Howard University International Dentist Program: Advanced Standing Guide for International Dentists (2026)

  • Dr. T
  • October 16, 2026
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School guide · Howard University College of Dentistry · Updated October 2026

Howard University International Dentist Program: Advanced Standing Guide for International Dentists (2026)

Howard University College of Dentistry in Washington, DC runs the International Dentist Program, a 24-month Advanced Standing program that starts in May and ends with a DDS degree. You apply through ADEA CAAPID and pay Howard’s $200 supplemental fee; after interviews, up to 10 dentists are selected and must pass a summer calibration on simulation manikins before they join the third-year class.

24months, May start, DDS
Up to 10places a year
100minimum TOEFL, no waiver
Summercalibration decides your D3 place

Who this guide is for: Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nepali dentists with a BDS, and other internationally trained dentists aiming for a US DDS or DMD, who are considering Howard University in Washington, DC.
Application status, October 2026: the last Howard cycle in CAAPID ran from March 5 to July 31, 2026, for a May 1, 2027 start. No window is open now. Howard’s deadline is July 31 every year, and your boards must be passed before that date.
At a glanceWhat Howard looks forRequirementsSelection and timelineAm I ready?Cost and loansHow to prepareOther routesFAQ

How The Study Boards helps you get into Howard

  • INBDE first: Howard needs your INBDE completed, scored and passed before July 31. Our INBDE Premium Boards course gives you faculty-written Modules, Master Files, 35,000+ questions, the 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: our courses are extremely personalised. Red lines and assignments are given to you on the go, the course learns from the way you study, and faculty assist you all the way.
  • Hands for the bench test and the summer: bench test preparation with Dr. Kaur builds the manikin skills Howard checks before admission and again in its summer calibration.
  • English, file and interview: our TOEFL course targets Howard’s 100, the CAAPID application program builds your essays, letters and school list, and Dr. T prepares you for the interview.
The facts in one place

Howard International Dentist Program at a glance

From Howard’s own pages and its ADEA CAAPID listing, checked in October 2026.

International Dentist Program (Advanced Standing), Washington, DC
DegreeDDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery)1
Length24 months, full-time and in person; can run longer if needed to meet graduation requirements12
Start dateMay (May 1, 2027 on the ADEA listing)12
Class sizeUp to 101
How to applyADEA CAAPID, then Howard’s $200 supplemental application1
DeadlineJuly 31 each year (July 31, 2026 for the last cycle)12
INBDEPass required before the deadline; NBDE Parts I and II also accepted1
English testTOEFL iBT 100, no waiver12
Credential evaluationECE or WES, detailed evaluation1
Bench testYes (ADEA listing), plus a summer calibration on manikins2
InterviewBy invitation; bring official TOEFL and board scores2
Tuition (2026-27)$29,950 a semester, $11,980 for a summer term4
Green card needed?No, per Howard’s ADEA listing2
LoansFederal and/or private loans; no international details published6

What the 24 months look like

From May through July, Howard evaluates and calibrates each new student in clinical procedures on the preclinical manikins in its simulation lab. If your performance is not satisfactory, the acceptance is rescinded, based on the recommendation of the department chairs, the admissions committee and the dean. If it is, you join the third-year (D3) class and take part in all D3 and D4 programs.2

Read this before you write a word

What Howard focuses on, and what that means for you

The facts below come from Howard’s own pages. The tips under each one are our advice, based on those facts.

Equity

Reducing health disparitiesHoward’s mission is to provide exceptional dental education to qualified people from all backgrounds, with an emphasis on recruiting students from historically under-represented and disadvantaged populations. Its vision is patient-centered, evidence-based care that reduces health disparities in disadvantaged populations.3

Our adviceIn your CAAPID essay and interview, show real work with patients who had little access to care, such as camps, rural postings or free clinics, and what it taught you.

Culture

Compassionate, culturally sensitive dentistsHoward wants “distinguished, compassionate, and culturally sensitive graduates” and a humanistic learning environment.3

Our advicePrepare one story about treating a patient whose language, culture or beliefs differed from yours, and how you adapted.

Hands

Proven skills before you see patientsThe ADEA listing shows a bench test, and every admitted student is calibrated on manikins in the summer. Failing that stage means losing the place.2

Our adviceArrive at third-year standard. Do not stop practising after you are accepted; the summer is a second test.

