For internationally educated dentists aiming to build their careers in North America, the process of licensure can seem both rigorous and complex. One of the most frequently asked questions from professionals who pursue the Degree Completion Program (also known as Advanced Standing or International Dentist Program) is:
“Once I finish this program, am I considered a graduate of an accredited dental program?”
The short and definitive answer is:
Yes. Once you complete a degree completion program at a school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), you are considered a graduate of an accredited dental program in the United States.
This status is essential for pursuing licensure across most U.S. states and in other regions that accept CODA-accredited credentials.
Let’s delve into what this really means, how degree completion programs work, and why this path is a powerful route for international dentists pursuing licensure and practice in the United States.
What Is a Degree Completion or Advanced Standing Program?
A degree completion program is designed specifically for dentists who were educated in non-accredited international dental schools. Rather than having to start a full four-year dental program in the U.S., these candidates are granted advanced standing and typically join the second or third year of a U.S.-based DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) program.
These programs offer a condensed yet comprehensive curriculum that helps international dentists:
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Adapt to U.S. standards of care
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Develop clinical proficiency using the latest dental technologies
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Learn state and national dental laws, ethics, and patient management systems
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Prepare for board and licensing examinations
The goal is to bring foreign-trained dentists up to par with the expectations of the U.S. dental community—both clinically and professionally.
Accreditation and Why It Matters
In the United States, dental programs are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), which is the only body recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to ensure that dental schools meet nationally accepted standards.
Graduating from a CODA-accredited program is a mandatory requirement for dental licensure in most states. It ensures that the dentist is trained in accordance with the highest standards of care, education, safety, and ethics.
By completing a degree completion program at a CODA-accredited dental school, you earn the same DDS or DMD degree that domestic students receive—and this designation makes you a graduate of an accredited dental program in the United States.
What Happens After You Graduate?
Upon successful completion of the program, you are recognized as having graduated from an accredited dental school. This means:
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You are eligible to take national licensure examinations such as the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE).
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You can apply for clinical licensing exams such as the CDCA-WREB-CITA, ADEX, or other regional exams, depending on the state in which you intend to practice.
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You can begin the licensure application process with state dental boards without undergoing an equivalency or assessment process typically required for foreign-educated dentists.
In essence, this pathway bridges the gap between your international education and U.S. licensure, giving you a credential that is recognized and accepted nationwide.
Benefits of Being a Graduate of an Accredited Program
Graduating from an accredited dental school through a degree completion program offers multiple advantages:
1. Licensure Eligibility Across the U.S.
Once you hold a DDS or DMD from a CODA-accredited institution, you can apply for licensure in nearly every U.S. state and territory, depending on local licensing requirements.
2. Equal Standing with U.S. Dental Graduates
You’ll hold the same degree as any other U.S.-trained dentist, with no distinction made based on whether you started the program from the beginning or entered through advanced standing.
3. Professional Recognition
Accredited status boosts your reputation, opening opportunities for postgraduate education, employment in academic institutions, and leadership roles within dental associations.
4. Mobility and Portability
Your degree will be widely recognized not just across the U.S., but in certain Canadian provinces and other jurisdictions that accept CODA-accredited credentials.
Points to Consider Before Enrolling
While a degree completion program is a strong path toward licensure, there are important factors to understand and plan for:
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Competitive Admissions: Entry into these programs is limited and highly selective, with only a small number of seats allocated each year.
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Entrance Exams and Interviews: Applicants often need to complete the INBDE (or NBDE Part I and II), pass English language proficiency tests, and perform clinical skills assessments during the admissions process.
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Tuition and Expenses: These programs are costly, often requiring a financial investment of $100,000 to $300,000 depending on the institution and duration.
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Time Commitment: Programs typically span two to three years, depending on the curriculum and clinical training requirements.
The Difference Between Accreditation of the Program vs. Accreditation of Your Previous Degree
One point of confusion for many international candidates is the distinction between:
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The accreditation of the degree completion program (in the U.S.), and
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The accreditation status of their original international dental degree
Your original foreign degree may not be recognized as accredited by U.S. authorities, but once you complete a CODA-accredited degree completion program and receive a DDS or DMD, that new degree becomes your qualifying credential for licensure. It replaces the need for equivalency assessments based on your previous education.
What About Canada and Other Countries?
If you’re interested in eventually practicing in Canada, your U.S. DDS/DMD may also be recognized—provided it’s from a CODA-accredited school and meets Canada’s national standards. Canada’s regulatory bodies generally recognize dental degrees from accredited institutions in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland.
However, it’s always advisable to check with the regulatory body in the country or province you wish to practice in, as licensing rules can vary.
Final Thoughts
Completing a degree completion or advanced standing program at a CODA-accredited dental school in the United States offers a powerful and recognized route to licensure for internationally trained dentists. Once you graduate, you are officially considered a graduate of an accredited dental program, opening up numerous professional pathways and making you eligible for national and regional licensure exams.
This recognition allows you to practice dentistry across the U.S., compete for residency positions, specialize, and enjoy the same professional privileges as any graduate from a traditional U.S. dental school.
While the journey requires dedication, financial planning, and academic rigor, the outcome is transformative—placing you on equal footing with peers trained entirely within the North American system.
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