After I graduated in India with a Bachelor in Dental Surgery (BDS) degree, I got the opportunity to come to the United States. As I prepared my application for international dentist programs at U.S. dental schools, I shadowed and volunteered at dental offices and community dental clinics. Soon, I started working part-time as a dental assistant and eventually received my Certified Dental Assistant (CDA) certification and Registered Dental Assistant (RDA) license in California and started to work full-time.
Applying to dental school as an international dentist
I wanted to improve my skills after graduation in 2011. I had received my Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India and desired advanced training. I decided to apply to an accredited U.S. dental school.
The decision seemed simple, but I soon realized the amount of materials required for the application.
Preparing for NBDE I and II as an international dentist
In 2011, I graduated with my Bachelor of Dental Surgery in India and worked at a military hospital as a dental officer and at a volunteer organization for almost two years. Not long after, my husband and I moved to the United States, and I began my path to become licensed to practice in the US.
When we first moved, I was unsure what the future would hold for me, and the challenges that awaited. I spent the first several months adjusting to my life here before I started to figure out my next step. My mind raced with questions like “what’s next?” and I knew that I couldn’t sit idly and waste my time.
Keep reading for Shruti’s tips on taking the NBDE as a foreign-trained dentist.