US States where you can practice Dentistry after completing a 2 yr Speciality Program

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Hey,

Heres is some information from the ADA. I do know it limits you to a few states (18) but i guess it is still a much cheaper route and worth trying. If anyone has tried this let us know. Pls. also maintain this thread for only the related information.

You can practice Dentistry in Texas/ other 18 states if you do the following.

1. Complete a 2 yr. Specialty Program/ Masters degree. The Specialty Programs include
Pedodontics;
Orthodontia,
Prosthothetics,
OMFS and
Dental Public Health which will be relatively easy to get admission to. The clinical subjects are always hard to get admission to. If you are interested in the Clinical masters look into the websites of PASS and MATCH for further details.

2. Take National Dental Board Exams ( NDB Part 1 and Part 2)

3. Take another regional Exam

What this basically means is that if you get to Texas or any of the below mentioned 18 states and complete your MS, you can practice in Texas State without have to do Advanced Standing( the 2 -3 yr. program which is very expensive.) During Masters you will get University funding.( clinical and non clinical)


Here is the Url which has most of the links to the individual state boards

http://www.studentdoctor.net/dental/state_boards.html


( Taken from ADA International Student Handbook)

Eighteen states and the District of Columbia require graduates of unaccredited dental schools to obtain some additional training in dentistry in an ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation (CDA) accredited program.

ALABAMA
ARIZONA
FLORIDA
GEORGIA
ILLINOIS
LOUISIANA
MAINE
MICHIGAN
MISSISSIPPI
NEW YORK
OHIO
OREGON 2
SOUTH DAKOTA
TEXAS 4
UTAH 3
VERMONT
WASHINGTON
WISCONSIN
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Currently two states, California and Hawaii, require foreign graduates to first pass the written National Board Dental Examinations and then a special preclinical exam known as a ?bench test? prior to qualifying to take the state or regional clinical exam. Those in California who fail the bench test three times are required to attend a two year program at a CDA accredited dental school. Starting in 2004, California will no longer administer the bench test. Only applicants who have graduated from a foreign dental school approved by the Dental Board of California or applicants who have completed two years additional training in a dental school approved by the Dental Board of California will be eligible for a California dental license. Applicants in Hawaii who do not pass the exam after the first attempt must graduate from an accredited or approved dental school as required of all other applicants. Wisconsin and the District of Columbia also require passage of a bench test, but only in addition to completion of additional education or training in accredited U.S. dental programs as well as the national and clinical exams. Some states, such as Louisiana, will license an international dental graduate by credentials after having been licensed and practicing in another state for some period of time.

1 Delaware--Applicants for licensure must complete a general practice residency or 3 years of practice in another state.
2 Oregon has created a pathway to licensure for international dentists in addition to completion of a 2-year pre-doctoral accredited program. An international dentist, who has completed an ADA accredited specialty program and has passed the Western Regional Board Examination, will qualify to sit for the Oregon specialty exam. Interested persons must contact the dental board for specific information.
3 Utah--If International Credentialing Associates, Inc fails to certify that the foreign school from which the applicant graduated met CDA?s accreditation standards at the time of attendance the applicant will be required to graduate from a CDA accredited dental program.
4 Texas ?International dental graduates can complete a 2-year ADA CDA recognized dental specialty program to qualify for clinical exam.
5 Minnesota Must allow foreign-trained graduates to take licensure exam if the Board determines their training is equivalent to that provided by an ADA CDA accredited dental school.

Source: ADA Department of State Government Affairs August 2002

Here's some detailed information for TEXAS. Other states have similar requirements.


DENTAL LICENSURE FOR FOREIGN-EDUCATED APPLICANTS

In addition to general licensure requirements for dental applicants, graduates of non-accredited dental schools must present proof - translated to English, if necessary - that the applicant has:

1. graduated from a dental school, and
2. successfully completed training in an American Dental Association (ADA) approved specialty education
program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation and that consists of at least two
years of training as specified by the Council on Dental Education. Information about locations of
specialty programs should be obtained from the ADA. Acceptable specialties are: endodontics,
periodontics, oral and maxillofacial pathology, oral and maxillofacial surgery, oral and maxillofacial
radiology, orthodontics and dentofacial orthopedics, pediatric dentistry, dental public health, or
prosthodontics. General Practice Residencies or Advanced Education in general dentistry are not
recognized areas of dental specialty and will not qualify for the purpose of obtaining Texas licensure.


