Hawaii foreign-trained dentist residency pathway
In Hawaii, the sourced state record generally points foreign-trained dentists toward a CODA-accredited DDS/DMD or advanced-standing pathway, not a residency-only route. Advanced-standing CODA DDS/DMD only. Hawaii Board FAQ (rev. 07.16.25) states only CODA-accredited DDS or DMD degrees are acceptable for dentist (DT) licensure, and that 'Completion of an advanced dental education program at a CODA accredited dental college is NOT acceptable in lieu of a DDS or DMD degree.' A foreign (non-CODA) Confirm the current rule directly with Hawaii Board of Dentistry (DCCA-PVL) before choosing a program or filing an application.
Residency signal
Advanced-standing CODA DDS/DMD only. Hawaii Board FAQ (rev. 07.16.25) states only CODA-accredited DDS or DMD degrees are acceptable for dentist (DT) licensure, and that 'Completion of an advanced dental education program at a CODA accredited dental college is NOT acceptable in lieu of a DDS or DMD degree.' A foreign (non-CODA) graduate must therefore earn a CODA DDS/DMD via a US advanced-standing program. No residency (GPR/AEGD) pathway.
Exam signal
Written: iNBDE (or NBDE Part I & II). Clinical: must pass ALL 5 parts of the ADEX exam (including the optional 5th periodontal section); no other regional exam (CRDTS, SRTA, WREB, NERB) is accepted for DT licensure per HRS 448-9.4. Live-patient or full-manikin ADEX (on/after June 5, 2020) accepted.
Source notes
Only CODA-accredited non-US schools currently recognized (as of May 2025) are Yeditepe University (Turkey) and King Abdulaziz University (Saudi Arabia). CDAC (Canada) reciprocity does NOT qualify for DT licensure (may qualify for CSDT/DTT temporary/community-service types only). Hawaii does not license by reciprocity or specialty.