Ok, so this is a FAQ thread to avoid repetitive threads.
PLEASE:
- If you can't find here what you're looking for, please:
- Use the "Search" option. It's located either at the top or the bottom of the forum's main page.
- Read the thread
"Links of interest to foreign trained dentist". . It contains resourceful links for all of us, including links to former discussed topics.
- Remember: You'll get more information by reading through old posts, that you would posting the question over and over again, because the people that know the answers don't like typing them all over again.
- PM me to cooperate or to correct any misinformation. Thanks.
What are the basic steps for a foreign trained dentist to become licensed in the US?
Go to the sticky thread "Links of interest to foreign trained dentists", then scroll down until you find the link to "Dentistry in the U.S. - Education/Licensure". Download that document and
read it very carefully at least 3 times. This will be your single most complete and safe source of information.
Where can I get a list of all Advanced Standing programs for foreign trained dentists?
Where can I get a list of all US post-graduate programs that will admit foreign trained dentists?
Same answer as above.
What's the importance of GPA and scores for admission into schools? Answer thanks to Dentisthusband.
The answer is always the same for this type of question, regardless of the specific attributes that you are asking about :
Higher is better.
You cannot change your grades but you can always raise a score on a standard test such as the TOEFL or Dental Board Exam by re-taking them. I would have thought that your grades would be a major factor in the decision process before I read through most or all of the threads in this forum. But from recent posts I see that most schools care far more about your Board score than anything else. However, it appears from recently accepted candidates, that UCLA placed a pretty high importance upon gpa. So if I were a candidate with limited resources and I had a 2.56 gpa, I probably would not apply to UCLA.
Always keep in mind as you read through the postings of candidates that criteria for acceptance will probably change from one year to the next depending upon competition. Scores that were good enough for an interview offer and even an accpetance this year, may not make the cut next year if a bunch of overqualified candidates apply next year.
Scott
Can a foreign trained dentist work as a dental assistant in the US?
Go to the sticky thread "Links of interest to foreign trained dentists", then scroll down until you find the link to "Getting a dental assistantship". This is a thread in which this topic has been discussed before. Bump it up if you need to.
What about as a dental hygienist?
So far, only the state of Florida will permit foreign trained dentists to become licensed dental hygienists in their state. Here's an extract from their website:
Click here for more info:
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/dent...ental Hygiene
Does visa status affects admissions?
Read this
http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=95601
Should I change from H4 to F1 visa?
Although the best answer to that could only be given by an inmigration expert, you might want to take a look at this thread, it comments on it:
questions on H4 to F1 visa
I need information on finantial aid for non US residents.
Go to the sticky thread "Links of interest to foreign trained dentists", there are plenty of links to finantial aid websites there.
About completing a post-graduate program in the US, will I get a license if I do that?
Some states allow so, as long as the program last at least 2 years and is CODA approved. For more info read the ADA booklet "Dentistry in the US" and read this, bump it if you need to:
US States where you can practice Dentistry after completing a 2 yr Speciality Program.
Appendix A
What's the difference between AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry) and GPR (General Practice Residency)?
Read this thead:
AEGD and GPR Program info
