FAQ

International Dentist Pathway

Find answers to common questions about UCSF’s International Dentist Pathway, from application requirements and testing to program structure, costs, and student support.

  • The IDP program is a three-year (twelve-quarter) pathway.

  • Each year we admit a minimum of 20 students.

  • Interviews are by invitation only. An interview is required for admission; however, an interview does not guarantee admission.

  • Transfers are not permitted between IDP programs in the U.S. Applicants must have graduated with a dental degree from their respective country before applying.

  • Visit our DDS program webpage for tour information.

  • The school does not offer individual appointments.For additional questions email: idpadmissions@ucsf.edu.

Application process and requirements

  • No, you must wait until the opening of the admissions cycle.

  • No, applicants must possess a completed dental degree.

  • Yes, you can pay the fee using our online payment system

  • No, there is no supplemental application. Complete the UCSF questions via the ADEA CAAPID application.

  • Yes, you may re-apply in a future cycle.

  • UCSF keeps admissions documents for two years. If you applied in the last two admissions cycles, you do not need to resubmit your supplemental documents. However, you must submit a completed ADEA CAAPID application again.

  • You will be notified via email as your application status is updated.

  • Yes, provide a marriage license or proof of citizenship to reconcile any discrepancies.

  • No, updates are only accepted via ADEA CAAPID application if feasible.

  • Refer to the previous answer; updates after the deadline are not accepted.

ADEA CAAPID

  • Yes, all applications must be submitted through ADEA CAAPID.

  • Contact ADEA CAAPID directly with questions regarding their application process.

  • No, applications must be submitted through ADEA CAAPID.

  • Late applications will not be considered or reviewed.

Letters of recommendation

  • No, all letters must be submitted through ADEA CAAPID.

  • No, only three letters are accepted.

  • A dean’s letter is not required. Submit one from a clinician supervisor, one academic from your home institution, and one of your choice.

  • No, letters must follow ADEA CAAPID instructions and include electronic signature and contact information.

  • Letters must be submitted through ADEA CAAPID. One from a clinician, one academic (within 5 years of graduation; if unable to obtain, you can submit two professional letters of recommendation), and one of your choice.

National Board Dental Exam (NBDE) and Integrated National Dental Board Exam

  • NBDE scores are reported as Pass/Fail. No numeric scores are provided.

  • Not required but highly recommended.

  • No, all scores must be received via ADEA CAAPID on or before the application deadline.

  • No, scores must be submitted via ADEA CAAPID.

  • Yes, you may submit your application before taking NBDE; official scores must be submitted by the deadline.

  • No, all attempts are reported and reviewed.

TOEFL

  • Yes, all applicants must submit TOEFL scores.

  • Yes, all applicants must submit TOEFL scores regardless of citizenship.

  • Yes, only the overall score is reviewed.

  • No, official scores must be submitted via ADEA CAAPID.

  • Yes, but official scores must be submitted by the application deadline.

  • Yes, home-based TOEFL scores are accepted.

ECE/WES course-by-course report

  • Yes, official transcripts must be received by UCSF prior to the interview date.

  • No, if submitted to ADEA CAAPID, you do not need to send another copy.

  • Yes.

Student visa

  • No, visa status does not affect eligibility.

  • Yes, at least for the first year’s program fees; this is required to request a student visa.

Financial aid and program fees

  • No, program fees are the same for all participants regardless of residency.

  • No UCSF scholarships are available. Participants must fund their education through personal resources or private loans. Visit iefa.org  to learn about external scholarship opportunities.

     

  • You can find details on program costs at the Office of the Registrar website: https://registrar.ucsf.edu/