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What is the application process?
- Phase one: Submission of applications
ADEA CAAPID is our official application portal. UAB's application cycle opens when ADEA opens the annual cycle (usually early March) and closes at midnight on the last day of April. Candidates must have all application materials submitted by this deadline. Due to our tight timeline, no extensions can be offered.
- Phase two: Bench Test
Around eighty candidates will be selected from Phase One applications to participate in a Bench Test. This occurs in early June at the UAB School of Dentistry. Candidates will receive information about UAB's program, tour the school, and then demonstrate their hand skills by completing a series of exercises on manikins
- Phase three: Interviews
Around 40 Phase two candidates will move forward to Phase three's personal interviews. These occur via Zoom and offer candidates approximately 45 minutes with the program directors where their diagnostic, treatment planning, communication, and other clinical skills will be tested. Additionally, candidates will have the opportunity to share parts of their dental history and accomplishments.
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How many people are accepted each year?
Up to 24.
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How long is the program, and when does it end?
This is a 30-month program. The program starts in the spring term, which begins the first week in January, and is 5 terms long. The first preparatory term involves preclinical training, classroom sessions, and small group seminars. Students then complete 2 years in clinical training integrated with traditional track students. Students graduate in early June.
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Can I take the Alabama board exam after completing the program?
Once you complete the program, you are eligible to take most state or regional licensing exams in the US or Canada, including the exams accepted for Alabama licensure. Slight variations exist from state to state, so you may wish to check with individual states to confirm eligibility.
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Is the GPA the most important thing?
No. We are striving for a diverse group of students with a variety of clinical backgrounds. Work experience, research experience, and interview skills are all important, as well as grades.
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Do I need to take the DAT or the GRE?
These are not required for admission; however, if you have DAT or GRE scores you may include these in your application.
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Do I need to take the ADAT?
The ADAT is not required for admission; however, if you have taken the ADAT you may include this score in your application.
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What other items are of importance to the Admissions Committee?
Many things, including but not limited to: letters of evaluation, your personal statement, your CV, your interview, extracurricular activities, knowledge of dentistry as a career, and work history.
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Do I need to have private practice experience to be considered?
This is a complex question. Applications are reviewed competitively with the goal of admitting the best candidates out of each year's applicant pool. Each candidate must decide for themselves if their application offers them a competitive edge. If the applicant pool one year has many candidates with strong grades and extensive experience, then those candidates will be more competitive than others who have high grades but little experience or extensive experience but low grades. Our program considers applicants who have just completed dental school, and some have been admitted without private practice experience, just like our program has considered candidates with below average grades and extensive experience. The process is competitive and unique to each applicant pool. In general, work experience both as a dentist in your home country and as an assistant/hygienist in North America improves a candidate's competitive edge.
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If I get accepted, when will I hear?
Invitations to Phase Two, the Bench Test, are typically offered shortly after the application cycle closes (often the end of April, beginning of May). Invitations to Phase Three, Individual Interviews, are extended 1-2 months after the Bench Test. Letters of acceptance for the program are extended by early Fall.
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What is the difference between a D.M.D. degree and a D.D.S degree?
D.M.D. (Doctor of Dental Medicine) and D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery) degrees are equivalent degrees. The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry awards the D.M.D. degree.
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Is a bench test required?
Yes. This will be scheduled following the application deadline.
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What is the TOEFL requirement?
Applicants are required to take the TOEFL internet-based test (iBT). A minimum 94 iBT score and a score of 20 or above in each of the four skill areas is required. TOEFL scores are evaluated on a competitive basis within that year's applicant pool, and TOEFL scores of accepted candidates have averaged over 100 in recent years. TOEFL scores more than two years old may not be accepted. Candidates who completed secondary school in the United States or Canada may request a waiver for the TOEFL.
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What types of VISAs give eligibility to apply for this program?
Applicants must be hold US citizenship or permanent resident status.
| Preparatory term (Jan-June) | D3 year (July-June) | D4 year (July-June) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition (estimate)1 | $40,006 | $80,012 | $80,012 |
| Student Health Program | |||
| Student Health Services (annual deductible) | $500 | $500 | $500 |
| Prepaid Dental Health Program | $51 | $102 | $102 |
| Hospital Insurance | $2,012 | $3,244 | $3,244 |
| Equipment & Lab Fees | |||
| Preclinical Lab Fee | $3,195 | $50 | $50 |
| Prosthetic Lab | n/a | $300 | $300 |
| Breakage Fee | n/a | n/a | $15 |
| Miscellaneous Fees | |||
| Clinic Fee | $63 | $6,498 | $6,498 |
| CPR Fee | $30 | n/a | n/a |
| Advanced Cardiac Life Support | n/a | $30 | n/a |
| ASDA Dues (voluntary) | n/a | $117 | $117 |
| Special Fees | |||
| Cap & Gown Rental (DMD) | n/a | n/a | At cost |
| Graduation & Diploma Fee | n/a | n/a | $60 |
1The tuition is subject to annual readjustment. Tuition and fees for the next academic year will be posted in early July. These values typically increase around 3% each year for planning purposes but are tentative pending Board of Trustees approval.
NOTE: The table does not include additional expenses such as books or living expenses.
Application Deadline
ADEA CAAPID application opens: March 6, 2025 deadline: April 30, 2025. Only ADEA CAAPID-verified applications with all required application materials submitted by the deadline will be considered. The class starts in January; generally immediately after the New Year’s Day holiday.
This program accepts internationally trained dentists only (D.D.S., B.D.S., or equivalent).
National Boards
NBDE Part I & II or the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) must be passed prior to application.
Application
Candidates who wish to apply to the program must submit the following materials. Information on the program can be found on the ADEA website.
- Application form: An applicant should complete application through the ADEA CAAPID service.
- TOEFL: For any student who does not speak English as a primary language, TOEFL iBT scores must be provided through CAAPID. UAB School of Dentistry accepts the Home Edition of TOEFL.
- National Board Dental Examination: Results from the NBDE Part I and Part II or INBDE must be provided through CAAPID.
- Letters of evaluation: Program requires three Letters of Evaluation from former teachers or mentors who can attest to applicant's character, conduct, and professional ability. If possible one or more of the three letters should be from a dentist practicing in the United States who supervised or worked with the applicant in a clinical or educational setting.
- Educational transcripts: An applicant must submit an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation by Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) through CAAPID.
- Application fee: After completing the CAAPID application, a program specific application fee is required. Electronically submit payment of $175 non-refundable processing fee to the program using the online payment portal.