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How to Apply

• I am interested in applying to the International Student program. Can you send me an application?
• Can I apply directly to Tufts without using CAAPID?
• I am a foreign trained dentist and I am interested in obtaining a license to practice within the United States. Will the International Student Program lead to licensure?
• When should I apply?
• What materials should I send to CAAPID?
• What materials should I send directly to Tufts?
• Where should I send my application materials?
• How can I expedite the processing of my application?
• I have submitted my application materials to the Admissions Office, when will it be processed?
• I mailed the required items to Tufts Admissions Office can I confirm that these documents have arrived?
• My application is complete, when can I expect an update on my status?
• When will interviews be held?
• I applied last year and was not accepted, can I reactivate my application?
• Can I utilize a PO Box for my mailing address?

Requirements

• What is the competitive range for NBD exam scores?
• I have not taken the National Dental Board Examination (NBD) Part II, can I still be considered for the program?
• Can I have the TOEFL requirement waived?
• Is there a minimum TOEFL requirement?
• Will any of my application materials be returned? (i.e. transcripts, or letters)
• Will the University help me to secure a student visa to study in the United States?
• If I am accepted to the IS program, when will my I-20 Visa be processed?

How to Apply

Q. I am interested in applying to the International Student program. Can you send me an application?

A. All applicants must submit applications through the Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (CAAPID) run by the American Dental Education Association. Tufts will not accept direct applications. Please visit the ADEA website for details regarding CAAPID:

CAAPID Website

Q. Can I apply directly to Tufts without using CAAPID?

A. No, Tufts will not accept direct applications.

Q. I am a foreign trained dentist and I am interested in obtaining a license to practice within the United States. Will the International Student Program lead to licensure?

A. Yes, upon completion of the program students receive a D.M.D. degree and are eligible for licensure to practice dentistry in the United States.

Q. When should I apply?

A. It is strongly recommended that candidates submit their materials as early as possible. Over the past few years we have experienced extremely competitive application cycles. The sooner your application arrives in our office, the sooner it can be reviewed. Please visit the CAAPID website to learn when the service will begin accepting applications.

Q. What materials should I send to CAAPID?

A. For information on what materials are required to apply, please visit the CAAPID website.

Q. What materials should I send directly to Tufts?

A. The Admissions Office will contact candidates directly once their completed CAAPID application has been received. Candidates must send the following items after receiving this notification:

• 2x2 sized photograph
• $90 application fee
• Official TOEFL score report
• Official NDB Part I and II score report
• Official transcripts from all post-secondary institutions attended

*Please be sure to include your full legal name and CAAPID ID # on both the photograph and application fee

Q. Where should I send my application materials?

A. All application materials should be sent to the Admissions Office, the address is listed below:

Tufts University School of Dental Medicine
Office of Admissions
One Kneeland Street - 15th Floor
Boston, MA 02111

Q. How can I expedite the processing of my application?

A. There are a few things to keep in mind so your application can be processed quickly:

• Plan Ahead - Be sure that you have enough time to secure all of the necessary documents to complete your file.
• Apply Early - Our office reviews files on a first-come, first-serve basis, so applying early can be beneficial to applicants.
• Name Changes - Please notify our office of any name changes so we can find all of your documents. On the application, please use your full legal name (as it appears on your passport or other official identification.)
• Send Documents Together - Sending all required documents at one time may expedite the processing of your file. Test scores must arrive in their original, signed and sealed envelopes.

Q. I have submitted my application materials to CAAPID, when will it be processed?

A. CAAPID will begin to accept applications on April 14th. All applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Please note that during the height of our application season (June-September), the processing of applications may take a few weeks.

Q. I mailed the required items to the Admissions Office can I confirm that these documents have arrived?

A. Unfortunately, due to the large volume of applications that our office processes, we are not able to provide receipt confirmation for individual items. Once any document arrives in our office with your name, it will be automatically matched with your file. Please note that if you have changed your last name while completing your education (i.e. maiden to married name), be sure to notify us of all names to search for.

Q. My application is complete, when can I expect an update on my status?

A. The Admissions Office will review all files and contact candidates directly regarding any interview invitations. Please refrain from inquiring at the Admissions Office, candidates will be notified directly.

Q. When are interviews held?

A. Interviews are a mandatory part of the application process. Interview sessions will be conducted between July and October. Applicants selected for interview will be notified in writing beginning in June.

Q. I applied last year and was not accepted, can I reactivate my application?

A. No, candidates are not able to reactivate applications from the previous cycle. All candidates must apply through the CAAPID service.

Q. Can I utilize a PO Box for my mailing address?

A. Unfortunately, no, Tufts University utilizes an expedited mailing service that cannot send documents to a PO Box. Please do not use a PO Box as your mailing address as this will delay the process.

Requirements

Q. What is the competitive range for NBD exam scores?

A. Preference is given to applicants who receive a score of 90 or better on each of the individual sections on Part I, and those who receive a score of 85 or above on the Part II examination. The Admissions Committee is also giving preference to applicants who score at or above national average on the subsections of the National Dental Board Examination, Part II (indicated by an "A" or "H".)

Q. I have not taken the National Dental Board Examination (NBD) Part II, can I still be considered for the program?

A. No. Part II of the NBD is required to apply to the International Student program. Without this score report we would not be able to make a decision on your file.

Q. Can I have the TOEFL requirement waived?

A. No, the TOEFL official score report is a requirement for our admissions process regardless of native language. We do not accept any other English tests in lieu of the TOEFL. TOEFL exams taken more than two years before the application deadline are not valid. Exams must have been completed in September 2009 or later.

Q. Is there a minimum TOEFL requirement?

A. Yes, the minimum score for consideration is 577 on the written examination, 233 on the computer-based examination, or 90 on the internet-based exam. Preference is given to applicants who score 600 or better on the written examination or 250 or better on the computer-based examination.

Q. Will any of my application materials be returned? (i.e. transcripts, or letters)

A. Unfortunately, no. Once application materials are sent to our office they cannot be returned to candidates.

Q. Will the University help me to secure a student visa to study in the United States?

A. Yes, the University operates an International Affairs Office which will assist students in obtaining the appropriate visa. For more information, please visit their website: International Affairs Office

Q. If I am accepted to the program, when will my I-20 Visa be processed?

A. Upon acceptance, applicants will be asked to submit a deposit to secure a position in the program. When this deposit and corresponding paperwork has been received by the Office of Admissions, the student will be contacted by the Office of International Affairs regarding the process of securing the I-20.

Please note that due to federal regulations, the Office of International Affairs will not begin processing I-20s more than 120 days prior to the start of the program. Additionally, international students who require an I-20 must complete specific requirements before the I-20 will be processed. Such requirements include, but are not limited to: completion of all application requirements of the Office of Admissions, submission of all immunization records to the Office or Student Health and Advisory, submission of all Visa paperwork to the Office of International Affairs, proof of adequate financial resources to pay for first two years of study, and payment of the first semester tuition bill.

More information will be provided to those students who are accepted by the University. Please refrain from contacting the Office of International Affairs until you have been offered acceptance and have submitted all necessary documents to secure your position. The Office of International Affairs will contact you regarding the next steps you must take.