# Foreign-trained dentist licensure by state > State-by-state pathway reference for internationally trained dentists comparing advanced-standing DDS/DMD routes, residency pathways, required exams, and official board links. URL: https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-licensure Last verified: 2026-07-08 Educational summary only, not legal or immigration advice. Dental licensure rules change frequently and details vary by state. Confirm current requirements directly with the relevant state dental board before acting. ## Direct answer - Most states require a CODA-accredited advanced-standing DDS/DMD before full licensure. - Residency or advanced-education pathways exist in some states, but the terms vary by program length, state location, program type, and whether the residency substitutes for education, clinical examination, or both. - States currently marked as accepting a residency pathway in this dataset: Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia. ## Tool - [Foreign-trained dentist licensure matcher](https://dentovio.com/tools/foreign-dentist-license-eligibility): Compare residency-pathway and advanced-standing signals by state. - [Foreign dentist license without repeating dental school](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license-without-repeating-dental-school/index.html.md): Focused no-repeat pathway signals for residency, GPR, AEGD, specialty, advanced education, equivalency, faculty, and limited-license routes. - [Foreign-trained dentist advanced-standing pathway by state](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-advanced-standing/index.html.md): Focused CODA-accredited DDS/DMD, advanced-standing, residency alternative, and board-verification signals. - [Foreign-trained dentist residency pathway by state](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-residency-pathway/index.html.md): Focused GPR, AEGD, CODA residency, specialty, and advanced-education pathway signals. - [Dental licensure exams by state](https://dentovio.com/dental-licensure-exams/index.html.md): Compare iNBDE/NBDE, clinical-exam, jurisprudence, law-and-rules, and pathway-specific exam signals. ## State pages - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Alabama](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/alabama/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama (BDEAL). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Alaska](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/alaska/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Alaska Board of Dental Examiners (Dept. of Commerce, Community & Economic Development). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Arizona](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/arizona/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Arkansas](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/arkansas/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in California](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/california/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Dental Board of California. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Colorado](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/colorado/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Colorado Dental Board (DORA — Division of Professions and Occupations). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Connecticut](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/connecticut/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Connecticut Dental Commission / Department of Public Health (DPH), Practitioner Licensing & Investigations. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Delaware](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/delaware/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene (Division of Professional Regulation). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in District of Columbia](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/district-of-columbia/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: DC Board of Dentistry (DC Health, Department of Health). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Florida](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/florida/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Florida Board of Dentistry (Florida Department of Health). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Georgia](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/georgia/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Georgia Board of Dentistry. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Hawaii](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/hawaii/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Hawaii Board of Dentistry (DCCA-PVL). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Idaho](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/idaho/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Idaho State Board of Dentistry (DOPL). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Illinois](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/illinois/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Illinois Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) / Board of Dentistry. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Indiana](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/indiana/index.html.md): Pathway signal: unclear. Board: Indiana State Board of Dentistry (Indiana PLA). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Iowa](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/iowa/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Iowa Dental Board (Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Kansas](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/kansas/index.html.md): Pathway signal: unclear. Board: Kansas Dental Board. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Kentucky](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/kentucky/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Kentucky Board of Dentistry. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Louisiana](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/louisiana/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Maine](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/maine/index.html.md): Pathway signal: unclear. Board: Maine Board of Dental Practice. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Maryland](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/maryland/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners (Maryland Dept. of Health). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Massachusetts](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/massachusetts/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Michigan](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/michigan/index.html.md): Pathway signal: unclear. Board: Michigan Board of Dentistry (Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs / LARA). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Minnesota](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/minnesota/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Minnesota Board of Dentistry. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Mississippi](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/mississippi/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Missouri](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/missouri/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Missouri Dental Board (Division of Professional Registration). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Montana](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/montana/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Montana Board of Dentistry (Dept. of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Nebraska](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/nebraska/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Nebraska Board of Dentistry (DHHS, Div. of Public Health, Licensure Unit). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Nevada](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/nevada/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in New Hampshire](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-hampshire/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, OPLC). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in New Jersey](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-jersey/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: New Jersey State Board of Dentistry (Division of Consumer Affairs). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in New Mexico](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-mexico/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care (Regulation & Licensing Department). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in New York](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-york/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: New York State Board for Dentistry (NYSED Office of the Professions). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in North Carolina](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/north-carolina/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in North Dakota](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/north-dakota/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Ohio](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/ohio/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Ohio State Dental Board. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Oklahoma](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/oklahoma/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Oklahoma Board of Dentistry. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Oregon](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/oregon/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Oregon Board of Dentistry. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Pennsylvania](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/pennsylvania/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Rhode Island](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/rhode-island/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry (RI Department of Health). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in South Carolina](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/south-carolina/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: South Carolina Board of Dentistry (SC LLR). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in South Dakota](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/south-dakota/index.html.md): Pathway signal: unclear. Board: South Dakota State Board of Dentistry. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Tennessee](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/tennessee/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Tennessee Board of Dentistry (TN Dept. of Health). