The Road Less Traveled: Hurdles Faced by Internationally Trained Dentists Seeking Advanced Standing in the US or Canada

My pathway to Success with Simpli Boards!

Table of Content:

Introduction

For many internationally trained dentists, the dream of practicing in the United States or Canada represents an opportunity to grow professionally, access advanced technology, and contribute to a diverse and evolving healthcare system. However, this journey is anything but easy. The path to entering Advanced Standing Dental Programs or International Dental Programs—the gateway for foreign-trained dentists to earn a US/Canadian DDS or DMD degree—is paved with numerous challenges, both anticipated and unforeseen.

Credential Evaluation and Eligibility Criteria

Every dental school in the US has its own unique set of admission requirements. This includes a rigorous evaluation of international transcripts and degrees. Many candidates struggle with:

Getting their credentials evaluated through agencies like ECE.
Meeting the minimum GPA or coursework requirements.
Navigating through variations in prerequisite courses required by different schools.

Note: Canadian universities often require transcripts to be sent directly to their admission offices.

Standardized Testing Pressure: INBDE and TOEFL

Two essential hurdles for the US pathway are:

INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination): The pass rate is not guaranteed despite prior dental education. The conceptual shift and clinical application-oriented questions can be overwhelming.
TOEFL: While it may seem manageable, achieving competitive scores in all four sections (especially speaking) is critical for admissions and sometimes for visa applications.

Note: For the Canadian pathway, many universities require the ADAT (Advanced Dental Admission Test) for their International Dentist Programs (IDP), but not all.

Application Complexity

Unlike a centralized process, most ASDPs require individual applications through CAAPID or school-specific portals. This involves:

Writing tailored personal statements (SOP).
Securing strong recommendations.
Preparing a strong profile and CV.

Financial Strain

The financial burden is perhaps one of the biggest obstacles:

Application fees, evaluation charges, and travel expenses can accumulate thousands of dollars.
The program tuition often ranges between $150,000 and $300,000 for 2-3 years, and many candidates struggle to find sponsors or qualify for student loans without a co-signer or green card.

However, if a permanent resident or citizen, there are potential sources of financial aid, such as scholarships, grants, and private loans, that can help alleviate some of the financial burden. One must prioritize this step at the beginning.

Bench Test Preparation

After application shortlisting, candidates must clear the bench test—a hands-on clinical skill evaluation. Hurdles include:

Limited access to North American-style dental materials and mannequins in home countries.
High costs of prep courses and simulation labs in the university.
Lack of feedback or structured guidance, leading to trial-and-error practice.

Many institutions are very commercial and charge thousands of dollars for a few days of training. Few US universities offer bench prep courses, but whether they help is a big question. So, we at Simpli Boards brought an economical version of Bench Preparation to make skill-building more accessible and results-driven.

Interview Process

The interview evaluates not just communication skills but also ethical decision-making, problem-solving, and cultural adaptability. For many, conveying their passion, experience, and intentions in a second language is a challenge, especially under pressure.

Visa and Immigration Issues

Even after admission, visa complications can arise. Issues such as:

Delayed visa processing.
Difficulty converting to F-1 status if already in the US.
Restrictions on working while studying.

Note: You can apply to IDP programs in Canada only if you have Canadian PR or citizenship.

Cultural Adjustment and Professional Transition

Moving to a new country entails more than academics:

Adapting to new social norms, patient expectations, and clinical protocols.
Managing emotional stress, homesickness, and potential discrimination.
Understanding HIPAA, OSHA, and other dental regulations.

conclusion

Being someone who has personally experienced this journey, I deeply understand and acknowledge the emotional, financial, and professional challenges that internationally trained dentists go through. It’s not just about passing an exam—it’s about reinventing yourself in a new system, with new expectations and unfamiliar terrain.

That’s why Simpli Boards was created—to bridge the gap. We offer Board Exam Prep, University Admission Prep, and Bench Test Prep programs that are accurate, accessible, and affordable. To further reduce the burden, we proudly offer:
– Scholarships for Board Exam Prep,
– Free TOEFL Prep for those enrolled in Simpli Admission Assist, and
– Combo Packs that bundle essential services at discounted rates.

With expert mentors, a supportive community, and a mission to see you succeed, Simpli Boards is not just a prep service—it’s a companion on your path to becoming a licensed dentist in North America.

dental professional dentist inbde TOEFL

The Road Less Traveled: Hurdles Faced by Internationally Trained Dentists Seeking Advanced Standing in the US or Canada