THE ADA PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL DENTISTS U.S. DENTAL LICENSURE AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS. 1 Introduction The ADA Practical Guide for International Dentists: U.S. Dental Licensure and Testing Requirements provides general information on the dental licensure process in the United States. This information was compiled for dentists educated outside the United States or Canada who contact the ADA. Please be aware that if the dentist has not graduated from a dental school accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA), it is a complex and time-consuming process to become a licensed dentist in the United States. Expenses may include testing and examinations, licensure fees, travel expenses and costs associated with relocating to the U.S. Dental licensure in the United States is regulated at the state government level and each licensing jurisdiction, or state, has its own laws, rules and regulations. Several steps must be followed and individuals seeking licensure must research a state’s laws, including testing and licensure application requirements. Although passing the National Board Dental Examination (a written examination) is required by all states, a single clinical licensure test does not exist. Licensure requirements differ in every state, so it is imperative to understand the specific licensure laws in states where licensure will be sought. Because state requirements can change, individuals must be knowledgeable about the requirements in the state in which licensure is sought before starting the licensure process. Many dental schools and state dental boards require a minimum score performance on an English test, such as TOEFL for nonnative English speakers. This is to determine whether the dentist can use and understand the English language as heard, spoken, read and written. Educational institutions sponsoring dental education programs and state licensing agencies change their programs and requirements periodically contact these entities directly for the most current information.