Alternatives to Advanced Standing DDS/DMD
Though the most common path for licensure in the US is an Advanced Standing DMD/DDS Program, there are other alternatives available for those who choose to try a different route:

Option #1: Become a Faculty Member at a Dental School 
  • This is something many internationally-trained dentists do in the US
  • You will be allowed to teach and practice under a limited license
  • A limited license is a license to practice dentistry under the license of another dentist (usually the Department Chair)
  • You will still have to complete board exams in order to be eligible to practice (NERB, WREB, NBDE)
  • Pros: Start earning soon, option for Faculty-track DMD (An accelerated Advanced Standing Program offered to faculty members in certain dental schools)
  • Cons: You can practice only at learning institutions, lower salary compared to private practice, contingent upon being offered a university job

Option #2: Complete Two Years of Advanced Clinical Training (Residency) in the U.S. Then be Eligible to Practice in Certain States
  • In this path, one would have to complete two years training in either Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) or General Practice Residency (GPR) in the United States
  • After completion of these two years, one would be eligible to practice only in certain states after completing the regional boards (WREB or NERB)
  • These states include: Arizona, District of Columbia (D.C.), Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, Wisconsin, New York, Washington. 
  • For an up to date list of states along with specific rules regarding this please check http://www.ada.org

Option#3: Apply for a Conventional 4-Year DMD/DDS Program
  • You will need to take the DAT Exam and meet whatever other eligibility criteria is necessary depending on the dental school
  • Various other prerequisites for this can be found on individual school websites
  • In this route you will join the conventional 4- year DMD/DDS program with other incoming 1st years 
  • You will be competing against American undergraduate and masters students in order to obtain a seat 
  • You will have to complete all of the courses from 1st year onwards (Physiology, biochemistry, etc.) 
  • There is no difference between earning a 4-year DMD/DDS or an advanced standing one
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