Quick Tips for International Dentists to get Accepted in US Dental Schools

Want to get into your dream dental school in the US? Find the best tips given by experts on how international dentists can get accepted into US Dental Schools.

Becoming A Licensed Dentist In The Us

The journey of getting licensure as a dentist in the US is not an easy task to accomplish, especially for the International Dentists.

Dentists who graduate outside of the US can enroll in a two-year Advanced Standing Doctor of Dentistry program. There are 30 or more universities in the country that offer such programs.

Apart from that, there are a few US colleges that offer bachelor’s and master’s degrees in dentistry. 

Though the graduates of these programs are not allowed to practice dentistry, they can work as a hygienist, an assistant, technicians, or in other positions under the supervision of a dentist.

But Why US Dental Schools?
 

According to the Academic ranking of world universities report issued by ShanghaiRanking last year, 7 out of the top 10 dental schools are in the US.

These figures are enough to prove the quality of education provided by the Dental Schools in the US and how reputed they are on the global scale.

But there are more reasons why international dentists want to practice dentistry in the US. These are -

• Dentistry is ranked 11^th among the best-paying jobs in the US.
• It is the 16^th best healthcare job in the country.
• No. 17^th in the list of best STEM jobs
• Being a dentist in the US is ranked 47^th among the 100 best Jobs.
  (Data taken from “A World Report by US News”)

Eligibility Criteria to Practice Dentistry in the US

Having a dental license in the US permits you to practice dentistry in the state you are applying for the license.

Different states have their different set of requirements, but the following three are a must to be followed by every applicant -

• Education Requirement
• Written Examination
• Clinical Examination

Advanced Training Programs

As mentioned earlier in the blog, the Advanced Training Programs are the shortened versions of Dental School Programs offered by many US Dental Schools.

It lets the international dentists fast-forward through the 4 years DDS or DMD degree program, and they achieve the American Dental Degree in 2 or 3 years.

The Advanced Training Programs are the only way for international dentists to become eligible for licensure in any state of the US, provided that they fulfill all the other requirements.

There’s no point denying that The pathway to get admission in the US Dental Schools for foreign-trained dentists is complicated.

And without a lack of information, you may end up quitting your dream of practicing as a dentist in the United States.

But not when we are here with the most useful tips for all the international students who want to get admission to the prestigious dental schools of the US.

Best Tips to Maximize your Chances of Getting Admission to US Dental Schools

Getting admission to the US Dental Schools is highly competitive for all the international dentists.

Follow these 3 Key tips to get ahead in the competition -

1.    Gain Dental Experience in the US

It will help you expand your dimensions of knowledge, and you’ll stay updated about the latest advancements in dentistry.

You must look to earn experience as a dental assistant that’ll help you gain valuable experience and will give you enough room to build connections with US Dentists.

The hidden benefit you’ll get by following this tip is when the dental school you are applying for asks for a letter of recommendation, as many do, you can very confidently submit the same by reaching out to the US Dentist you would have worked with.

2.    Take Part in Volunteer Services

Voluntary work and community services make a crucial part of your application as these define that you have a broad spectrum of experiences.

Not necessarily are these services to be related to dentistry, but they must resonate with acts of selfless giving or compassion for others.
Your involvement in voluntary work or extracurricular services is likely to build a strong application of yours.

Therefore, don’t think about skipping this important tip no. 2.

3.    Earn a Comprehensive Experience

Applicants who consistently work on improving themselves and their communities in diversified ways like developing professional skills, etc., tend to fetch the attention of the US Dental Schools.

Few More Bonus Tips

• Build leadership behavior, expand your community service and volunteer experiences. It enables you to learn more about the culture of the United States.
• Get more involved in organized dentistry (e.g., ISDS, ADA, CDS, IAGD).
• Put more focus on getting exposure to research: It’ll help you in having a better understanding of the advancements in the field.

Conclusion
 

Following these tips can definitely increase the chances of foreign-trained dentists getting admission to US Dental Schools.

But you need to have a strong foundation of preparation to make these tips work for you. So without wasting any time, start your preparations for the INBDE exam with the best INBDE coaching platform in India, The Meriters.

Get access to high-quality learning content curated by Dentists and examine your progress by taking regular tests.

Never delay your success to a second attempt. Crack the INBDE exam in your first attempt with The Meriters.

If you want to know more about the INBDE exam, its structure, how it’s different from the NBDE, or how to apply for INBDE, click here.