When I realized I would be moving to the US after my marriage, I asked myself “What could I do to while still in my home country that would things easier for me to apply to the US dental schools?”. Getting some of the prep work done before moving to the US really helped me save time and made the application process more streamlined. If you are a foreign trained dentist or dental student thinking of moving to the USA to pursue your postgraduate education or work in the US, here are a few great tips to remember when preparing for this goal.
The 10 steps every foreign trained dentist should keep in mind before moving to the US to study/work as a dentist:
1. Improve your grasp of the English language:
Though you do not need to have an English literature degree, a moderate grasp of the language is important. Not only will you be more confident at each step of the process (including the US Consulate visa interview, TOEFL or other English proficiency exams and dental college program interviews) but it definitely sets you apart. Don’t worry if you have a foreign accent (some people in the US think an accent is ‘exotic’) but make sure you speak clearly and sensibly. Enroll in English classes or converse regularly in English to improve the flow and clarity of your speech.
2. Get your University papers in order while still in your country:
US dental school applications (through CAAPID/PASS) may require your school transcripts, degrees, certificates etc to be sent directly from your Dental University or in University sealed envelopes. This is very challenging if your University does not have your Transcripts easily available online for you to purchase. Start your application prior to leaving your country and arrange for the transcript copies to be sent to the schools you are applying to. Otherwise, once you are in the US, you might require a contact back home to run around to get your papers in order. It would also be useful if you can order extra copies of the transcripts in University sealed envelopes to keep with you. These will come in handy if you apply to any additional Universities.
3. Do as much as you can before you move to the US:
If it is possible for you to take any of your exams such as TOEFL/GRE in your country, go for it. Also, get all the paperwork that you can complete other than your NBDE Part I & II (which you can only take in the US) started or completed – that includes your ECE evaluation, CAAPID/PASS applications, recommendations, C.V, Statement of purpose etc. This will leave you time to study for the National Boards and save you unnecessary frustration as the deadline approaches. For a step by step list of what needs to be done when applying to colleges, stay tuned for an upcoming post.
4. Volunteer, shadow, observe:
US programs give a lot of value to practical exposure other than from your dental programs, be it shadowing/volunteering opportunities, teaching opportunities or short term clinical courses. Once in the US, you could also apply for externship/observership opportunities that will give you additional insight into the dental programs you are applying to and also offer valuable face-time with the people who may eventually interview you during the admission process. There are a few externship courses that will even give you a Certificate of completion – these programs are usually longer in duration and require tuition.
5. Prepare yourself for the financial implications:
I’m not going to mince my words – studying abroad is expensive and on top of that, foreigners do not get student loans very easily (you will need someone based in the US to co-sign a private loan that will be at a much higher interest rate!). Add to that the living expenses that can vary depending on which city you will be in, it can be quite a substantial cost. But all that is once you get into a program! Expenses also pile up as soon as you start the process of applying – college application fees, exam fees, transcript fees, US visa interview fees, airline tickets, hotel fees, flights + accommodation to each interview call etc. Be realistic about your budget with regard to your goals.
6. Understand the time frame involved:
Do not make the mistake of thinking that since you are applying for this year’s cycle of admissions, you will start your program this year. US dental programs always interview and select candidates for the next year of admission (for example: if you are applying for the 2017 cycle of interviews, your program will start 2018 Mar to Oct). So keep that in mind when allocating time for your NBDE exams and submitting your applications – if you miss the current year’s deadline then you will have to apply next year only to be able to start a program (God-willing!) the year after (2 years from now). This is the number one misunderstanding I have encountered among the foreign applicants I have come across.
7. Be informed of all options available:
Be sure of what it is you want in your future. Do you want to give it your all and see the dream (to practice unrestricted in the US) true to the end or would you rather save time and money but practice with some licensure limitations? There are certain states and programs in the US that will let you work without an additional US dental degree, either as faculty or with a limited dental license. Your practice may be restricted to an educational/government institution or to certain state(s). This may be a route that will suit you if you are not willing to put in the additional time/money needed for the application and eventual completion of a US dental degree. Check out my post on the different licensing options here.
8. Sort out visas and immigration stuff:
Determine how you will enter the US to write your NBDE exams and possibly visit some colleges. One simple way is to apply for a tourist visa and show your NBDE registration/exam date at the US visa interview explaining how these exams can only be written in the US. Another option is to apply for externship or any other program (like a public health degree – MPH) that would give you a student visa to enter the US and complete your dental exams while attending the selected program to maintain your student visa. This second option will involve additional finances for the program you are enrolled in but it will also mean that you can stay in the US legally while studying/appearing for exams and also update your resume with an additional program.
