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Illinois

Foreign-trained dentist license in Illinois

In short, Illinois accepts a residency (GPR/AEGD) pathway.

Pathway

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) completing a minimum of 2 academic years (2850 clock hours) of general dental clinical training at a US/Canadian CODA-approved dental school and obtaining a DDS/DMD (advanced standing), OR (B) in the alternative, certification from the program director of a CODA-accredited advanced dental education program of completion of no less than 2 academic years — substituting for the 2 years of clinical training. The rule names advanced-education programs in prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, orthodontics, and oral & maxillofacial surgery as acceptable.

Required exams

Written: iNBDE (integrated National Board Dental Examination), per 225 ILCS 25/9(e). Clinical: a regional exam accepted per 68 Ill. Adm. Code 1220.120 — CDCA-WREB-CITA, CRDTS, or SRTA (full restorative, periodontal, prosthodontic and endodontic portions). WREB retired Dec 31 2022 (now CDCA-WREB-CITA).

Notes

IMPORTANT nuance: the statutory/rule 'advanced dental education program' alternative (25/9(c)(2)(B); 1220.100(b)(2)(B)) requires NO LESS THAN 2 academic years and enumerates specialty residencies — a standard 1-year GPR/AEGD may not by itself satisfy the 2-year requirement; applicants should confirm program length/type with IDFPR. This is the pathway that lets a foreign-trained dentist avoid repeating a full DDS/DMD.

Residency pathway

Residency pathway found: the sourced state record indicates a CODA residency, GPR, AEGD, or advanced-education pathway may satisfy part of the licensure path under specific conditions.

View residency pathwayCompare advanced-standingCompare no-repeat pathsView licensure exams

Official source

Illinois Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) / Board of Dentistry

Visit the Illinois board →

References

Last verified 2026-07-08 (research confidence: high). Educational summary only, not legal or immigration advice. Dental licensure rules change and the details vary — confirm current requirements directly with the Illinois board before you act. Try the eligibility matcher.