Are we really stuck in Cali forever after passing Bench & State Board??

[bayleaf1]

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Hello Dear Colleagues.
I was wondering if anybody has any information about foreign trained dentists who were able to take license by credentials in another state after practicing in CA for more than 5 years.
I took Bench test exam and California State Board exam in 1998 and have been practicing dentistry in California for 15 years. Recently, however, because of my health and family situation I need to relocate to one of Midwestern states. For some reasons I always assumed that I could take licensure by credentials in one of 18 states. But when I called those states Boards they said that it's only possible for graduates from accredited dental schools or IDS programs. Have the rules changed? Or I had it all wrong to begin with? What happened to those 18 states?
I really hope somebody would help me figure it all out, since nobody has exact information and I'm sure there are a lot of people like me.
Because if I have to go to International Dental Program so I can just move out of state it's probably easier for me to pursue another career. I was reading some posts about getting admission to IDS and it seems close to impossible. The waiting list, the expense, getting the loan, paying the loan back... I don't know how you guys do it. I have great respect for those struggling to get in or already studying. I think it was much easier back then in 1997-1998. It was just ...normal and reasonable. At least you didn't have to get Master's degree to get in. I wish I would have done it back then if I knew I would be stuck in one state after Bench.
Well, anyhow, I really hope somebody will respond.
Thanks

 

[jcdragon13]

The best way to find out is contact the dental board of the State you want to practice in. I believe or thought if you were practicing in CA for more than 5 years you should able to go to other State by credentials. But maybe every States varies. The best way is contact the State board directly and go from there. Good luck!

 

[Hope4]

Hello Dear Colleagues.
I was wondering if anybody has any information about foreign trained dentists who were able to take license by credentials in another state after practicing in CA for more than 5 years.
I took Bench test exam and California State Board exam in 1998 and have been practicing dentistry in California for 15 years. Recently, however, because of my health and family situation I need to relocate to one of Midwestern states. For some reasons I always assumed that I could take licensure by credentials in one of 18 states. But when I called those states Boards they said that it's only possible for graduates from accredited dental schools or IDS programs. Have the rules changed? Or I had it all wrong to begin with? What happened to those 18 states?
I really hope somebody would help me figure it all out, since nobody has exact information and I'm sure there are a lot of people like me.
Because if I have to go to International Dental Program so I can just move out of state it's probably easier for me to pursue another career. I was reading some posts about getting admission to IDS and it seems close to impossible. The waiting list, the expense, getting the loan, paying the loan back... I don't know how you guys do it. I have great respect for those struggling to get in or already studying. I think it was much easier back then in 1997-1998. It was just ...normal and reasonable. At least you didn't have to get Master's degree to get in. I wish I would have done it back then if I knew I would be stuck in one state after Bench.
Well, anyhow, I really hope somebody will respond.
Thanks

You are right, California was the last state to take FTD just by taking Bench exam/Licensing boards, since back then (I think the last year they accepted FDT with just the exam was back in 2003 if I'm not mistaken, for other states was even earlier in the mid 90's) a lot has changed and in order to become a licensed dentist all over the US. In pretty much any state you do need to either go through a IDP program or in a few states get your residency (which might also limit you to practice on that specific state btw)...
I have one classmate that was probably on your shoes, she did have a CA license (years ago, when all she did was the bench/license exam), but moved to IL and is just finishing the IDP program now at UIC.

 

[archi56]

On a positive side you'll have very high chances of getting accepted in any IDP program, if you plan to apply. You have been practicing here since 15 years so probably you would have saved enough to support your studies without taking a loan.
Pursuing another career is totally a personal choice, but whichever option you decide, please update here so others also get an insight.