• Of all the countries I tried to do some research in understanding how a foreign-trained dentist (FTD) can migrate for work, I found the US to be the most confusing but at the same time, the one with the most information online. There are many pathways you can take to work in the US and the more research I have done, the more I have understood it is actually a boon than a bane. 

• In 1986 Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) passed legislation that barred FTD from gaining licensure (through a certification or clinical examination) to practice clinical dentistry in the U.S. Instead, FTD was obliged to apply and successfully complete 2 or 3 year dental education program in order to become licensed practitioners. These changes were introduced in order to protect the public and ensure that international dentists were adequately trained to meet U.S. standards.

• In the US to work in a particular state as a dentist, a dental license gives you the legal right to practice independently in that state. Each state has its own licensure requirements and application process it is important to understand these requirements for the state you wish to pursue your ‘American Dream’.​

• The truth is no route is an easy route, and actually in my research, the American students have a longer and more competitive pathway than the FTD, and they have to study around 8 years to be a dentist; pre-dentistry and 5 years of DDS/DMD.

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The USA Application/Exams/Selection can seem very confusing but actually, it's quite simple

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1. For a Bachelor level entry - You have to do an Advanced Standing Program(ASP) (or equivalent), i.e. FTD have to do from 2-4 years programme and convert the BDS to a DDS/DMD. There are 36 schools in the US, providing this course. ASP is accepted in most states in the US for obtaining the licence.

2. The Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INDBE - The new version of NDBE) is a requirement for most ASP and is a single part exam. It is a pass/fail exam for which you have 5 attempts, and can be done when you are doing your BDS, but do not be in a rush to do it make sure you are well prepared, the exams are conducted at different centres in the US.

3. The application in most schools for ASP is now through a single application process called CAAPID, which makes life a lot easier and you can save some time and money for each application, though that makes it more competitive. However, some schools still require a separate application.

4. For a Graduate/Residency level entry (Masters programme - this is accepted for the licence in 18 states as far as I understand for an FTD) - You apply through the 'ADEA PASS' which is a joint application process, and the selection of schools and candidates is done through a process called 'Post Doc Match'; where the candidates and schools are matched up according to their preference and performance at the interviews. This is a more competitive level of entry, but nothing is impossible - hard work, clear planning and determination is what is needed. Don't be underprepared/unclear or be in a rush.  

5. ADAT is a more intense written exam, which is marked therefore a more competitive exam. It is a requirement at some of the schools for ASP and a must for most residency programs. This exam could be taken while you are doing BDS, the marks for which is crucial and a retake is only considered in specific circumstances, so prepare well before you attempt.

6. Once you have completed the required course for a particular state, you have to sit the state level licencing exam/procedure to be registered to work in that state. The laws, regulations and requirements are different for each state. Kindly do your own research, prepare well and make plans.

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       VOILA -  That's it in simple terms!

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DISCLAIMER:  I HAVE NOT UNDERTAKEN THIS PROCESS. THIS IS INFORMATION COLLATED FROM FROM FRIENDS/FAMILY/RESEARCH/ONLINE INFORMATION FROM MARCH 2020 AND COULD BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE SINCE.

 

THIS IS ONLY TO GIVE AN IDEA IN STARTING A JOURNEY AND SHOWCASE THAT DREAMS ARE ACHIEVABLE AND THE BASIS OF IT. THIS IS THE SEED I HAVE SOWN, YOU HAVE TO NURTURE THIS SEED WITH HARD WORK, GOOD RESEARCH, DETERMINATION AND DEDICATION TO MAKE IT A 'DENTIS-TREE ' YOU ARE PROUD OF AND HAPPY WITH. HOW YOU PROCEED AND SUCCEED IS UPTO YOU!

 

PLEASE CONTACT RESPECTIVE SCHOOLS, STATE LICENSING BODIES, EXAM BODIES AND CONFIRM THE INFORMATION PROVIDED BEFORE MAKING ANY PLANS.

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MAY ALL YOUR HARD WORK PAY OFF. ALL THE VERY BEST!