# Foreign-trained dentist license without repeating dental school

> Source-backed U.S. reference for internationally trained dentists comparing where a residency, GPR, AEGD, specialty, advanced-education, equivalency, faculty, or limited-license route may avoid repeating a full DDS/DMD.

URL: https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license-without-repeating-dental-school

Last verified: 2026-07-08

Educational summary only, not legal, immigration, admissions, or licensing advice. "Without repeating dental school" does not mean no additional education, exam, residency, credential evaluation, supervised practice, or board approval. Confirm current requirements directly with the relevant state dental board and program before choosing a path.

## Direct answer

Some U.S. jurisdictions may let a foreign-trained dentist avoid repeating a full DDS/DMD, but the route is narrow and state-specific. Dentovio currently marks 16 jurisdictions with a sourced possible no-repeat pathway signal: Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia. 30 jurisdictions point primarily toward a CODA-accredited DDS/DMD or advanced-standing route, and 5 are marked verify. Confirm the current rule directly with the state dental board and program before relying on a residency, GPR, AEGD, specialty, equivalency, faculty, or limited-license route.

## State no-repeat pathway signals

| State | No-repeat signal | State licensure page | Residency detail |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Alabama | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/alabama/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/alabama/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Alaska | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/alaska/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/alaska/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Arizona | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/arizona/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/arizona/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Arkansas | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/arkansas/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/arkansas/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| California | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/california/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/california/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Colorado | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/colorado/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/colorado/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Connecticut | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/connecticut/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/connecticut/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Delaware | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/delaware/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/delaware/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| District of Columbia | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/district-of-columbia/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/district-of-columbia/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Florida | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/florida/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/florida/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Georgia | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/georgia/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/georgia/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Hawaii | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/hawaii/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/hawaii/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Idaho | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/idaho/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/idaho/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Illinois | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/illinois/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/illinois/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Indiana | Verify directly | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/indiana/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/indiana/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Iowa | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/iowa/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/iowa/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Kansas | Verify directly | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/kansas/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/kansas/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Kentucky | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/kentucky/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/kentucky/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Louisiana | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/louisiana/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/louisiana/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Maine | Verify directly | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/maine/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/maine/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Maryland | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/maryland/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/maryland/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Massachusetts | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/massachusetts/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/massachusetts/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Michigan | Verify directly | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/michigan/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/michigan/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Minnesota | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/minnesota/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/minnesota/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Mississippi | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/mississippi/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/mississippi/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Missouri | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/missouri/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/missouri/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Montana | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/montana/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/montana/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Nebraska | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/nebraska/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/nebraska/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Nevada | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/nevada/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/nevada/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| New Hampshire | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-hampshire/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-hampshire/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| New Jersey | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-jersey/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-jersey/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| New Mexico | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-mexico/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-mexico/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| New York | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-york/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-york/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| North Carolina | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/north-carolina/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/north-carolina/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| North Dakota | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/north-dakota/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/north-dakota/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Ohio | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/ohio/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/ohio/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Oklahoma | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/oklahoma/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/oklahoma/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Oregon | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/oregon/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/oregon/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Pennsylvania | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/pennsylvania/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/pennsylvania/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Rhode Island | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/rhode-island/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/rhode-island/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| South Carolina | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/south-carolina/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/south-carolina/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| South Dakota | Verify directly | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/south-dakota/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/south-dakota/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Tennessee | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/tennessee/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/tennessee/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Texas | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/texas/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/texas/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Utah | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/utah/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/utah/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Vermont | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/vermont/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/vermont/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Virginia | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/virginia/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/virginia/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Washington | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/washington/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/washington/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| West Virginia | Possible no-repeat pathway signal | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/west-virginia/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/west-virginia/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Wisconsin | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/wisconsin/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/wisconsin/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |
| Wyoming | Advanced-standing likely required | [Licensure page](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/wyoming/index.html.md) | [Residency detail](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/wyoming/residency-pathway/index.html.md) |

