Loma Linda IDP Dental Interview: Format & Questions

Loma Linda's International Dentist Program, from LLU's own pages — dexterity testing on fall Sundays, an interview by invitation, 32 seats and LLU's standards.

What LLU publishes about its IDP's dexterity testing on fall Sundays, the interview by invitation that follows, its 2026-cycle deadline and its standards, and how internationally trained dentists can prepare. return ( <> The Loma Linda IDP Admissions Process in Detail Loma Linda University School of Dentistry (LLUSD) runs the International Dentist Program (IDP), which LLU says "is designed to allow qualified dentists educated in countries outside the United States, to earn a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in the United States." The program takes 27 months ("a minimum length of two academic years (27 calendar months)," in LLU's 2026–2027 catalog), and "Thirty-two applicants are accepted each year." Loma Linda University "is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church," and its standards apply to every student, so this guide covers them alongside the steps LLU publishes, in its order: the CAAPID and LLU applications,

screening, admissions testing, the interview and the final selection. The 2026 cycle at Loma Linda is closed. LLU's CAAPID deadline for this cycle was June 1, 2026 (ADEA), so it is no longer taking applications. For applicants already in review, LLU's 2026–2027 catalog says admissions testing "is conducted one or more Sundays in the fall," and interview invitations follow from the results. The class starts on March 29, 2027, per ADEA; LLU's IDP page says IDP sessions "begin in Spring Quarter (March-June)," while its catalog says the program "begins in the summer term." Neither LLU nor ADEA has published dates for the next cycle (checked October 7, 2026). Step 1: CAAPID Application Submission You apply through ADEA's CAAPID. LLU's IDP page says to "Complete the Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (CAAPID) application between March 1 and June 1," and for the 2026 cycle ADEA listed LLU's application as

opening March 6, 2026, with a June 1, 2026 deadline. LLU's pages disagree on the deadline for documents. Its 2026–2027 catalog says "the CAAPID and LLU applications and all required documents must arrive at the School of Dentistry Office of Admissions by June 1," while its IDP page says "All applications and application materials should be submitted no later than July 1 for testing consideration." Plan on June 1 for everything, and ask admissions.sd@llu.edu before you rely on July 1. What LLU requires: A dental degree "from a recognized international dental school" (catalog). The INBDE, or NBDE Parts I and II, passed. LLU's IDP page says applicants must "Have passed" them, and ADEA's profile says you must pass them "to be considered for admission." A TOEFL iBT with "a minimum score of 20 in each area of the Internet-based examination. To be competitive, a score of 100 or higher is recommended" (catalog). LLU's IDP page adds that TOEFL

examinations "must be taken within 2 years of matriculation with a recommended score of 5 or higher," which fits only the 1–6 scale TOEFL has used for tests taken from January 21, 2026, though LLU does not name the scale or state a minimum on it. LLU's university-wide minimum for the TOEFL iBT is 80. A course-by-course evaluation of your dental school transcript, "mailed directly from WES, ECE, or AACRAO" (catalog). ADEA's profile lists ECE and WES, and LLU's international transcripts page lists WES, ECE, JSA and IERF but not AACRAO, so a WES or ECE course-by-course report satisfies all three. Official transcripts sent to LLU directly by every school you attended, with English translations. "Applicants submitting a WES evaluation are exempt from submitting official transcripts to LLU." If you studied in India, "transcripts must be sent directly from the University and not the dental school college." Letters of recommendation. The

catalog asks for "Two letters of recommendation, preferably from former teachers or mentors who can attest to applicant's character, conduct, and professional ability," sent directly to CAAPID; family members cannot write the required ones. ADEA's profile accepts up to three, and LLU's university-wide policy says "Three letters of recommendation are required," so sending three covers every reading. LLU adds: "Students currently enrolled in a similar program at another university are not eligible to apply and will not be accepted for admission." After CAAPID processes your application ("approximately four weeks," per the catalog), LLU emails you an invitation to its own electronic supplemental application. ADEA's profile puts it this way: "After an application is marked complete by ADEA CAAPID an applicant will receive a link to the LLUSD Admissions Portal." Supplemental Application Required. You have 30 days: "The applicant must return

