University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry
- California
- dentistry.ucla.edu
Program Contact
The University of California, Los Angeles School of Dentistry (UCLA SOD) Professional Program for International Dentists (PPID) commences with a curriculum focused on didactic, pre-clinical and clinical preparatory instruction. After successfully completing these courses, students will be fully integrated into the third year class and granted the same opportunities in research, clinical experience, professional development and extracurricular activities as a traditional UCLA SOD student. The goal of this program is to produce dentists who possess the necessary knowledge in the biomedical sciences and clinical skills to provide competent and comprehensive dental care within the United States. We welcome your application to join the program and become part of the UCLA SOD community. We take pride in our core mission to improve the oral and general health of the people of California, the nation and the world through education, research, patient care and public service.
Program Information
| Degree Awarded | D.D.S. |
|---|---|
| Program Size | 30 |
| Program Length | 25 months |
| Application Open Date | March 6, 2026 |
| Application Deadline | June 30, 2026 |
| Program Start Date | May 5, 2027 |
| Supplemental Application | Yes |
| Supplemental Fee | Yes |
| Applicants must be a U.S. citizen or hold U.S. legal permanent resident status (green card) | No |
| Bench Test | Yes |
| Program Website | dentistry.ucla.edu |
Application Requirements
Required Standardized Tests
- NBDE
- INBDE
- TOEFL
- Other
Supplemental Requirements
- Requires supplemental application
- Requires supplemental fee
Transcript Evaluation and Instructions
Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE)
Letters of Evaluation Instructions
Three Letters of Recommendation are required. Applicants must submit one Letter of Recommendation from each of the following individuals: Dean or head of the applicant’s dental school, dental school clinical instructor who is able to evaluate the applicant’s potential and a person of the applicant’s choosing; preferably someone with whom the applicant has worked with. We recommend that letters of recommendation be written within the last two years.
TOEFL Requirement Instructions
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL ) is required of all applicants who did not complete their High School education in the United States. All applicants must meet the minimum requirements:
- TOEFL score report must be taken within the last two years.
- Minimum overall score on TOEFL iBT of 95 (for exams taken before January 21, 2026) OR 5.0 for exams taken on or after January 21, 2026.
- TOEFL Home edition taken before January 21, 2026, will be accepted. TOEFL Home edition taken on or after January 21, 2026 will not be accepted.
- MyBest TOEFL is accepted.
- An official, sealed (unopened), TOEFL report must be submitted by the issuing instituion, directly to the UCLA School of Dentistry Office of Student Services, by the application deadline. Electronic copies will not be accepted.
National Board Requirement Instructions
Program requires passage of both NBDE Parts I and Part II or passage of the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) to be considered for admission. The NBDE must be requested by the applicant online and submitted by the deadline to: UCLA School of Dentistry, PPID Coordinator at ppid_admissions@dentistry.ucla.edu
Other Requirement Instructions
Curriculum Vitae/Professional Resume
Applicant's current curriculum vitae/professional resume must be submitted with the supplemental application as a combined pdf to ppid_admissions@dentistry.ucla.edu by the application deadline. Include education/training, professional employment/organizations, research/publications, honors/awards and community service.
Application Fee
A non-refundable application fee of US$250 must be sumbitted online at the School of Dentistry PPID website. Checks or money orders will not be accetped.
Acuity Insight - Admission Assessment of Non-Cognitive Skills
All applicants are required to complete the CASPER Assessment through Acuity Insights. Testing dates are posted on their website. Visit the Acuity Insights website to schedule your exam (90-110 minute online, open-response situational judgement test). Exams taken after the deadline will not be considered. For questions, contact Acuity Insights directly. Applicants may submit all the required supplemental documents prior to taking the CASPER exam.