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Application Requirements

Please note that many of our programs have made exceptions to the application process and admissions requirements due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic response. Additionally, references to in-person campus visits, events, lab work, or classroom interactions should be read in light of current campus health and safety guidelines, which continue to evolve in response to changing conditions. More information can be found on WesternU’s COVID-19 Information page. Please contact us if you have any questions or need further information.

  • Application Process

    Step 1: Prerequisites and Application Requirements

    The first step in the admissions process is to ensure you have met the application requirements in time to apply for your preferred year of entry

    Step 2: Make Yourself a Competitive Candidate

    Admission to the program is highly competitive so you should strive to not only meet, but exceed the minimum requirements. View our Competitive Candidate page to review what the admissions committee recommends you do to maximize your candidacy.

    Step 3: Preparing and Submitting your Application

    The apply now page will provide you with step-by-step instructions as well as an application checklist. There are a number of supporting materials that make up your completed application and it is essential that you print and carefully follow the checklist to ensure that you properly submit these pieces by the deadline.

    Qualified applicants will be invited to an onsite interview. An additional fee will be assessed for onsite interview to cover costs of dexterity testing.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help you navigate through the application process,and please do not hesitate to contact us if you have additional questions.

  • Application Requirements

    ADEA CAAPID Application

    • A completed ADEA CAAPID (Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists) is a requirement for entry to the program.

    Citizenship Status

    • Both U.S. citizens and international students requiring an F-1 student visa may apply for admission.

    Transcripts and Evaluations

    • All coursework taken from non-U.S institutions (excluding English-speaking Canadian institutions) must be submitted to World Education Services (WES) for a course-by-course evaluation. No other evaluations will be accepted. Evaluation must include letter grades, pass/fail or credit/no credit, and must specify which courses are considered undergraduate, graduate and professional. Completed evaluations should be submitted directly to ADEA CAAPID.
    • Official transcripts for any courses completed at U.S. institutions must be submitted directly to ADEA CAAPID.

    English Language Proficiency

    • Applicants must be proficient in English speaking and reading comprehension.
    • All applicants whose native language is not English must submit official ETS TOEFL score results as part of the CAAPID application.
      • A minimum score of 79 for the Internet-Based test must be submitted at the time of application.
      • TOEFL scores are valid for two years. For the 2025 entering class, test dates prior to March 4, 2023 are NOT acceptable.
        Exceptions:
      • The TOEFL exam will be waived for permanent and temporary residents of the United States who have completed at least six semester units of College English/English Composition from an accredited institution in the United States.
      • English courses taken from foreign countries whose native language is English will be accepted (e.g., Canada, Australia, Great Britain, New Zealand and the British West Indies).
    • Other Documentation
      Any certification programs and/or trainings listed on application will require official documentation from the institution or training company. Only include programs for which official documentation can be provided.

    National Board Dental Examination Requirements

    • Applicants must have passed NBDE Part 1 and Part II, or the Integrated NBDE.
    • Official NBDE score reports must be submitted via CAAPID application.

    Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

    • ADAT scores are accepted and will be considered, but are not required for admission to the program.

    Letters of Evaluation

    • Two letters of evaluation in English are required from dentists who can attest to your character, conduct, and professional ability. At least one of the letters must be from a dentist who is full-time faculty at a dental school.
      • If the letter is not in English, provide the letter in its original language along with a certified English translation.
    • Letters must be no more than one year old from the date the application is submitted, and are accepted through the ADEA CAAPID system.
    • If the letter is from a person outside the United States, the letter must not be more than two years old.

    Supplemental Application

    • A supplemental application must be electronically submitted by July 20, 2024.
    • The non-refundable supplemental application fee of $200.00 must also be submitted by July 20, 2024.

    Additional Requirements

    • Qualified applicants will be invited to an onsite interview. An additional fee will be assessed for onsite interview to cover costs of dexterity testing.

    Proof of Legal US Residency – If Required

    • International applicants, or any other applicants who are not U.S. citizens and who are living in the U.S., must provide proof of legal U.S. residency prior to matriculation.