the completed supplemental application and materials within 30 days." It includes "an essay specific to Loma Linda University, a photograph, and the application fee." LLU's IDP pages ask for no pastoral or church reference. LLU's four-year DDS program asks for "a spiritual recommendation form"; the IDP pages and ADEA's profile do not. Applying is itself a commitment. LLU's catalog says: "Once application is made to this university, the applicant has chosen to abide by these principles and practices," meaning the University's standards, described below. Applying in the next cycle. LLU has not published dates for the 2027 cycle, and ADEA's finder still shows the 2026 cycle (October 7, 2026). LLU's current pages ask for passed boards (the INBDE, or NBDE Parts I and II), a TOEFL taken "within 2 years of matriculation" and a course-by-course evaluation, so start on those before the cycle opens. Then apply early: LLU decides who may test "on

a first-come, first-served basis determined by the date an applicant's file is complete." Step 2: Application Screening LLU's catalog lists screening first: "Completed applications submitted before the application deadline will be given priority consideration by the Office of Admissions." Its IDP page then says: "Based on a review of your completed CAAPID and LLU Supplemental application along with the required admissions information, you may be invited to LLUSD for admissions testing (fee required)." Who gets to test also depends on timing. Under the heading "IDP Dexterity Testing Notice," LLU says: "LLUSD will be evaluating applications for eligibility to test on a first-come, first-served basis determined by the date an applicant's file is complete. There are limited spaces available for testing. Applicants are encouraged to complete their application as soon as possible to improve the chance of receiving an invitation for testing."

LLU publishes no screening criteria specific to the IDP. Its university-wide admission policy says: "In selecting students for entrance to programs in the schools, admissions committees look for evidence of personal integrity, academic achievement, healthful lifestyle, self-discipline, self-direction, and service to others." Step 3: Admissions (Dexterity) Testing LLU calls this step "admissions testing," and its IDP page announces it under the heading "IDP Dexterity Testing Notice"; ADEA's profile answers "Bench Test Yes." This is what LLU publishes about it: It is by invitation, at the school. LLU's IDP page: "you may be invited to LLUSD for admissions testing (fee required)." LLU does not publish the fee. It runs on fall Sundays. "Admissions testing: Is by invitation only and is conducted one or more Sundays in the fall" (2026–2027 catalog). LLU publishes no dates. It decides who is interviewed. "Interviews are by invitation only and

are determined by the results of the admissions test." It counts again at the end. "The applicant's admissions testing results, interview and application file are presented to the School of Dentistry Admissions Committee for final selection." LLU does not say what the test contains, how long it takes, what materials or instruments are used, or how it is scored. An earlier version of this guide named procedures, a time limit and scoring rubrics; none of them is on LLU's pages, so we removed them. The hand-skill standards LLU does publish apply to entry into every School of Dentistry program: students need "sufficient motor and sensory capability in both hands to provide general dental care" and must be able to operate "high- or low-speed dental instruments to achieve accurate movements of less than one-half millimeter." Preparing for a test LLU does not describe. Keep your hand skills current on a typodont well before an invitation could

arrive: working on plastic teeth while someone watches is different from treating your own patients, even after years in practice. When you are invited, ask admissions.sd@llu.edu what the test covers, what to bring and what it costs. Step 4: The Interview (By Invitation) Everything LLU publishes about the IDP interview is two sentences: "Interviews are by invitation only and are determined by the results of the admissions test" (IDP page) and "Interview: Based on admissions testing, applicants may be invited to interview" (2026–2027 catalog). LLU does not say whether the interview is in person or virtual, whether it falls on the testing day, who interviews you, whether you meet one person or a panel, how long it lasts, whether your interviewers have read your file, or what they ask. An earlier version of this guide gave the interview a timing, a length and interviewers; LLU's pages support none of it. Read your invitation closely, and