Recency

Recent boards and a dean’s letterHoward prefers board passes within the last five years, and prefers one letter from the dean of the dental school you graduated from.12

Our adviceRequest your dean’s letter early; it often takes the longest. If your boards are older, plan your timeline around a fresh INBDE pass.

What Howard does not publishHoward does not publish a minimum GPA, required years of practice, or the content of its bench test. Ask the program office ([email protected]) if you need details.2

What Howard asks for

Requirements in detail

Howard reviews only complete applications that meet the deadline, and only documents in CAAPID unless it asks for more at interview.1

A dental degree from outside the USThe program is for dentists whose degree comes from outside the United States.1
A passing INBDE, or NBDE Parts I and IICompleted, scored and passed before the deadline, preferably within the last five years. Howard’s page says the ADA should send official scores straight to the program, and you bring official scores to your interview.12 The INBDE costs $1,325 for international candidates as of October 2026.8 See our INBDE and CAAPID timeline.
TOEFL iBT, 100 or higherRequired for international dental degrees, with no waiver. Internet-based scores only, sent through CAAPID; bring the original score report if you are interviewed.12 See our TOEFL course for dentists.
ECE or WES evaluationA detailed evaluation sent to CAAPID. If admitted, your dental school sends official transcripts to the program.1 Read WES or ECE.
Three letters of evaluationSent to CAAPID on institutional letterhead with the writer’s signature. Howard prefers one from your dental school’s dean.1 See our letters guide.
The $200 supplemental applicationAfter CAAPID sends you an activation link, pay the non-refundable $200 fee in Howard’s applicant portal and click Submit. The link expires in 24 hours. Submit only one supplemental application.1

From CAAPID to your first day

Selection steps and the application timeline

This is how the 2026 cycle ran. Howard’s pages give the deadline and start as fixed annual dates.

March 5, 2026CAAPID openedNew to CAAPID? Use our CAAPID walkthrough.2
After CAAPIDHoward supplemental applicationPay $200 within 24 hours of the activation link.1
July 31, 2026DeadlineBoards must be passed by this date.12
By invitationInterview and bench testBring official TOEFL and board score reports and a 2×2 colour photo with your name and CAAPID number on the back.12
On acceptance$300 enrollment fee and $700 good-faith deposit4
May 2027Orientation, then summer calibrationOrientation is the Wednesday after university graduation in May; classes start the Monday after orientation week. Calibration on manikins runs May to July.12
After JulyThird-year classIf your calibration is satisfactory, you join D3 and then D4.2

Prepare for both testsRead bench test prep: 3 procedures and 6 criteria, how the bench test is graded and the five toughest dental school interview questions.

Self-check

Am I ready to apply to Howard?

Tick what is already done. Anything left unticked is your to-do list, and The Study Boards can help with most of it.

Howard’s own figures, 2026-27

Cost and financing

Howard publishes a cost of attendance for the two main years (IDP3 and IDP4), based on an 11-month academic year, and separate term charges. Tap a period.45

Enrollment fee$300
Good-faith deposit$700
Due on acceptance$1,000

IDP summer term tuition$11,980
Books and instruments (IDP2, summer term)$14,360
Summer charges (our sum)$26,340

Howard’s charge notice lists these items; it does not publish a summer cost of attendance with living costs.

Tuition$59,900
Mandatory fees, books, supplies and instruments$10,720
Housing, food, transport, personal, loan fees$36,372
IDP3 cost of attendance$106,992

Tuition$59,900
Mandatory fees, books, supplies and instruments$6,023
Housing, food, transport, personal, loan fees$36,372
IDP4 cost of attendance$102,295

The two cost-of-attendance years plus the first summer’s charges add up to about $235,627, before summer living costs. Costs can change each academic year.

Before you are accepted, budget for the INBDE ($1,325), the CAAPID fee ($264 for your first program, $115 for each extra one), your ECE or WES report, the $200 Howard fee, your TOEFL and travel to Washington, DC.178 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 Howard is at the lower end of that range. Almost everyone finances it with loans, so do not let the number stop you.

Howard says students can use federal loans and/or private loans, and notes that the Grad PLUS program ends for new borrowers from July 1, 2026.56 Federal loans need US citizenship or eligible status, so most international dentists use private loans, co-signer loans with a US citizen or green-card holder, or one of the few international lenders that need no co-signer. Read is becoming a US dentist worth it.

We prepare you for each step

How to prepare: our full plan

Howard judges your boards, English, letters, interview and hands, then your hands again in the summer. Here is how The Study Boards prepares you for each.

