Application

The Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (CAAPID) is an application service provided by the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) for internationally trained dentists who wish to apply to advanced standing or international dental programs in the United States. These programs allow foreign-trained dentists to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) and become licensed to practice in the U.S.

Here’s a breakdown of the components of the CAAPID application:

1. Personal Information

Biographical Details: Basic personal information such as your name, contact information, birth date, and citizenship status.
Residency Information: Your legal residency and visa status if applicable. Some programs may require certain types of visas or residency status to apply.

2. Educational History

Dental Education: Detailed information about your foreign dental degree (BDS, DDS, DMD, etc.), including the name of the institution, country, dates of attendance, and the degree awarded.
Transcripts and Evaluations: Since most U.S. dental programs require official evaluations of foreign transcripts, you must submit:
ECE (Educational Credential Evaluators) or WES (World Education Services) reports. These services evaluate your foreign education credentials and translate your grades into the U.S. grading system.
Additional Education: If you have any additional degrees (Master’s, PhD, etc.), you will also provide details on those.

3. Dental Experience

Clinical Experience: Information about your clinical training and experience as a dentist in your home country or elsewhere, such as the type of procedures you performed and the setting (private practice, public clinics, etc.).
Postgraduate Training: If you completed any postgraduate programs like internships, residencies, or specialty training, you should provide detailed information on those experiences.

4. Professional Experience

Employment: A section where you provide details about your work history, including positions held, the nature of the work, and the length of employment. This can include dental practice, academic positions, research roles, and other professional experiences.
Volunteer Work: This section includes any unpaid positions or community service you’ve participated in, which is often valued by dental programs.

5. Professional License and Certification

Dental License: Information about any dental licenses or certifications you hold in your home country or other countries where you have practiced dentistry.
Licensure Exams: Details of any relevant licensure exams taken in your country, or certifications you might have that would be relevant for practice in the U.S.

6. Test Scores

National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) or Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE):
For most advanced standing programs, passing scores for Part I and/or Part II of the NBDE or the INBDE are required. Some programs may only require the INBDE, which is a single exam that integrates content from both Part I and Part II of the NBDE.
You’ll need to submit your official test scores via CAAPID.
English Language Proficiency Tests:
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) is required by many programs to demonstrate proficiency in English. The required minimum score varies by school, so check specific program requirements.
TOEFL scores must be sent directly to CAAPID and reported in your application.

7. Personal Statement

This is a key component of the application where you explain:

Your motivation for pursuing dentistry in the U.S.
Your experiences as an international dentist and how they have prepared you for advanced standing programs.
Your career goals and how the program will help you achieve those goals.
Why you’re interested in specific advanced standing programs.

The personal statement is an opportunity to showcase your passion for dentistry and your long-term professional aspirations.

8. Letters of Evaluation (LoE)

You are required to submit 3-4 letters of evaluation (recommendation letters). These letters should come from:

Dental professionals: Mentors, supervisors, or professors who can speak to your dental skills, work ethic, and character.
Employers or faculty: If you have worked in an academic or clinical setting, you may also get letters from employers or faculty members who know you well.

CAAPID facilitates electronic submission of these letters, and you will provide your recommenders’ contact information so they can upload the letters directly to the application.

9. Resume/Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Your CV provides a snapshot of your professional, academic, and extracurricular history. This includes:

Education: Details of your degrees and certificates.
Work experience: Positions held, including private practice, teaching, or research.
Volunteer work: Any dental or community outreach programs you’ve participated in.
Awards, honors, or recognitions: Include any achievements related to your dental career.

10. Program Designations

You’ll need to select the specific advanced standing programs you wish to apply to through CAAPID. Each program may have slightly different requirements, so review each school’s requirements carefully before applying.

Program-specific questions: Some schools may require you to answer supplemental questions or submit additional materials.
Fees: You’ll pay a fee for each program you apply to through the CAAPID system.

11. Additional Documents (if applicable)

Some programs may request additional documentation, such as:

Dental portfolios: Photographic evidence of your work in clinical settings or on specific cases.
Research papers or publications: If you’ve been involved in dental research, you may be asked to provide evidence of your contributions.

12. Application Fees

CAAPID application fee: ADEA charges a fee for submitting applications through CAAPID. There are additional fees for applying to multiple programs.
Program-specific fees: Some programs may have their own supplemental fees or application requirements, so it’s important to check each program’s website for details.

13. Bench Test and Interview Invitations

After submitting your CAAPID application, programs may invite you for:

Bench Tests: To assess your clinical and technical skills in person.
Interviews: To evaluate your communication skills, professionalism, and overall fit for the program.

Tips for Success with CAAPID Applications

Start Early: Gathering transcripts, evaluations, and letters of recommendation can take time.
Check Deadlines: Each program has its own deadline, and it’s important to submit your materials on time.
Tailor Your Application: Ensure your personal statement and experiences align with the specific programs you’re applying to.
Follow Up: Keep track of your application and follow up with evaluators or testing agencies to ensure all materials are submitted on time.

By completing the CAAPID application thoroughly and thoughtfully, you’ll present a strong case for admission to an advanced standing dental program.