# Foreign-trained dentist license in Illinois

> Illinois pathway signal for internationally trained dentists: Residency pathway found.

URL: https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/illinois

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 acting.

## 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.

## Official board source

- Illinois Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) / Board of Dentistry: <https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/dentist.html>

## References

- Source 1: <https://idfpr.illinois.gov/profs/dentist.html>
- Source 2: <https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1296>
- Source 3: <https://www.ada.org/~/media/Project/ADA%20Organization/ADA/ADA-org/Files/Education/Licensure%20by%20State/Illinois_Licensure>
- Source 4: <https://www.ilga.gov/agencies/JCAR/EntirePart?titlepart=06801220>

## Related

- [Foreign-trained dentist licensure by state](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-licensure/index.html.md)
- [Illinois dental license requirements](https://dentovio.com/dental-license-requirements/illinois/index.html.md)
- [Illinois dental license reciprocity](https://dentovio.com/dental-license-reciprocity/illinois/index.html.md)
- [Illinois dental licensure exams](https://dentovio.com/dental-licensure-exams/illinois/index.html.md)
- [Illinois foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/illinois/residency-pathway/index.html.md)
- [Foreign-trained dentist licensure matcher](https://dentovio.com/tools/foreign-dentist-license-eligibility)