International Dentist Pathway (IDP) – DDS Program

The UCSF School of Dentistry’s International Dentist Pathway (IDP) offers qualified dentists from outside the United States the opportunity to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree and practice in the U.S. As a student in this three-year program, you’ll build on your prior dental training while advancing through UCSF’s rigorous academic curriculum, state-of-the-art clinical training, and patient-centered care experiences. Our graduates emerge as skilled, compassionate practitioners ready to meet the highest standards of the profession.

Explore the IDP curriculum

The International Dentist Pathway is a three-year program that blends foundational coursework, clinical training, and hands-on patient care. Review the courses by level and quarter to see how the program prepares you for success in the U.S. dental profession.

View IDP curriculum

Applicants must hold a dental degree from a foreign institution. Passing the NBDE Part I & II or INBDE is optional but strongly recommended.

Due to the large applicant pool, we cannot provide individual counseling. Please seek guidance from a pre-health advisor at your institution and consult the ADEA CAAPID website for resources.
UCSF has no minimum GPA requirement. Applicants are encouraged to review class profiles to understand the background of successful candidates. The Admissions Committee conducts a holistic review, considering academic preparation, community engagement, and overall fit for UCSF. All complete applications receive full consideration.
Completed applications are reviewed by the Admissions Committee. Selected candidates are invited to interview, typically in August or September. Our holistic review considers academic achievement, motivation for dentistry, and potential for success in the program and profession.

Policies and standards

Technical standards

IDP students must meet UCSF’s technical standards for the DDS degree, which outline the essential abilities needed for safe, effective patient care. These include communication, motor and sensory skills, intellectual capacity, and professional behavior.

View technical standards

Admissions policies

UCSF follows clear policies to guide a fair and holistic admissions process. Applicants should review requirements, deadlines, and professionalism standards to ensure their application is fully considered.

See admissions policies

Meet the faculty

Our International Dentist Pathway students learn from world-class UCSF DDS faculty who are leaders in clinical care, research, and dental education. As mentors and instructors, they bring global perspectives, innovative teaching, and a strong commitment to preparing the next generation of practitioners.

Explore DDS faculty

Applicants: 857
Interviewees: 84 (9.8% of applicants)
Accepted: 20 (2.3% of applicants; 23.8% of interviewees)
Dental School GPA: 3.29–4.0 (Average: 3.78)
TOEFL: 95–117 (Average: 101.2)
Master of Dental Surgery, Master of Public Health, Master of Management
Armenia, Cuba, Egypt, India, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Taiwan, United States

How to Apply

Ready to join us? Start your application today!

Applications for UCSF’s International Dentist Pathway are processed through the American Dental Education Association - Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (ADEA CAAPID). Applicants should apply early, submit all required materials, and resolve any issues promptly to ensure timely review. Those who are selected to move forward in the process, will be invited for an interview.

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1. Submit Application

Complete your ADEA CAAPID application by June 16, including UCSF’s supplemental questions about your dental experience, skills, and background.
2. Provide transcripts and evaluations

Upload international transcripts and an official course-by-course evaluation (ECE or WES) through ADEA CAAPID. Official transcripts must be sent to UCSF if invited to interview.
3. Share test scores

Submit National Board Dental Examination scores (optional but recommended) and TOEFL scores (minimum 95 iBT) via ADEA CAAPID.
4. Letters of recommendation

Provide three letters through ADEA CAAPID, including one clinical supervisor, one academic, and one of your choice.
5. Upload curriculum vitae (CV)

Include a current CV with your ADEA CAAPID application.
6. Pay UCSF application fee

Submit the non-refundable $200 application processing fee online to complete your application.