Dentists who meet the educational requirements cited above, may submit the following documents (translated
to English, if necessary) to request approval to apply for the Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) or
the Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), or if applicant has previously completed a general
dentistry clinical board examination AND is currently licensed in another state, applicant may request
approval to apply for the Northeast Regional Specialty Board (NERB). Photocopies are acceptable, unless
otherwise indicated.

1. Request for State Board of Dental Examiner Approval to Apply for Clinical Examination.
2. Proof of graduation from a dental program.
3. Proof of graduation from an ADA approved specialty training program.


Upon your receipt of approval from the SBDE, applicant may apply to the WREB directly. Following
successful completion of a clinical examination and any additional requirements set forth below, applicant
may submit ALL of the following documentation in the manner indicated for licensure:

1. Complete and notarized Application for Dental Licensure.
2. Application fee of $350 (no cash please). Checks/money orders should be made payable to the
State Board of Dental Examiners
3. Copy of birth certificate, naturalization papers, or passport that indicates date of birth.
4. A certified or notarized copy of diploma or a letter of degree award from a dental program.
5. Proof of successful completion of National Board examinations (Parts I & II). A notarized or
certified copy of scorecard or certificate acceptable.
6. Proof of successful completion of an ADA Specialty Education Program. A certified or notarized
copy of program completion certificate acceptable.
7. Proof of successful completion of Western Regional Examining Board (WREB) or Central Regional
Dental Testing Service (CRDTS), . A certified or notarized copy of certificate is acceptable. If
you have previously completed a general dentistry clinical examination through a regional or state
testing agency and you are currently licensed in another state, you may choose to take the
Northeast Regional Specialty Board examination in lieu of the WREB or CRDTS. If you have not
previously completed a general dentistry clinical examination, the WREB or CRDTS exam is
required.
8. If you are licensed in another state or jurisdiction, verification/certification of licensure with official
seal is required. This document must contain a statement that disciplinary action has/has not been
taken against the license.
9. Copy of current (as indicated on your card) CPR certification approved by the Red Cross or
American Heart Association. Card m ust bear logo of the organization granting certification.
10. Proof of successful completion of SBDE jurisprudence examination.

great info comp dent.

Guys,

Heres what you need to do to apply for Masters.

1. Take TOEFL Exam

2. Take GRE Exam ( yes required for most dental masters programs)

3. Get all your Marks cards evaluated by an Organization like ECE.

4. Apply for Schools . When you go thru most schools they talk about participating in PASS and MATCH. Well schools which do this make it harder for you to get in. Again keep in mind this is mostly for the clinical subjects and not for subjects like Dental Public Healh or Oral Biology.

5. After getting admission (I-20), the School will inform you and have to take that to the US Consulate to get a Student Visa called F-1. ( assuming you are outside the US)

hi compdent,could u please explain me about the visa thing.
is it necessary to have only a student visa to get admission into these speciality programs.or students with other visas can also apply to these programs.
i'll appreciate your reply.

HiGuys,U don;t get paid unless u have done DDS OR DMD cos in order to get GME funding u shud have gaduate from USA.

Dr_smile,

Once you get admission, the school will give you an i-20 bvased on which you get an F-1. If you are already in the country on some other visa, you can transfer over to an F-1.

About funding i am positive that i course like Dental Public health, you will get a GA, RA or TA in your school.

I am not completely sure about the clinical subjects. I do know that some schools do entertain foreign trained grauates and pay stipend as well. Will find oput more on this.

hi compdent ...thanx for the reply and for this great information

Hi,
The info was great but how to get into the special program / masters degree.
thanks
padma

compdent...good job!!! keep it up..

Hello people,

Here is something from my experience. I did try applying
to these Masters programs last year... applied to as many
schools as possible. Inspite of my 'decent' performance in
the BDS from a foreign country, I was rejected by literally
every school.

When asked for the reason for rejection, many of them
said that they prefer a candidate with a GPR or an AEGD
experience, more so if it is an international student.

This is not to discourage you all, but just quoting my
experience.

Good luck guys!

I agree getting into Masters for a clinical subjects is extremely difficult since most schools admit 4-5 P.G's each year.

