The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 19 percent job growth for dentists (from 2016-2026), which is much faster than average across all occupations. Dentist jobs are growing because of an aging population and new research linking oral and overall health as reasons for the increased demand for dental care.
The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) at the end of 2018 identified 5,700+ dental health professional shortage areas. HRSA considers an area underserved if a population falls below the minimum standard of one dentist per 5,000 people. HRSA estimates the country would need more than 10 thousand new dentists to eliminate the designations.
Also, the U.S. population is growing ever more diverse and there is increasing need for dentists have cultural competency where the shortages of dental providers are greatest. Many people in these areas have limited English proficiency and often have poorer health, creating the need for health care practitioners with multilingual skills.
A dental license gives you the legal right to practice independently as a general dentist in the state you are applying to obtain a license in. Though requirements vary from state to state, all applicants for dental licensure must meet three basic requirements:
One of the best options to meet these requirements and become eligible for licensure is to complete a CODA accredited program offered by a U.S. dental school. Graduates of DDS or DMD programs are able to take state or regional board examinations to be eligible for dental licensure and practice within the U.S. Many US dental schools offer a condensed version of their program for foreign trained dentists, called advanced training programs.
Advanced training (or advanced standing) programs prepare foreign-trained dentists to gain licensure in the US and be able to practice in any state. You will earn an American Dental degree (DDS/DMD) through a condensed timeframe, usually 2 to 3 years. Advanced Training Programs are the only option that would make a foreign-trained dentist eligible for licensure in any state in the US (after satisfying the necessary licensure requirements).
Here are the general steps that foreign trained dentists should follow to obtain a license to practice as a general dentist in the US.
Most US dental schools will require you to get your dental diploma and transcripts evaluated by one of the accredited evaluation institutes (ECE: Educational Credential Evaluators (https://www.ece.org) or WES: World Education Services(https://www.wes.org/).
A credential evaluation compares academic and professional degrees earned in one country to academic and professional degrees earned in another.
Note: UIC only accepts ECE course-by-course evaluations.
To learn more about how your academic credentials will be evaluated please visit the ECE and WES websites: ECE and WES .
If your transcripts and diploma were issued in a language other than English, you will have to translate them. It is recommended that you find a translator that is a member of the American Translators Association.
The National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) is the United States national dental examination for students and professionals in dentistry. It is required for licensure in the United States and may also be required when applying for postgraduate studies in dental specialties after completing a dental degree. Foreign-trained dentists also must take the NBDE in order to earn admission into advanced standing programs in US dental schools.
The purpose of the exam is to assist state boards in determining your qualifications to practice dentistry in those states. The examination assesses your ability to understand fundamental concepts in biomedical, dental, and dental hygiene sciences as well as your ability to apply them in a problem-solving context, such as a patient case.
Each state sets its own licensure requirements. However, all licensing boards use the National Board Dental Examinations to satisfy a major portion of their written requirements.
The NBDE consists of two parts, NBDE I and NBDE II. Both parts are developed and administered by the ADA’s Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations; however the exams are actually conducted by regional or state examining boards. You must pass both exams before you can take your regional licensing exam.
Here’s a summary breakdown of what each exam covers. Visit ADA’s NBDE guide for more details on taking the exams.
NBDE I consists of 400 multiple-choice questions emphasizing basic sciences:
NBDE II requires two days and focuses on clinical dental topics:
Here are some helpful resources to prepare for the NBDE.
Also, consider using these study materials that UIC dental students have found useful.
First, visit ADA’s NBDE general information guide for step-by-step instructions on taking the exams.
Get a DENTPIN. Applications for the NBDE examination programs are processed through the American Dental Association's (ADA) Department of Testing Services. The first step in the application process is getting a DENTPIN, a unique personal identifier you will use in taking the exam.
Schedule to take the exam: You will then need to schedule an appointment to take the exam at a Prometric testing center in your area.
The TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language). The TOEFL is an online test administered by ETS that measures your ability to use and understand English at the university level. Most US dental schools require that you demonstrate your English language proficiency by taking the TOEFL. International dental graduates must demonstrate proficiency in English.
One thing to remember about US dental schools is how competitive they are. Many (including UIC) have a selective application process for limited placements.
Gaining dental experience in the U.S. will help you to be better educated about the advancements in dentistry. Your experience in the dental field will facilitate your transition to becoming a dental student. Most foreign-trained dentists gain experience as dental assistant. Working as a dental assistant will allow you to get valuable dental experience, but it will also allow you to network with U.S. dentists. Many schools recommend that you submit a letter of recommendation from a U.S. dentist that you have worked with.
Be sure to emphasize any of the following that can help differentiate you among other candidates.
As mentioned, advanced training (or advanced standing) programs are a great option because they prepare foreign-trained dentists to gain licensure in the US and be able to practice in any state. You will earn an American Dental degree (DDS/DMD) through a condensed timeframe, usually 2 to 3 years. Advanced Training Programs are the only option that would make a foreign-trained dentist eligible for licensure in any state in the US (after satisfying the necessary licensure requirements).
Common application requirements include above average academic credentials, letters of recommendation, a personal interview and statement of interest that demonstrate passion and communication skills.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful in as you plan your journey to become a U.S. licensed dentist.
