IDP Tracker

How much does an international dentist program cost?

Published 2026-27 figures range widely: from roughly 49,000 USD per year billed at public schools like Pittsburgh to over 111,000 USD per year in tuition alone at private programs like NYU and Columbia. Total program costs commonly run 100,000 to 300,000+ USD depending on length and school. Living costs add 20,000 to 44,000 USD per year in major cities. Figures are each school's published rates and change annually - always confirm current costs directly with the school.

How long do these programs take?

24 to 45 months. The shortest are 24-month programs (Pacific, USC, BU, Buffalo, UNLV, Howard, Meharry, Touro, Pittsburgh, Colorado); the longest is Florida's 45-month track. Most fall between 27 and 30 months.

Do all programs require the INBDE?

Nearly all require the INBDE (or legacy NBDE Part I/II) before or at application - some, like UAB, require a passing result before you even apply. UCSF is a rare exception where the INBDE is optional but strongly recommended.

Is the TOEFL always required?

Most programs require it, with published minimums from 79 (WesternU, Buffalo) to 100 (USC, NYU). Some, like NYU and Rutgers, require it from every applicant regardless of citizenship. Policies on the Home Edition and MyBest scores vary by school - check each program page.

How many programs can I apply to?

As many as you want through one ADEA CAAPID application: 264 USD for the first program and 115 USD for each additional, plus each school's supplemental fee. Applying to 5 to 10 programs is common given single-digit seat counts at many schools.

When should I start preparing?

Plan 12 to 18 months ahead. A typical sequence: pass the INBDE, order your ECE or WES evaluation, take the TOEFL, then apply the day CAAPID opens in early March - rolling programs like Penn (1,790+ applications for 20 seats) fill fast.

The typical route

• Pass the INBDE (most programs require it before or at application)
• Order an ECE or WES course-by-course credential evaluation
• Take the TOEFL if required (minimums range from 79 to 100 iBT)
• Apply through ADEA CAAPID plus each school's supplemental application
• Bench test and/or interview if invited, typically summer through fall
• Matriculate - most programs run 24 to 36 months and award a US DDS or DMD

Timeline reality check

• Plan 12 to 18 months from decision to matriculation
• Rolling-admission programs fill early - submitting on opening day matters
• TOEFL scores are generally valid for 2 years; check each program's window

ECE vs WES

• Most programs accept either; a few (like UCLA) specify ECE only
• Course-by-course reports are required, not document-by-document
• Reports completed in the last 5 years can usually be re-sent to CAAPID

CAAPID vs PASS - which application service do you need?

Subject to change and additional requirements - see disclaimer below. Last updated July 2026.

• They are separate applications with separate fees - completing one does not feed the other
• Naming trap: Penn and Minnesota call their advanced standing programs "PASS," but you still apply to them through CAAPID, not the ADEA PASS service
• Rule of thumb: want to own or associate in a general practice in any state - CAAPID. Want to specialize, or target a specific state that licenses via residency - PASS may be the shorter road
• Some dentists run both in parallel and take whichever acceptance comes first - budget for two application cycles if so

• ADEA CAAPID - the centralized application for advanced standing programs (opens early March each cycle)
• ECE and WES - credential evaluation services (order the course-by-course report)
• TOEFL iBT (ETS) - English proficiency testing; check each program's minimum and Home Edition policy
• Casper (Acuity Insights) - situational judgment test required by some programs, including UCLA
• INBDE - the Integrated National Board Dental Examination, administered by the JCNDE; register through your official board channel
• Your state dental board - final licensure requirements vary by state; always confirm with the board where you plan to practice
• DentiByte Events & CE - live courses and CE to build your US credentials while you prepare
• The Weekly Byte - our Monday digest to stay current with US dentistry before you matriculate