## States with a possible no-repeat pathway signal

- [Alaska foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/alaska/index.html.md): CODA residency (GPR/AEGD) pathway accepted in lieu of a regional clinical exam. Under 12 AAC 28.940(a)(8)(D), an applicant may qualify by showing satisfactory completion of a clinically-based postdoctoral GPR or AEGD program of at least.
- [Arkansas foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/arkansas/index.html.md): CODA residency/advanced-education pathway accepted (no full repeat of dental school required). Under the board's Article IX (Credentials for Foreign Trained Dentists)
- [Connecticut foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/connecticut/index.html.md): CODA residency (postgraduate training) pathway accepted — no advanced-standing DDS/DMD required. Per Conn. Gen. Stat. 20-107 and DPH rules, a foreign dental school graduate (DDS/DMD or equivalent) may qualify by completing (1)
- [Illinois foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/illinois/index.html.md): Residency/advanced-education pathway accepted (alternative). Under 225 ILCS 25/9(c)(2) and 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1220.100(b), a graduate of a dental school OUTSIDE the US/Canada may qualify by EITHER (A)
- [Iowa foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/iowa/index.html.md): CODA residency pathway accepted (historically). Under former rule IAC 650—11.4 a foreign/non-accredited-school graduate could qualify by completing EITHER a postgraduate general practice residency of at least one academic year OR an.
- [Kentucky foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/kentucky/index.html.md): CODA residency (GPR / postgraduate general dentistry) pathway ACCEPTED — no repeat of dental school required. Kentucky offers a distinct 'Licensure by International Training' pathway for graduates of non-CODA-accredited (foreign)
- [Louisiana foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/louisiana/index.html.md): CODA postgraduate program (residency) pathway ACCEPTED — no repeat DDS/DMD required. An applicant who did NOT attend an accredited (CODA)
- [Minnesota foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/minnesota/index.html.md): Foreign-training EQUIVALENCY pathway — a full CODA advanced-standing DDS/DMD is NOT strictly required. Minn. Stat. §150A.06 Subd. 1 provides that a graduate of a dental college in another country 'must not be disqualified from examination.
- [Mississippi foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/mississippi/index.html.md): CODA postdoctoral (2+ year) pathway — a full advanced-standing DDS/DMD repeat is NOT required, but foreign grads CANNOT use licensure-by-credentials (that is CODA-graduates only). Per Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-23(3), a foreign (non-ADA/CODA)
- [North Carolina foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/north-carolina/index.html.md): CODA residency (advanced dental education) pathway ACCEPTED. Under 21 NCAC 16B .0501 (licensure by credentials), an applicant who graduated with a certificate or degree from a CODA-accredited ADVANCED DENTAL EDUCATION PROGRAM (e.g.
- [Ohio foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/ohio/index.html.md): CODA residency (GPR/AEGD) pathway accepted. A foreign-trained (non-CODA) dentist does NOT have to repeat dental school: completing a minimum two years of clinical training in general dentistry in a CODA-accredited General Practice.
- [Oregon foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/oregon/index.html.md): CODA residency (GPR) pathway accepted (as an alternative to a CODA predoctoral program), but under Oregon's 'license without further examination' rule. A graduate of a dental school outside the U.S.
- [Vermont foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/vermont/index.html.md): CODA residency pathway accepted: 26 V.S.A. 601(2)(B) allows licensure by exam for a graduate of 'a program of foreign dental training AND a postgraduate program accredited by CODA that is acceptable to the Board.
- [Virginia foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/virginia/index.html.md): CODA residency pathway accepted: a foreign-trained dentist qualifies by holding a diploma/certificate from a CODA- or CDAC-accredited program that is EITHER a pre-doctoral (DDS/DMD)
- [Washington foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/washington/index.html.md): Two routes for a non-CODA / non-accredited-school graduate (WAC 246-817-160): (1) advanced-standing route — evidence of at least two additional predoctoral or postdoctoral academic years of CODA-approved dental education (must include.
- [West Virginia foreign-trained dentist pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/west-virginia/index.html.md): Advanced-standing-style CODA program required (2+ years), which functions as a residency route only if it is a 2-year advanced program: W.Va. CSR 5-1-3.

