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Internationally Trained Dentist

Dentists educated outside the United States and Canada who successfully complete a program accredited by the ADA’s Commission on Dental Accreditation and receive a doctorate of dental surgery or doctorate of dental medicine degree from a program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association and meet all other requirements of licensure may be issued a license to practice dentistry in North Dakota. Programs that grant a certificate do not satisfy the licensure requirements of the NDBDE. Programs offering certificates will not be accepted.

License by Examination - Internationally Trained 

The North Dakota Board of Dental Examiners will consider the application of a graduate of an nonaccredited international dental program who has met the following requirements:

• Awarded a DDS or DMD degree from a two year dental program accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation. Programs awarding certificates will not be accepted.
• Submits a final, official transcript directly from the non-accredited, foreign school and the ADA-accredited program. A complete transcript of all academic grades in dental school with courses completed, along with pre-dental school transcripts. If the transcripts are not in English, a translated copy must also be provided.  
• Background check results from recognized data sources, health care institutions, licensing agencies, and national and state law enforcement agencies.
• Professional references.
• Evidence the applicant has the physical health and visual acuity to enable the applicant to meet the minimal standards of competency.
• Evidence of successfully completing a cardiopulmonary resuscitation course with two years of application.
• Verification of Good Standing from any jurisdiction where the applicant holds or has ever held a professional license.
• Grounds for dental of the application under section 43-28-18 do not exist.
• The applicant passes a written examination on the laws and rules governing the practice of dentistry in this state administered by the board at a meeting.
• Evidence of passing an exam administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations or the National Dental Examining Board of Canada AND a clinical competency examination approved by the Board within five years of application. 

Application Packet - License by Examination

 

License by Credential - Internationally Trained

A graduate of an nonaccredited international dental program may apply for License by Credential if the applicant is or has been licensed and has been actively practicing dentistry for five years immediately preceding application in another jurisdiction where the requirements are at least substantially equivalent to those of this state, pursuant to the following:

• Evidence of passing an examination administered by the Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations or the National Dental Examining Board of Canada AND a clinical competency examination approved by the Board. 
• DDS or DMD diploma from a dental program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. Programs awarding certificates are not accepted.
• Has met requirements of continuing education as required by ND Administrative Rule § 20-02-01-06 within 24 months prior to the date the NDSBDE’s application for License by Credential is received by the NDBDE.
• Applicants may be required to appears at a formal meeting of the Board for an interview.
• Successfully completion the ND Jurisprudence Examination.
• Verification of Good Standing from any jurisdiction where the applicant holds or has ever held a professional license.
• Submits a completed and notarized License by Credential application, application fee and notification letter from PBIS to the NDBDE 30 days prior to the next Board meeting (See NDCC § 43-28-11). ID: In lieu of applications being notarized, the Board accepts current identification documents issued within the last five years. Acceptable ID means a valid driver's license, U.S. passport, or identification card issued by any branch of the armed forces of the United States. Attach a copy of the identification to your application.
• Submit to a criminal background check. 

Application Packet - License by Credential

Clinical Board Examinations

Required components of a clinical dental competency examination shall include a  periodontal component, a posterior composite or amalgam restoration, a class three restorative procedure, an endodontic component, and after April 1, 2021, a fixed prosthetic component administered by one or more of the following:

• CITA (Council of Interstate Testing Agencies) www.citaexam.com
• CRDTS (Central Regional Dental Testing Services, Inc.) www.crdts.org
• CDCA-WREB ( Commission on Dental Competency Assessments and Western Regional Examining Board merged) https://www.cdcaexams.org 
• SRTA (Southern Regional Testing Agency) www.srta.org
• The ND Board of Dental Examiners accepts the ADEX exams including manikin based.   

Fees are Nonrefundable 

All fees are nonrefundable even if the applicant is subsequently denied or fails to complete the application. The Board will not discuss or give information regarding the application with anyone other than the applicant. You may periodically review your application documents received by the Board.  

License by Examination Fee	$485
License by Credential Fee	$1320

Criminal Background Check

The NDBDE will mail appropriate forms to the applicant upon receipt of a completed License by Credential application and fee. Return the fingerprint forms to the NDBDE. Submit both fingerprint cards to the NDBDE with your check or money payable to the ND Attorney General. The forms may be completed by local law enforcement or fingerprinting service center which may take digital prints. The process may take up to 14 days. Results shall be received by the board prior to the issuance of a license to practice. Check with local law enforcement for scheduling.