# Foreign-trained dentist license in Mississippi

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

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

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 Mississippi board before acting.

## Pathway

CODA postdoctoral (2+ year) pathway — a full advanced-standing DDS/DMD repeat is NOT required, but foreign grads CANNOT use licensure-by-credentials (that is CODA-graduates only). Per Miss. Code Ann. §73-9-23(3), a foreign (non-ADA/CODA) graduate applies for licensure BY EXAMINATION and must: be 21+, be English-proficient, have completed ≥6 academic years of postsecondary study culminating in a foreign dental degree, have been licensed/admitted to practice in that foreign country, AND present documentation of completing at least 2 or more years of full-time POSTDOCTORAL dental education in a CODA-accredited dental program (completed after the general dental degree), with the program's dean certifying the applicant achieved the same didactic and clinical competence as a graduate of the school's predoctoral program.

## Required exams

NBDE Parts I & II (or successor — i.e., iNBDE) of the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations (waived only for pre-1960 graduates). A clinical/regional exam is also part of licensure by examination — Mississippi accepts ADEX-based regional exams (e.g., CITA/SRTA/CDCA); confirm the currently accepted clinical exam with the Board. (WREB retired Dec 31 2022.)

## Notes

Key nuance: the required '2 or more years of full-time postdoctoral dental education in a CODA-accredited program' is a postdoctoral advanced-education requirement (a residency-style route) completed AFTER the foreign dental degree, plus a dean's competence certification — it is NOT a full advanced-standing DDS/DMD repeat, and it is NOT the same as merely finishing any GPR/AEGD (the dean-certification and 2-year full-time criteria must be met). Foreign grads are barred from licensure-by-credentials. Exact clinical-exam acceptance should be confirmed with the Board (Ridgeland, MS).

## Official board source

- Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners: <https://www.dentalboard.ms.gov/>

## References

- Source 1: <https://www.dentalboard.ms.gov/>
- Source 2: <https://www.dentalboard.ms.gov/sites/dentalboard/files/Foreign%20Trained%20FAQ.pdf>
- Source 3: <https://www.dentalboard.ms.gov/licensure-credentials-frequently-asked-questions>
- Source 4: <https://www.ada.org/~/media/Project/ADA%20Organization/ADA/ADA-org/Files/Education/Licensure%20by%20State/Mississippi_Licensure>

## Related

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- [Mississippi dental license requirements](https://dentovio.com/dental-license-requirements/mississippi/index.html.md)
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