strong clinical emphasis. Upon completion of the program, the student earns a D.D.S.
degree from Loma Linda University.
FACULTY
R. Leslie Arnett, Jr., PERI Mac-Rey Ojano, RESD
Bindoo Punjabi, ANES William S. Seibly, RESD John M. Whittaker, RESD
THE PROGRAM
T
he International Dentist Program at Loma LindaUniversity is designed to allow qualified dentists, educated in countries outside the United States, to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree in the United States. The D.D.S. degree from a U.S. dental college is an educational requirement for eligi- bility to take the dental licensure examination in many states. The program has a minimum length of two academic years (twenty-one calendar months) but may be extended, when necessary, to meet the needs of a particular student. All instruction is under the direction of Loma Linda University School of Dentistry.
History
Dr. Lloyd Baum founded the International Dentist Program in 1985. Since then, more than 250 students from 50 countries have graduated from the program.
Application
Application forms are available from the Office of Admissions. Requests for applications are accept- ed by mail, e-mail, or by telephone. Prerequisite requirements are as follows:
• Dental degree from a recognized foreign den- tal school
• National Dental Board Examination Part I and Part II
• TOEFL examination
• Dental school transcript (evaluated by Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. or equivalent accredited agencies)
Other documentation is required as outlined in the application. An application fee of $60 is required with the application and accompanying documenta- tion by the September 15 deadline. All application material sent to the International Dentist Program becomes the property of the program.
Students currently enrolled in a similar program at another university are not eligible to apply and will not be accepted for admission.
Language
All classes are conducted in English, and patients treated in the clinic communicate in English. Applicants must demonstrate a working knowledge of both written and spoken English.
Selection process
Prescreening: Completed applications submit- ted before the application deadline will first be evalu- ated by the selection committee. Top candidates nominated by the committee will be invited for dex- terity testing.
Dexterity test: Dexterity testing is conducted on one Sunday in October. Approximately thirty-two of the top performers will be invited for an interview.
Interview: Interview will be scheduled on the following day after the dexterity test (Monday).
Final selection: The results of the dexterity test and interview, as well as the candidate’s application materials are presented to the School of Dentistry Admissions Committee for final selection. Sixteen candidates are accepted each year to join the International Dentist Program for enrollment in the following year. One class (eight students) matricu-
I N T E R N A T I O N A L D E N T I S T P R O G R A M
97
lates in March, and the other class (eight students) in September.
Upon the candidate’s acceptance of the invita- tion of admission, an official transcript must be sent directly from the Registrar of his/her previous dental school to the Registrar of Loma Linda University. Further details will be provided by the International Dentist Program.
Entering students
When a candidate is accepted into the program, a deposit of $1,000 USD is due and payable to Loma Linda University by a specified date. Additionally, a pre-entrance medical record and eye examination must be submitted. At registration for the first quar- ter, a tuition deposit of $14,000 is required.
Students in the program have the same benefits, including health care coverage, as are described else-
where in this BULLETIN.
Expenses
The current tuition is approximately $11,600 per quarter (the twenty-one-month program consists of seven quarters). Each year the tuition cost is adjusted for inflation. Living expenses vary, depend- ing on the student’s lifestyle. Generally, the living expenses range from $800 to $1,500 (or more) per month.
Student financial aid
Loans are available only to United States citi- zens, green-card holders, or those with permanent- resident status. Qualified students can obtain loans for approximately 75 percent of tuition costs. For more information, contact the Office of Financial Aid at e-mail: [email protected]; or by telephone: (909) 558-4509.
AWARDS
S
tudents in the International Dentist Program areeligible to receive awards based on accomplish- ments and achievements that reflect the ideals of this program.
REQUIREMENTS FOR GRADUATION
A
candidate for the Doctor of Dental Surgerydegree must be at least twenty-one years of age and must have:
1. Completed all requirements for admission to the chosen curriculum.
2. Graduated from a recognized foreign dental school with a diploma in dentistry.
3. Completed satisfactorily all requirements of the curriculum, including specified attendance, level of scholarship, length of academic resi- dence, and number of credit units.
4. Completed special examinations covering any or all subjects of the curriculum, as may be required by the faculty.
5. Successfully completed the National Dental Board Examination Part I and Part II. 6. Demonstrated evidence of satisfactory moral
and professional conduct, of due regard for Christian citizenship, and of consistent respon- siveness to the established aims of Loma Linda University.
7. Discharged financial obligations to the University.
8. Been certified by the faculty as approved for graduation.
A candidate completing requirements in the Spring Quarter is expected to be present at the com- mencement exercises and receive the diploma in person. Permission for the degree to be conferred in absentia is contingent upon the recommendation of the dean to the chancellor and can be granted only by the chancellor. If a candidate has not satisfactori- ly fulfilled all requirements, the University reserves the right to prohibit participation in commencement exercises. Candidates who complete the program in December will march in the Spring Quarter com- mencement prior to completing their requirements.