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Texas](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/texas/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Utah](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/utah/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Utah Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensing Board (DOPL, Dept. of Commerce). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Vermont](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/vermont/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Vermont Board of Dental Examiners (Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Virginia](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/virginia/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Virginia Board of Dentistry (Dept. of Health Professions). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Washington](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/washington/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission (Dept. of Health). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in West Virginia](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/west-virginia/index.html.md): Pathway signal: yes. Board: West Virginia Board of Dentistry. - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Wisconsin](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/wisconsin/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board (Dept. of Safety and Professional Services). - [Foreign-trained dentist license in Wyoming](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/wyoming/index.html.md): Pathway signal: no. Board: Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners. ## Residency-pathway pages - [Alabama foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/alabama/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Board of Dental Examiners of Alabama (BDEAL). - [Alaska foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/alaska/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Alaska Board of Dental Examiners (Dept. of Commerce, Community & Economic Development). - [Arizona foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/arizona/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Arizona State Board of Dental Examiners. - [Arkansas foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/arkansas/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Arkansas State Board of Dental Examiners. - [California foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/california/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Dental Board of California. - [Colorado foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/colorado/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Colorado Dental Board (DORA — Division of Professions and Occupations). - [Connecticut foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/connecticut/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Connecticut Dental Commission / Department of Public Health (DPH), Practitioner Licensing & Investigations. - [Delaware foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/delaware/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Delaware Board of Dentistry and Dental Hygiene (Division of Professional Regulation). - [District of Columbia foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/district-of-columbia/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: DC Board of Dentistry (DC Health, Department of Health). - [Florida foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/florida/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Florida Board of Dentistry (Florida Department of Health). - [Georgia foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/georgia/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Georgia Board of Dentistry. - [Hawaii foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/hawaii/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Hawaii Board of Dentistry (DCCA-PVL). - [Idaho foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/idaho/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Idaho State Board of Dentistry (DOPL). - [Illinois foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/illinois/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Illinois Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) / Board of Dentistry. - [Indiana foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/indiana/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Pathway unclear. Board: Indiana State Board of Dentistry (Indiana PLA). - [Iowa foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/iowa/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Iowa Dental Board (Dept. of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing). - [Kansas foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/kansas/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Pathway unclear. Board: Kansas Dental Board. - [Kentucky foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/kentucky/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Kentucky Board of Dentistry. - [Louisiana foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/louisiana/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Louisiana State Board of Dentistry. - [Maine foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/maine/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Pathway unclear. Board: Maine Board of Dental Practice. - [Maryland foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/maryland/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners (Maryland Dept. of Health). - [Massachusetts foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/massachusetts/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Massachusetts Board of Registration in Dentistry. - [Michigan foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/michigan/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Pathway unclear. Board: Michigan Board of Dentistry (Dept. of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs / LARA). - [Minnesota foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/minnesota/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Minnesota Board of Dentistry. - [Mississippi foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/mississippi/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Mississippi State Board of Dental Examiners. - [Missouri foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/missouri/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Missouri Dental Board (Division of Professional Registration). - [Montana foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/montana/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Montana Board of Dentistry (Dept. of Labor & Industry, Business Standards Division). - [Nebraska foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/nebraska/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Nebraska Board of Dentistry (DHHS, Div. of Public Health, Licensure Unit). - [Nevada foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/nevada/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Nevada State Board of Dental Examiners. - [New Hampshire foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-hampshire/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: New Hampshire Board of Dental Examiners (Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, OPLC). - [New Jersey foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-jersey/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: New Jersey State Board of Dentistry (Division of Consumer Affairs). - [New Mexico foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-mexico/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: New Mexico Board of Dental Health Care (Regulation & Licensing Department). - [New York foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/new-york/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: New York State Board for Dentistry (NYSED Office of the Professions). - [North Carolina foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/north-carolina/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners. - [North Dakota foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/north-dakota/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: North Dakota State Board of Dental Examiners. - [Ohio foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/ohio/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Ohio State Dental Board. - [Oklahoma foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/oklahoma/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Oklahoma Board of Dentistry. - [Oregon foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/oregon/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Oregon Board of Dentistry. - [Pennsylvania foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/pennsylvania/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Pennsylvania State Board of Dentistry. - [Rhode Island foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/rhode-island/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Dentistry (RI Department of Health). - [South Carolina foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/south-carolina/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: South Carolina Board of Dentistry (SC LLR). - [South Dakota foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/south-dakota/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Pathway unclear. Board: South Dakota State Board of Dentistry. - [Tennessee foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/tennessee/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Tennessee Board of Dentistry (TN Dept. of Health). - [Texas foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/texas/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Texas State Board of Dental Examiners (TSBDE). - [Utah foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/utah/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Utah Dentist and Dental Hygienist Licensing Board (DOPL, Dept. of Commerce). - [Vermont foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/vermont/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Vermont Board of Dental Examiners (Office of Professional Regulation, Secretary of State). - [Virginia foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/virginia/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Virginia Board of Dentistry (Dept. of Health Professions). - [Washington foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/washington/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: Washington State Dental Quality Assurance Commission (Dept. of Health). - [West Virginia foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/west-virginia/residency-pathway/index.html.md): Residency pathway found. Board: West Virginia Board of Dentistry. - [Wisconsin foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/wisconsin/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Wisconsin Dentistry Examining Board (Dept. of Safety and Professional Services). - [Wyoming foreign-trained dentist residency pathway](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/wyoming/residency-pathway/index.html.md): No residency-only route found. Board: Wyoming Board of Dental Examiners.