UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry recently introduced its new International Dentist Education Program (IDEP), an innovative program offering a 27-month pathway to a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree.
Approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation, the IDEP is designed for dentists who earned dental degrees outside the United States. The application cycle is open and available through March 31.
In most states, internationally trained dentists are not eligible for dental licensure unless they obtain a DDS or DMD degree from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation or complete a similarly accredited residency program of at least two years. However, the IDEP establishes a two-year track designed to allow an accelerated timeframe for internationally trained dentists with substantial clinical competence and experience to obtain their DDS degree.
About the program
IDEP begins with an accelerated three-month Bridge Training Program (May through July 2025), a comprehensive calibration and preparation program to review dentistry's art, science, and practice in diverse clinical disciplines. This training is designed to prepare students for matriculation into the third year of the DDS program in August 2025.
The total estimated cost for the Bridge Training Program is $25,000. After completing this preparatory training, matriculation into the third year of the DDS program will require coordination with the Office of the Registrar. IDEP students can anticipate tuition and fees to average up to $100,000 per year, depending on Texas resident status. The total estimated cost for IDEP is USD 225,000. For more information on IDEP tuition and fees, see the Bursar's Office website.
Program timeline (2025)
- March 1-31: Application cycle open (uth.edu/IDEP)
- April: Interviews, bench test, and selection of students
- May 19: IDEP begins
- August 11: Start of semester for 2025-26 academic year
Interview information
Applicants selected for an in-person interview will also be required to sit for a bench exam (which includes an additional, nonrefundable fee of $300).
IDEP offers a unique opportunity for international dentists to enhance their credentials and join the U.S. dental workforce. UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry invites all eligible candidates to apply and encourages sharing program information within professional dental networks.
For questions or more information, contact the PACE Center at PACE@uth.tmc.edu.
Admission requirements
Below are the requirements to prepare a successful application for submission.
- Completed five-page application, which includes a statement of intent and photo | $300 nonrefundable
- Resume or CV detailing academic history, certifications, licensures, employment, and training experience (in English)
- Dental school diploma (with English translations, if applicable)
- ECE Course by Course Evaluation Report of transcripts from non-U.S. dental school
- Three letters of recommendation from dental professionals (one letter is required from the dean of your dental school)
- Copy of TOEFL scores (reporting a combined score of 92 or above)
- Copy of National Boards Parts I & II or Integrated National Board Dental Examination score (obtained within the last five years)
- Health records completed by a health care provider (with English translations, if applicable)
- Completed UTHealth Houston Immunization Form (attach any lab work to show proof of immunizations, if necessary)
- A letter of good health from a physician
- Copy of current CPR certification (provided by the American Heart Association, front and back of card)
- A copy of photo identification
- For U.S. Citizens: Copy of your federal or state-issued photo identification
- For U.S. Permanent Residents: Copy of your Permanent Resident Card
- Years of experience as a practicing dentist
- Community and voluntary engagement
- Shadowing hours and/or work experience in health-related areas
- Postgraduate education
If the student successfully completes the Bridge Training, they will work with a representative from the Office of Student and Academic Affairs on admissions and fees leading up to the start of the DDS program as a third-year dental student. The DDS curriculum requirements for third and fourth year is available here.