Lana Oconnell
The Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program is a popular choice for international students seeking to further their dental education in the United States. The program offers advanced clinical training and didactic instruction, including implant training and surgical experience. While some institutions, such as Columbia University Medical Center, require US or Canadian dental degrees for their AEGD programs, there are other options for international students. The University of Puerto Rico, for instance, offers an AEGD program that accepts international students who can communicate in Spanish. Additionally, the College of Dental Medicine's AEGD program accepts internationally trained applicants with a DDS/DMD degree or its foreign equivalent. The application process typically involves submitting transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and application fees through the ADEA-PASS portal. International students often face visa requirements and additional costs, but with proper planning and guidance, they can successfully pursue AEGD programs in the US.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Application deadline | 15 October |
| Application fee | $125 |
| Application requirements | Submission of official transcripts, a 2x2 passport-sized photograph, a minimum of four recommendation letters, an official TOEFL score report, and an official score report of INBDE |
| Program details | Advanced training in clinical dentistry and applied basic and behavioral sciences, clinical experience, didactic training, implant training, surgery and restoration experience, and outreach offsite at Seneca Nation |
| Visa requirements | F1 or J1 visa |
| Stipend | Approximately $60,000 |
| Tuition and fees | $57,723 for residents and $85,230 for non-residents |
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What You'll Learn
Application process and requirements
The AEGD program accepts internationally trained applicants into its Postdoctoral AEGD program. Candidates must possess a DDS/DMD degree or foreign equivalent before the program begins.
The application deadline for the AEGD program is October 15. Students must apply through the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS) website. All application materials must be submitted by the deadline, and applications received after this date will not be processed.
The application fee is $125, payable by credit card, and is non-refundable. A 2x2 passport-sized photograph in JPEG format is also required.
Internationally trained applicants applying via the ADEA-PASS portal must select the program code AEGD1567. A minimum official score report of 100 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required, demonstrating proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening.
Additionally, four recommendation letters are required: one institutional evaluation letter and three professional evaluation letters from dental faculty.
For applicants who are in the process of completing their dental program (US/Canadian or International) and have not taken the NBDE Part I or II, the INBDE must be passed before the application deadline. An official score report must be submitted via the ADEA-PASS portal.
International students should be aware that the J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa is a common option for students in educational and cultural exchange programs, but it mandates a return to the home country for at least two years after completion.
The University of Puerto Rico offers an AEGD program for Spanish speakers, providing a stipend to foreign-trained dentists.
The University at Buffalo also offers an AEGD program, providing advanced training in clinical dentistry and applied basic and behavioral sciences. The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
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Visa options
International students who are accepted into an AEGD program will typically require a non-immigrant visa to study in the United States. Here are some of the most common visa options for international students:
F-1 Student Visa
The F-1 visa is the most common type of visa for international students pursuing full-time academic programs in the US. It allows students to stay in the country for the duration of their program and work on-campus for up to 20 hours per week. However, US employers, particularly in private practices, may prefer students who do not require visa sponsorship due to the extra paperwork and legal fees involved. This may limit the job prospects of F-1 visa holders to more remote locations away from urban centers.
J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa
The J-1 visa is designed for students participating in educational and cultural exchange programs, including research and training programs such as AEGD. However, there is a mandatory requirement for students to return to their home country for at least two years after completing their program. There may be some workarounds to this rule, as mentioned on the USCIS website, where students can apply for a waiver to the mandatory foreign rotation.
H-4 Visa
If your spouse is on an H-1B visa, you may be eligible to study on a dependent H-4 visa. However, this option may be risky if your spouse's visa re-election cycle occurs during your program or before you have secured a job.
H-1B Visa
The H-1B visa is intended for foreign workers in specialty occupations and may be an option for international dentists who have completed the AEGD program and wish to work in the US.
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Funding and fees
The Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program is a one-year training program for dental school graduates. The fees for the program vary depending on the institution and the student's residency status. For instance, the College of Dental Medicine charges a $125 application fee and an annual tuition fee of $57,723 for residents and $85,230 for non-residents for the 2020-2021 academic year. The College of Dental Medicine does not offer financial assistance in the form of loans, scholarships, or assistantships.
Students on a budget should plan to spend between $1500 and $2500 per month, depending on the city where the program is located. Federal student loans are available but may not be the most affordable option with rising interest rates.
International students should be aware that some U.S. employers, especially private practices, prefer students who do not require visa sponsorship for work authorization due to the extra paperwork and legal fees. International students may be limited to remote opportunities away from urban centers and within clinics run by FQHCs and DSO-like corporate chains. However, a limited dental license is given by certain states to provide work authorization for teaching roles or work at government-run dental facilities, which can offer job security and lower student loan burdens.