ask admissions.sd@llu.edu about anything it leaves out. After the interview, the School of Dentistry Admissions Committee makes the "final selection" from your testing results, interview and application file. LLU publishes no date for offers. An accepted student must pay a deposit "within 30 days of acceptance," and "Failure to submit this deposit will result in the loss of the applicant's position in the class." International applicants must meet every admission requirement before an offer is made ("Conditional acceptances cannot be offered to international applicants"), and LLU issues the I-20 for an F-1 visa only after you are accepted (with your transcripts evaluated and received), have paid "the advance deposit, as required by their program," and have documented your financial plan. LLU's catalog also says F-1 students must "pay for the first year's tuition and fees and provide documented evidence of sufficient funds for their

second year prior to enrolling," while its IDP page says they must "secure sufficient funds for their first year's tuition and fees" and that entering students "must also pay for two quarters of tuition in advance." Plan for the catalog's reading, and ask admissions.sd@llu.edu which amounts apply to you. Practice Your Loma Linda IDP Interview Answers with AI. LLU doesn't publish its interview format, so practice the questions in this guide out loud and get instant feedback on your structure, delivery, and answer quality.. Start Practicing Free →. What Loma Linda Looks For LLU says it "has always combined a devotion to academic excellence with a concern for spiritual values and a high sense of mission," and its motto is "To make man whole." The School of Dentistry's own motto is "Service Is Our Calling," and its mission statement opens: "Loma Linda University School of Dentistry seeks to further the teaching and healing ministry of Jesus

Christ." LLU publishes no selection criteria specific to the IDP, but its catalog says what its admissions committees and its School of Dentistry look for. What LLU's admissions committees look for For every LLU school, "admissions committees look for evidence of personal integrity, academic achievement, healthful lifestyle, self-discipline, self-direction, and service to others." The values the School of Dentistry seeks The School of Dentistry's catalog section says: "The school seeks students who openly and enthusiastically align themselves with the following core values": belief in God, spiritual maturity, demonstrated compassion, service to others, commitment to excellence, critical thinking, respect for self and others, ethical integrity, principled care, pursuit of knowledge, conscientiousness and industry, and effective communication. Its code of ethics applies to "international dentist students" too. Hand skills, tested before

the interview LLU's admissions test is the step that decides who is interviewed, and its results go to the Admissions Committee again for the final selection. LLU does not publish what it scores, so steady, careful practice is the preparation that fits (see Step 3). Alignment with LLU's faith-based mission Loma Linda University "is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church." It says "Students come from many different faiths" and that it "highly respects students' religious values that differ from those of this academic community." It also gives Adventists preference: "While preference is given to Seventh-day Adventist Church members, anyone interested in studying at Loma Linda University and willing to live by the institution's standards is encouraged to apply." What those standards mean, in LLU's 2026–2027 catalog: No tobacco, alcohol or drugs. LLU's emphasis on health and the practices of its church "preclude admission of

applicants who use tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or narcotics," and "all students agree to refrain from the use of tobacco, alcohol, and other 'recreational' drugs while enrolled at the University." A Saturday Sabbath. Adventists keep Saturday as the Sabbath "from sundown Friday to sundown Saturday," and during those hours "University offices, laboratories, libraries, study halls, and recreation facilities are closed." Vegetarian dining. "Cafeterias on campus feature well-prepared vegetarian meals." Religion courses and chapel. LLU lists "required religion courses, and required chapel services." The IDP curriculum includes Christian Ethics for Dentists, World Religions and Human Health, and Christian Dentist in Community. Conduct on and off campus. "Students at Loma Linda University are expected to uphold the Christian ethical and moral standards of this Seventh-day Adventist Church-related institution while on and off campus." LLU's

