# Advanced Standing for International Dentists DMD Track ## Advanced Standing for International Dentists DMD PROGRAM The Advanced Standing International Dentist (ASID) Track enables internationally trained dentists to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and advance their careers in the U.S. - ASID Track Applications Now Open in [**ADEA CAAPID**](https://www.adea.org/home/application-services/internationally-educated-dentists/adea-caapid-applicants) *Deadline: May 5, 2026* - [Get Answers to Common Questions](#faqs) ![four students standing on the stairs of HSDM](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_21_9__1920x825/public/2026-03/ASID-students.jpg?h=3ff4128d&itok=nZffM5Gd) ## A premier pathway for internationally trained dentists **The Advanced Standing International Dentist (ASID) Track at the Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM)** is designed exclusively for dentists who have completed a Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) or an equivalent degree outside the United States and Canada. ### Program at a glance Sort**Application period** March 5–May 5 **Degree** Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) **Track** Advanced standing **Who should apply** Dentists with a BDS equivalent (outside U.S. and Canada) **Start term** January (year 2 of the DMD program) **Application system** [ADEA CAAPID](https://www.adea.org/home/application-services/internationally-educated-dentists/adea-caapid-applicants) **HSDM application fee** $150 (nonrefundable) **Tuition** [Program cost and fees](/dmd-cost-attendance#dmd-adv-coa) ## Quick links app\_registration [### Application requirements ](#apply)What you need to apply. attach\_money [### Tuition ](/dmd-cost-attendance#dmd-adv-coa)Program costs and fees overview. email [### Contact us ](mailto:hsdm_advanced_standing@hsdm.harvard.edu)Email us your questions STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ### Bringing a team mindset to patient care Internationally trained dentist Gaser Abdelaziz, DMD26, came to HSDM through the Advanced Standing International Dentist (ASID) track to expand his clinical training in a collaborative, patient-centered environment. His experience at HSDM is helping shape his future in specialty dentistry and orofacial pain. [Read Gaser’s story east](/news/2026/04/bringing-team-mindset-treatment-orofacial-pain) ![Student standing on steps of main building](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-04/IMG_58731.jpg?h=a2eef963&itok=tEIMaSZZ) ## Frequently asked questions We’ve answered some of the most common questions about the DMS Program ASID Track. **Start here before beginning your application.** ### Eligibility and requirements expand\_more Open all sections Close all sections ### Are international students eligible to apply? Can you apply if you’re already on a Visa? expand\_more HSDM’s ASID Program offers Visa sponsorship for international students. If you are on a current visa that allows for study in the United States, you are also eligible to apply. If you are on a current visa that does not allow for study in the United States, you will need to change to a visa sponsored by HSDM. For more information on the visa process, please visit the [Harvard International Office website](https://www.hio.harvard.edu/student-visa-process). ### Is there a GPA minimum to apply? expand\_more There is not a GPA minimum to apply to HSDM. We do, however, primarily accept candidates who have mostly As and Bs on their transcripts. ### Can I still apply if I did not pass the INDBE or NDBE exam on the first try? expand\_more We require our applicants to pass the INDBE or NDBE exam, but applicants do not have to pass on the first try. ### Does HSDM prioritize applicants with previous research experience, work experience, or advanced graduate degrees? expand\_more No, HSDM does not prioritize applicants with previous research experience, work experience, or advanced graduate degrees. We only require that students complete a BDS degree or a foreign degree equivalent. ### Application materials expand\_more Open all sections Close all sections ### Does a Personal Statement on CAAPID count as a Letter of Intent? expand\_more Yes, CAAPID’s personal statement will count as HSDM’s letter of intent. ### I have a fourth letter of recommendation. How do I share that? expand\_more On HSDM’s CAAPID application, there is a “Documents” section with instructions on how to upload your optional fourth letter. ### Do I need to send any materials (TOEFL Scores, foreign degree evaluations, etc.) directly to HSDM? expand\_more Please do not email or mail any materials directly to the school. HSDM will only consider documents and information submitted through the official ADEA CAAPID application. ### Application process expand\_more Open all sections Close all sections ### How do I pay the supplemental application fee? expand\_more You can pay the supplemental fee on the[ HSDM Advanced Standing Application Fee Page.](https://secure.touchnet.net/C20832_ustores/web/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCTID=6459&SINGLESTORE=true) ### After I submit my application... expand\_more - **When will I know my application has been received?** Processing can take up to three weeks after materials are received. - **When will I know my application is complete?** You will receive an email once all required materials have been received and processed. - **When will my application be reviewed?** Applications are reviewed in the order they become complete. Review may take up to one month after completion. - **When will I hear if I am not admitted?