Advanced Standing Program
Strengthen clinical competencies and professional readiness through a program designed to prepare international dentists for modern U.S. dental practice.
Program Overview
The Advanced Standing Program (ASP) is designed for graduates of non-U.S. dental schools who want to practice dentistry in the United States. The purpose of this program is to provide internationally educated dentists an opportunity to earn a DMD degree from an accredited U.S. dental school, fulfilling the educational requirements for licensure in all states and territories.
It also supports individuals planning an academic career in dental education and research by providing valuable teaching experience. To prepare these dentists, Belcroft University offers a two-year program starting in the Fall Term (August).
The ASP is individualized to meet the educational needs of each student through didactic and clinical components. While the standard program requires a minimum of two years, the administration may offer a oneor two-year extension at their discretion. Successful completion of the program allows graduates to take licensing examinations and pursue postgraduate residency training. All coursework must be completed entirely at Belcroft University, and transfer students will not be considered.
Belcroft University provides internationally educated dentists the opportunity to bridge the gap between foreign dental education and the standards of care required in the United States.
Program Objectives
The DMD in Advanced Standing Program is designed to address the significant national and state need for graduate-level dentists with a focus on dentistry. The primary objective of an Advanced Standing Program for Internationally Trained Dentists is to prepare graduates of non-U.S. dental schools to qualify for U.S. licensure. The curriculum bridges the gap between foreign dental education and the standard of care required by the American Dental Association (ADA) Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
Upon completion of the Advanced Standing Program at Belcroft University, graduates will possess the critical clinical skills, ethical grounding, and theoretical knowledge required to deliver comprehensive, evidence-based oral healthcare to diverse patient populations. They will demonstrate mastery in diagnosing oral diseases, formulating precise treatment plans, and executing advanced dental procedures safely and efficiently within the scope of general dentistry. Furthermore, graduates will be fully equipped to pass required licensure examinations, utilize cutting-edge dental technologies, collaborate effectively within multidisciplinary healthcare teams, and commit to lifelong learning and professional ethics in accordance with modern dental practice standards.
U.S. Licensure Eligibility
Enabling foreign-trained dentists to successfully take national, state, or regional clinical licensing board examinations.
Clinical Competency Calibration
Aligning existing clinical skills with U.S. evidence-based treatment standards and safety practices.
System Integration
: Developing a working knowledge of the U.S. healthcare environment, including dental insurance, patient privacy laws (HIPAA), and staff management.
Ethical and Professional Conduct
Instilling professional behavior, leadership skills, and communication strategies for treating culturally diverse patient populations.
Graduates will possess the clinical skills, ethical grounding, and theoretical knowledge required to deliver comprehensive evidence-based oral healthcare.
Curriculum
The Advanced Standing Program requires completion of the following coursework.
Credit Hour Summary
Admission Requirements
Application Submission
Completed Graduate Admissions Application and Application Fee of $50.
National Board Dental Examination requirements
The program requires the passage of NBDE Part I & II or the INBDE to be considered for admission. These exams are mandatory. Applicants must submit an official NBDE I & II or INBDE score report directly from the ADA to the Belcroft admissions office at admissions@belcroftuniversity.com. Candidate copies will not be accepted.
GPA Requirement
Admission to the program requires a minimum undergraduate cumulative grade-point average of 2.0.
Drug Testing
During your first semester, drug testing will be required, as it is for all clinical students at Belcroft.
Deposit Requirement
After acceptance, deposit of $5,000 will be required.
Academic Transcripts
Official transcripts are required. The prospective student must arrange to have an evaluation of your foreign transcript by one of the recognized Education evaluation companies. The cost for foreign transcript evaluation is the responsibility of the student.
Professional Resume
Professional Resume
Letters of Recommendation
Two letters of recommendation.
Statement of Purpose
Statement of Purpose
GRE (optional)
GRE optional.
English Language Proficiency
Proof of English Language Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/PTE/Duolingo Score Report). Non-native English speakers who did not complete post-secondary education exclusively in the English language must provide proof of English language proficiency
Proof of funds
Proof of funds
The Advanced Standing Program prepares internationally trained dentists to meet U.S. standards for patient care, professionalism, and licensure.
Degree Outcomes
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be able to:
Apply biomedical, behavioral, and clinical sciences in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of oral and systemic diseases.
Deliver patient-centered oral healthcare using evidence-based decision-making and ethical clinical judgment.
Perform comprehensive dental procedures safely and effectively across diverse patient populations.
Integrate critical thinking, problem-solving, and diagnostic reasoning into clinical practice and treatment planning.
Utilize modern dental technologies, digital systems, and radiographic imaging to support high-quality patient care.
Demonstrate competency in restorative dentistry, periodontics, endodontics, prosthodontics, pediatric dentistry, and oral surgery.
Communicate effectively with patients, families, healthcare professionals, and interdisciplinary teams.
Apply principles of professionalism, ethics, cultural competence, and legal responsibility in dental practice.
Promote oral health education, disease prevention, and community-based healthcare initiatives.
Manage dental practice operations, patient safety, infection control, and quality improvement processes.
Evaluate scientific literature and incorporate evidence-based dentistry into clinical decision-making and lifelong learning.
Pursue professional growth, advanced specialization, leadership, and service within the dental profession.
Graduates will be equipped to provide comprehensive evidence-based oral healthcare while upholding professionalism, ethics, and lifelong learning.
Credit for Prior Learning
Belcroft University does not accept prior learning experience, professional training, or experiential learning toward fulfillment of degree requirements at the doctorate level. The DMD – Advanced Standing Program curriculum ensures advanced, research-based study and acquisition of original scholarly competencies beyond prior graduate preparation. All students must complete the full prescribed course of study. as outlined in the approved curriculum. Transfer or experiential credit is not applicable to any component of the DMD – Advanced Standing Program degree.
Not Accepted
- Prior Learning Experience
- Professional Training
- Experiential Learning
- Transfer Credits
Required
- Full Prescribed Curriculum
- Clinical Competency
- Evidence-Based Training
- Continuous Enrollment
All students must complete the full prescribed course of study as outlined in the approved curriculum.
Career Options
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this program. The DMD Concentration degree can academically prepare you to pursue career options such as:
General Dentist
General Dentist
Associate Dentist
Associate Dentist
Public Health Dentist
Public Health Dentist
Dental Director
Dental Director
Academic Dentist / Clinical Instructor at a dental school
Academic Dentist / Clinical Instructor at a dental school
The Advanced Standing Program empowers internationally trained dentists to build successful careers in clinical practice, education, and public health.
Work Settings
The DMD Concentration degree can academically prepare you to work in settings such as:
Private Dental Clinic
Group Dental Practice
Community Health Center
Hospital
Dental School
Graduates are prepared to contribute to modern dental healthcare environments through clinical excellence, professionalism, and patient-centered care.