THE ADA PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR INTERNATIONAL DENTISTS U.S. DENTAL LICENSURE AND TESTING REQUIREMENTS. 4 3. Apply to an accredited dental education program with advanced standing to earn a D.D.S. or D.M.D. degree, after passing the NBDE Part 1. Some schools offer an International Dentist Program (IDP), which is a separate program and different from one with an advanced standing component. Most IDPs also grant a D.D.S. or D.M.D., but a few offer a certificate of completion. NOTE: the certificate may not be recognized by all licensing jurisdictions (states) for the purposes of licensure. Go to ada.org/en/coda/find-a-program for a complete list of accredited dental education programs. 4. Following the completion of the D.D.S., D.M.D. or IDP, pass NBDE Part II. 5. Pass a clinical licensing examination administered by a state or regional clinical testing agency accepted in the state where you wish to be licensed. The clinical examination requirement varies from state to state please contact the state board of dentistry where you wish to become licensed to learn which examination(s) is accepted by that state. You should learn these requirements before applying to take the examination. 6. Request an application from the state board of dentistry where you wish to become licensed. Carefully review the application and identify and complete any additional requirements. For example, complete a course or test on the state dental practice act and show proof of malpractice insurance. 7. Send the completed licensure application and fees to the appropriate state board of dentistry.