The document discusses options for Indian dentists after completing a BDS degree. It notes that while the BDS is recognized in the US, there is an aging population of dentists and fewer new dentists entering the field. The best path is an Advanced Standing Program leading to a DDS/DMD degree, which requires taking the NBDE Part 1 exam, achieving a score over 85%, submitting transcripts and recommendations, and gaining admission to a US dental school. The total cost of a two-year program is around $90,000-$100,000. Alternative options include an MPH or MHA degree, which have lower salaries than dentistry but provide opportunities to work and stay in the US.

1. What next after BDS in USA
As per American Dental Association (ADA- http://www.ada.org/), there are 55 dentists
per one lakh population currently which is expected to come down to 50 by 2035 as more
dentists are retiring than entering the profession over the next 25 years with the aging
population in USA.
Annual seats in DDS: 4900
USA still and will remain the best country for foreign dental graduates. With India being
the center of attraction in US economy, they need India as business partner more than
ever before.
The single most point, which comes to our mind when we plan to go to USA, is
whether my BDS is a recognized degree or not. As per American Dental Association
(ADA), BDS degree in India is classified as a Dental Degree from a regionally accredited
university. That means, all people who have BDS degree can take admission in Advanced
Standing Program for International Dental Graduates leading to DDS/DMD degree. So,
to state that your BDS is not recognized or your BDS has gone waste is not true. They do
consider you dentists but from a regionally accredited program. This classification
applies even to all European graduates also.
ADMISSION PROCESS for DDS:
Advanced Standing Program for International Dentists leading to DDS/DMD:
1) You need your BDS or MDS degree
2) You need to get your Transcript Evaluation done. The cost of evaluation is - $85, $135
or $165 depending upon your current status and aggregate in four years of dentistry
program in India.

2. 4) You need to take National Dental Board Examination (NBDE) Part 1 (more info -
http://www.ada.org/2667.aspx) examination. This examination is conducted throughout
the year across various centers in USA/Canada and costs $265. This exam is fully
computerized and contains 400 Multiple Choice questions (MCQ's) with no negative
marking.
For admissions, one needs greater than 85 percentile score in NBDE Part 1. The more the
score, the better it is.
5) Apply for US Visa. Initially you will go on a Visitors Visa (B1/B2) visa to USA. The
cost of this visa is around Rs 7000 at this moment.
6) If you score less than 85 percentile in NBDE Part 1, just forget your results and again
take your exam. Admissions these days are highly competitive and you need greater than
87 percentile to stand a chance. You can retake the exam after a gap of 90 days.
7) Other thing you need to take is TOEFL iBT (costing US $170). Remember, TOEFL
scores are valid for 2 years time while NBDE scores have 5 years validity. One should
score 100 and above in TOEFL iBt as this would make you eligible for all universities.
8) Now if you have scored well in Part 1 and TOEFL iBT, you are ready for applications
to various universities. The admissions are dependent upon a number of variables
(Overall Application is considered, admission is not based on single variable):
a) NBDE Part 1 score
b) TOEFL iBT score
c) GPA (Grade Point Average) – (Note - in India many people confuses percentage with
percentile and GPA is based on percentile, not on percentage.)
d) 3 Letters of Recommendation – (From your university professors who you think will
give you best recommendations)
e) A solid and professional Career Statement or Statement of Purpose

3. f) Original Transcripts signed by Dean/Principal of your college/university
g) Application submission
h) Personal Interviews
i) Resume
J) Paper/Poster presentation
9) Typically, yearly expenses are in the range of US $ 90,000 to 100,000 dollar. Then, if
you get admitted to DDS program, you will need a co-signer (can be a relative or a
friend) who is either a US citizen or Green card holder for your Student loan. Loans are
very easy (Citi Bank or Sallie Mae) and long term like 15-20 years. The loan amount
even covers your living expenses and if you have a spouse and children, they cover even
that. So, a two-year program will cost in INR 80 lacs to 95 lacs. The expenses covered
includes all Tuition fees; Health insurance; Dental instruments/material expenses; laptop
and its software charges; all lodging and boarding expenses including meals. No
payments are required while you are in school. There is no prepayment penalty.
Repayment begins 6-9 months after you leave school, or when you get a job. You can
have multiple co-signers’ also for a loan.
10) DENTISTS and SPECIALIST DOCTORS remain the most lucrative and best
salaried profession.
11) On an average, a DDS graduate starting salary range from $ 120,000 to $ 1,40,000.
As per ADA figures, annual average salary of a dentist across USA in 2006 was in
excess on $300,000.
12) In 2005, 5 % Americans had an annual salary in excess of one lakh dollar or more.
So, when you start your career in USA as a dentist, you straightaway belong to upper 5 %
income group bracket in USA. That is a big reward you get for all pains and hardships
associated with being a dentist.
13) Above all, US has a stable work permit in form of H1B followed by Green Card, and

4. then US citizenship.
Alternate Options:
(A)Masters in Public Health (MPH) or Masters in Hospital/Health Care
Administration (MHA)
The other option for DENTISTS and DOCTORS is to do Masters in Public Health
(MPH) or Masters in Hospital/Health Care Administration (MHA). These courses don't
cost a bomb but again, salary levels are low as compared to
dentists/physicians/specialists. But these degree courses does offer a good living in US.
Two admission sessions: SPRING (January) and Fall (July-August). One needs to apply
atleast 6 months before the start of the session for scholarships upto 100%.
The main thing needed is GRE and TOEFL and work experience. The fees for a typical
two-year course ranges from $ 22,000 to $ 45,000 depending upon ranking and location
of university.
On getting admission, you apply for F1 (Student visa). But all this again needs strong
documentation. The best part is US Immigration laws permit you to work 20 hrs /week
on-campus during fall and spring and 40hrs/week during summer. Effectively, your
earnings can take care of your monthly expenditure and also, you can get scholarships to
make your education free of cost, but everything needs to be planned before time and
application deadlines are very strictly adhered by universities. On completing the degree,
you get one year OPT (Optional Practical Training) followed by H1-B.
B) Masters or PhD in Clinical Research; Biomaterials; Dental Materials; etc.
These fields act as a stepping-stone for your career in dentistry. Again, GRE and TOEFL
are needed for these.

5. In case of PhD, a chance of getting full scholarship is high, which includes Research
Assistant (RA) or Teaching Assistant (TA).
In both cases (A and B), following are the variables. (Overall Application is considered;
admission is not based on single variable):
a) GRE
b) TOEFL iBT score
c) GPA (Grade Point Average) – (Note - in India many people confuses percentage with
percentile and GPA is based on percentile, not on percentage.)
d) 3 Letters of Recommendation – (From your university professors who you think will
give you best recommendations)
e) A solid and professional Career Statement or Statement of Purpose
f) Original Transcripts signed by Dean/Principal of your college/university
g) Application submission
h) Resume
i) Paper/Poster presentation
j) Interview (Optional, university may or may require).