DMD-AS FAQ
Q: When can I apply to the DMD-AS program?
The application cycle will begin on March 6. The deadline to submit the CAAPID application and UIC online application is June 15. If you submit your application by June 15, you will be allowed to upload your supplemental application documents after the deadline date.
Q: I applied last year to the DMD-AS program; what do I need to do to reapply?
If you applied last year you should resubmit all application materials. The university and college does not transfer application materials from previous years.
Q: Can I apply to the DMDAS program if I am in the process of becoming a Permanent Resident?
The College of Dentistry is accepting applications from students that currently hold a U.S. valid visa status. If your visa status allows you to study, you can apply to our program. Please seek legal counsel if you are unsure if your visa status allows you to study in the U.S.
Q.Can I apply directly to UIC without submitting a Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (CAAPID) application?
No, UIC requires that all students submit both a CAAPID and a UIC online application.
Q: Will UIC accept a World Education Services (WES) evaluation for the DMD-AS program?
No, UIC only accepts an Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) course by course evaluation.
Q: I have attended a US University and have earned a degree, am I waived from taking the TOEFL?
Yes, students that have earned a US high school, associate’s, bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degree are exempted from taking the TOEFL. The degree must have been earned at the time of application. It cannot be in progress. Once you submit the UIC supplemental application, please indicate that you have earned a US degree and you will be prompted to submit your transcript with the degree posted.
Q: Can I send UIC my updated National Board part II result after the deadline?
No, the National Board exam part II is required to apply to the program. You have to pass both national board part I and II at the time of application.
Q: If I have earned a US degree (associate’s, bachelors, master's, or doctorate degree) and I am applying to the DMD-AS program, should I submit my academic credentials from that program?
You should list all US degree(s) you have earned in your CAAPID and UIC application. In addition, when you submit the UIC online application, you should list the program you are enrolled in or have earned a degree from. The UIC application will provide you with a tab that will allow you to upload your transcript.
Q: Can I apply if I am currently in the United States on a visa?
The College of Dentistry is accepting applications from students that currently hold a U.S. valid visa status. If your visa status allows you to study, you can apply to our program. Please seek legal counsel if you are unsure if your visa status allows you to study in the U.S.
Q: What are the minimum TOEFL and National Board scores required to be considered for admission to the DMDAS?
In order to be considered for admission to the DMDAS, you must have a passing score on both the National Board exam Part I and II or pass the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). All students must meet the minimum IBT TOEFL sub-scores to be eligible to apply: Overall total score: 80; Writing: 21; Speaking: 20; Listening: 17; Reading: 19. The average TOEFL score of our last entering class was a 104 overall total score.
Q: How many letters of recommendation does UIC require for the DMD-AS program?
UIC requires 3 letters of recommendation. Preferably, one should be from a U.S. dental practitioner. UIC does not require a letter of recommendation from the Dean of your dental school. Letters should be on letterhead with the recommender’s title and signature.
Q: How can I report my National Board scores to the University?
As part of the CAAPID application you should request that the ADA report your official National Board scores. Our College will obtain access to the official scores reported to CAAPID.
Q: My TOEFL scores are from five years ago, will my scores still be valid?
Please note that TOEFL scores over two years old are invalid. Your TOEFL score must not be more than 2 years old at the time of application submission. There is no exception to this rule.
Q: Can I update my TOEFL score after the deadline?
Yes, you can update your TOEFL score. Please request that ETS send UIC your updated score, the University of Illinois-Chicago institution code with ETS TOEFL is 1851. It is required that TOEFL scores be reported electronically directly to UIC by ETS. You should also update your CAAPID application, it is extremely important that CAAPID be updated.
Q: After I submit the UIC online application for the DMD-AS program, how long do I have to wait before being able to upload my documents?
Please log in to your application 1 business day after submission, you will be allowed to begin uploading your documents. Please do not mail your documents; our office will not accept them.
Q: After I upload the supplemental application documents for the DMD-AS program, how long will it take for me to get an email indicating my application is complete?
It may take up to 10 business days for your documents to be reviewed. If you have uploaded all the required documents, you will receive an email informing you your application is complete.
Q: When will UIC begin the review and interview process for the DMD-AS program?
UIC will start reviewing applications in mid-March. The interview process will take place from April to August.
Q: How long is the UIC DMD-AS program?
The UIC DMD-AS program starts every year in January and is a full-time program lasting 28 months.
Q: Will I receive a DDS or DMD degree upon successful completion of the DMD-AS program?
Upon the successful completion of the DMD-ASprogram you will be awarded a Doctor of Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree.
Q: Upon completion of the program, can I practice dentistry in a state other than Illinois?
Yes. The DMD degree is sufficient for licensing purposes throughout the United States.
Q: Is financial aid available to help offset the cost of tuition for the DMD-AS program?
Yes. Students enrolled in the Doctor of Dental Medicine Advanced Standing program may qualify to receive federal financial aid. For additional eligibility information please visit the US Department of Education FAFSA page.
Q: Can I attend the program on a part-time basis?
No. The program is 28 months in duration and full-time only.
Q: Does UIC require the Advanced Dental Admissions Test (ADAT)?
No, UIC does not require the ADAT.
Q: Can I send UIC additional letters of recommendation?
All letters of recommendation must be submitted via the CAAPID portal. UIC will not accept letters of recommendation sent directly to admissions staff via email. CAAPID will allow you to upload up to 3 letters of recommendation.
Q: When does the UIC Advanced Standing program begin?
The UIC DMD Advanced Standing program begins every year in January. The program is 28 months long.
Q: Does UIC require a bench test?
Q: Will the UIC COD accept the NBDE part I & II and the INBDE?
Yes. As of August 1, 2020, the UIC College of Dentistry will accept both the INBDE and the NBDE part I and part II as part of the application process.
Q: Will UIC accept the TOEFL iBT Special Home edition this cycle?
The UIC College of Dentistry prefers that students applying to our program take the TOEFL iBT (not Home Edition).
Q: Will UIC conduct virtual interviews this cycle?
The UIC College of Dentistry will continue to conduct virtual interviews with an opportunity to visit the College for an in-person tour for those candidates that have interviewed.
Q: Will UIC accept the TOEFL Best Score?
No, UIC will not accept the TOEFL Best Score.
Q: How long are TOEFL scores valid for?
TOEFL scores must be valid within two years of the application date to UIC. Scores older than two years old will not be accepted.