Frequently Asked Questions
Internationally-Educated Dentists Program Admissions

Do you require criminal background checks?

Yes. 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 the Florida Department of Health website.

There are two UF College of Dentistry programs which when successfully completed, afford internationally-educated dentists the opportunity to apply for licensure to practice dentistry in the State of Florida. They are:

1. Two-Year AEGD Program for International Dentists in Hialeah, Florida

Successful completion of this certificate program will allow the candidate to be eligible to take the Florida Dental Board Examination. Successful completion of the Florida Dental Board Examination is required to practice dentistry in Florida. Eligibility for dental board examinations in other states is not guaranteed by successful completion of this program and is dependent on state-specific requirements for licensure for internationally-educated dentists.  NBDE Part I (or INBDE) is required at time of application.  Applicants apply through PASS.

2. Four-Year D.M.D. Program in Gainesville, Florida

Successful completion of this ADA-accredited dental school program will allow the candidate to be eligible to take the Florida Dental Board Examination. Successful completion of the Florida Dental Board Examination is required to practice dentistry in Florida. Eligibility for dental board examinations in other states is possible with successful completion of this DMD program.  DAT is required at time of application.  Applicants apply through CAAPID.

Is financial aid available for the 4-Year D.M.D. and the 2-Year AEGD program for International Dentists?

Federal financial aid is generally available for accepted students. However, acceptance into the program does not guarantee you are eligible for financial aid. You are responsible for financing your dental education.

For more information on available financial aid, please visit our financial aid website.

My application will be coming in late. Will you make an exception for me so I can still apply after the deadline?

No. Applications to both the 2-Year AEGD or 4-Year D.M.D. programs must be submitted before 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 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?

For the 2-year AEGD program: no, you do not have to retake the NBDE.

The NBDE is not required for the 4-year D.M.D. program. Beginning with the 2015 admissions cycle, applicants must take the DAT for the 4-year D.M.D. program. The DAT requirement is not waived for applicants with NBDE score reports.

Are applicants from other states accepted?

Legal residents of the state of Florida are given priority in admission to both the 2-Year AEGD program and 4-Year D.M.D. 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 periodontics, 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 dental specialty training 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. The internationally-educated dentists who complete the specialty training programs typically return to their home countries to practice dentistry.