Pathway comparison

Five routes. Very different years, costs and scopes.

Pick two or three and read them against each other. Where no official body publishes a figure, this page says so instead of inventing one.

Compare	Advanced Standing (CAAPID / IDP) The main route for internationally trained dentists: two to three years inside a U.S. dental school, ending in a DDS or DMD.	Florida dental hygiene licence Florida statute lets graduates of non-accredited dental schools sit hygiene licensure directly, without a U.S. dental degree.	Residency (ADEA PASS) Advanced training through AEGD, GPR or a recognised specialty. Some programs accept internationally trained dentists directly.
Typical duration	32–57 months	8–19 months	18–90 months
Apply through	ADEA CAAPID	Florida Board of Dentistry, online application	ADEA PASS, with MATCH where the specialty participates
Examinations	INBDE TOEFL or IELTS Bench test (program specific)	National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (non-accredited dental graduates may instead use the NBDE) ADEX dental hygiene licensing examination Florida Laws and Rules examination	INBDE or NBDE TOEFL where required
What you end up with	A U.S. DDS/DMD degree — full licensure eligibility in every state.	A Florida dental hygiene licence — hygiene scope of practice only, not dentistry.	A certificate — and in some states a route to licensure — but it is not a DDS/DMD degree on its own.
Immigration	F-1 student status through the school, with OPT afterwards.	Licensure is separate from immigration status; the licence alone does not create work authorisation.	Commonly J-1 or H-1B through the sponsoring institution.
Cost	Tuition varies widely by program; see each profile's cost panel.	Board and examination fees; no tuition when you qualify on your dental degree.	Many programs are stipended; specialty programs may charge tuition.
Where it exists	47 programs profiled	One state route (Florida)	AEGD, GPR and specialty programs
Published success rate	No body publishes this — treat any number you see elsewhere as marketing	No body publishes this — treat any number you see elsewhere as marketing	No body publishes this — treat any number you see elsewhere as marketing
Read more	Open guide	Open guide	Open guide

ADEA CAAPID

INBDE (Joint Commission)

Florida Board of Dentistry — Dental Hygienist licensing

Florida Statutes s. 466.007 (hygiene licensure by examination)

ADEA PASS

ADEA MATCH

What each route actually looks like, stage by stage

Every stage of the route, in order, with the time each one usually takes.

32–57 months typical

Full pathway guide

1
Credential evaluation
1–3 months
Course-by-course evaluation, translated diploma and transcripts.
2
INBDE and English tests
4–9 months
Register, prepare and release scores before the programs' deadlines.
3
Writing and letters
1–3 months
Personal statement, CV and three letters of recommendation.
4
CAAPID and supplementals
1–2 months
Submit CAAPID, then each program's own supplemental application and fee.
5
Bench test and interview
1–4 months
On-site typodont work and interview for shortlisted programs.
6
Program and licensure
24–36 months
Complete the Advanced Standing program, then apply to a state board.

Credential evaluation

INBDE and English tests

Writing and letters

CAAPID and supplementals

Bench test and interview

Program and licensure