Utah foreign-trained dentist residency pathway
In Utah, 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 only. Utah Code §58-69-302(1)(c) requires 'satisfactory documentation of having successfully completed a program of professional education preparing an individual as a dentist as evidenced by having received an earned doctor's degree in dentistry from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental. Confirm the current rule directly with Utah Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensing Board (DOPL, Dept. of Commerce) before choosing a program or filing an application.
Residency signal
Advanced-standing CODA DDS/DMD only. Utah Code §58-69-302(1)(c) requires 'satisfactory documentation of having successfully completed a program of professional education preparing an individual as a dentist as evidenced by having received an earned doctor's degree in dentistry from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.' The licensure statute contains no non-CODA or GPR/AEGD-residency alternative pathway for initial dentist licensure, so a foreign-trained dentist must obtain a CODA-accredited DDS/DMD (advanced-standing program). (Note: a recent Utah immigrant-professional/endorsement initiative may create case-by-case flexibility, but that is not a codified foreign-graduate licensure route — verify current status with DOPL.)
Exam signal
National Board — NBDE Parts I & II or the iNBDE (JCNDE); plus a regional clinical licensure exam covering perio, endo, operative, class 2/3 restoration, and prosthodontics — Utah accepts CDCA, SRTA, CRDTS, CITA (and formerly WREB, retired Dec 31, 2022). Utah jurisprudence requirement applies.
Source notes
Utah's dentist licensure statute admits only a CODA-accredited DDS/DMD degree — no GPR/AEGD residency pathway for a non-CODA degree. A foreign grad must complete a CODA advanced-standing DDS/DMD. Watch Utah's newer immigrant-professional endorsement rules for possible future flexibility; confirm with DOPL.
Official board source
Utah Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensing Board (DOPL, Dept. of Commerce)
Visit the Utah board