International dentist program - admission information

Two-academic-year program

The international dentist program at Loma Linda University is designed to allow qualified dentists, educated in countries outside the United States, to earn a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) degree in the United States. The DDS degree from a US dental college is an educational requirement for eligibility to take the dental licensure examination in many states. The program has a minimum length of two academic years (24 calendar months). All instruction is provided under the direction of the Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.

Admissions standards

Prerequisite requirements include the following:

• A dental degree from a recognized foreign dental school
• National Dental Board Examination Part I and Part II (Minimum suggested scores: Part I - 81, Part II - 79).
• TOEFL examination: (Required minimum scores: 213 CBT or 550 written)
• Evaluation of dental school transcripts or marks sheets, with English translation, course-by-course evaluation

In addition, for application purposes, the following documents are required:

• Three letters of reference (preferably from dental school faculty)
• Attested copies, with English translation, of dental school diploma and dental school transcripts
• Copy of visa or immigration status
• Curriculum vitae
• Personal statement or essay
• Dexterity test and personal interview by invitation

Upon acceptance into the School of Dentistry, you will be required to buy a specific laptop. You will receive information on the computer and be directed to a web site where you must purchase the laptop. Any laptop not purchased at the web site will not be allowed onto the School of Dentistry network. For more information you may contact dental computing services at (909) 558-4674.

Non-US citizen and non-permanent resident financial policy:
Students applying for or holding F-1 U.S. Student Visas are required by U.S. immigration regulation to secure sufficient funds for their first year's tuition and fees and provide documentary evidence of sufficient funds for their second year.

For an information brochure, please email your name and postal mailing address to idp@llu.edu or call (909) 558-4669.

Continuing education

The international dentist program provides a special continuing education program available only to missionary dentists who are foreign trained, currently serve full time in a Seventh-day Adventist clinic facility, and have a continuing long-term commitment to do so.