UAB International Dental Program (IDP): How International Dentists Get In

  • Dr. T
  • October 16, 2026
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School guide · UAB School of Dentistry · Updated October 2026

UAB International Dental Program (IDP): How International Dentists Get In

The University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry runs the International Dental Program (IDP), a 30-month Advanced Standing track that starts every January and ends with a US DMD degree. You apply only through ADEA CAAPID, you must be a US citizen or permanent resident, and the last cycle ran from March 5 to April 30, 2026, for a January 4, 2027 start.

30months, January start, DMD degree
24places a year, the program’s accredited limit
~80applicants invited to the bench test
~40reach the video interview

Who this guide is for: Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nepali dentists (BDS), and other internationally trained dentists, who now live in the US as citizens or green-card holders and want a US DDS or DMD through UAB.

At a glanceWhat UAB looks forRequirementsSelection and timelineAm I ready?Cost and loansHow to prepareOther routesFAQ

How The Study Boards helps you get into UAB

  • INBDE first: UAB wants the INBDE passed before you apply. Our INBDE Premium Boards course gives you faculty-written Modules, Master Files, 35,000+ questions, subject and full-syllabus test series and nightly live tests at 9 PM New York time. Students who complete the course have a 99% first-attempt pass rate.
  • Personalised to you: the course is extremely personalised. It learns from the way you are studying, red lines and assignments are given to you on the go, and faculty are there to assist you.
  • TOEFL: UAB sets one of the higher TOEFL bars. Our TOEFL course for dentists is built on the 2026 format.
  • Your CAAPID file: the Master the CAAPID Application program builds your personal statement, letters and CV, and plans your school list with Dr. T.
  • Bench test and interview: bench test preparation with Dr. Kaur, and UAB IDP interview preparation with Dr. T, built around UAB’s case-based video interview.
The facts in one place

UAB IDP at a glance

From UAB’s own pages and the ADEA CAAPID listing, checked in October 2026.

International Dental Program (IDP), Birmingham, Alabama
DegreeDMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine)1
Length30 months, five terms3
Start dateEarly January (January 4, 2027 for the current class)2
Class sizeUp to 24 a year3
How to applyADEA CAAPID only, then a $175 UAB processing fee2
Last deadlineApril 30, 2026, midnight, no extensions23
INBDEPassed before you apply; NBDE Parts I and II also accepted2
English testTOEFL iBT: 94 with 20 in each skill (old scale), or 5 with 4 in each skill (2026 scale)3
Credential evaluationECE course-by-course, through CAAPID2
Bench testYes, early June, $350; a hand-skills exercise plus a dental case13
Interviewvideo, about 45 minutes, with the program directors3
Who can applyUS citizens and permanent residents only35
Tuition (UAB’s current estimate)$42,442 + $84,884 + $84,884 = $212,2104
Tuition and feesAbout $237,600 for the three terms listed; living costs not included4

What the 30 months look like

You start with a six-month preparatory term: preclinical training, classes and small-group seminars that introduce UAB’s patient care philosophy. Then you join the regular DMD students for the final two years.1

January to JunePreparatory term: preclinical lab, classes, seminars
D3 yearTeam-based comprehensive care and rotations
D4 yearPreparing for independent practice; graduation in early June

D3 rotations include community clinics, emergency care, endodontics, geriatrics, hospital dentistry, orthodontics, pediatric dentistry, periodontology, prosthodontics and treatment planning. In D4 you can add community clinic work with at-risk populations.1 Graduates are generally eligible for most US state and regional licensing exams.3

Read this before you write a word

What UAB focuses on

UAB is a public, urban research university and academic health center.5 Its dental school says it is committed to improving oral health first in Alabama, then nationally and worldwide, through outreach with diverse patient populations.7 Here is what its IDP pages say it selects for, and our advice on how to show it.

