Getting Dental Licensed in the United States

Many dentists and dental students educated outside the United States and Canada wish to obtain a dental license to practice in the U.S. To become licensed to do so, internationally-trained dentists must follow these steps:

  1. Determine the state(s) where you wish to obtain a license and contact the state board(s) of dentistry to obtain specific licensure requirements and a sample application. Click here for requirements by state.
  2. Take the NBDE Part I administered by the ADA Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (JCNDE). Some dental schools require you take both Parts I and II prior to admission. Please refer to each dental school’s website for their requirements. If Part II is not required, you will take that portion after you complete the program.
  3. Apply to an accredited dental education program with advanced standing to earn a DDS or DMD degree. The application and list of available programs can be found on ADEA’s CAAPID site. Please note: some dental schools do not use CAAPID to administer their application process. You should contact those schools directly for requirements. Reference this list of the 38 U.S. dental schools that offer an AS/IDP program for contact information.
  4. Complete a clinical licensing examination administered by a state or regional clinical testing agency accepted in the state where you wish to be licensed.
Linda Pulgar
administrator
EXPERIENCE Tutor of| Dentist Study Group – Orlando, FL (2016–Present) Prepare international dentists for U.S. boards (NBDHE, ADEX) Speaker and clinical instructor for CE courses Registered Dental Hygienist | Sage Dental – Orlando, FL (2021–Present) Dental Hygiene Skills ⦁ Comprehensive patient assessments and periodontal charting ⦁ Periodontal therapy: scaling and root planing (SRP), full-mouth debridement ⦁ Proficient in radiographic techniques (FMX, BWX, panoramic, Ceph) ⦁ Fluoride applications (varnish, gel), sealants, and desensitizing agents ⦁ Application of localized antimicrobials (Arestin, Atridox) ⦁ Oral hygiene instruction tailored to individual patient needs ⦁ Management of recall systems and re-evaluation protocols ⦁ Soft tissue management, gingival assessments, BOP interpretation ⦁ Infection control, sterilization protocols, OSHA/HIPAA compliance ⦁ Patient education in caries prevention and nutritional counseling Orthodontic Assistant | Multiple Practices – FL (2013–2021) ⦁ Initial orthodontic records: panoramic/cephalometric X-rays, intraoral/extraoral photos, impressions, digital scans ⦁ Bracket placement, band fitting, and bonding assistance ⦁ Archwire changes, ligature tie-ins, elastic and power chain application ⦁ IPR (interproximal reduction) and enamel polishing ⦁ Delivery and adjustment of removable appliances and clear aligners ⦁ Retainer fabrication: Essix, Hawley, and fixed retainers ⦁ Invisalign and iTero scan proficiency ⦁ Orthodontic charting, treatment progress notes, and recall scheduling ⦁ Patient education on appliance care, oral hygiene, and compliance ⦁ Sterilization, inventory management, and operatory setup ⦁ Support during debonding, final impressions, and retainer delivery General & Cosmetic Dentist – Venezuela (2001–2010) Dental Treatments for Oral Rehabilitation in Medically Compromised Patients Patients with systemic conditions such as cancer, autoimmune diseases (e.g., systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome), or hematologic disorders require an interdisciplinary and medically informed dental approach. Treatment must be tailored to their immunologic, pharmacologic, and systemic health status. ⦁ Comprehensive pre-treatment evaluation in coordination with the medical team. ⦁ Antibiotic prophylaxis when medically indicated. ⦁ Non-surgical periodontal therapy, including scaling and root planing. ⦁ Topical fluoride applications for patients undergoing cancer therapy or experiencing xerostomia. ⦁ Minimally invasive restorative treatments to preserve tooth structure and reduce trauma. ⦁ Use of biocompatible and metal-free materials when sensitivities are present. ⦁ Removable or fixed prostheses adapted for fragile oral mucosa or dry mouth conditions. ⦁ Intensive oral hygiene education and frequent preventive maintenance visits. ⦁ Monitoring of oral side effects from chemotherapy, radiation, or immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., mucositis, osteonecrosis, candidiasis). ⦁ Pain management and comfort-focused care during all procedures. Speaker & Trainer ⦁ Dentist Study group - Dental national board course prep Bilingual ⦁ Dentist study group - Hygienist Uptoday ⦁ Dentist Study group - Medical emergency at dental chair course ⦁ Dentist Study group - Private tutoring for Dental student and Dental hygienist ( Gross anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology,Oral medicine,Periodontics,Radiology) ⦁ Solidaridad Sin Fronteras – Foreign-trained dentist speaker ⦁ Dental Training for you – Ortho Assistant Instructor - Dental assistant Instructor ⦁ Aligner Plus International Speaker EDUCATION Universidad del Zulia, Maracaibo, Venezuela ⦁ Doctor of Dental Surgery, 2001 ⦁ Orthodontic Seminar (1 year), 2004 ⦁ Graduate Studies & Continuing Education: ⦁ Reconstructive & Cosmetic Dentistry – UCV Caracas, 2002–2003 ⦁ San Juan de Dios Hospital Internship – Caracas, 2004–2005 ⦁ Orthodontics Seminars ⦁ Invisalign (iTero) Training – Miami, FL ⦁ Implant & Digital Impressions, Rx Certification – Miami, FL ⦁ Aligner Plus – CE & International Training ⦁ ACP, OSHA, HIPAA, and Human Trafficking CE ⦁ INBDE Preparation ⦁ NBDHE Certification ⦁ Ongoing Dental Hygienist CE (Online Courses) Additional Clinical Training: ⦁ Curondont Therapy ⦁ Perio Protect Protocol ⦁ Oral Cancer Screening Techniques ⦁ Periodontal Stromal Therapy