** Applicants who are not admitted will be notified by email in mid-August, after the class has been filled. ### Why did I get an email saying my application was incomplete even though I submitted all of the required elements? expand\_more It can take up to 3 weeks to process newly received application materials and change an application status to complete. ### Why doesn’t my newly uploaded document/fee paid/other status appear on CAAPID? expand\_more Application fees are manually processed on a weekly basis. If your application does not show that your application fee has been paid, please wait another full week before contacting us. ### Visits and support expand\_more Open all sections Close all sections ### How can I sign up for a campus tour? expand\_more Due to our small school size and the presence of on-site clinical operations, tours are only available for prospective students who have been invited to interview for the ASID-Track DMD program. ### Who can I speak with to learn how to strengthen my application? expand\_more To ensure a fair and equitable process for all applicants, HSDM does not provide individual consultations or feedback on how to improve an application. Our Admissions team is, however, happy to answer any specific questions regarding the application process or general requirements. ### How to apply Applying to the ASID Track is a multi-step process. Below is a checklist of required materials you’ll need to submit through ADEA CAAPID to complete your application. Preparing these items in advance will help ensure a smooth application experience. ### Application requirements expand\_more The following application materials must be submitted via ADEA CAAPID: - **Curriculum vitae (CV)** - **Letter of Intent** (maximum 500 words) - **Three letters of recommendation (minimum), up to four total** - Preferred: **Dean’s Letter** (Institutional Evaluation Form) - A letter from faculty who supervised your research (Principal Investigators) or taught you in **biology, chemistry, or physics\*** - A third letter from a faculty member of your choosing **OR** from a US dentist whom you have shadowed or who has supervised you as an employer - A fourth letter from a recommender of your choosing is optional *\*If your BDS program did not offer courses in biology, chemistry, or physics, please submit a letter from someone who taught you in a preclinical course* - **Official transcripts** - **Official academic credentials evaluation for foreign coursework** A **course-by-course evaluation** is required from one of the following approved agencies: - Educational Credential Evaluators ([**www.ece.org**](http://www.ece.org)) - World Education Services ([**www.wes.org**](http://www.wes.org)) - **Nonrefundable $150 HSDM application fee paid online.** - **Official INBDE** *or* **NBDE Part I and II** scores - **Official TOEFL Scores** Applicants who only have international academic degrees must demonstrate English language proficiency by submitting official **Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)** scores. [See requirements and waiver criteria](/toefl-requirements "TOEFL Requirements"). - **Institution code:** 3430 ## Apply by May 5, 2026 Applications for the ASID Track must be submitted through **ADEA CAAPID**. Visit the applicant portal for application information, instructions, and next steps. [ arrow\_forward Visit ADEA CAAPID ](https://www.adea.org/home/application-services/internationally-educated-dentists/adea-caapid-applicants) ## What you’ll experience - Join HSDM in **January of year two** of the DMD program - Learn alongside four-year DMD students in a **fully integrated curriculum,** completing the same **academic, case-based, and clinical training** - Graduate with a **DMD degree** - Benefit from: - Small class sizes - Personalized mentorship - A focus on **oral–systemic health** - A **supportive, collaborative environment** ### What to expect as a candidate expand\_more All interviews are **by invitation only** and take place in the spring. Selected applicants may be invited to participate in up to three rounds: **Round 1:** Virtual interview **Round 2:** Virtual interview **Round 3 (Final):** On-campus interview **Final Round (On-Campus Experience)** Candidates who advance to the final stage will be invited to campus for: - Bench skills assessment - Campus tour - Lunch with current ASID Track students - Final interview ### The interview process expand\_more Interviews are a key part of the admissions process and are designed to be **conversational and engaging**. This is your opportunity to: - Share your background - Demonstrate your readiness for the program - Discuss your professional goals We aim to get to know you as both a clinician and a future colleague. **Important:** If invited, candidates will receive a supplemental application by email and must complete it prior to their first interview. ### Before you apply expand\_more - Individual meetings or campus tours are not available prior to applying - Selected interviewees will be invited to a **student-led campus tour** - This program **cannot be combined with an HSDM AGE degree** INFORMATIONAL WEBINAR ### Learn more about the program Get an inside look at the DMD Program's ASID Track. This recorded webinar covers the curriculum, admissions process, and what it’s like to join the program as an internationally trained dentist. Have questions after watching? [**Review our FAQs section**](#faqs) or [**connect with our admissions team**](mailto:hsdm_advanced_standing@hsdm.harvard.edu). [ Watch the video arrow\_forward ](https://youtu.be/uqHRmhThnLo) ![Two students walking up the front steps of HSDM main building](/sites/g/files/omnuum6001/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2026-03/0228_HSDM_Fall2025_228.JPG?h=d5c51649&itok=CffXQu1G) ## Have questions? We're here to help. [ arrow\_forward Email ASID admissions ](mailto:hsdm_advanced_standing@hsdm.harvard.edu)