LSU Dental School for International Dentists: The IEDP (2026 Guide)

  • Dr. T
  • October 16, 2026
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School guide · LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry · Updated October 2026

LSU Dental School for International Dentists: The IEDP (2026 Guide)

LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry takes internationally trained dentists through its Internationally Educated Dentist Program (IEDP), a mandatory three-year track that starts in the second year of the DDS program and ends with a US DDS degree. You apply only through ADEA CAAPID; the last cycle ran from June 1 to August 15, 2026, for a July 2027 start.

3years, D2 to D4, DDS degree
5places a year (estimate)
90minimum TOEFL iBT
Yesbench test on manikins, plus a faculty interview

Who this guide is for: Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi and Nepali dentists (BDS), and other internationally trained dentists aiming for a US DDS or DMD, who are looking at LSU in New Orleans.

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

How The Study Boards helps you get into LSU

  • INBDE first: 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: 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 for LSU’s manikin bench test, and interview preparation with Dr. T for the faculty interview.
The facts in one place

LSU IEDP at a glance

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

Internationally Educated Dentist Program (IEDP), New Orleans
DegreeDDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery)1
Length3 years, the full D2, D3 and D4 curriculum; no classes waived1
Start dateJuly (July 2027 for the current cycle)13
Class sizeAbout 5 a year13
How to applyADEA CAAPID only, then a supplemental application and $75 fee if LSU asks12
Last deadlineAugust 15, 2026 (opened June 1, 2026)13
INBDEPass required: the INBDE or NBDE Part I12
English testTOEFL iBT 90+ (5+ on the 2026 scale); Home Edition accepted13
Credential evaluationECE course-by-course, uploaded to CAAPID1
Bench testYes, on manikins in the preclinical lab1
InterviewIn person, with IEDP Admissions Committee members, over one and a half days with the bench test1
Who can applyVisa holders can apply; LSU names F-1, J-2 and H-423
Tuition (as listed by LSU)$92,287 a year x 3 = $276,8611
Scholarships and loansNo LSU scholarships; loans are not described on the IEDP pages2

What the three years look like

LSU does not shorten the program. After the IEDP Advanced Placement Skills and Knowledge Assessment curriculum, you enter the DDS program as a second-year student and complete the second, third and fourth years as prescribed.1

Year 1 (D2)Second-year DDS curriculum with the domestic class
Year 2 (D3)Third-year curriculum and patient care
Year 3 (D4)Final-year clinics, then graduation with a DDS

The program is full-time, so you cannot work during it. Afterwards you are eligible for most US state or regional licensing exams.2

Read this before you write a word

What LSU focuses on

LSU’s dental school says its mission is to serve the people of Louisiana: educating oral health professionals, advancing research, and providing care and education to the community. It says three out of four dentists practising in Louisiana trained there.4 Here is what its IEDP pages say it selects for, and our advice on how to show it.

A full, unshortened educationNo class waivers. You repeat D2 with domestic students and must meet every Technical Standard in the LSU catalog.1Our advice: say plainly that you want the full three years and why. Do not treat it as a shortcut.
Grades and a science baseA 3.0 GPA is recommended, and more competitive GPAs get first consideration. LSU also lists prerequisite subjects: biology with lab, general and organic chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, English and physics, judged by the program director.1Our advice: map your BDS courses to that list on your CV so the director does not have to search.
Clinical, work and research varietyLSU says GPA is not the most important factor. It wants diverse clinical, work and research backgrounds and values interview skills. Specialty training does not automatically help, though further education may help your ranking.2Our advice: show the range of what you have done, with numbers, not titles.
Hand skills, judged in personThe bench test uses manikins in the preclinical lab, on a typodont LSU provides; you may bring your own instruments.12 LSU’s Department of Prosthodontics runs a paid bench preparation course for applicants.5Our advice: the program directors are prosthodontics faculty, so make your crown and bridge preparations your strongest.
Your dental school’s view of youOne of your three letters must come from a faculty member of the school that gave your dental degree, and letters cannot be more than two years old.1Our advice: contact your old professors early; they are the hardest letters to chase from abroad.
Community careLSU describes caring for “the poor, the elderly, and the young” through its clinics and outreach.4Our advice: camps, rural postings and public clinic work belong in your personal statement.

So, in your CAAPID file and interview, show thisSolid grades with a clear science base, a range of real clinical work, sharp fixed prosthodontic preparations, and a genuine wish to train fully for three years. Your personal statement should cover your dental education, your dental activities and your professional goals, as LSU asks.1 This is our advice, built from LSU’s stated criteria.

What LSU asks for

Requirements in detail

Only complete applications are reviewed, and you cannot apply directly to LSU.2

A dental degree from outside the US and CanadaA completed degree from an international dental school, plus the undergraduate prerequisites listed above.13

The INBDE or NBDE Part IOfficial scores go to CAAPID, not straight to LSU.12 The INBDE costs $1,325 for internationally trained dentists as of October 2026.8 Plan it with our INBDE and CAAPID timeline. The ADAT is not required, but LSU will consider a score you upload.12

TOEFL iBT 90 or higherUnder two years old, sent by ETS to CAAPID; the Home Edition counts. The CAAPID listing gives 5 as the equivalent on the 2026 scale. A degree from an accredited US college waives it; high school does not.13 LSU’s FAQ mentions scores averaging 100, so aim above the minimum.2

ECE course-by-course evaluationOf your dental transcripts and any degree earned outside the US, uploaded to CAAPID, with your diploma and licence.1 ECE charges $199.7 You cannot resubmit an evaluation or score later.2

Three letters, at least one from your dental school’s facultySigned, on letterhead, in English, no more than two years old, uploaded by the writers to CAAPID. Up to three more about practice or shadowing are encouraged.13 Our letters guide shows who to ask.