Clinical judgement, not just gradesUAB says GPA is not the most important factor. Work experience, research, interview skills and grades all count, and the committee also reads your letters, personal statement, CV, activities, work history and your understanding of dentistry as a career.3Our advice: in your CAAPID essays, describe real cases you managed and what you decided, not a list of duties.
Real practice experiencePractice is not required, and some recent graduates have been admitted. But UAB says experience as a dentist at home, or as an assistant or hygienist in North America, generally helps.3 One recent class averaged more than three and a half years of practice.6Our advice: show your years of practice with numbers: procedures, patients, settings.
A bench test that also tests thinkingThe on-site evaluation has two parts: a preclinical exercise for your hand skills and a dental case for your critical thinking. UAB provides every item you need.1Our advice: practise preparations to US grading standards and talk through a full treatment plan out loud.
A case-based interviewThe video interview, about 45 minutes with the program directors, tests diagnosis, treatment planning and communication. You can also share your dental history.3Our advice: prepare a two-minute story of your career, then drill case questions: findings, diagnosis, options, sequence.
Strong EnglishThe TOEFL floor is high, with a minimum in every skill, and admitted students have averaged over 100 on the old scale.3Our advice: treat 100+ as your real target, not 94.
A diverse class, residents onlyUAB says it wants great diversity in dental education backgrounds; one class came from 18 countries.6 Only US citizens and permanent residents may apply, and permanent residence must last the whole program without renewal.5Our advice: say what your training at home adds to a US class, and check your green-card dates now.

So, in your CAAPID file and interview, show thisThat you think like a clinician: real cases, clear treatment plans and years of hands-on work, explained in confident English. If you can, get one letter from a US dentist who has supervised or worked with you. UAB asks for that where possible.2 This is our advice, built from UAB’s stated criteria.

What UAB asks for

Requirements in detail

Only CAAPID-verified applications with every document in by the deadline are considered.2

A dental degree from outside the USThe program accepts internationally trained dentists only, with a DDS, BDS or equivalent.2

A passing INBDE result, before you applyUAB needs the INBDE, or NBDE Parts I and II, passed before you submit, with results sent through CAAPID.2 The INBDE costs $1,325 for internationally trained dentists as of October 2026.10 Plan it with our INBDE and CAAPID timeline. The DAT, GRE and ADAT are not required, though you may add scores you have.3

TOEFL iBT, within two yearsTests before 2026: 94 total with at least 20 in each of the four skills. Tests from January 1, 2026: a total of 5 with at least 4 in each skill. The Home Edition is accepted. If you finished secondary school in the US or Canada you may request a waiver.3 Short of the mark? See our TOEFL course for dentists.

ECE course-by-course evaluationAn official, detailed evaluation by ECE, submitted through CAAPID.2 ECE charges $199 for it.9 Read WES or ECE if you are unsure which you have.

Three letters of evaluationFrom former teachers or mentors who can speak to your character, conduct and professional ability. Where possible, at least one should come from a dentist practising in the US who supervised or worked with you.2 An observership is the usual way to earn that letter; our letters guide shows who to ask.

US citizenship or permanent residenceUAB states that applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents. Permanent resident status must run for the whole program without renewal, and eligible applicants are judged on professional merit, not visa status.35

From CAAPID to your first day

Selection steps and the application timeline

This is how UAB describes its cycle. The 2026 cycle is closed. UAB says the window opens in early March and closes on the last day of April, so expect the next one in spring 2027.3

Before MarchGet the hard parts doneINBDE passed, TOEFL in range, ECE ordered, three letter writers agreed. Follow our CAAPID walkthrough if the portal is new to you.
Early March (March 5, 2026)CAAPID opensSubmit, then pay UAB’s $175 processing fee online.2
April 30, midnightDeadline, no extensionsEvery document must be in and verified.23
Late April to early MayBench test invitationsAbout 80 applicants are invited.3
Early JuneBench test at UABA preclinical hand-skills exercise and a dental case. Fee $350; UAB supplies the materials.13
1 to 2 months latervideo interviewAbout 40 candidates, roughly 45 minutes with the program directors.3
By early fallAcceptance lettersUp to 24 places.3
Early JanuaryDay oneClasses began January 4, 2027 for this cycle; you graduate in early June, 30 months later.23

Two cuts, not oneRoughly 80 reach the bench, about 40 reach the interview and up to 24 are admitted. Your hands get you to the interview; your clinical reasoning gets you the offer. Read how schools evaluate your bench test and the five toughest interview questions.

