Requirements

Requirements

Applicants to the Internationally Trained Dentist Program (ITDP) are reviewed in a holistic manner with consideration of all components of the application, including the criteria below. The following items are only accepted through the CAAPID application:

National Board Dental Examination

All applicants are required to report passing National Board results on the CAAPID application. Either the NBDE Part I or the INBDE is accepted.

• If Part I scores are submitted, Part II is encouraged but not required. Part 1 scores from the last 5 years are preferred, but all passing scores are accepted.
• Official scores will be requested when an offer of admission is made.
• Please see the ADA website for more information about the NBDE.

 Advanced Dental Admissions Test (ADAT)

The Advanced Dental Admissions Test (ADAT) is recommended but not required for admission to the University of Michigan Internationally Trained Dentist Program.

Applicants who have taken the ADAT and submit scores via ADEA CAAPID will receive priority review. However, all applicants who meet our general program minimum requirements will be reviewed.

When registering for the test, applicants should select ADEA CAAPID to receive their scores. Official scores will be posted to the CAAPID application within a few weeks of each test date. Applicants should also self report ADAT scores on the CAAPID application.

 iBT TOEFL Examination
All applicants are required to take the internet-based TOEFL.  As of January 2026 the TOEFL score scale has changed:

Unexpired scores from tests taken prior to January 21, 2026, the minimum accepted overall score is 94.  Test scores above 100 are considered competitive and we recommend that sub scores are 25 and above.

Scores for tests taken January 21, 2026 and later must have a minimum overall score of 5 to be considered.  Test scores of 5 or above in all sections are considered competitive.

TOEFL scores are valid for two years after the test date. Scores that are older than this will not be accepted.

Official TOEFL scores must be sent electronically from ETS directly to CAAPID before the application deadline (see instructions for sending TOEFL scores). The TOEFL Home Edition is accepted. The TOEFL MyBest scores are not considered and we only accept iBT scores through the CAAPID application. Do not mail or email scores to the Admissions Office.

Dental Experience

Applicants are expected to demonstrate experience working in the dental field. Experiences that indicate direct patient care as a licensed dentist are desirable and strongly recommended.

 Letters of Recommendation

The University of Michigan requires three total letters of recommendation, which must be uploaded directly to the CAAPID application by the evaluators. Letter requirements (all letters described below must be on letterhead and signed):

• One dean’s letter - One letter from the current Dean of the applicant’s dental school or other current administrator at the dental school who can attest that the applicant maintained good academic standing during the program and can confirm the applicant’s enrollment and graduation from the institution.
• Two letters of choice - The remaining letters should be from instructors or similar individuals who are able to evaluate the applicant’s knowledge, skill, character, and potential for success in the program.

All letters must be confidential, and applicants should waive their right to access them. Letters that are recent (and not older than 2 years) are more competitive. Additional letters beyond the three submitted through CAAPID are not allowed and will not be accepted.