# Foreign-trained dentist license in Massachusetts

> Massachusetts pathway signal for internationally trained dentists: Advanced-standing route required.

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

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 Massachusetts board before acting.

## Pathway

Advanced-standing CODA DDS/DMD only for full licensure. MGL c.112 §45 requires a diploma from a dental college accredited/recognized as accredited by CODA, and 234 CMR 4.03(3) (Initial Dentist Licensure by Examination) explicitly requires an original transcript stating the degree from a CODA-accredited dental school (or Board-approved successor accreditor). A foreign (non-CODA) graduate must complete a U.S. CODA-accredited advanced-standing DDS/DMD to obtain full licensure. Foreign-trained dentists WITHOUT a U.S. license typically use a Limited License (Dental Intern) under 234 CMR 4.05 while enrolled in an advanced-standing/postdoctoral program — this is restricted, not full licensure. No CODA GPR/AEGD-only pathway to full licensure for foreign grads.

## Required exams

iNBDE (NBDE Parts I & II per 234 CMR 4.03(5)(a)) + ADEX clinical exam administered by CDCA-WREB-CITA (234 CMR 4.03(5)(b)); patient-based periodontal examination required, minimum 75% in each section. Older CRDTS/SRTA/CDCA-DSE combinations accepted only within specific historical date windows. Plus MA Dental Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination. (WREB retired Dec 31 2022.)

## Notes

Full licensure requires a CODA-accredited dental degree; foreign grads satisfy this via a U.S. advanced-standing DDS/DMD. Limited License / Dental Intern (234 CMR 4.05) and Limited License Full-time Faculty are separate restricted categories for foreign-trained dentists in academic/training settings, not general practice licensure. Verify with Board: dentistry.admin@mass.gov.

## Official board source

- Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry: <https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-dentistry>

## References

- Source 1: <https://www.mass.gov/orgs/board-of-registration-in-dentistry>
- Source 2: <https://www.mass.gov/how-to/apply-for-a-dental-license>
- Source 3: <https://www.ada.org/~/media/Project/ADA%20Organization/ADA/ADA-org/Files/Education/Licensure%20by%20State/Massachusetts_Licensure>
- Source 4: <https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/massachusetts/234-CMR-4-04>

## Related

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- [Massachusetts dental license requirements](https://dentovio.com/dental-license-requirements/massachusetts/index.html.md)
- [Massachusetts dental license reciprocity](https://dentovio.com/dental-license-reciprocity/massachusetts/index.html.md)
- [Massachusetts dental licensure exams](https://dentovio.com/dental-licensure-exams/massachusetts/index.html.md)
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