Dentovio
Kentucky

Foreign-trained dentist license in Kentucky

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

Pathway

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) dental schools: applicant completes TWO years of post-graduate training in a CODA-accredited general dentistry program (a residency), rather than an advanced-standing DDS/DMD.

Required exams

National Board Dental Examination (iNBDE / NBDE) + one regional clinical examination taken within the 5 years preceding application: CDCA-WREB-CITA, CRDTS, DLOSCE, or SRTA. TOEFL required if English is not the applicant's primary language. Kentucky jurisprudence exam also required. (WREB retired 12/31/2022; CDCA-WREB-CITA is the merged successor.)

Notes

Clearest residency pathway of the five. Confirmed on the official board Initial Licensure page: 2-year CODA-accredited general dentistry postgraduate program + regional clinical exam + TOEFL (if applicable). Board contact: (502) 429-7280.

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

Kentucky Board of Dentistry

Visit the Kentucky 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 Kentucky board before you act. Try the eligibility matcher.