Dentovio
Virginia

Foreign-trained dentist license in Virginia

In short, Virginia accepts a residency (GPR/AEGD) pathway.

Pathway

CODA residency pathway accepted: a foreign-trained dentist qualifies by holding a diploma/certificate from a CODA- or CDAC-accredited program that is EITHER a pre-doctoral (DDS/DMD) program, OR at least a 12-month post-doctoral advanced general dentistry program (GPR/AEGD), OR a post-doctoral program of at least 24 months in another specialty that includes a clinical component. A non-CODA graduate may also enter a Virginia advanced-standing program under a temporary/restricted license (18VAC60-21-230).

Required exams

National board (iNBDE / NBDE) plus a clinical competency examination per Board guidance document 60-25; ADEX-based clinical exams (CDCA/CITA) and other Board-accepted regional exams. Verify exact accepted clinical exams in guidance doc 60-25.

Notes

Confirmed on the official Virginia Board of Dentistry FAQ: the 12-month post-doctoral AGD or 24-month specialty CODA/CDAC program is an accepted route to full licensure (no need to repeat predoctoral dental school). Temporary resident/restricted license (18VAC60-21-230) covers those still in training. Contact board denbd@dhp.virginia.gov for guidance doc 60-25 exam specifics.

Residency pathway

Residency pathway found: the sourced state record indicates a CODA residency, GPR, AEGD, or advanced-education pathway may satisfy part of the licensure path under specific conditions.

View residency pathwayCompare advanced-standingCompare no-repeat pathsView licensure exams

Official source

Virginia Board of Dentistry (Dept. of Health Professions)

Visit the Virginia board →

References

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 Virginia board before you act. Try the eligibility matcher.