Also note that your credentials have to be really good. For clinical subjects most schools require that you have graduated among the top 3 in your school.

I would say look into the eligible non clinical subjects. They may be easier to get into.

One point to be remembered is that once we complete a Masters, we are eligible for licensure to practice in just that specialty. So, if one chooses a non-clinical subject, he's stuck with it forever! Hence choosing a specialty is a huge decision.

Hey Compdent,

Great Info!!!! Could you please tell me where you got the ADA INTERNATIONAL STUDENT HANDBOOK

Thanks,

Drmouse.

Dr. Mouse,
Pls. shoot me an email at kshswy@yahoo.com. Will email you all the documents.


WildWest,

Pls. send me your email.

Compdent

BUMP

Old thread, but very informative.

If you get a masters you are NOT only eligible to practice in that specialty.

To practice dentistry/specialty you need a dental license - whether you are an endodontist/orthodontist/GP its just one license.

If you complete a specialty program - you do not have to advertise as a specialist. From what I understand as long as you do not advertise as a specialist your practice does not have to be limited!

I agree it is one license regardless of speciality, but it could be different for an foreign trained dentist, who don't have a degree from an acrediated dental school.

My understanding is, if you are an internationally trained dentist with speciality program in US, and want to practice, you have to limit practice to that speciality. (can't practice general dentistry ).

Correct me, if I am wrong.

In wisconsin, I personally know someone who did dental training in Latvia, Endo training in Texas (baylor) - took part 1 and 2 and CRDTS. He know has a wisconsin dental license.

Hey,

It is my understanding that after getting your licensure and after practising in that state for 5 years, you are eligible to move to any other state with just taking up the states/ regions licencing exam. This would mean that if you did a masters and not advanced standing atleast after 5 years you can move........

I am not sure if this information is accurate, but you'll may want to look into this.

Compdent.

Originally posted by compdent
........It is my understanding that after getting your licensure and after practising in that state for 5 years, you are eligible to move to any other state with just taking up the states/ regions licencing exam. This would mean that if you did a masters and not advanced standing atleast after 5 years you can move........

Not quite. That's called Licensure by Credentials. And most states that offer such type of licensure require you to have a DDS degree from an accreditted school. UNLESS you're planning to move to one of the 18 states listed above.

At least it was like this last time I checked, things may have changed......

Are there any specialty programs (which universities?) where you don't have to take the GRE for entrance? Thanks!

awesome thread.gud wrk compdent.

Originally posted by KatieJune
Are there any specialty programs (which universities?) where you don't have to take the GRE for entrance? Thanks!

Yeah, there are. A friend of mine searched this some time ago, but she realized that for foreign trained dentist many schools will make it as hard as possible. Specially the one with the lowest tuituion. I don't remember any names though.

This thread is really informative.
I am wondering does anyone has idea about MA limited License Registration for forigen dentist.


In Ma there is a rule of limited License Registration by that forigen dentist can practice as a intern dentist for at least 5 years, in any school, hospital or in gov. clinic. I am wondering , if any body has idea about that, because when i called to MA Dental board they told me i have to find out the position in any hospital or in any gov. clinic then i can apply for this License. So if anybody has idea about it please post your reply. I will really appreciate it.

Originally posted by great94089
This thread is really informative.
I am wondering does anyone has idea about MA limited License Registration for forigen dentist.....

Maybe you should contact you local chapter of a dental association, they may know more about it. Visit them, when they're at a meeting or something.

Is there such thing as an Indian Dental association, or some kind of dentist of indian origin in a group? If there is, you may contact them too.

Good Lcuk!

Hi folks,
i have researched this a lot and applied to a lot of places.. will keep u posted about my status.. Just wish me luck!! also, u need not take GRE for all specialities. Ortho does require GRE, but not all schools. if someone is serious about applying, i can guide him/her. i took the GRE though. Applying thru PASS is a good idea, as people who want to get into a specialty apply to atleast 15-20 programs.
i was checking the various dental boards about licensure after specialty and only Texas for sure does let u practise after specialty. ADA lists 18 states, but i emailed a few of them like New York and they denied of any such thing. they said u have to have a DDS/DMD. So, if anyone knows more about license after specialty, just let us know. also, there were questions about limiting your practise to the specialty, i would say that if u are a specialist u dont need to do general dentistry here. that's the fun about it.. and u would pursue specialty only if u are very keen about it, not to get a license.. just let us know more about practising after specialty training, if anyone has done some research by contacting various boards.

hi sck

Some time ago, priti and I manteined a thread about the state that you'll let you practice after specialty studies in the US. I don't remember the name of the thread right now, but you should look for it.

