Frequently Asked Application Questions

Q. I am a dentist in another country. What do I need to work as a Dentist in the United States?

The general dentistry program is a certificate program.  However, foreign-trained dentists who complete the 2 year program in general dentistry may be eligible for licensure in New York State, providing your visa status is permanent resident, or you may be eligible for a limited license after completing the program if you practice in an underserved community for 3 years.  This is contingent on application to the New York State Education Department and meeting their requirements.

Q. Are the programs open to international students?
Internationally-trained dentists are eligible to apply to the AEGD, Orthodontics, TMJD, Prosthodontics and Periodontics programs. They are not eligible to apply to the GPR, OMFS and Pediatric Dentistry programs (hospital-based programs).

Q. Will the U of R help international students obtain a Visa?
Yes. Upon acceptance, you will be instructed to complete a SEVIS New Admissions Data form. This will begin the process with the UR International Services Office (ISO) for applying for F-1 Visa status.

Q. Are international residents eligible for a stipend?
Currently, only AEGD international students receive a small stipend.

Q. How do I become licensed to practice dentistry in the United States?
Licensure laws vary between states. However, in New York State, international students may be eligible to apply for licensure by completing the two-year General Dentistry program. New York State Education Department (NYSED) recognizes Eastman Dental Center’s General Dentistry program as an equivalent to a U.S. degree. Education from your foreign dental school will be evaluated by NYSED and extra credit courses may be required. Also, a green card (permanent residency) is required. Students without a green card can get a limited license to work in an underserved population for 3 years. For more information regarding New York State licensing requirements, the website is http://www.op.nysed.gov/dentlimlic.htm .

Q. Is there tuition or fees for any of the programs?
Yes. There is tuition for internationally-trained dentists for the orthodontic, prosthodontic and periodontic programs.

Q. Are there opportunities for financial aid?
Yes, this information is available through the UR Financial Aid Office. International students and residents should call 585-275-3523 for details.

Q. What are the admission dates and application deadlines for the programs?
Admissions for AEGD, GPR, and the pediatric dentistry programs are between June 1 and mid-June. Admission for the orthodontics, prosthodontics, periodontology, TMJD and OMFS program is July 1.

Application deadlines for the AEGD, GPR, pediatric dentistry, TMJD and OMFS programs are October 15 of the year preceding the start of the program.

Application deadlines for the orthodontics and prosthodontics programs are September 1 of the year preceding start of the program.

Application deadline for the Periodontics program is August 1 of the year preceding the start of the program.

Q. How do I apply for the MS and PhD programs?
Contact th U of R directly at http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/smd/grad/mastersapp.html.

Q. When are candidates for residencies selected?
AEGD, GPR, OMFS and pediatric dentistry programs participate in the National Matching Services. Matches are submitted around mid-January and Match results are announced at the end of January. National Matching Services announces the schedule yearly.

The orthodontics, periodontology, and prosthodontics programs select their candidates after review of applications, usually by October or November.

Q. How do I apply for the program?
You can either request an application by phone (585-275-8315) or e-mail Marilyn Foy at marilyn_foy@urmc.rochester.edu or download the specialty program applications at http://www.urmc.rochester/edu/dentistry/education/appl_process/index.cfm

Q. I have completed and submitted my application. Can you tell me the status?
Phone Marilyn Foy (585-275-8315) any time to find out whether your application is complete.

Q. What academic requirements are there for the MS, MPH and PhD programs?
These UR programs have specific requirements. Please contact Nancy Chin at 585-275-9780 or nancy_chin@urmc.rochester.edu and Dr. Robert Quivey for the MS and PhD programs at 585-275-0382 or robert_quivey@urmc.rochester.edu for more information.

Q. What are the academic requirements for acceptance into the residency programs?
Applicants must have a DDS or DMD degree.

Q. Are there additional academic requirements for international students? No.

Q. Do you offer any internships?
Yes. Fourth year U.S. dental school students can apply for an externship through the UR. The Website is http://www.urmc.rochester.edu/smd/mdregistrar/forms/visitinstructions.html

Q. Am I required to take a NERB? No.

Q. What licensure or permits are required to apply to your programs?
None are required to apply. However, U.S. and Canadian dentists who are accepted must apply for licensure or limited permit from the New York State Education Department.

Q. Are GRE or TOEFL scores required for admission? If so is there a minimum score requirement?
GRE scores are not required. TOEFL scores are required for international students who are accepted and applying for a Visa.

Q. I am interested in applying for the graduate program in Prosthodontics. As an international applicant do I need to sit for my national boards?
No.