How to Get a US Dental License as a Foreign-Trained Dentist
Important: This guide provides general information for foreign-trained professionals seeking US licensure. International licensing pathways change frequently. Always verify requirements directly with the credential evaluation agency, state licensing board, and — for visa questions — a qualified immigration attorney. LicenseMap does not provide legal or immigration advice.
This guide is for internationally educated dentists seeking dental licensure in the United States. Unlike nursing, the US does not have a direct exam-only pathway for foreign-trained dentists. Most internationally educated dentists must complete an advanced standing DDS or DMD program at a CODA-accredited US dental school (typically 2–3 years) before sitting for licensure examinations and applying for state licensure.
Demand for qualified dentists is strong across all 51 states we track. This guide walks through each step of the process, from initial credential evaluation through receiving your state dental license.
Pathway at a Glance
- Credential evaluation (WES for general education; dental school evaluates dental credentials during admissions)
- Complete an advanced standing DDS/DMD program at a CODA-accredited US dental school (2–3 years)
- Pass the INBDE written examination
- Pass a regional clinical licensure examination
- Apply for licensure with your chosen state dental board
Step 1: Credential Evaluation
Credential evaluation for foreign-trained dentists works differently than for nurses or physicians. For general education components (undergraduate coursework, sciences), World Education Services (WES) is a widely accepted evaluator. The dental school you apply to will typically conduct its own evaluation of your dental-specific credentials as part of the admissions process.
Documents commonly required for evaluation and program application:
- Official dental school transcripts and degree certificate (translated into English by a certified translator if necessary)
- Documentation of clinical hours and procedures completed during dental training
- License or registration certificate from your home country's dental regulatory authority
- English proficiency test scores (TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic)
- DAT (Dental Admission Test) scores, required by most advanced standing programs
- Letters of recommendation
- Copy of your passport (identity verification)
Start gathering documents as early as possible. Obtaining certified copies of transcripts and license verifications from international institutions can take several months.
Step 2: Advanced Standing Program at a CODA-Accredited Dental School
Most US states require that applicants for dental licensure have graduated from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Because foreign dental schools are generally not CODA-accredited, internationally trained dentists must earn a US DDS or DMD degree through an advanced standing program.
A select number of US dental schools offer advanced standing programs specifically designed for foreign-trained dentists. These programs are typically 2 to 3 years in length and cover both clinical and didactic components. Admission is highly competitive, as the number of available seats is limited relative to the number of applicants.
Upon successful completion, graduates receive a DDS or DMD degree from the US dental school, which satisfies the educational requirement for licensure in all states.
Step 3: INBDE Examination
The Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) is the national written board exam required for dental licensure in all US states. It replaced the older NBDE Part I and Part II examinations. All dental school graduates — domestic and foreign-trained through an advanced standing program — must pass the INBDE.
- Administered by: Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE)
- Format: Computer-based, integrated examination covering biomedical, behavioral, and clinical dental sciences
- Exam fee: Approximately $800
LicenseMap covers dental licensing requirements across all 51 states, including exam requirements, fees, and continuing education requirements.
Step 4: Regional Clinical Licensure Examinations
In addition to the INBDE written exam, most states require candidates to pass a regional clinical examination. These exams assess hands-on clinical skills and are administered by regional testing agencies. Each state dental board specifies which regional exams it accepts.
- ADEX/CDCA — Administered by the Council of Interstate Testing Agencies; accepted in many states
- CRDTS — Central Regional Dental Testing Service; accepted in a number of central and midwestern states
- WREB — Western Regional Examining Board; accepted primarily in western states
- SRTA — Southern Regional Testing Agency; accepted in southern states
Regional clinical exam fees are approximately $1,500–$2,500, though costs vary by agency and examination format. Confirm which regional exam is accepted in your target state before registering.
Step 5: State Dental Licensure
After passing both the INBDE and your regional clinical exam, you can apply for licensure with the dental board in the state where you intend to practice. Each state has its own application process, fees, and additional requirements such as jurisprudence exams or background checks.
LicenseMap tracks dental licensing requirements across 51 states. Visit our state-by-state dentist requirements page to find specific application details, fees, and continuing education requirements for any state. You can also compare costs on our dental license cost by state page.
