# Foreign-trained dentist license in Kentucky

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

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

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 acting.

## 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.

## Official board source

- Kentucky Board of Dentistry: <https://dentistry.ky.gov/Dentists/Pages/Initial-Licensure.aspx>

## References

- Source 1: <https://dentistry.ky.gov/Dentists/Pages/Initial-Licensure.aspx>
- Source 2: <https://dentistry.ky.gov/Documents/IDLF0124.pdf>
- Source 3: <https://www.ada.org/~/media/Project/ADA%20Organization/ADA/ADA-org/Files/Education/Licensure%20by%20State/Kentucky_Licensure>

## Related

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- [Kentucky dental license requirements](https://dentovio.com/dental-license-requirements/kentucky/index.html.md)
- [Kentucky dental license reciprocity](https://dentovio.com/dental-license-reciprocity/kentucky/index.html.md)
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