Dental Licensing

Graduating from an Advanced Standing / International Dentist Program (DDS or DMD) is a huge achievement — but it’s also the beginning of your postgraduate licensing, career, and specialization journey in the United States.

Here is the complete, step-by-step roadmap of what happens after you graduate — including licensure, residency options, career pathways, visa considerations, and what to do in the first 6–12 months after completing your program.

This is the guide most schools wish they gave their international graduates.

⭐ 1. Apply for a State Dental License (Your #1 Priority After Graduation)

After earning your DDS/DMD, you must finalize your requirements for full licensure.

Most states require:

✔ 1. INBDE

You usually take this before starting the program. If not, take it right after graduation.

✔ 2. Clinical Examination

Common exams include:

ADEX / CDCA-WREB-CITA (most states accept this)
Western Regional Examining Board (WREB)
Central Regional Dental Testing Service (CRDTS)
Southern Regional Testing Agency (SRTA)
Manikin-based OSCE-style exams in some states (no live patients)

More states now use manikin exams — easier and less stressful.

✔ 3. State Jurisprudence Exam (Law & Ethics Test)

Every state requires a specific exam on:

Infection control
Recordkeeping
Permitted duties
State-specific laws
Prescribing rules

Examples:

California: CJLE
Texas: Jurisprudence
Florida: Laws & Rules Exam

✔ 4. Background Check / Fingerprinting

Usually through LiveScan or state police.

✔ 5. CPR/BLS Certification

Must be from AHA-certified provider.

✔ 6. Proof of Professional Liability Insurance

Required once you start practicing.

📌 Timeline:
Most graduates receive their license within 2–8 weeks after submitting all documents.

⭐ 2. Choose the State Where You Want to Practice

Each state has slightly different requirements.

Best states for new grads (simple process):

Texas
Arizona
Washington
Illinois
Ohio
Virginia
Colorado
Florida
Minnesota
New York (no clinical exam required if you complete a 1-year residency!)

States with more complex rules:

California
Nevada
Georgia
Delaware

I can help you pick the best state depending on your goals and visa situation.

⭐ 3. Decide Whether You Will Pursue a Residency (Optional But Helpful)

Many Advanced Standing graduates choose a residency to become more competitive.

Residency Options:

✔ AEGD (Advanced Education in General Dentistry)

1 year
Improves speed, confidence, clinical range
Great for students wanting more hands-on training
Accepted across most states for licensure benefits

✔ GPR (General Practice Residency)

1 year, hospital-based
Heavy on emergencies, trauma, OR cases
Often qualifies you for licensure in NY without a clinical exam

✔ Specialty Programs (2–6 years)

Endodontics
Periodontics
Orthodontics
Prosthodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
Oral Surgery (rare for international applicants)

⭐ 4. Consider Teaching, Research, or Academic Roles

After graduation, you become eligible for:

Teaching assistant positions
Adjunct faculty roles
Research associate roles

These are excellent if you want:

Strong letters of recommendation
Better residency opportunities
Academic advancement

Some states even issue faculty licenses to foreign-trained specialists.

⭐ 5. Secure a Job (Corporate, Private Practice, or Public Health)

The main career tracks are:

✔ 1. Corporate Dentistry (DSOs)

Examples:

Aspen Dental
Heartland Dental
Pacific Dental Services
Western Dental

Pros:

Easy to get hired
Visa sponsorship sometimes possible
Fast-paced, good income

Cons:

High patient volume
Less control over treatment decisions

✔ 2. Private Practice

You can:

Work as an associate
Buy into a practice
Start your own clinic (if permitted by visa status)

Income potential is highest here.

✔ 3. Community & Public Health Clinics (FQHCs)

Benefits:

Loan repayment programs (NHSC)
Great hands-on experience
Strong underserved mission

✔ 4. Veterans Affairs (VA)

Excellent salary + benefits but requires U.S. citizenship.

⭐ 6. Visa and Immigration Planning (For International Graduates)

This is a CRITICAL area for international graduates.

Most common visas after graduation:

✔ 1. OPT (Optional Practical Training)

Gives you 12 months to work after graduation.
You MUST apply early (90 days before program end).

✔ 2. H-1B Visa (Employer Sponsored)

Many DSOs sponsor H-1B.
Specialty residencies also sponsor H-1B.

Requirements:

Direct employer sponsorship
Prevailing wage
Limited annual lottery (unless cap-exempt)

✔ 3. Cap-Exempt H-1B (Easier)

If you work for:

Universities
Research institutions
Non-profit hospitals

These do not require the lottery.

✔ 4. EB-2/NIW Green Card

Some dentists qualify under “national interest waiver”—especially those serving underserved communities.

⭐ 7. Get Your DEA Registration (To Prescribe Controlled Substances)

After receiving your state license:

Apply for a DEA number
Required to write prescriptions for narcotics
Employers often expect this immediately

⭐ 8. Obtain Malpractice Insurance

Typical coverage:

$1 million / $3 million
Usually $1,500–$3,000 per year

Some employers provide coverage at no cost.

⭐ 9. Build Your Professional Portfolio

Do these early:

Update CV and LinkedIn
Collect letters from faculty
Compile clinical case photos (HIPAA-compliant)
Attend continuing education (CE) events
Join the ADA and state dental associations

⭐ 10. Financial Setup as a New Dentist

Set up:

Professional bank accounts
Retirement accounts (401k, IRA)
Disability insurance
Budget for student loans

Many new graduates underestimate costs. I can help you build a personalized financial plan if you want.

⭐ 11. Begin Taking Continuing Education (CE)

Many states require 15–50 CE hours every 1–2 years.

⭐ SUMMARY: Your Step-by-Step Post-Graduation Path

Immediately After Graduation

✔ Apply for state dental license
✔ Take clinical exam (if required)
✔ Obtain jurisprudence & CPR certification

Within 2 Months

✔ Get DEA registration
✔ Start job or residency
✔ Complete immigration steps (OPT/H-1B)

Within 6 Months

✔ Settle into practice
✔ Start CE training
✔ Organize finances

Within 1–2 Years

✔ Consider specialties
✔ Build clinical portfolio
✔ Apply for permanent residency (if eligible)