Virginia foreign-trained dentist residency pathway
In Virginia, the sourced state record indicates a CODA residency, GPR, AEGD, or advanced-education pathway may satisfy part of the licensure path under specific conditions. 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) Confirm the current rule directly with Virginia Board of Dentistry (Dept. of Health Professions) before choosing a program or filing an application.
Residency signal
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).
Exam signal
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.
Source 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.
Official board source
Virginia Board of Dentistry (Dept. of Health Professions)
Visit the Virginia board