IDP pages don't call these a "Lifestyle Agreement," and they mention no separate form to sign: these are the University's standards for every student, and LLU treats applying as accepting them. Commitment to service and whole-person care The School of Dentistry's vision commits it "to whole-person care of our patients," and LLU says its community-based education "continues the original purpose of the school—to train dental health professionals to provide service to underserved populations locally and to encourage it abroad." For IDP students it is required: "International Dentist Program students must complete required assigned community based education rotations," and LLU's IDP page says students serve "the dental health needs of the local community through off–site clinical rotations." Bring specific examples of service from your own career. English proficiency and communication skills LLU: "All classes are conducted in English, and

patients treated in the clinic communicate in English. Applicants must demonstrate competence in both written and spoken English." The School of Dentistry adds that students "must be fluent in the use of standard written and spoken English" and "may be required to remediate written and/or verbal language skills before admission or during their program. This remediation may include accent modification." Meet the TOEFL rules in Step 1, and practice your answers out loud until they sound natural. Realistic US practice plans LLU notes that "The DDS degree from a U.S. dental college is an educational requirement for eligibility to take the dental licensure examination in many states," and lists careers "within private practice offices, industrial organizations, hospitals, local, state or federal public health services, and the armed forces." LLU publishes nothing on how it weighs your plans, but a clear answer about where you intend to be

licensed and practice, and why, is worth preparing (our suggestion). The LLUSD Supplemental Application This is what LLU publishes about its supplemental application; its catalog adds that "Other documentation is required, as outlined in the application": How it arrives. By email, once CAAPID has processed your application: "applications sent by email after your CAAPID application is complete." LLU's IDP FAQ (last updated March 18, 2024) adds that verified CAAPID applications are downloaded "once a week on Thursdays," after which the invitation is emailed automatically. When it is due. "The applicant must return the completed supplemental application and materials within 30 days." The 2024 FAQ says each applicant's secondary deadline "is unique to each applicant." What it contains. It includes "an essay specific to Loma Linda University, a photograph, and the application fee." The photograph is "A recent passport size photograph

uploaded through your supplemental application." Recommenders. The 2024 FAQ says that once LLU's application is submitted, your recommenders are emailed "a link and a pin to our recommender questionnaire." The 2026–2027 catalog says only that letters "should be sent directly to CAAPID," so ask admissions.sd@llu.edu whether your recommenders will hear from LLU as well. What LLU's pages don't mention. No pastoral or church reference, no Lifestyle Agreement form and no clinical case logs or portfolio. They don't publish the essay prompt either. Think through your LLU essay before the email arrives. LLU gives you 30 days to return the supplemental, and its email comes only after CAAPID processing, so think through why Loma Linda while you wait: its motto, its service rotations, its standards and the IDP's "Parallel yet separate course of study in comparison to traditional DDS program" (LLU's words). Use LLU's language only where it fits

your own story, and be honest about where you stand. Guidance for Non-Adventist Applicants LLU states both sides plainly. Its catalog says it "reserves constitutional and statutory rights as a religious institution and employer to give preference to Seventh-day Adventists in admissions and employment," and that "anyone interested in studying at Loma Linda University and willing to live by the institution's standards is encouraged to apply." It also says "This University has a tradition of religious liberty." LLU publishes no figure for how many IDP students are Adventist. "The prospective student has the freedom to accept or reject these principles and practices prior to applying," LLU says, so the first question to answer is your own: can you live by its standards for 27 months? What we suggest (DentPrep's advice, not LLU's): Read LLU's standards in its 2026–2027 catalog ("Admission Policies and Information," "A Unique University" and

