New York foreign-trained dentist residency pathway
In New York, the sourced state record generally points foreign-trained dentists toward a CODA-accredited DDS/DMD or advanced-standing pathway, not a residency-only route. Advanced-standing CODA DDS/DMD required — a residency does NOT replace dental school. A graduate of an unaccredited/unregistered foreign dental school must complete not less than two academic years of study in a registered/CODA-accredited dental school program (advanced-standing) and earn the DDS/DMD. Note: NY also requires ALL initial licensees (including U.S. grads) Confirm the current rule directly with New York State Board for Dentistry (NYSED Office of the Professions) before choosing a program or filing an application.
Residency signal
Advanced-standing CODA DDS/DMD required — a residency does NOT replace dental school. A graduate of an unaccredited/unregistered foreign dental school must complete not less than two academic years of study in a registered/CODA-accredited dental school program (advanced-standing) and earn the DDS/DMD. Note: NY also requires ALL initial licensees (including U.S. grads) to complete an approved dental residency of at least one year, but for foreign grads this 1-year residency is IN ADDITION to the 2-year advanced-standing program, not a substitute for it.
Exam signal
National Board Dental Examination Parts I and II / iNBDE (scores sent directly from the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations) plus a Board-accepted clinical examination (NY accepts ADEX/CDCA). Plus mandatory 1-year CODA-approved residency and NYS coursework (e.g., child abuse, infection control). WREB retired Dec 31, 2022.
Source notes
Two distinct residency facts are easy to conflate: (1) the universal 1-year post-DDS residency required of all NY licensees, and (2) whether a residency lets a foreign grad skip dental school — it does not. Foreign grads need the 2-year advanced-standing CODA degree. Verify current iNBDE/clinical-exam acceptance with the Board.
Official board source
New York State Board for Dentistry (NYSED Office of the Professions)
Visit the New York board