Phase I — Application

  1. ADEA CAAPID application
    1. Submit the following supporting documents via CAAPID:
      • Copy of Foreign Dental Degree (Diploma) — A copy of dental degree and/or diploma from the applicant’s dental school or equivalent institution must be uploaded via the ADEA CAAPID application portal. If the transcripts are in a language other than English, you must also upload a U.S. certified English translation.
      • Copy of Foreign Dental School Transcript — A copy of dental degree transcript from the applicant’s dental school or equivalent institution must be uploaded via the ADEA CAAPID application portal. If the transcript is in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a U.S. certified English translation.
      • Course-By-Course School Transcript Evaluation — Official dental school transcripts evaluated COURSE-BY-COURSE with GPA by Educational Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE). Official transcripts must be submitted from ECE directly to CAAPID
      • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) — TOEFL is required with a valid minimum score of 98 within two years of application. Official scores must be submitted from the Educational Testing Services (ETS) directly to CAAPID.
      • Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) – Successful completion of the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE). Official scores are to be submitted directly to CAAPID. If submitting completion of the National Board Dental Examination parts I and II, scores must have been earned within the past five years.
      • Curriculum Vitae (CV) — Submit an updated Curriculum Vitae in the required format. Please use the required CV template provided
      • Personal Statement — Submit a one-page personal statement on your professional path, professional interests and goals
      • Letters of Recommendation — Three (3) official letters of professional recommendation. One should be from someone at the academic dean’s level of the dental school from which the student graduated. One should be from a practicing dentist or specialist you worked with or shadowed in the U.S. One should be from someone who has known you for at least the past two years, and is not a family member or a friend. Letters must be provided on school or company letterhead, and contain evaluators’ contact details.
  2. Supplemental Application to the UNLV School of Dental Medicine

    1. In addition to the CAAPID application, applicants should submit the UNLV SDM supplemental application along with the $125 processing fee. The supplemental application is a required component that along with your CAAPID application will complete your file and allow your application to enter the UNLV SDM Admissions Committee review process. You must also complete the registration pages located on the UNLV Graduate College website. First time users should click “New User” below the login icon. Users will be prompted to enter an email address and password.

  3. Review of submitted applications upon receipt of both the supplemental application and CAAPID application.
  4. The applicants are responsible for making sure their applications are completed and received. Only completed applications will be reviewed.
  5. An email notification will be sent from the UNLV SDM- DDS program to the applicants once both their Supplemental application and CAAPID application have been completed.
  6. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered for review.

Phase II — Interview and Dexterity Test

  1. Individuals selected for the interview, written and dexterity tests phase of the admissions process will be notified by telephone and confirmed via email approximately two to three weeks in advance of their interview/test date.
  2. In order to secure their seat for interview, the selected candidate must be ready to immediately submit the following:
    • Official Copy of Foreign Dental Degree (Diploma) — An official copy of dental degree (diploma) from the applicant’s dental school or equivalent institution must be mailed to UNLV School of Dental Medicine Admissions Office DDS sub-Committee either by the applicants’ dental school, or the candidate in the original unopened dental school sealed envelope. If the diploma is in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a U.S. certified English translation. Notarized copies are not accepted.
    • Official Copy of Foreign Dental School Transcript — An official copy of dental degree transcript (translated into English) from the applicant’s dental school or equivalent institution must be mailed to UNLV School of Dental Medicine Admissions Office DDS sub-Committee either by the applicants’ dental school, or the candidate in the original unopened dental school sealed envelope. If the transcript is in a language other than English, they must be accompanied by a U.S. certified English translation. Notarized copies are not accepted.
    • Technical Skills Practice & Test Fee — A nonrefundable dental technical skills practice and test fee of $500 (fee subject to change) is required for candidates invited for this phase of the DDS admissions process. This fee is not applied toward tuition or any other fees.
  3. The two and a half-day testing process will consist of:
    • Orientation and tour of the dental school.
    • Three panel interviews with faculty.
    • One-hour case-based written exam.
    • Simulation practice – 2 to 4 hours of practice in our Simulation Clinic to help candidates become familiar with the equipment and instruments prior to the dental dexterity test (all electric hand pieces, burs, and Typodonts with teeth will be provided).
    • Dental dexterity test. Loops may be used.

  4. The class of up to eight (8) entering students will be selected from those individuals who earn the highest marks for the interview, written and dental dexterity tests.

Phase III — Acceptance Notification

  1. Accepted DDS students will be notified by telephone and confirmed by email. Contingency acceptance upon:
    1. Passing background verification and complete immunization documentation.
    2. Successful completion of the checklist requirements.
    3. Submission of enrollment deposits.
    4. Providing a completed medical examination when requested.
  2. Accepted DDS students will be assigned to online pre-matriculation training. Completion of this training is required prior to the start of the program.
  3. Accepted DDS students must meet and maintain all educational, financial and immigration commitments to allow for their admission, registration, and enrollment at UNLV School of Dental Medicine.