International students requiring visa sponsorship must demonstrate English proficiency and ensure they have sufficient funding to cover the cost of the program and living expenses. The TOEFL or IELTS English Language Proficiency tests are often used to verify English proficiency, although students whose native language is English may have the TOEFL requirement waived.
There are several visa options for international students participating in the AEGD program, including the F-1 Student Visa, J-1 Exchange Visitor Visa, and H-1B Visa. The J-1 visa mandates that students return to their home country for at least two years after completing the program, although workarounds and waivers are available. The H-4 Visa allows students whose spouses are on an H-1B visa to study as a dependent, but this option may be risky if the spouse's visa cycle comes up for renewal during the program.
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Language requirements
The Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) program has specific language requirements for international students. These requirements vary depending on the institution and program level. Here is an overview of the language requirements for international students applying to AEGD programs:
College of Dental Medicine, Columbia University
The College of Dental Medicine at Columbia University accepts international students into its AEGD program. The language requirement for international students is a minimum score of 100 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The TOEFL score report must be submitted through the ADEA-PASS application portal during the application process.
University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB)
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), offers an Advanced AEGD Program for Internationally-Trained Dentists. International students requiring J-1 visa sponsorship from the Office of International Services (OIS) must provide proof of English proficiency. The TOEFL or IELTS English Language Proficiency tests are commonly accepted for verifying proficiency. Students whose native language is English may be exempt from the TOEFL requirement.
State Licensure for International Dentists
International students seeking licensure to practice dentistry in the United States after completing an AEGD program should refer to the specific requirements of each state. While completing an AEGD program can enhance credentials, it may not directly qualify international students to practice dentistry in all states. Reviewing state-specific requirements for international dentists is essential.
Visa Considerations
International students participating in the AEGD program typically rely on visas such as the F1 or J1 visa. The J-1 visa requires a return to the home country for at least two years after completing the program, although waivers are available. The H4 visa is another option for those with spouses on an H1B visa, but it comes with certain risks.
In summary, international students applying to AEGD programs must meet specific language requirements, which typically involve demonstrating English proficiency through standardized tests like TOEFL or IELTS. These requirements vary by institution, and students should refer to the specific guidelines provided by their chosen university or college.
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Residency options
International students interested in Advanced Education in General Dentistry (AEGD) programs in the US can consider the following residency options.
Firstly, the University of Puerto Rico offers an AEGD program that includes a stipend for foreign-trained dentists. Applicants need to be able to communicate in Spanish as some patients do not speak English.
Secondly, the College of Dental Medicine at Columbia University offers a Postdoctoral AEGD program that accepts internationally trained applicants. However, international students who complete this program are not eligible for the NYP residency position, which requires a US or Canadian dental degree. The application deadline is October 15, and the application fee is $125. International applicants are required to submit an official score report of the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) of at least 100.
Thirdly, the University at Buffalo offers an AEGD program within its School of Dental Medicine, providing an excellent faculty-to-resident ratio and access to all specialties. The program offers advanced training in clinical dentistry and applied basic and behavioral sciences. The application deadline is October 15, 2025, for fall 2026 enrollment.
It is important to note that most international dentists graduating from AEGD programs in the US do so on a visa, typically an F1 or J1 visa. The J1 visa mandates a return to the home country for at least two years after completing the program. Additionally, US employers often prefer students who do not require visa sponsorship due to the extra paperwork and legal fees involved. Therefore, international students may be limited to remote opportunities away from urban centers and within clinics run by FQHCs and DSO-like corporate chains.
To increase their chances of acceptance, international students should consider applying to Advanced Standing Programs, as they have better chances of practicing in the US compared to standard residency programs. Additionally, students should be prepared for the financial burden of AEGD programs, with tuition and fees averaging $85,230 for non-residents in the 2020-2021 academic year.
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Frequently asked questions
AEGD stands for Advanced Education in General Dentistry. It is a one-year program that provides advanced training in clinical dentistry and applied basic and behavioral sciences.
The College of Dental Medicine at Columbia University accepts international students for its AEGD program. The University of Puerto Rico also offers an AEGD program for Spanish speakers.
International students must apply through the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Postdoctoral Application Support Service (PASS). They must possess a DDS/DMD degree or its foreign equivalent and pass the National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) and the Integrated National Board Dental Examination. Additionally, they must submit official transcripts, four recommendation letters, and a TOEFL score of at least 100.
Yes, international students typically complete AEGD programs on an F1 or J1 visa. The J1 visa requires students to return to their home country for at least two years after the program. H4 visas may also be an option if the student's spouse has an H1B visa.
The College of Dental Medicine does not offer financial assistance for international students. The University of Puerto Rico offers a stipend to foreign-trained dentists, but it is the only university known to do so.