"Student Life") before you write the essay Know why you chose Loma Linda beyond ranking or location: its service rotations, its whole-person care, or the IDP's separate course of study Express genuine respect for the Adventist values framework without pretending to share beliefs you don't hold Bring service examples that connect naturally to LLU's whole-person care Be straightforward about the standards (no tobacco, alcohol or recreational drugs; required religion courses and chapel), because applying means you have agreed to them The worst approach is to pretend you share beliefs you don't, or to dismiss the faith dimension as irrelevant. How Loma Linda Compares ADEA's CAAPID Program Finder lists 47 programs (read October 7, 2026). There, Loma Linda's IDP runs 27 months with 32 seats, had a June 1, 2026 deadline, starts March 29, 2027, and answers "Bench Test Yes." Here is how other programs we cover compare on ADEA's own fields for

the 2026 cycle: NYU College of Dentistry — 28 months, 30–40 seats (ADEA's estimate), starts January 4, 2027; no bench test BU Goldman School of Dental Medicine — Zoom interview by invitation (BU); 24 months, 100 seats, starts July 26, 2027; its 2026-cycle deadline is October 15, 2026 USC Herman Ostrow — also in Southern California; 24 months, 34 seats, starts May 3, 2027; bench test UCLA School of Dentistry — 25 months, 30 seats, starts May 5, 2027; bench test Tufts University — 29 months, 30–35 seats (ADEA's estimate), starts January 4, 2027; no bench test UCSF School of Dentistry — 36 months, 20 seats, starts June 14, 2027; no bench test Rutgers School of Dental Medicine — 27 months, 40 seats, starts February 1, 2027; no bench test Temple Kornberg — 24–36 months, 30 seats, starts April 1, 2027; bench test University of Minnesota — 29 months, 18 seats, starts January 4, 2027; bench test Penn Dental Medicine PASS — 29 months, about 20

seats (ADEA's estimate), starts January 4, 2027; no bench test; US citizens and permanent residents only Indiana University IDP — 30 months, 16 seats (ADEA's estimate), starts January 4, 2027; bench test University of Colorado ISP — interviews in March and April, then an in-person bench exam in May/June (CU); 40 seats; its Class of 2029 application is open until January 29, 2027, and the class starts January 3, 2028 (ADEA) UNLV DDS Advanced Standing — 24 months, up to 12 seats (ADEA's estimate), starts May 3, 2027; bench test For a detailed comparison of CAAPID programs, see our Complete CAAPID Programs Comparison Guide . The practice questions below are ours, built on LLU's published values and steps. LLU does not publish its interview questions. ); }; export default LomaLindaDentalAdvancedStanding; loma-linda-dental-advanced-standing-interview Loma Linda University School of Dentistry Loma Linda IDP Dental Format & Questions Loma

Linda IDP Dental Format & Questions Loma Linda s International Dentist Program from LLU s own pages — dexterity testing on fall Sundays an interview by invitation 32 seats and LLU s standards. Loma Linda IDP interview LLUSD IDP admissions Loma Linda international dentist program Loma Linda bench test Loma Linda dental advanced standing 2026-03-29 2026-10-08 International Program Dexterity test then interview by invitation (format not published) What LLU publishes about its IDP s dexterity testing on fall Sundays the interview by invitation that follows its 2026-cycle deadline and its standards and how internationally trained dentists can prepare. “Interviews are by invitation only and are determined by the results of the admissions test ” which LLU holds on “one or more Sundays in the fall”; who may test is decided “on a first-come first-served basis” by the date a file is complete. School Loma Linda University School of Dentistry

(LLUSD) Program International Dentist Program (IDP) Degree DDS Program Length 27 months (“a minimum length of two academic years (27 calendar months)” LLU catalog; ADEA lists 27 months) Class Size 32 a year (“Thirty-two applicants are accepted each year”; ADEA lists 32) Program Start March 29 2027 (ADEA); LLU’s IDP page says IDP sessions “begin in Spring Quarter (March-June)” and its 2026–2027 catalog says the program “begins in the summer term” 2026 Cycle Closed to new applications (LLU s deadline was June 1 2026 ADEA); no 2027-cycle dates published yet Interview Format Interview by invitation after dexterity testing (format not published) File Type Not published Interviews By invitation “determined by the results of the admissions test”; months not published Admissions Testing By invitation at LLUSD on “one or more Sundays in the fall”; fee required (amount not published) Deadline June 1 2026 (2026 cycle; closed) TOEFL Minimum 20 in

