¡¡

¡¡

Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists

This program is designed to teach qualified dentists from other countries the knowledge and skills available in the United States. Time necessary to complete the program depends upon the doctor's ability; a minimum of two years is usually required. About eight months will be devoted to fundamental, technical and academic procedures. The remaining time is devoted to clinical training as necessary to achieve graduation qualifications. Graduation from the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists leads to a D.D.S. degree but does not give automatic licensure to practice dentistry. However, graduates are eligible to take the State Board Dental Examinations in most of the United States. (A few states still require U.S. citizenship.)

Additional information and applications may be REQUESTED ONLINE. You may also make your request by writing the USC School of Dentistry, Office of Admission and Student Affairs, 925 West 34th Street, Room 201, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, by calling (213) 740-2841, or faxing your request to (213) 740-8109.

Admission

Prospective students must apply to the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists, USC School of Dentistry, 925 West 34th Street, Room 201, Los Angeles, CA 90089-0641, (213) 740-2841. Applicants will be tested in November and accepted based on the following requirements:

1. Completion of the formal application (before September 15 for admission to the program in April). A $145.00 processing fee must accompany the application. 

2. Successful completion of the National Boards Part I examination of the American Dental Association (ADA).  A score of 75 percent must be attained in each category. Higher scores are advantageous in evaluation of the candidate's academic level.

3. Proficiency in English is an important key to success in the program. To demonstrate competency in English, applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) prior to the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists application deadline. Applicants should achieve a score of 250 on computer based exams or 600 on paper based exams. All applicants will take the International Student English Exam (ISE) administered at USC by the American Language Institute (ALI) in November regardless of their TOEFL scores. Students scoring below 250/600 on TOEFL may use this exam to meet USC's English requirement. Students may be placed in mandatory English courses one trimester prior to the beginning of the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists at additional cost. Additional English courses may also be required.

4. A personal interview by a member of the international student faculty of the School of Dentistry. 

5. Two letters of evaluation from former teachers. 

6. A brief but accurate account of clinical experience. 

7. Documentary proof of license to practice from a Ministry of Health or proper governing body. 

8. Satisfactory completion of and competence in the following academic and artistic entrance examinations to be given in November: 

9. Complete official documents (transcripts), in the original language, of all college and university course work, including dental education, accompanied by certified English translation when necessary.

10. Certification of dental degree. Candidates chosen will be those who demonstrate the best qualifications in all academic and practical skills. 

11. Prior to enrollment, accepted students must provide evidence of sound health and meet the school's health requirements. 

Student Visas

The I-20 Student Visa is issued to the applicant only after complete admission and acceptance has been granted. Before the papers can be processed, a notarized bank statement of financial support for tuition and expenses for one year ($81,000) must be presented to the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists. These materials must be submitted at the time of application. The Office of Graduate and International Admission will issue the I-20 visa upon receipt and approval of these documents.

Financial Assistance
(Click Here for more information)

It is university policy to accept candidates who have the personal financial resources to pay for graduate study. Foreign students are usually ineligible for financial assistance through the university or U.S. banks with the exception of permanent residents or U.S. citizens. In no case is financial assistance available to foreign nationals attending school on student visas.

Permanent residents and U.S. citizens enrolling in the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists are advised that financial support for all students is severely limited, therefore, all applicants are urged to carefully examine their financial resources before accepting an offer of admission.

Grade Point Average

Since this is a short program and highly concentrated, a GPA of 2.0 (A = 4.0) must be maintained each trimester. Therefore, each applicant will be provisionally accepted. If a doctor is unable to maintain an average GPA of 2.0, he or she will be asked to resign.

Periodic meetings each trimester by the entire Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists faculty to evaluate each student's progress are used to help counsel the students more effectively in their course work. From these meetings, recommendations are made regarding advancement, special programs and disqualification.

Graduation Requirements

In order to receive the Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree, students in the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists must: (1) successfully complete all the courses in the curriculum, (2) pass Part I and Part II of the ADA National Board examination, and (3) pass an oral comprehensive examination on the clinical sciences administered by the faculty of the Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists.

In addition to meeting the academic requirements indicated above, students must have a completed administrative clearance form on file in the Office of Academic Affairs before a degree can be conferred. This administrative clearance indicates that the student has met financial and other obligations to the university and to the student's patients.