International dentist programs in some U.S. dental schools offer separate programs for foreign trained dentists to gain qualifications and familiarity with the U.S. system. Currently, admission is based solely on National Board Dental Examination scores, which disadvantages qualified specialists who may score lower due to years since graduation but have superior clinical skills. The author argues dental schools should take a more holistic approach considering clinical skills, experience, research, and publications, not just test scores, to improve quality and encourage qualified specialists to teach and practice in the U.S.