reap the benefits of their hard work. It is a mesmerizing feeling to be finally admitted into a DDS / DMD program.

Step 13 – Manage Student Loans / Payment Plans/ background check

The paperwork does not get over with an acceptance letter. Additionally, bank work, loans, background checks are started at this stage once admitted.

Step 14 – Apply for Student Visa if not a Citizen or Green Card Holder.

US Citizens have several advantages OBER THEIR FOREIGN TRAI ED COUNTERPARTS, such as no visa change required and eligible for a loan to FAFSA. 

Step 15 – Finish DDS/ DMD and take the State Licensure exam to become a Dentist in the US.  

This was the complete process to become a dentist in the USA for international applicants. After you finish your DDS/ DMD from the advanced standing program, several options are open such as working as an associate dentist in the self-practice, being a practice owner in the US, working as faculty in a reputed dental school, etc. Candidates have to take the licensure exam in the US before they can actually start practicing here. The criteria for the licensure exam are specific to specific states. These can be obtained according to the state the candidate wishes to move to.

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Though the guide to becoming a dentist in the US may seem difficult to achieve, the process might seem lengthy and time-consuming, the rewards obtained towards the end after finishing the IDP are truly worth the struggle. Dentistry is a profitable business and a passion for some internationally trained dentists who are willing to learn each day.