9. Think long term – do you want only to study in the US or stay back in the US also?
Most of the time, those who come to the US to study end up working and settling down here. Have a general idea about your long term plans as this helps to decide which programs to apply for. If you already know which state(s) you want to settle down in, concentrate on what programs would offer an unrestricted license in those states. Completing most advanced standing programs/International dental programs will give you the freedom to apply for a dental license in any of the 50 US states but completion of only a Masters or Specialty program will limit your practice to certain states. Check out my post on the state by state educational requirements for licensure.
10. Meet up (online or otherwise) with people of similar goals:
You need all the encouragement and help you can get! Finding someone with the same goals will keep you accountable regarding application deadlines and at the same time offer you a study partner. There are so many options to stay in touch – Skype, Whatsapp, Forums, Facebook groups. Being in touch with others going through the same situation will give you the support and encouragement for the long haul!
Work hard and dream big!! This is doable, many people have achieved the same goal that you have set for yourself. Just realize that there is no shortcut and sometimes it may take a few tries but eventually you will achieve your dream!
Leave me a reply below to let me know any particular topics you would like to be featured in a post!
Head over to the Forum section and start a discussion group so that like-minded people can exchange information. I have learned that you get ahead in life only by freely sharing what you have or know, so do so cheerfully!! Best of luck to the everyone applying for admissions this cycle!!
Hi,
Thank you for a comprehensive article, and the website as a whole.
I am planning to give my nbde part 1 this year, so which cycle of admission should I be able to apply? I was under the impression that I won’t be able to start the application process until I had the nbde scores of at least part 1.
Yes you will need at least part I..preferably part II as well and now the new exam ADAT is also required or preferred by some schools for international applicants…
I would advise you to complete all the exams this year and apply early next year..Don’t wait till last minute to apply to the schools..this year a lot of schools have already started interviewing..Colorado accepts applications in nov/dec so maybe that might be an option for you..
Thank you so much for the reply, I have been down in the dumps since morning since I came to know that I have to give ADAT as well, the truth is my test is scheduled in November, and it has been more than five years since I graduated :/. I might take less time for part 2 and finish in three months. If I apply during March or so next year, what year am I looking to start my college?
I was wondering if I could apply to specialty programs, with my experience? Or is it tough for just a BDS graduate? (maybe you could write an article on this haha).
I really want to mention that your bio is impressive and inspirational, someone to look up to.
Thank you Reya..you are too sweet!
I think you should still be able to apply for next year’s cycle of applications and if accepted, you would start your program in 2019.
Regarding applying directly to specialty..it’s hard to say what the golden combo is..that is why it’s hard to write an article about it..the more experience, more degrees, more US exposure, better scores..the better the chances but even that may not guarantee a seat..so it’s just difficult to say.
Thank you!
thanks alot for the much helpful article containing all the useful info. I am going to apply for MPH program in UMass Lowell and my session will start on 11jan 2018 . DDS fees is too high in most of the universities i’ve checked so far .
Let me know what i should do here before my session starts .
Hi Meera ,
Could u plz give me ur email address , since I want ur guidance on the DDS application. I will be applying for the 3rd time now , so as to have detailed discussion if possible for you to gv me ur email address.
Thank you so much
You can email me at foreigndentistinusa@gmail.com
Thanks for the information it would really help many of us. I’m a dentist from India and currently on h4 visa. Since it’s only been a year since we moved here, I won’t be allowed to work owing to my dependant visa status and as far as I know a dental degree from India is not valid here. what options does a dentist with h4 visa have in u.s apart from doing dds. It would be really helpful if you could throw some light on this topic since it’s not possible for all to do dds owing to the competitive exams and financial constraints.
That is definitely a great topic and I will add it to my list of topics I want to write on. Unfortunately I get so busy with life that I’m not able to write posts as often as I would like!
Hi Amruta, I am also seeking information for the same question .
Hi. I found your information very useful. What kind of 2 year programs does the state of Washington accept for licensure?
Any 2 yr CODA approved programs – GPR, AEGD, IDP or Specialty. I know of someone who graduated from a 2 yr implant program and got WA general dental license. I’m not sure if this was before the requirement was changed to CODA approved programs being required.
