Frequently Asked Questions about International Dental Program

The program integrates didactic coursework, direct clinical training, and research opportunities, culminating in DMD-level competencies.

Students rotate through both general and specialty clinics to gain comprehensive clinical experience.

Yes. The curriculum is designed to prepare international dental graduates for the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE/INBDE) and clinical licensing exams.

Yes. Graduates may pursue advanced specialty training or residencies in the U.S., subject to program-specific requirements.

Any additional letters of recommendations outside of your application, must be emailed directly from the evaluator who wrote the letter and sent to denadmissionsdis@tufts.edu as a PDF attachment. In that email, your full name and CAS ID must be included.

Once your application is received by the admissions office, you will receive an email, confirming the receipt of the application, which also includes a link to pay the $150 application fee.

All transcripts must be officially translated into English and submitted along with the original documents. A recognized translator should certify translations. Notarized translations will also be accepted if conducted in the United States or Canada.

If you receive an email that your application is considered complete, it means that you have fulfilled all the mandatory requirements for the program, and your application will now undergo the holistic review process.

Yes, selected applicants will be invited for an interview, conducted either in-person or virtually.

Yes, however; you must be eligible for a student Visa. *We recommend contacting an immigration attorney to confirm your ability to proceed as a potential student.

No, the DIS program is designated for foreign-trained dentists with a dental degree from an accredited college or university in their home country.

Yes. You must provide proof of graduation and a degree, conferring transcript before matriculation.

No. The minimum score required for the program is 90. Applicants must retake the exam to meet or exceed this requirement.

No, the TOEFL exam is mandatory for all applicants, regardless of prior U.S. education.

Yes, the TOEFL Home Edition is accepted.

Currently, the TOEFL is the only accepted English language proficiency exam for admission to the IDP.

There is no minimum GRE score requirement, though competitive scores may strengthen your application.

There is no absolute minimum GPA; however, competitive applicants typically demonstrate strong academic performance in prior dental or biomedical studies.

Yes, while the INBDE is preferred, we will also accept parts I and II this cycle.

Credit transfer is limited. The program’s academic committee reviews each case individually.

Applicants should provide documentation of relevant dental or clinical experience, including letters of recommendation, certificates, or a professional portfolio.

Yes. Applicants must have completed a recognized dental degree and demonstrate competency in foundational clinical skills.

Deferrals are considered on a case-by-case basis and require written approval from the admissions committee.

The program typically begins in January each year, with orientation held in December.

Yes. Accepted students must obtain an appropriate F-1 student visa before matriculation.

Yes. Tufts provides guidance and documentation needed for visa applications, including I-20 forms.

Yes. Certain merit-based scholarships and limited financial aid options are available. Eligibility criteria vary.

Yes. Tufts provides tutoring, workshops, and writing support to help international students strengthen academic English proficiency.

Tufts offers on-campus and off-campus housing resources, with guidance to help students find suitable accommodation.

All international students must have health insurance. Tufts offers a student plan, or students may submit proof of comparable coverage.

Yes. Students are paired with mentors, and a peer support network helps navigate academic, clinical, and cultural challenges.