Advanced standing dental programs in the United States
41 programs across 27 states and territories accept internationally trained dentists into a shortened DDS or DMD. This page is about what they cost and how you would pay for one. For requirements and deadlines, each school publishes its own, and ADEA keeps the authoritative directory.
The ADEA CAAPID cycle for 2026–27 opened March 5, 2026 and closes January 29, 2027. Most of these programs take applications through it.
What these programs usually ask for
Each school sets its own requirements and they change between cycles. These are the elements common to most programs — treat them as what to expect, then confirm every detail against the school you are applying to.
A dental degree from outside the US or Canada
The qualifying degree, with transcripts and often a course-by-course credential evaluation from an approved agency. Some schools set a minimum grade average on the original degree.
The INBDE
Most programs expect the Integrated National Board Dental Examination, which replaced Parts I and II. Schools differ on whether a score is required to apply or only to matriculate, and on how many attempts they will accept.
English proficiency
Usually TOEFL, sometimes IELTS, with the minimum score set by the school. Waivers are common for applicants who hold a degree taught in English, but the waiver rules are the school's own.
A hands-on assessment
Many programs run a bench test or practical exam, either on campus or at a regional site, to assess preclinical technique. Format, cost and timing vary more between schools than any other requirement.
An interview
Usually by invitation after a first review, in person or remote, sometimes combined with the bench test in a single visit.
Application through ADEA CAAPID, usually
Most programs take applications through the centralized service, though some also accept or require a direct supplemental application with its own deadline and fee.
The programs
Showing 41 of 41 programs
AL
- University of Alabama School of DentistryBirmingham
AZ
- Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral HealthMesa
CA
- Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USCLos Angeles
- Loma Linda University School of DentistryLoma Linda
- University of California, Los Angeles School of DentistryLos Angeles
- University of California, San Francisco School of DentistrySan Francisco
- University of the Pacific Arthur A. Dugoni School of DentistrySan Francisco
- Western University of Health Sciences College of Dental MedicinePomona
CO
- University of Colorado School of Dental MedicineAurora
DC
- Howard University College of DentistryWashington
FL
- Nova Southeastern University College of Dental MedicineFt. Lauderdale
- University of Florida College of DentistryGainesville
IA
- University of Iowa College of Dentistry and Dental ClinicsIowa City
IL
- Southern Illinois University School of Dental MedicineAlton
- University of Illinois at Chicago College of DentistryChicagocosts modeled
IN
- Indiana University School of DentistryIndianapolis
LA
- LSU Health New Orleans School of DentistryNew Orleans
MA
- Boston University Henry M. Goldman School of Dental MedicineBoston
- Tufts University School of Dental MedicineBoston
MD
- University of Maryland School of DentistryBaltimore
ME
- University of New England College of Dental MedicinePortland
MI
- University of Michigan School of DentistryAnn Arbor
MN
- University of Minnesota School of DentistryMinneapolis
NC
- University of North Carolina Adams School of DentistryChapel Hill
NE
- Creighton University School of DentistryOmaha
- University of Nebraska Medical Center College of DentistryLincoln
NJ
- Rutgers School of Dental MedicineNewark
NV
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas School of Dental MedicineLas Vegas
NY
- Columbia University College of Dental MedicineNew York
- New York University College of DentistryNew York
- University at Buffalo School of Dental MedicineBuffalo
OK
- University of Oklahoma College of DentistryOklahoma City
PA
- Temple University Kornberg School of DentistryPhiladelphia
- University of Pennsylvania School of Dental MedicinePhiladelphia
- University of Pittsburgh School of Dental MedicinePittsburgh
PR
- University of Puerto Rico School of Dental MedicineSan Juan
TX
- University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston School of DentistryHouston
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of DentistrySan Antonio
VA
- Virginia Commonwealth University School of DentistryRichmond
WA
- University of Washington School of DentistrySeattle
WI
- Marquette University School of DentistryMilwaukee
What none of these listings tell you
A directory will tell you a program is two years or three. It will not tell you that the length is the single biggest factor in what the degree costs you, because federal loans are capped at $50,000 a year regardless of how much you need. A two-year program gives you two years of that cap and then stops — leaving as much as $100,000 of federal borrowing capacity you can never reach, and a private loan covering the difference.
Put the cost of attendance for any program on this list into the planner and it will show you the split: what federal loans cover, what you would have to borrow privately, and what each route costs across the decade after you graduate.