Hello I really appreciate you for trying to help others who have no idea about the procedures.i am currently appearing for final exams of pg ( endodontics) in Hyderabad. What are the best options. Should I do pg again in usa ? Is it really compulsory to give some test to get into speciality training like you did in perio? Is it not possible to get into pg without any exam.
You will have to do some sort of program again – either DDS or Specialty. To apply for any program, you will have to fulfill the requirements specific to each individual program – some ask for exams to be competed, some do not. In any case, you will have to do you NBDE exams before you have be licensed in any state – meaning the program you apply to may not need you to finish the exams before you apply but once you graduate and you are ready to apply for state license, you will need to finish your NBDE exams prior to sitting for the clinical regional exams that qualify you for state licensure. So it will have to be done at some point.
Thanks for the suggestion. I have failed lots of times during my BDS. Because of some personal reasons. I assume that would be counted as low GPA in states . Would I still get admission in dental school considering I have attempted my exams a lot? I failed twice in pg too.what are my chances of getting into dental school ? I will work hard for nbde because it’s worth doing pg in usa.
I’m not sure but I would think it would result in a lower GPA. Although the programs do not look at GPA alone to make a decision, the fact that you have repeated attempts may not sit well with schools. If you are still interested, I would say come up with a good explanation if ever you get the chance to explain yourself at an interview. Also passing NBDE and ADAT will help immensely. All the best.
Hi Meera,
That’s a wonderful website you are hosting! It was really helpful.
I am an Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon from India and would like to work in US in the same specialty. I have a good academic and practice record. Though I am aware of the tough process, can you help me understand the pathways I can take to get into a CODA approved OMFS program? Will a 3 month Preceptorship in OMFS add value to my CV?
Every OMFS programs are different and unfortunately, most will require a DDS (especially state schools). That’s because OMFS is usually a paid program and the state pays for the residents and they prefer US licensed dentists. But you will never know unless you ask each program specifically as they all have different requirements. I would advise you to email the admission department with specific questions.
All the best!
Hi Meera! You are doing such a great job with your website. It is truly the most meaningful one I have ever across with.
I am from Armenia, living in US. I have a bachelors degree and now thinking to take the nbde part 1. I’m gonna try my best to take the exam by the end of the year. My question is after the exam, should I take the TOEFL? And, also, what I know, is that after NBDE part 1 and TOEFL I should apply for univercity (I’m living in CA) and will take 2 years studding program, then take NBDE part2. So do I have correct information?
And, please, can you tell some programs in CA that I can take for that 2 years course( I have 2 kids, and I can’t really move another state for studding). Thank you beforehand!!!
Yes, you have planned it right but some schools may require you to finish NBDE part II as well (both the exams will soon be one exam). California has 6 dental schools – Loma Linda, USC, UCLA, UCSF, UOP and Western University. All of them except Western University have 2 yr international DDS programs.
All the best!
Thank you very much for all your work!
One question that I keep having is do people MOVE to the USA? I notice that they go there after finishing their BDS or internship year, and they just move to the usa and live there (study for nbde, apply, do gre, everything there). I don’t think the majority goes on a tourist visa as they stay longer there, also how can we work as a DA while preparing for NBDE? My Main concern is the immigration problem I guess.
thanks
Hi Meera,
You are so wonderful, thank you for sharing these valuable informations. I wish I knew your blog early.
Thank you for your article
I am a fresh dental graduate. Can u give me an estimate amount of costs for taking nbde exams and 2 years of masters program?
hi,
I am currently an intern doing my internship in india. i will be done with this in august next year.
i am preparing for my board exams for US. and can you please guide me about the observership programs or any other programs which i can do while i am still in my intern year in the US because i really want to know about the working of the colleges there and it will also help me in my resume.
please guide me. thank you
please guide me .. i feel very lost at the moment
You cannot do observership here in the US while you are doing your internship in INDIA. Once you graduate and get your dental degree, then you can apply.
This may be the right blog for everyone who is wishes to learn about this topic. You already know much its nearly challenging to argue to you (not too I personally would want…HaHa). You definitely put a whole new spin over a topic thats been revealed for several years. Fantastic stuff, just great!
hey, thankyou for all these useful articles.
I am an BDS student planning to apply for dental public health degree. Would it be sufficient in order to get a license in certain states?
thanks for your help. I have not started my validation process yet. I live in the state of New Jersey, someone else who is in this process in this state? I would like to know what steps I must follow to start my process according to this state, what requirements. Should I take the exams and then study at the University? And to start as a dental assistant, where do you get the requirements?
Thank you 🙏