Also, a good way to help other who keep asking about GRE, maybe you could post which schools, that you know of, don't require GRE.

Maybe you could post like, which schools did you apply to, the ones that actually offered you an interview, etc. You know, so SDN'ers actually can learn which schools have a friendly policy towards foreign graduates.

Well, good luck in this!

My friend got into Oral Medicine program at the Univ of Washington, and after grad. she'll be able to get general practice in that state. Which is nice, as her tuition is ~$12000/year...

Originally posted by ivanBG
My friend got into Oral Medicine program at the Univ of Washington, and after grad. she'll be able to get general practice in that state.

What's the Oral Medicine program about? Is it considered specialty?

BTW, Ivan did you got my PM?

Yes, Meggs, I got your PM, I sent you the answer

Quote:

Oral Medicine is defined as: the discipline of dentistry that addresses the nature, diagnosis and primarily non-surgical management of oral and maxillofacial disorders: a) diseases of the jaws and teeth; b) oral mucosal disease; c) orofacial pain and neurosensory disorders; d) salivary gland disorders; e) manifestations of systemic disease including management of patients with medical complications. Individuals in oral medicine participate in interdisciplinary medical care in the areas of oral manifestations of systemic disease, oral oncology, pain, histopathology, which are frequently hospital-based services.


http://www.dental.washington.edu/ora...adprogram.html


She had NBDE scores exactly like mine, but I don't know about her GRE score, and I'm shure she was very charming at her inerview. O, I think that the fact that we have medical rotations in our dds program in Bulgaria in all the medical disciplines might have played some role.

Yes, and she is doing MS also.
It is specialty, but I don't think it is in the ADA list.

Oh, did I mentioned that she can do all the Cont. Education courses she wants and that is for free

Hi


I want to know if some one gets admission in the non-clinical programs like Dental public health which is the easiest to get admission into , what is the scope in this field???????????

As far as I know in what ever speciality you get into , you get liscense only to practice that field. So what the non-clinical programs offer, will you be just bound to academic side????????????


Thanks

Mega

do states give licensure after specialty in non-clinical fields like oral biology and public health?

Since we have another active thread on "Masters Program For Foreign Trained Dentists", thought would bump this one !

As far as Oral Biology goes, I don't think doing a masters or PhD in it makes us eligible for dental licensure. This is because Oral Biology programs are basic science oriented programs. I would think that doing a MPH wouldn't give us this eligibility either!

About GME funding: true, as internationally trained dentists, we are not eligible for the funding. Students under this funding generally receive a monthly stipend and tuition waiver. Further, for every student admitted in the program under this funding, the school receives money towards training the student. So technically speaking, if a program admitted a non-GME student, it lost money! This monetary issue, added to the competition, made admissions to clinical residency programs very difficult! Currently many dental schools in the US are in a tight financial situation due to university budgetary cuts! So the funding issue assumes greater importance!
But here?s the news! There?s a chatter out there that the GME system of funding is going to be stopped by the federal government! Meaning, the specialty programs might bring about a policy change towards admitting international students! So, all you souls out there interested in these programs; it wouldn't hurt to contact your program of choice to see what their current stance on this issue is! GOOD LUCK!

The most important thing you MUST have if you are applying for a masters program in the US is at least 2 yrs of work experience and that too in a Government establishment. Private clinic recos aren't trusted because they can be bought or faked.

This is THE single most important reason that applicants are rejected for the masters program. even if you have a really good score on your NB wont help you much on this account.

Any body have opinion to the master program in dental material In UAB or other where?

Hi Hardtooth
look into the 'material science and engineering' programs too. I know some people in these programs who are dentists and work on biomaterials

The GRE requierments for Graduate Dental studies in th US is just 1200 and above. So if any of you have not done as well as your engineering buddies dont fret!! we dont need that high a score.