Self-check

Am I ready to apply to UAB?

Tick what is already done. Anything left unticked is your to-do list before next March.

UAB’s own figures

Cost and financing

UAB publishes tuition and fees by term. It readjusts tuition every July, with typical rises of about 3% a year, and the table does not include books or living costs. Tap a term to see the numbers.4

Tuition (estimate)$42,442
Preclinical lab fee$3,195
Hospital insurance$1,198
Health services, dental plan, clinic and CPR fees$652
Total, tuition and fees$47,487

Tuition (estimate)$84,884
Clinic fee$6,498
Hospital insurance$1,948
Lab, health, life support and voluntary ASDA dues$1,109
Total, tuition and fees$94,439

Tuition (estimate)$84,884
Clinic fee$6,498
Hospital insurance$3,146
Lab, health, graduation and voluntary ASDA dues$1,146
Total, tuition and fees$95,674

Tuition, all three terms$212,210
Tuition and fees, all three terms$237,600

Our sum of UAB’s listed items, including voluntary ASDA dues and excluding cap and gown. Add rent, food, books and transport in Birmingham for 30 months.

Before you are accepted, budget for the INBDE ($1,325), the CAAPID fee ($264 for the first program, $115 for each extra one), the ECE report ($199), UAB’s $175 fee and the $350 bench test fee, plus your TOEFL.128910 See what it costs to apply to US dental schools.

How international dentists pay for it

Advanced Standing usually costs roughly $250,000 to $450,000 all-in, and UAB’s tuition sits at the lower end of that range. Almost everyone finances it with loans, so do not let the number stop you.

UAB’s IDP pages do not describe loans, so ask UAB’s financial aid office what applies to you. Because every UAB applicant is a US citizen or permanent resident, your options are usually wider than for visa holders. Across the US, the common routes are private loans, co-signer loans with a US citizen or green-card holder, and a few international lenders that need no co-signer.

Read is becoming a US dentist worth it for the full picture.

We prepare you for each step

How to prepare: our full plan

UAB judges your INBDE, TOEFL, written file, hands and clinical reasoning. Here is how The Study Boards prepares you for each.

INBDE

INBDE Premium BoardsPassed before you apply, as UAB requires:

  • Faculty-written Modules, Master Files and 35,000+ questions, answered by US-licensed dentists, not AI
  • Subject, cumulative and full-syllabus test series, plus nightly live tests at 9 PM New York time
  • 99% first-attempt pass rate for students who complete the course, and a Pass Guarantee
  • $299 for 3 months, $499 for 6 months, $899 for 12 months, or $39 a month

See the INBDE Course Blueprint

Interview

UAB IDP interview preparationBuilt for UAB’s case-based video interview:

  • Two live one-on-one mock interviews with detailed feedback
  • Clinical-scenario and behavioral questions, and how to present your background
  • Tailored to UAB only

See UAB Interview Prep

Hands

Bench test preparation with Dr. KaurFor the hand-skills half of UAB’s evaluation:

  • Seven live video sessions, one preparation at a time
  • Your own preparations critiqued by US-licensed faculty
  • A practice week and a competency exam at the end

See Bench Test Preparation

CAAPID

Master the CAAPID ApplicationYour written file, built with our faculty:

  • Personal statement, letter review and CV, reviewed by a 5-faculty bench
  • Profile and school-list strategy with Dr. T
  • 3 mock interview sessions included

See the CAAPID Program

TOEFL

TOEFL iBT course for dentistsFor a score with no weak section:

  • 45 days, mentor-reviewed, built on the 2026 TOEFL format
  • Practice for every new task type, including speaking

See the TOEFL Course

Call

Not sure where you stand?Share your INBDE status, TOEFL score and years of practice, and we will tell you honestly whether to aim for UAB’s next cycle.

Book a 10-minute call with Dr. T

Keep your options open

Other routes if UAB is not the right fit

Up to 24 places for a large pool of applicants means most dentists apply to several programs.

DDS/DMD

Advanced Standing elsewhereOther US schools run 2 to 3 year programs to a DDS or DMD, mostly through ADEA CAAPID. Compare them in our full list of US dental schools and the Advanced Standing programs guide.