The supplemental application, if LSU asksA printed form, a $75 non-refundable fee, a 2×2 photo, a passport copy and your green card if you have one, mailed to the Office of Admissions.1

From CAAPID to your first day

Selection steps and the application timeline

This is how the 2026 cycle runs. The CAAPID window is closed. LSU had not set interview dates when we checked.1

Before JuneGet the hard parts doneINBDE passed, TOEFL 90+, ECE ordered, a dental school professor agreed to write. Follow our CAAPID walkthrough.
June 1, 2026LSU opens in CAAPIDApply early; LSU highly recommends it.1
After you submitSupplemental application, if requested$75 fee and documents by mail.1
August 15, 2026DeadlineOnly complete files are reviewed.12
Before the interviewCalibration and bench preparation coursesLSU says the Calibration Course is mandatory for first-time applicants.15
Dates to be announcedInterview and bench test, by email invitationA faculty interview and a manikin bench test, over one and a half days in New Orleans.12
1 to 2 months laterDecisionsLSU does not send formal rejection letters. If accepted, you pay a $5,000 non-refundable deposit within 15 days and pass a background check.12
July 2027Day one, as a D2 student1

Prepare the bench and the interview togetherThey happen in the same visit. Read how schools evaluate your bench test and the five toughest interview questions.

Self-check

Am I ready to apply to LSU?

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

LSU’s own figures

Cost and financing

LSU lists IEDP tuition of $92,287 for each of the three years, plus yearly fees. Tap a year to see the numbers.1

Tuition$92,287
Bookstore and instruments$9,000
Instrument rental, supplies, equipment, prosthodontic fee, dues$3,094
Total, tuition and fees$104,381

Tuition$92,287
Bookstore and instruments$3,520
Instrument rental, supplies, equipment, dues$2,819
Total, tuition and fees$98,626

Tuition$92,287
Instrument rental, supplies, equipment, dues, cap, gown, diploma$3,254
Total, tuition and fees$95,541

Tuition, all three years$276,861
Extra items LSU estimates: uniforms, loupes, laptopabout $4,800
Tuition and fees, all three years$298,548

Our sum of LSU’s listed figures. The $5,000 deposit is applied to D2 tuition. Rent, food and transport in New Orleans are extra.

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), LSU’s $75 supplemental fee and the bench preparation course if you take it, plus your TOEFL.15678 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 LSU’s three-year program sits in the middle of that range. Almost everyone finances it with loans, so do not let the number stop you.

LSU says it offers no scholarships, and its IEDP pages do not describe loans, so ask LSU’s financial aid office early.2 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

LSU judges your INBDE, TOEFL, grades, written file, hands and interview. Here is how The Study Boards prepares you for each.

INBDE

INBDE Premium BoardsThe result LSU needs, before its June window:

  • 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

Hands

Bench test preparation with Dr. KaurFor LSU’s manikin bench test:

  • Seven live video sessions, including full gold, PFM and all-ceramic crowns and a bridge
  • 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

Interview

Interview preparation with Dr. TFor a face-to-face committee interview:

  • The 3-session program with Dr. Slesnick and Dr. T: two before your invites, one after your first real interview
  • Motivation, ethics and clinical questions, answered without a script

See Interview Preparation

TOEFL

TOEFL iBT course for dentistsFor a score well above LSU’s 90:

  • 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 GPA, and we will tell you honestly whether to aim for LSU’s next cycle.

Book a 10-minute call with Dr. T

Keep your options open

Other routes if LSU is not the right fit

About five places a year is very few, so 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 LSU’s IEDP?
Yes. The IEDP is for dentists with a dental degree from outside the US and Canada. You need the INBDE or NBDE Part I, TOEFL 90+, an ECE report and three letters, and LSU checks your undergraduate science prerequisites.
Do Pakistani dentists need the INBDE for LSU?
Yes, or a pass on NBDE Part I. Every applicant needs a National Board pass, sent to CAAPID.
Can I apply to LSU on an F-1, J-2 or H-4 visa?
Yes. LSU’s FAQ says all three are eligible. On a J-2 you must watch your remaining authorised time, and LSU coordinates the transfer if you are on an F-1.
Why is LSU’s program three years when others are two?
LSU puts every IEDP student into the D2 year and grants no class waivers, so you complete the second, third and fourth years in full.
How much does the LSU IEDP cost?
LSU lists tuition of $92,287 a year, so $276,861 over three years, and about $298,548 with its listed fees. Living costs are extra, and LSU offers no scholarships.
When is the next LSU IEDP deadline?
The 2026 window ran from June 1 to August 15, 2026, for a July 2027 start. LSU has not posted the next cycle’s dates; check its IEDP page before you plan.
Your LSU 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 LSU?

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 LSU’s next cycle.

Message the Admin Team on WhatsApp

References

  1. LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry. Internationally Educated Dentist Program: dates, requirements, bench test, tuition and fees. lsusd.lsuhsc.edu
  2. LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry. IEDP Frequently Asked Questions. lsusd.lsuhsc.edu
  3. ADEA CAAPID. Louisiana State University School of Dentistry program listing (updated February 23, 2026). programs.adea.org
  4. LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry. About Us: mission. lsusd.lsuhsc.edu
  5. LSU Health Foundation. LSUSD Bench Preparation Course registration. lsuhealthfoundation.org
  6. ADEA. ADEA CAAPID: Prepare to Apply, 2026-27 application fees. adea.org
  7. Educational Credential Evaluators. ADEA CAAPID Application Instructions. ece.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 LSU Health New Orleans School of Dentistry and ADEA CAAPID; costs change every year. Confirm everything with the IEDP office before you apply. The Study Boards is not affiliated with Louisiana State University.

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