INBDE

INBDE Premium BoardsPass well before Howard’s July 31 deadline:

  • Faculty-written Modules and Master Files, then the Master and Grand Test Series
  • 35,000+ focused questions, answered by US-licensed dentists, not AI
  • Nightly live tests at 9 PM New York time
  • 99% first-attempt pass rate for students who complete the course
  • $299 for 3 months, $499 for 6 months, $899 for 12 months, or $39 a month

See the INBDE Course Blueprint

Bench

Bench test preparation with Dr. KaurFor the bench test and the summer calibration:

  • 7 video sessions with Dr. Kaur, 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

Interview

Interview preparation with Dr. TFor Howard’s interview:

  • The 3-session program with Dr. Slesnick and Dr. T
  • Practice on service to underserved patients, cultural sensitivity and why Howard

See Interview Preparation

CAAPID

Master the CAAPID ApplicationYour essays, letters and school list:

  • Reviewed by a 5-faculty bench
  • Profile and school-selection strategy with Dr. T
  • Limited to 40 students per cycle

See the CAAPID Program

TOEFL

TOEFL iBT course for dentistsHoward gives no waiver below 100:

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

See the TOEFL Course

Call

Not sure where you stand?Share your INBDE status, TOEFL score and graduation year, and we will tell you honestly whether to aim for the next Howard cycle.

Book a 10-minute call with Dr. T

Keep your options open

Other routes if Howard is not the right fit

Up to 10 places a year is a small number, so 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.

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 is the first exam on that route. Our NDEB AFK exam guide explains how it compares with the INBDE.

Quick answers

Frequently asked questions

Does Howard University accept international dentists?
Yes. Howard’s International Dentist Program is for dentists with a degree from outside the US. It lasts 24 months, starts in May and leads to a DDS. Howard’s ADEA listing says you do not need a green card.
Can an Indian BDS graduate apply to Howard’s Advanced Standing program?
Yes. A BDS is a dental degree from outside the US. You need a passed INBDE before July 31, TOEFL iBT 100, an ECE or WES evaluation, three letters (ideally one from your dean) and Howard’s $200 supplemental application.
Do Pakistani dentists need the INBDE for Howard?
Yes. Howard requires a pass on the INBDE, or NBDE Parts I and II, completed and scored before the July 31 deadline. It prefers a pass within the last five years.
What is Howard’s summer calibration?
From May to July, Howard evaluates and calibrates each new student in clinical procedures on simulation manikins. If the performance is not satisfactory, the acceptance is rescinded; if it is, you join the third-year class.
Does Howard accept WES or IELTS?
Howard accepts both ECE and WES evaluations. Its pages name only the TOEFL for English, with a minimum of 100 and no waiver.
How much does Howard’s International Dentist Program cost?
At 2026-27 rates, tuition is $29,950 a semester and $11,980 for a summer term. Howard’s cost of attendance is $106,992 for IDP3 and $102,295 for IDP4, including living costs.
Your Howard application starts with the INBDE

INBDE Premium Boards by The Study Boards

Modules, Master Files, Grand Tests and nightly live tests at 9 PM New York time, with US-licensed dentists answering your questions.

35,000+ questions99% first-attempt pass rateFrom $39 a month

See the Blueprint

US Dental Schools for International DentistsEvery Advanced Standing program, side by side.Bench Test Exercises by SchoolWhat other schools on your list ask you to prepare.

Planning to apply to Howard?

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 and bench preparation around the next cycle.

Message the Admin Team on WhatsApp

References

  1. Howard University College of Dentistry. International Dentist Program: degree, length, class size, start, requirements, $200 supplemental fee. dentistry.howard.edu
  2. ADEA CAAPID. Howard University College of Dentistry program listing (updated March 11, 2026). programs.adea.org
  3. Howard University College of Dentistry. Mission and Vision. dentistry.howard.edu
  4. Howard University Student Financial Services. Official Notice of Student Charges for Academic Year 2026-27. financialservices.howard.edu
  5. Howard University Student Financial Services. 2026-2027 Estimated Cost of Attendance. financialservices.howard.edu
  6. Howard University College of Dentistry. Scholarships and Loans. dentistry.howard.edu
  7. ADEA. ADEA CAAPID: Prepare to Apply, 2026-27 application fees. adea.org
  8. 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 Howard University and ADEA CAAPID; costs can change each academic year. Confirm everything with the Howard IDP office ([email protected]) before you apply. The Study Boards is not affiliated with Howard University.

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