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CODA Degree Required (Closed)VERIFIED · May 2026

Missouri Dental Licensure
for International Dentists

How an international dentist (IDG) gets licensed to practice in Missouri without a US DDS or DMD — sourced from a direct reply from the Missouri dental board.

Pathway
CODA Degree Required (Closed)
Scope of practice
Not available to IDGs via residency
Exams required
Not available to IDGs without a CODA pre-doctoral degree
What qualifies you

CODA-accredited DDS/DMD required. CODA-accredited residency does NOT convert a foreign degree into an equivalent CODA pre-doctoral degree.

What the Missouri board actually said

MO Dental Board (May 2026): "No. In Missouri, applicants must hold a DDS or DMD degree from a CODA-accredited program. A CODA-accredited residency does not automatically convert a foreign degree into an equivalent CODA-accredited pre-doctoral degree."

Source: Missouri Dental Board (Dental@pr.mo.gov), 2026-05-13

What does NOT qualify in Missouri
  • AEGD 1 — MO requires a CODA pre-doctoral DDS/DMD. Residency does not substitute.
  • AEGD 2 — MO requires a CODA pre-doctoral DDS/DMD. Residency does not substitute.
  • GPR 1 — MO requires a CODA pre-doctoral DDS/DMD. Residency does not substitute.
  • GPR 2 — MO requires a CODA pre-doctoral DDS/DMD. Residency does not substitute.
  • ORTHO — MO requires a CODA pre-doctoral DDS/DMD. Residency does not substitute.
  • PERIO — MO requires a CODA pre-doctoral DDS/DMD. Residency does not substitute.
This page was compiled from a direct email exchange with the Missouri dental board between May 2026. The board's exact reply is quoted above. Rules change — always reconfirm with the board before applying. See all 50 states →

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Other states with this pathway
Massachusetts →New Jersey →Nevada →South Carolina →Montana →Hawaii →

Compiled from direct email correspondence with the Missouri dental board (May 2026 cycle). Always confirm current requirements with the board before submitting an application.