# Foreign-trained dentist licensure matcher

> Interactive matcher for internationally trained dentists comparing residency pathways, advanced-standing DDS/DMD pathways, required exams, and board links by U.S. state.

URL: https://dentovio.com/tools/foreign-dentist-license-eligibility

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.
- Some states have a residency or advanced-education pathway, but the terms vary by program length, program type, state location, and whether 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.
- Examples currently marked as advanced-standing required: Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Maryland, Massachusetts.

## Tool inputs

- Whether the dentist already has a CODA-accredited advanced-standing DDS/DMD.
- Whether the dentist has completed or is considering a CODA-accredited GPR, AEGD, or specialty residency.
- Target U.S. state or state comparison.

## Related

- [Foreign-trained dentist licensure by state](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-licensure/index.html.md)
- [Foreign-trained dentist license in California](https://dentovio.com/foreign-trained-dentist-license/california/index.html.md)
- [Free dental tools and calculators](https://dentovio.com/tools/index.html.md)