The Office of Admissions at LLUSD is moving toward a paperless process. Please do not send any documents other than those listed below.
The International Dentist Program is designed to allow qualified dentists educated in countries outside the United States, to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in the United States.
The DDS degree from a U.S. dental college is an educational requirement for eligibility to take the dental licensure examination in many states. The program has a minimum length of two academic years, but may be extended, when necessary, to meet the needs of a particular student. Students take classes in the disciplines of dentistry and receive extensive clinical experience. Students are provided with the opportunity to serve the dental health needs of the local community through off–site clinical rotations.
Admission Requirements
- Demonstrate an acceptable speaking and reading knowledge of English.
- Be a graduate of a recognized dental school outside of the U.S.
- Have passed the Integrated National Dental Board Examination (INDBE) or Part I and Part II of the National Dental Board Examination (NDBE) administered by the American Dental Association.
- TOEFL examinations must be taken within 2 years of matriculation with a recommended score of 100 or higher. Individual scores must be a minimum of 20.
How to Apply
Complete the Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (CAAPID) application between March 1 and June 1 to the American Dental Education Association at adea.org. Allow time for processing then complete the LLU Supplemental application – applications sent by email after your CAAPID application is complete. Based on a review of your completed CAAPID and LLU Supplemental application along with the required admissions information, you may be invited to LLUSD for admissions testing (fee required). All applications and application materials should be submitted no later than July 1 for testing consideration. Interviews are by invitation only and are determined by the results of the admissions test.
IDP Dexterity Testing Notice
LLUSD will be evaluating applications for eligibility to test on a first-come, first-served basis determined by the date an applicant’s file is complete. There are limited spaces available for testing. Applicants are encouraged to complete their application as soon as possible to improve the chance of receiving an invitation for testing.
LLUSD accepts no responsibility/liability related to official documents not being received in a timely manner. Please refer to our website for information on ordering foreign transcripts or other official documents.
International Academic Transcripts
Language
All classes are conducted in English, and patients treated in the clinic communicate in English. Applicants must demonstrate competence in both written and spoken English.
What makes LLUSD's IDP program special?
- Smaller class sizes
- Family atmosphere
- Faith-based university
- Parallel yet separate course of study in comparison to traditional DDS program
- Program uniquely tailored to the international student
- High volume and broad range of clinical experience
- Faculty with extensive clinical experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Entering Students
A student accepted into the International Dentist Program must submit a deposit to Loma Linda University. Students must also pay for two quarters of tuition in advance. Students who are eligible for government sponsored financial aid programs, only pay the first quarter’s tuition initially. Living expenses vary, depending on the student’s lifestyle. Generally, the living expenses range from $1,000–$1,800 (or more) per month.
International Students
Students applying for or holding F–1 U.S. Student Visas are required by U.S. immigration regulation to secure sufficient funds for their first year’s tuition and fees and provide documentary evidence of sufficient funds for their second year.
Financial Aid
A financial aid advisor and financial aid programs are available, please contact 909–558–4509 or email finaid@llu.edu. Website information can be located on the financial aid website.
Additional Information
- Class of 2026 Profile
- Class of 2025 Profile
- Class of 2024 Profile
- Class of 2023 Profile
- Class of 2022 Profile
- Class of 2021 Profile
- Class of 2020 Profile
- Current Catalog
- Curriculum for cohort
Estimated Student Expenses
IDP consists of 8 consecutive Academic Quarters, thus is considered a 2-year program (IDP 3 and IDP 4). In order to accommodate scheduling of classes to provide the best possible training, the IDP sessions begin in Spring Quarter (March-June).
In reviewing the expenses for the International Dentist Program (IDP Budget), it is important that students understand the following:
- The Academic Year for LLU as a whole begins with the Summer Quarter (and consists of the subsequent Winter, Fall, and Spring Quarters). Thus IDP’s first session, Spring Quarter (March-June), is at the end of an LLU Academic Year. The subsequent IDP sessions fall in the next LLU Academic Year (Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring Quarters), and the remaining sessions in the third LLU Academic Year (Summer, Fall, Winter).
- The span of IDP sessions over 3 LLU Academic Years is critical when applying for financial aid as lenders award funds according to Academic Year budgets.
For assistance please contact Financial Aid at 909-558-4509 or by email at finaid@llu.edu.
Office of Admissions
11092 Anderson Street Room 5503
Loma Linda, CA 92350
Disclaimer: The School reserves the right to modify or change admission standards or requirements at any time without prior notice and effective immediately. The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and does not create any agreement or understanding or establish any rights or responsibilities whatsoever between LLU School of Dentistry and any student or prospective student.