Credential Evaluation
For the general education portion of your credential evaluation, World Education Services (WES) is a widely recognized and accepted organization. WES evaluates foreign transcripts and credentials against US equivalency standards.
World Education Services (WES)
General credential evaluation for international degrees — accepted by most US state boards and institutions
Keep in mind that dental-specific credentials are typically evaluated by the dental school admissions office as part of the advanced standing program application process, rather than by a third-party credential evaluation organization.
Visa & Immigration Overview
International dentists pursuing US practice typically use one of the following visa categories:
- H-1B (Specialty Occupation) — Dentistry qualifies as a specialty occupation, making the H-1B a common pathway for dentists with a US dental degree and employer sponsorship. Subject to annual caps and lottery selection.
- EB-2 (Advanced Degree or Exceptional Ability) — An employment-based immigrant visa (green card) category available to dentists with advanced degrees or demonstrated exceptional ability. Requires employer sponsorship or, in some cases, a national interest waiver.
- EB-3 (Skilled Worker) — Another employment-based green card category available to licensed dentists with employer sponsorship.
The J-1 exchange visitor visa, while common for foreign physicians completing US residencies, is less frequently used by dentists entering independent practice. However, some dental residency or advanced training programs may sponsor J-1 visas. During an advanced standing program, most international students will be on an F-1 student visa.
Note: Immigration law is complex and changes frequently. The information above is a general overview only. Consult a qualified immigration attorney for advice specific to your eligibility, country of origin, and circumstances.
Estimated Costs
The following table provides approximate costs for the major steps in the international dental licensure pathway. Actual fees may vary significantly.
| Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Advanced Standing Program Tuition | ~$150,000–$350,000 |
| INBDE Examination | ~$800 |
| Regional Clinical Exam | ~$1,500–$2,500 |
| State Licensure Application (varies by state) | Varies |
| Credential Evaluation (WES or equivalent) | ~$200–$300 |
| Visa Application Filing Fees | Varies |
Costs are approximate and subject to change. Tuition for advanced standing programs is by far the largest expense and varies significantly by school. Additional expenses may include living costs during the program, document translation, courier fees for international transcripts, and immigration attorney fees.
INBDE Exam Prep
Study guides for the dental board exam.
English Proficiency Prep
Required English exam preparation.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can a foreign-trained dentist practice in the US without completing an advanced standing program?
In most cases, no. Unlike nursing, the US does not have a direct exam-only pathway for foreign-trained dentists. Most states require graduation from a CODA-accredited dental school, which means internationally trained dentists must complete an advanced standing DDS or DMD program at a US dental school before applying for licensure.
How long does an advanced standing dental program take?
Advanced standing programs for foreign-trained dentists are typically 2 to 3 years in length. They are designed to bridge gaps between international dental education and US standards, covering both clinical and didactic coursework. Exact length varies by program and individual evaluation.
What is the INBDE and when was it introduced?
The Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) is the national written board exam required for dental licensure in the United States. It replaced the older NBDE Part I and Part II examinations. All dental graduates — domestic and foreign-trained through an advanced standing program — must pass the INBDE as part of the licensure process.
What clinical exams are required for dental licensure?
In addition to the INBDE written exam, most states require candidates to pass a regional clinical licensure examination. The major regional exams include the ADEX/CDCA, CRDTS, WREB, and SRTA. Each state board specifies which regional exams it accepts, so you should confirm requirements with the board in the state where you intend to practice.
How competitive is admission to advanced standing dental programs?
Advanced standing programs are highly competitive. A limited number of US dental schools offer these programs, and seats are limited. Applicants are typically evaluated on their prior dental education, clinical experience, DAT scores, TOEFL or IELTS scores, and letters of recommendation. Starting the application process early and applying to multiple programs is strongly advised.
Related Resources
- Dentist License Requirements by State — Compare requirements, fees, and exam details across all 51 states
- Dentist License Cost by State — Detailed breakdown of initial licensing fees in every state
- How to Become a Dentist (Domestic Guide) — The complete US-based pathway to dental licensure
- International Credential Evaluation Guide — Overview of credential evaluation for all professions