Dentistry (Advanced Standing Program for Internationally Trained Dentists)

Study how U.S. private practice dental clinics are managed with the Dentistry (Advanced Standing Program for Internationally Trained Dentists) DMD in the Kornberg School of Dentistry at Temple University. This 24-month advanced doctoral program is specifically tailored for experienced dentists trained at international schools who seek to practice in the U.S. Students learn in a comprehensive general dentistry clinic that simulates private practice and follows American Dentistry Association guidelines. Students are eligible to take licensing exams to practice dentistry in any state upon successful completion of this program. 

The program comprehensively prepares students through didactic and clinical curricula, which are complemented by studies of U.S. practice models, laws, codes of ethics and practice management models. Research opportunities and extensive clinical experience are the cornerstones of excellence for the program.

You'll advance your career alongside a diverse cohort of fellow dentists from around the world, deepening your knowledge of dentistry at the second-oldest dental institution in the country. The program's focus on patient-centered practice helps you form an understanding of and empathy for treating individuals across communities with diverse populations and a variety of oral healthcare needs. 

Kornberg School of Dentistry is located on Temple's Health Sciences Campus, which offers access to cutting-edge technology in clinical settings. Train alongside faculty members working at the forefront of innovative research in the field.

This Dentistry DMD program is approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA). Applicants should have

• completed a non-CODA graduate program at a peer institution; 

• passed both Part I & II or Integrated version (INDBE) of the National Dental Examination Boards before matriculation; and 

• graduated from a CODA-accredited residency or post-graduate program, or retained at least two years of clinical experience following their first dental degree.

Along with an assessment of pre-clinical skills, a superior knowledge of the English language will be considered. To meet this requirement, a TOEFL score of 100 or higher or a similar score with an equivalent English language testing service is required.

University degree requiring four years of study.

Request one certified copy of official transcripts from every college and university you have attended, even if only one course was taken. International degrees must be assessed for equivalency with a U.S. degree based on the characteristics of the national educational system, the type of institution attended and the level of studies completed. A minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is ordinarily required for admissions consideration. If unofficial transcripts are submitted during the application process, submission of official academic records will be required by the end of your first term of graduate study if you are admitted and subsequently enroll at Temple University.

The Dentistry (Advanced Standing Program for Internationally Trained Dentists) DMD is designed to acclimate foreign DMDs into American practice. Graduates of this program have also found success as

• academic professors and instructors,
• oral surgeons, as well as
• scientific researchers, as it relates to oral and craniofacial biology.

Career Development

Through the Office of Student Affairs, students pursuing careers in dentistry can get counseling and support during their tenure at Kornberg and after they graduate. The office regularly hosts career events and guest speakers covering a wide range of topics including:

• corporate and private practice careers,
• debt management,
• general practice residencies,
• military service, and
• specialty education.

Once enrolled in the program, you will receive regular notifications about career opportunities. Additionally, the school provides an updated list of job opportunities for dental professionals across the U.S.

Externship Opportunities

Temple University Kornberg School of Dentistry fosters global exchange programs between students and faculty. Dentistry students in their senior year can experience working with patients, fellow students and dentists abroad by taking advantage of the externship opportunities offered by the Dental School.

Kornberg has an agreement with the emirate of Kuwait to train dental students in the DMD program. The Kuwait Exchange Program enables students to study the dental care and education systems in Kuwait, shadow and assist their peers in the University of Kuwait's School of Dentistry clinic, and experience Kuwaiti culture and hospitality. Temple students then host Kuwaiti students on Philadelphia's campus for a week. The exchange program is entirely student run, with support from the faculty and deans of both schools.

Additionally, Temple Dental has weeklong mission trips to the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Jamaica. The school's weeklong Haiti Dental Mission has been active for more than 22 years, sending teams of dental students and faculty each year (even after the devastating earthquake of 2010). This program is affiliated with the Haitian Health Foundation and funded by the students with support from the dean's office and other related associations. 

The Peru Club is a nonprofit organization that partners with the Growing Smiles Foundation and provides the opportunity for students and faculty to experience life and learn about a different culture. This group travels to Peru to provide oral health education and essential dental care to children who lack access to quality care. 

Alumni Mentoring

Many Temple Dental alumni stay closely connected to the school and are an invaluable resource for dentistry students as the latter lay the foundation for their careers. Through the Alumni Mentoring Program, alumni share their professional experience with current Temple students. Mentors are available to students to help them make the transition from undergraduate student to dental student to dental practitioner a manageable and enjoyable experience Once registered with the program, each dentistry student is matched with a mentor who fits their needs.

Learn more about alumni mentoring.