Also if you seriously want to get into Specialty/masters progs then you should think about doing some sort of research work that is or will be published.

if you got these two bases covered then getting into a prog is a cinch even if ur NB scores suck(by suck i mean 79-83)
Some schools dont even care if you've done ur boards.

Originally posted by azzure221
Also if you seriously want to get into Specialty/masters progs then you should think about doing some sort of research work that is or will be published.

Can this be done without beign enrolled in school somehow?

i'd suggest you work voluntarily at either a research organisation or approach the research dept. at a college and ask them to take you in as a research assistant.

Thanks azzure

the 1200 requirement is MUCH more than what engineering students usually score. its the total of verbal and quantitative sections, that is only 2 sections each of 800. and to get a good score in quantitative is not a piece of cake. GRE is a difficult exam which requires serious studying for 2-3 months to get a decent score. also getting into a specialty without an american degree is extremely difficult as has been discussed earlier.. also depends on what branch one wants to specialize in.

hi guys,
Is oral pathology considered clinical or non-clinical as far as licensure goes ??? will it be considered for licensure ???

Sorry for asking,I really dont know about PASS and MATCH.can anyone explain that to me.
Thanks.

Does anyone know where to get The ADA International Student Handbook ?
Thanx

Originally Posted by compdent

Guys,

Heres what you need to do to apply for Masters.

1. Take TOEFL Exam

2. Take GRE Exam ( yes required for most dental masters programs)

3. Get all your Marks cards evaluated by an Organization like ECE.

4. Apply for Schools . When you go thru most schools they talk about participating in PASS and MATCH. Well schools which do this make it harder for you to get in. Again keep in mind this is mostly for the clinical subjects and not for subjects like Dental Public Healh or Oral Biology.

5. After getting admission (I-20), the School will inform you and have to take that to the US Consulate to get a Student Visa called F-1. ( assuming you are outside the US)

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Hi,

It's very good clear message what u gave.Thats very helpful.I apprecite u r effort.At the same time i have a doubt which is very important for me to know
According to u r message what we require to do masters are

1) Toefl
2) Credential evaluations
3) GRE - (some colleges asks)
4)Application for schools to get PASS And MATCH results
5) Visa -conversions.

It looks great.

But what i want to know is Apart from this :

do you need NBDE part1 & 2 Scores also to do Masters? Or Not?

If any schools allowing IDP' s to do Masters with out NBDE part 1 & 2, then which are the states that provides this greatest opertunity.PLz reply to this thread.That will be a very big help.ThaNKS.

Hi,

Could anybody please let me know, what would my oppurtunities be if I did a Masters program in Oral Biology with a certificate in Oral Medicine from California.

1. If I joined as a staff what would be my pay scale?

2. Are there any private organizations that promote research and pay better than what the dental schools do?

3. Would be help me in anyway to get my licensure?

Looking forward to these answers to decide my career path...

Thnks,
sumram

Originally Posted by Mogley

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But what i want to know is Apart from this :

do you need NBDE part1 & 2 Scores also to do Masters? Or Not?

If any schools allowing IDP' s to do Masters with out NBDE part 1 & 2, then which are the states that provides this greatest opertunity.PLz reply to this thread.That will be a very big help.ThaNKS.

You don't have to have NBDE Parts 1 and 2 to apply to Master's research only program/or clinically-based programs. Each programs will have their own requirements for graduates of foreign dental schools.

I'm afraid I don't have a list available of such schools (that don't require Parts 1 and 2). The best thing is to pick three to four states that you'd think you would want to live for the next three years and then email/call around. There are exceptions you know despite what other people say about certain states... you never know.

Originally Posted by sum

1. If I joined as a staff what would be my pay scale?

2. Are there any private organizations that promote research and pay better than what the dental schools do?

3. Would be help me in anyway to get my licensure?

1. Depends on many things such as your experience level, licensure or not etc..

2. Err... are you talking about commercial insititutions such as Proctor and Gamble, Unilever, Oral B (Braun) etc..? Sure they promote research. And they pay better than any dental schools. But, you'd better make sure your resume shows that you have proven past track record of good research. I'm sure they would only want to hire those who have worked with commercially successful ventures....

3. California... hmm. Nope. Having a masters would mean squat. You still need to go through the same procedures that the rest of IDP's go through. No special treatment.