UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry

The International Dentist Education Program (IDEP) consists of a 27-month pathway into the Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree program for dentists who have obtained their dental degree outside the United States. The IDEP begins with an accelerated three-month Bridge Training (May through July), which is a comprehensive calibration and preparation program to review the art, science, and practice of dentistry in the diverse clinical disciplines. This training is designed to prepare the students for matriculation into the third year of the DDS Program in August. The Bridge Training Program cost is approximately $37,000 USD, including all instruments and supplies. Upon successful completion of this preparatory training, matriculation into the third year of the DDS Program will require coordination with the Office of the Registrar. IDEP students can anticipate tuition and fees to average up to $100,000 USD per year, depending on Texas resident status. The total estimated cost for the combined Bridge Training and IDEP is $237,000 USD. The IDEP Bridge Training is a full-time program. Due to the demands of the full-time program, outside activities that can interfere with the program are not permitted.

Applicants selected for an in-person interview will also be required to take a hand skills assessment (which includes an additional, nonrefundable fee of $300 USD).

Required documentation:

• Completed application 
• Proof of US citizenship or permanent residency
• Resume or CV
• Dental school diploma (with English translations, if applicable)
• ECE Course by Course Evaluation Report of transcripts from non-U.S. dental school
• Three letters of recommendation from dental professionals (one letter is required from the dean of the dental school)
• Copy of TOEFL scores (reporting a combined score of 92 or above)
• Copy National Boards Parts I & II or Integrated National Board Dental Examination score (within the last five years)
• Health records completed by a health care provider (with English translations, if applicable):
• Completed UTHealth Houston Immunization form (attach any lab work to show proof of immunizations, if necessary)
• A letter of good health from a physician
• Copy of current CPR certification (provided by the American Heart Association, front and back of card)