An International Career Journey in Dentistry: The American Experience

Organized by the Near East University Faculty of Dentistry, the webinar titled “Pursuing a Dental Career in the United States” brought our students and graduates together with valuable insights into professional pathways abroad. Moderated by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Özay Önöral, Vice Dean of our Faculty, the webinar featured Dr. Rüya Gizem Yağız, a graduate of Ankara University Faculty of Dentistry, who completed her specialty training in prosthodontics at Karadeniz Technical University and is currently continuing her career in the United States. Held on 5 May 2025 and broadcast live on the University’s official YouTube channel, the event offered a comprehensive discussion on education, licensure, specialty training, academic opportunities, and alternative practice models for those considering a dental career in the U.S.

One of the key messages of the webinar was that there is no single standard pathway to becoming a dentist in the United States. Since regulations vary from state to state, participants were encouraged to shape their plans carefully and to research state-specific requirements in detail. Dr. Yağız discussed several possible routes for internationally trained dentists, including advanced standing programs, specialty-based options, academic careers, and limited-license models, while also explaining the advantages and limitations of each path. It was noted that while some states offer broader opportunities for practice, others allow only more restricted models limited to certain states or fields of specialization.

The webinar also highlighted that one of the most comprehensive and secure options for foreign-trained dentists is to pursue dental education again in the United States. This route was described as offering broader professional flexibility, whereas some alternative pathways based on specialty certificates may remain limited on a state-by-state basis. It was also emphasized that in some states, such as New York, additional specialty requirements may apply, making careful state-based planning especially important. In this respect, the webinar provided not only a general overview, but also practical and strategic guidance for career decision-making.

Another major focus of the event was the application process itself. Credential evaluation, the INBDE examination, TOEFL scores, school applications, and interview stages were all discussed in detail. Dr. Yağız noted that schools evaluate not only academic performance, but also applicants’ CVs, volunteer work, extracurricular and sporting activities, leadership experiences, and clinical observation opportunities. She underlined that a well-rounded profile and a strong letter of intent can make a significant difference in a competitive application process. This also served as an important reminder that students should invest in both their academic and personal development throughout their education.

The webinar further addressed the balance between cost and long-term professional return. Dental education in the United States was described as requiring a serious financial investment; however, the profession was also presented as one with strong earning potential, high prestige, and promising long-term opportunities. At the same time, participants were reminded that student debt and living expenses in the early years require careful planning. The session also offered a comparative perspective, noting that clinical training in Türkiye provides strong hands-on experience, while the U.S. system tends to be more structured, standardized, and stepwise in its approach. Drawing strong interest from both our students and academic staff, the webinar gained an interactive character through its question-and-answer session and proved to be a highly informative and valuable event for those considering an international future in dentistry.

A recording of the event is available on the University’s official YouTube channel: Pursuing a Dental Career in the United States – Webinar Record