AEGD

AEGD programsSome states give a limited licence after an AEGD; the rules vary by state. You apply through ADEA PASS. See AEGD programs for international dentists.

PASS

Residency directlySpecialty residencies through ADEA PASS. This is more competitive for internationally trained dentists. Read CAAPID or PASS to choose.

Teach

TeachingSome dentists start in teaching and research roles at dental schools while they plan their next step.

If you are also weighing Canada, the AFK route through the NDEB is the first step there. Our NDEB AFK exam guide explains it.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Can an Indian BDS graduate apply to UAB’s International Dental Program?
Yes, if you are a US citizen or permanent resident. The IDP accepts dentists with a BDS, DDS or equivalent from outside the US, but only citizens and green-card holders may apply. You also need the INBDE passed, an ECE report and a qualifying TOEFL score.
Do Pakistani dentists need the INBDE for UAB?
Yes. Every applicant, from any country, must pass the INBDE, or NBDE Parts I and II, before applying. UAB does not take an application that is waiting on a result.
Can I apply to UAB on an H-4, F-1 or other visa?
No. UAB states that applicants must be US citizens or permanent residents, and that permanent residence must last the whole program without renewal.
What is on the UAB bench test?
A preclinical exercise that assesses your hand skills and a dental case that assesses your critical thinking. UAB provides all the materials, and the fee is $350. About 80 applicants are invited, in early June.
What TOEFL score does UAB need?
For tests before 2026: 94 total, with 20 or more in each skill. For tests from January 1, 2026: a total of 5, with 4 or more in each skill. UAB says admitted students have averaged over 100 on the old scale.
When is the next UAB IDP deadline?
UAB says the CAAPID cycle opens in early March and closes at midnight on the last day of April, with no extensions. The 2026 cycle closed on April 30, 2026, so plan for spring 2027 and check UAB’s admissions page for exact dates.
Your UAB application starts with the INBDE

INBDE Premium Boards by The Study Boards

Modules, Master Files, test series and nightly live tests at 9 PM New York time, with US-licensed dentists answering your questions. Finish on time, score 60% or more on every course test and still do not pass? The Pass Guarantee refunds the course and your exam registration fee.

35,000+ questions99% first-attempt pass rateNightly live testsPass Guarantee

See the Blueprint

Bench Test Exercises by SchoolWhat other schools on your list ask you to prepare.What Is the Dental Bench Test?The basics, before you start practising.

Planning to apply to UAB?

Message The Study Boards on WhatsApp. Our Admin Team with Dr. T and Dr. Kaur will contact you over WhatsApp and help you plan your INBDE, TOEFL, bench test and CAAPID around UAB’s next cycle.

Message the Admin Team on WhatsApp

References

  1. UAB School of Dentistry. International Dentist Program: structure, curriculum, bench evaluation and $350 fee. uab.edu
  2. UAB School of Dentistry. IDP Admissions: 2026 dates, INBDE, letters, ECE, $175 fee. uab.edu
  3. UAB School of Dentistry. IDP FAQs: cycle, bench and interview numbers, selection factors, TOEFL, eligibility. uab.edu
  4. UAB School of Dentistry. IDP Tuition and Fees. uab.edu
  5. ADEA CAAPID. University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry program listing (updated March 2, 2026). programs.adea.org
  6. UAB School of Dentistry. UAB International Dentist Program keeps expanding its worldwide reach (news). uab.edu
  7. UAB School of Dentistry. About. uab.edu
  8. ADEA. ADEA CAAPID: Prepare to Apply, 2026-27 application fees. adea.org
  9. Educational Credential Evaluators. ADEA CAAPID Application Instructions. ece.org
  10. Joint Commission on National Dental Examinations. INBDE 2026 Candidate Guide: fees. jcnde.ada.org

Current as of October 2026. Program details, dates and costs are from the UAB School of Dentistry and ADEA CAAPID; costs are estimates and change every year. Confirm everything with the IDP office ([email protected]) before you apply. The Study Boards is not affiliated with the University of Alabama at Birmingham.

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