International Track Program Admission Requirements
The Meharry Medical College School of Dentistry International Track Program is an advanced standing program for dentists who have completed their dental training outside of a Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) accredited U.S. or Canada dental program.
English Language Proficiency
- Must be proficient in the English language
- All applicants must take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with a total score of 95 or more to be considered for admission. (No waiver will be given)
- Must submit TOEFL scores via the American Dental Education Association: Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (ADEA CAAPID); only computer based TOEFL scores are accepted (NO paper based)
National Board Examination Requirements
- To be considered for admission, applicant must pass National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Parts I and II prior to the application deadline (A minimum score of 75 or Pass result) (Passage must be within the last 5 years) or pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE)
- Submit official scores via ADEA CAAPID
Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) Requirements
Completion of the ADAT is accepted, but NOT REQUIRED for admission to the program
Letters of Evaluation
- Program requires three (3) Letters of Evaluation (in English) via ADEA CAAPID
- Program requires one Letter of Evaluation from a former teacher who worked with the applicant in a clinical or educational setting who can attest to the applicant’s character, conduct and professional ability
- Program prefers one Letter of Evaluation to come from the dean of the dental school from which the applicant graduated
- All submitted evaluations MUST be submitted on appropriate letterhead and signed to be considered
Transcripts and Evaluations
Applicant must submit to ADEA CAAPID an official, detailed, course-by-course evaluation by Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) or World Education Services (WES)
Application Fee
- After receipt of your verified ADEA CAAPID applications, instructions will be sent via email for a school specific Supplemental Application
- Pay a $175.00 non-refundable Supplemental Application fee to Meharry Medical College, through the link provided only.
Additional Documents
- Provide a scanned version of your Dental Curriculum Vitae (a resume that includes your educational credentials and dental experience starting after your initial dental degree) to the program (Not to ADEA CAAPID)
- One 2” x 2” passport photograph to the program (Not to ADEA CAAPID). Print your name and ADEA CAAPID number of the back of the photo.
- A copy of the applicant’s dental certificate/diploma. (This school-issued document will confirm your conferred dental degree). If the dental certificate/diploma is not in English, provide the dental certificate/diploma along with the English translation administered by a bona fide English translator.
- A copy of the applicant’s US dental license (if applicable)
- Proof of residency (a copy of immigration documentation, US passport or permanent resident card or VISA)
Additional Requirements
- Once completed applications are reviewed, selected applicants will be invited for a personal interview and assessment exam
- A non-refundable fee of $250 will be assessed for the technical examination
Entering students will be required to complete a criminal background check
Offers of admission are not considered final and enrollment is not permitted until completion of the criminal background check with results deemed favorable by Meharry Medical College, School of Dentistry
Entering students will be required to complete a criminal background check
Do I need to be a US citizen or a permanent resident (Green Card holder) in order to apply to the program?
No. A foreign citizen/national who wishes to come and study in the United States must first obtain a student visa, or F-1 visa. To do so, s/he must apply as an “F-1 student” and submit all required documents in order to receive a SEVIS Form I-20. The Form I-20 is a certificate of eligibility which serves as proof of acceptance to a U.S. government-certified school. If currently in the U.S. as an F-1 student, the F-1 student can transfer F-1 status to the program.
Does your school require a secondary application?
Yes, candidates should complete their Meharry Supplemental Application when they complete their ADEA CAAPID application and pay the $175.00 Supplemental Application Fee before their application will be considered complete. Payments will be made online via CollegeNET.
What is the minimum National Board Dental Exam (NBDE) score needed to apply?
Applicants must have a PASS score or a percentage score of 75% or higher for both Part I and Part II to be considered for the program or have passed the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE).
What is the expected cost of tuition?
The Meharry Office of Financial Aid provides the cost of attendance.
Will I be required to submit proof of financial ability?
Yes. International students requesting a Certificate of Eligibility Form I-20 must complete the “Guarantee of Financial Support (Private Sponsors)” form as required by law to verify that sufficient funding is available for the intended program. Students must provide proof of finance for the full 2-year duration of the program. Students are required to pay all tuition and fees prior to the beginning of each academic year.
Please note that all costs documented in the Cost of Attendance are estimated, increases are anticipated consistent with inflation in professional education.
Can I send additional letters of recommendation?
All letters of recommendation must be submitted via the CAAPID portal. MMC will not accept letters of recommendation sent directly to the admissions staff via mail or email. CAAPID will allow you to upload up to 3 letters of recommendation.
Where do I send additional supplemental documents to complete my application?
Supplemental documents should be directed to the Office of Admission & Recruitment via email admissions@mmc.edu
What is the minimum Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) score? How long are my TOEFL scores valid?
Applicants must obtain a minimum TOEL score of 95 or higher. TOEL scores must not be more than 2 years old at the time of application submission. The school accepts internet based TOEL (iBT) scores only.
Do I need to take the ADAT?
The ADAT is not required for admission; however, if you have taken the ADAT you may include this score in your application.
How do I obtain additional program information and what is the best method of contact?
All questions regarding the program should be directed to the Office of Admission & Recruitment. The Office may be contacted via telephone 615.327.6748/615.327.6998 or via email admissions@mmc.edu
Can I schedule a meeting with an admissions counsellor to learn more about the program?
Please contact our Office of Admission & Recruitment to schedule a virtual meeting with admission officers for additional questions.
What is the interview process?
Applicants are invited to interview by personal invitation only and will be notified via email. The email invitation will include scheduling instructions and details.