Application procedures

Phase I

Please send the following information directly to the International Dentist Program at Virginia Commonwealth University.

1. VCU IDP application form
   • Applications must be typed. The IDP office does not accept handwritten applications.
2. NBDE Parts I and II
   • You must send your official NBDE Part I and Part II scores directly to our program
3. TOEFL score
   • You must send your official TOEFL score directly to our program. The TOEFL iBT test (Internet-based test with a spoken language section) is mandatory. You will need to have a minimum total score of 94 on the iBT and a minimum of 20 in each of the four sections. All applicants are required to take the TOEFL and send an official report to VCU. The VCU International Dentist Program TOEFL code is 4444, department code 38.
4. Educational Credential Evaluators report
   • You must send your official ECE report directly to our program.
5. Transcripts and diploma
   • You must submit an official detailed evaluation by ECE to IDP along with official transcripts from your dental program and any other post graduate studies or other original higher education transcripts. You should also submit a copy of your dental school diploma.
6. Internship certification
   • Applicants with a four-year education need to show proof of completion of an internship after graduation. A year’s private practice is not acceptable.
7. Copy of dental license
8. Personal statement
   • You should submit a one page statement.
9. Letters of evaluation
   • You are required to submit three letters of evaluation. One letter of evaluation should come from the dean and one from a faculty member of the dental school from which you graduated. The third letter should come from a dentist practicing in the United States who supervised or worked with you in a clinical or educational setting.
10. Proof of residency
    • Program prefers candidates who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Send a copy of your immigration document (U.S. passport, permanent resident card or visa) directly to our program.
11. One passport picture (2" x 2")
12. Application fee
    • $125 check or signed money order made payable to VCU School of Dentistry

You MUST include your full legal name, address, telephone number and email address with every mailing sent to the VCU International Dentist Program. Send all information to the following address:

Attn: Dr. Gottlieb
International Dentist Program
Virginia Commonwealth University
School of Dentistry
520 North 12th Street
P.O. Box 980566
Richmond, Virginia 23298-0566

Please allow 72 hours for our staff to process your application before contacting our office. We will contact you and let you know that your application has been received.

Once the candidate’s application is received in our office, it is then reviewed and a decision is made on whether or not an interview will be granted. We highly discourage applicants calling our office to find out the status of their application.

Phase II

Applicants who successfully complete Part I of the application process and are considered potential candidates will be required to participate in an interview led by faculty members at the VCU School of Dentistry, as well as a bench test using mannequins in the preclinical laboratory.

A dental school is a professional environment and candidates are expected to dress accordingly. Men should wear suits or sport coats with ties and women should wear suits or dresses. Attire such as blue jeans, miniskirts, shorts, flip-flops and tennis shoes are not recommended.

Bench test preparatory course

VCU offers a Bench Test Preparatory Course in restorative dentistry for international dentists. For three days, participants will develop a working portfolio of their work in restorative dentistry that may be used in an admission process for dental programs. The course is not required nor does it guarantee admission to any dental school.