## References

- <https://dentalboard.org/>
- <https://dentalboard.org/state-licensure-applications/>
- <https://law.justia.com/codes/alabama/title-34/chapter-9/article-1/section-34-9-10/>
- <https://admincode.legislature.state.al.us/administrative-code/270-X-2-.19>
- <https://www.ada.org/~/media/Project/ADA%20Organization/ADA/ADA-org/Files/Education/Licensure%20by%20State/Alabama_Licensure>
- <https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/cbpl/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardofDentalExaminers.aspx>
- <https://www.commerce.alaska.gov/web/portals/5/pub/dentalstatutes.pdf>
- <https://www.ada.org/~/media/Project/ADA%20Organization/ADA/ADA-org/Files/Education/Licensure%20by%20State/Alaska_Licensure>
- <https://dentalboard.az.gov/>
- <https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01201.htm>
- <https://www.azleg.gov/ars/32/01276-01.htm>
- <https://dentalboard.az.gov/faqs>
- <https://www.ada.org/~/media/Project/ADA%20Organization/ADA/ADA-org/Files/Education/Licensure%20by%20State/Arizona_Licensure>
- <https://healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/dental-examiners-arkansas-state-board/>
- <https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/arkansas/038-00-06-Ark-Code-R-001>
- <https://healthy.arkansas.gov/boards-commissions/boards/dental-examiners-arkansas-state-board/licensure/>
- <https://www.sos.arkansas.gov/uploads/rulesRegs/Arkansas%20Register/2006/jun_2006/038.00.06-001.pdf>
- <https://www.ada.org/~/media/Project/ADA%20Organization/ADA/ADA-org/Files/Education/Licensure%20by%20State/Arkansas_Licensure>
- <https://www.dbc.ca.gov/>
- <https://www.dbc.ca.gov/applicants/become_licensed_dds.shtml>
- <https://www.dbc.ca.gov/applicants/licensure_by_residency.shtml>
- <https://www.dbc.ca.gov/licensees/important_changes.shtml>
- <https://www.ada.org/resources/careers/licensure/licensure-for-the-international-dentists>
- <https://dpo.colorado.gov/Dental>
- <https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/colorado/3-CCR-709-1.6>
- <https://www.sos.state.co.us/CCR/GenerateRulePdf.do?ruleVersionId=12447&fileName=3+CCR+709-1>
- <https://portal.ct.gov/dph/practitioner-licensing--investigations/dentist/licensure-eligibility-requirements-of-graduate-of-foreign-dental-schools>
- <https://law.justia.com/codes/connecticut/title-20/chapter-379/section-20-107/>
- <https://www.cga.ct.gov/PS98/rpt/olr/htm/98-R-0051.htm>
- <https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/dental/>
- <https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/dental/faqs/>
- <https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/dental/dentist_license/>
- <https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title24/1100.shtml>
- <https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/board-dentistry-dentistry-licensing>
- <https://dchealth.dc.gov/service/dentistry-initial-license-application-documents>
- <https://dchealth.dc.gov/sites/default/files/dc/sites/doh/publication/attachments/Chapter.42.Dentistry.3.26.21.pdf>
- <http://dcrules.elaws.us/dcmr/t17_ch17-42>
- <https://floridasdentistry.gov/dentist/>
- <https://www.flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2023/466.006>
- <https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0400-0499%2F0466%2F0466.html>

## Related

- [Foreign-trained dentist licensure by state](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-licensure/index.html.md)
- [Foreign-trained dentist advanced-standing pathway by state](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-advanced-standing/index.html.md)
- [Foreign-trained dentist residency pathway by state](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-residency-pathway/index.html.md)
- [Foreign-trained dentist licensure matcher](https://dentovio.com/tools/foreign-dentist-license-eligibility/index.html.md)
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- [Dental boards by state](https://dentovio.com/dental-boards/index.html.md)