each iBT section; 100+ recommended; the IDP page recommends “5 or higher” INBDE/NBDE INBDE or NBDE Part I and Part II passed Credential Evaluation Course-by-course from WES or ECE which LLU’s catalog its transcripts page and ADEA all list; the catalog also names AACRAO which the transcripts page does not Letters Two preferably from former teachers or mentors (LLU catalog); LLU’s university-wide policy says three and ADEA accepts up to three so send three Visa F-1 students get an I-20 from LLU after acceptance the advance deposit their program requires and a documented financial plan; LLU’s catalog says F-1 students pay the first year’s tuition and fees before enrolling; ADEA says the program is not limited to US citizens or permanent residents Acceptance Deposit Due within 30 days of acceptance; becomes part of the first term’s tuition (LLU catalog) admissions-process Admissions Process in Detail 2 step-1-caapid Step CAAPID Application

3 step-2-screening Step Application Screening 3 step-3-bench-test Step Admissions (Dexterity) Testing 3 step-4-personal-interview Step The Interview (By Invitation) 3 what-llu-looks-for What Loma Linda Looks For 2 sample-questions Sample Interview Questions 2 supplemental-application Supplemental Application 2 non-adventist-applicants Non-Adventist Applicants 2 preparation-tips Expert Preparation Tips 2 admissions-stats Admissions Statistics 2 prep-checklist Prep Checklist 2 faq FAQ 2 related-programs Related Programs 2 Standard Professional Why do you want to practice dentistry in the United States? This question and the others here are DentPrep s; LLU publishes no interview questions. Ground your answer in specific concrete reasons — US clinical exposure community ties or a defined professional goal. Avoid vague aspirational statements about better opportunities or advanced technology. Why did you choose Loma Linda specifically? Use

what LLU itself says such as its motto (“To make man whole”) the School of Dentistry s motto (“Service Is Our Calling”) and its commitment to “whole-person care of our patients ” the IDP s required community-based rotations and its “Parallel yet separate course of study in comparison to traditional DDS program.” Connect one or two of these to your own experience rather than listing them. Tell me about your clinical experience since graduating. Structure where you practiced patient volume procedures you performed most frequently and what you learned. Emphasize breadth and complexity not just years of experience. Describe a challenging patient case and how you managed it. Use a structured presenting situation your clinical reasoning what you did the outcome and what you learned. Choose a case that demonstrates both clinical skill and patient communication. Where do you see yourself practicing five years after graduation? Be specific about

geography practice type and patient population. LLU s School of Dentistry says its community-based education exists “to train dental health professionals to provide service to underserved populations locally and to encourage it abroad ” so real plans in that direction connect to its mission; don t invent them. Faith & Values What does whole-person care mean to you? Connect the concept to your actual clinical practice — not just theory. Give an example of when you treated a patient as more than a set of teeth. Link to LLU s mission language naturally. How do your personal values align with Loma Linda s mission? Be authentic. If you are Adventist speak from experience. If not identify specific values you genuinely share — service compassion whole-person health — and explain how they shape your practice. Are you familiar with Loma Linda s standards for students? How do you feel about them? LLU s catalog says all students “agree to refrain

from the use of tobacco alcohol and other ‘recreational’ drugs while enrolled ” lists “required religion courses and required chapel services ” and treats applying as agreeing to its principles. Show that you have read them and can live by them honestly. Avoid dismissive or reluctant framing. Tell me about your faith background and how it influences your patient care. Answer honestly regardless of your faith tradition. Focus on how your values — whatever their source — make you a more compassionate service-oriented clinician. How would you handle a patient whose beliefs differ significantly from your own? Demonstrate cultural competency and respect. Give a concrete example if possible. Emphasize patient autonomy and your role in providing judgment-free care. Character & Self-Reflection Describe a time you failed or made a significant mistake. What did you learn? Choose a genuine example — clinical or professional. Show accountability

