College of Dentistry | University of Florida

Internationally-
Educated Dentists Program

 

Internationally-Educated Dentists Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you require criminal background checks?
Yes. Beginning Fall 2011, as a condition of acceptance and continued enrollment, entering students are required to complete a criminal background check. Offers of admission are not considered final and enrollment is not permitted until completion of the check has results deemed favorable by UFCD.
I have a dental degree from another country and I would like to be able to practice dentistry in Florida. How do I become licensed to practice?
Dentists must take and pass an exam given by the Florida Department of Health, in order to be licensed to practice dentistry in Florida. You can get more information about the licensure exam at http://www.doh.state.fl.us/mqa/dentistry/dn_home.html.

Dentists who have graduated from a school which is not accredited by the American Dental Association must complete a certificate or DMD/DDS program to take the exam. At UFCD, we offer a 2-Year AEGD Certificate and a 4-Year DMD program.
Is financial aid available for the 4-Year DMD and the 2-Year AEGD program for International Dentists?
Yes, financial aid is awarded on the basis of financial need as long as the applicant is a U.S. citizen or an eligible permanent resident (an I-130 Petition for Alien Relative is NOT eligible for financial aid) . Financial Aid information is available at, http://www.dental.ufl.edu/Offices/Admissions/Financial_Aid/. Acceptance into the program does not guarantee you are eligible for financial aid. You are responsible for financing your dental education.
My application will be coming in late. Will you make an exception for me so I can still apply after the deadline?
No applications are accepted to either the 2-Year AEGD or 4-Year DMD program after the deadline. It is your responsibility to be sure we have received all of the parts of your application. You are welcome to contact our office by phone, fax or email in order to verify your application is complete.
I took the National Dental Board Exam several years ago. Do I have to retake the National Dental Boards to apply?
For the 4-year DMD program, National Dental Boards must have been taken within 4 years of the admissions starting date. The 2-Year AEGD Program requieres both Part 1 and Part 2 of the National Dental Boards to have been taken within 7 years of the admissions starting date. If your scores are older than this, you must retake the National Dental Board Examination.
Are applicants from other states accepted?
Legal residents of the state of Florida are given priority in admission to both the 2-Year AEGD and 4-Year DMD program. Residents of other states are eligible to apply, but do not receive preference in admission.
I have a dental degree from another country and I would like to study a dental specialty, like Orthodontics or Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, in the United States. Can I practice dentistry in Florida after I complete my specialty residency?
An important concern for many dentists with international degrees is licensure to practice dentistry in the United States. Our Advanced Education and Graduate Programs are designed to prepare dentists to become specialists and highly trained general dentists. These programs MAY NOT prepare dentists to become licensed to practice dentistry in Florida.

If you are interested in practicing dentistry in Florida, you will need a dental degree from an ADA-accredited dental school in order to be eligible to take the Florida Dental License examination. The 4-Year DMD program offers a a dental degree from an ADA-accredited dental school.

 

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