As a non US citizen, what's going to happen after I graduate

[Pillowcases]

I'll (hopefully) be attending a dental school in fall 2014, but I haven't thought about my status and what I can do after graduating. Is it possible to specialize or open your own practice when you're not a resident? If someone could link me to more info I'd greatly appreciate your help, thanks in advance.

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[Shefdent]

i would also appreciate any input on this issue.

 

[Northwoods00]

You can find an employer willing to sponsor by H1B visa.

 

[BitD3nt]

I'll (hopefully) be attending a dental school in fall 2014, but I haven't thought about my status and what I can do after graduating. Is it possible to specialize or open your own practice when you're not a resident? If someone could link me to more info I'd greatly appreciate your help, thanks in advance.

Once you graduate you will be eligible for 1 yr post completion OPT which will allow you work. While on your OPT you can then get your employer to sponsor you for an H1B visa (note: you may be able to get an employer sponsor you for an H1B right out of dental school). You can be on an H1B for a maximum of 6 yrs at a time before you will be required to spend 1 yr outside of the country. So, if you intend to stay here permanently then you will also need your employer to sponsor you for a green card (or you get it by other means- marriage, self sponsorship, or visa lottery).

And yes you can do a dental residency after dental school. But for a few specialties (pediatrics and oral surgery) it may be difficult (certainly not impossible) to get a spot if you are not a green card holder.

And yes, you can also start your own practice after dental school- you'll just need to sort out your work visa issues for the long term for that to be sustainable.