Which residency gets you
a license — and where.
If you're an international dentist applying to a US residency without a US DDS/DMD, only certain states will license you. Pick your residency below to see exactly where it counts — and what scope (full GP or specialty only).
Pick your residency. See where you can practice.
Choose the residency you're planning. We'll show only the states whose board lets that exact program lead to licensure — with what scope (full GP vs specialty only) and any conditions in writing.
General dentistry — restricted to field of training
Standard or Endorsement license, case-by-case
ME requires WES/ECE evaluation + post-grad advanced clinical training + recent clinical practice within the past 3 years. The board does NOT pre-qualify — Endorsement is much easier if you already hold a full license in another state.
Eligibility is derived from each state board's written reply (May 2026 cycle). Always reconfirm with the board before applying — the application is the only place eligibility is officially decided.
We wrote individually to every US state dental board between May 2026 with a structured eligibility question describing the exact IDG-with-residency scenario. Entries tagged VERIFIED quote the board's written reply (sender + date listed in the notes). LIKELY means the board pointed us to statute or rules but declined to pre-confirm. Pendingmeans no substantive reply yet — we don't claim a pathway exists until we have it in writing.
Every US state, grouped by pathway
Each state below shows the exact words the board sent us — pathway, exams, scope, and who replied. States are grouped from easiest IDG access (full license via residency) to closed (CODA-only).
Per 18VAC60-21-200: a 12-month post-doctoral advanced general dentistry program (AEGD/GPR) OR a 24-month post-doctoral specialty program with a clinical component qualifies for unrestricted licensure.
VBOD (May 2026) quoted 18VAC60-21-200: "An applicant for unrestricted dental licensure shall be a graduate of and a holder of a diploma or a certificate from a dental program accredited by [CODA/CDAC], which consists of either a pre-doctoral dental education program OR at least a 12-month post-doctoral advanced general dentistry program OR a post-doctoral dental program of at least 24 months in any other specialty that includes a clinical component." Board cannot pre-approve — application is the deciding step.
Source: Virginia Board of Dentistry (denbd@dhp.virginia.gov), 2026-05-13
Full Virginia licensure breakdown →GP track: at least 2 consecutive years in no more than 2 CODA general-practice post-grad programs. Specialty track: 2 consecutive years at the same institution. Practice is restricted to the field of training.
LSBD (May 2026) quote: "An applicant who did not attend an accredited dental school must complete a post-graduate CODA approved program in general dentistry or a specialty. A general dentistry post-graduate program must consist of at least two complete consecutive years of training in no more than two CODA-approved programs. A specialty post-graduate program must consist of at least two consecutive years at the same institution." Practice limited to field of training. Jurisprudence + fingerprint background check required.
Source: Louisiana State Board of Dentistry (alexx@lsbd.org), 2026-05-13
Full Louisiana licensure breakdown →Unlock the full Licensure Guide
Get every state's licensure pathway for international dentists — including exam requirements, scope of practice, and verified pathway notes. Free with any program purchase.
Not sure which pathway fits you?
Run your profile through our matcher to see exactly which programs you qualify for — then book a call with Dr. Dev to map your licensure plan.
Compiled from direct email correspondence with each US state dental board (May 2026cycle). Verified entries quote the board's reply verbatim; likely entries cite the statute/rule the board pointed to. Rules can change — always confirm with the board before submitting an application.