specific learning and how you changed your practice as a result. Avoid trivial examples. How do you handle stress and maintain balance? Be specific about your actual coping mechanisms. Connect to the demands of a 27-month program. Show self-awareness about your limits and how you manage them. What would your colleagues or patients say about you? Choose 2–3 specific qualities with brief supporting examples. Avoid generic positivity. The best answers include a genuine growth area alongside strengths. Why should we select you over other qualified applicants? Synthesize your unique clinical skill + values alignment + specific contribution to the LLU community. Don t repeat your CV — distill what makes you distinctively suited for this program. Clinical Reasoning Walk me through your reasoning on a restoration you placed recently. Describe your clinical reasoning step by outline form resistance and retention form convenience form margin

considerations. Show you can articulate why you made each decision. If you could redo one of your recent clinical cases what would you change? Be honest and specific. Identify one area where you know you could improve. This demonstrates self-awareness and clinical maturity — not weakness. How do you stay current with developments in restorative dentistry? Name specific journals CE courses or professional organizations. Generic answers about reading literature are not convincing. Show ongoing professional development habits. Practice on a typodont before the dexterity test LLU does not publish what its dexterity test contains how long it lasts or what it costs. Even with years of clinical experience working on plastic teeth while someone watches is different from treating patients so keep your hand skills current on a typodont and when you are invited ask admissions.sd@llu.edu what to expect. Research LLU s mission authentically Read the

School of Dentistry s mission vision and core values and LLU s standards for students in its 2026–2027 catalog (“Admission Policies and Information ” “A Unique University” and “Student Life”). Your interview answers should reflect genuine understanding not surface-level awareness. Prepare for faith-based questions honestly LLU publishes no interview questions but its School of Dentistry “seeks students who openly and enthusiastically align themselves” with core values that begin with “Belief in God” and “Spiritual maturity.” Whether you are Adventist or not prepare honest answers about your values service and whole-person care; genuine respect is more convincing than performed agreement. Line up your recommenders early LLU s catalog asks for two letters “preferably from former teachers or mentors who can attest to applicant’s character conduct and professional ability ” sent directly to CAAPID; family members can t write the required

ones. ADEA s profile accepts up to three and LLU s university-wide policy says three are required so ask three people early. Complete your file early LLU decides who may test “on a first-come first-served basis determined by the date an applicant’s file is complete ” and “There are limited spaces available for testing.” Submit CAAPID early in the window and return the supplemental well within its 30 days. Articulate specific US practice plans LLU notes that the DDS “is an educational requirement for eligibility to take the dental licensure examination in many states.” Know where you plan to be licensed and why and if you mean to serve underserved communities say how. LLU publishes nothing on how it weighs your plans; this is our advice. Category Details Program Name International Dentist Program (IDP) Degree Awarded DDS Program Length 27 months (two academic years; LLU catalog and ADEA) Annual Class Size 32 (LLU catalog and ADEA)

Application System CAAPID then LLU s own supplemental application Application Deadline June 1 2026 for the 2026 cycle (ADEA; the LLU catalog wants all documents by June 1); LLU s IDP page asks for materials by July 1 “for testing consideration” Supplemental Required Yes emailed after CAAPID processing and due within 30 days with an essay specific to LLU a photograph and the application fee TOEFL Minimum 20 in each iBT section; 100+ recommended; taken within 2 years of matriculation INBDE/NBDE INBDE or NBDE Part I and Part II passed Credential Evaluation Course-by-course from WES or ECE which LLU’s catalog its transcripts page and ADEA all list; the catalog also names AACRAO which the transcripts page does not Letters of Recommendation Two (LLU catalog); ADEA accepts up to three; LLU s university-wide policy says three Interview Format By invitation “determined by the results of the admissions test”; format not published Bench Test

Admissions (dexterity) testing at LLUSD by invitation “one or more Sundays in the fall”; fee required (amount not published); content not published Interview Style Not published (setting length interviewers file access) Faith Component Standards for every LLU student (no tobacco alcohol or recreational drugs; required religion courses and chapel); preference to Seventh-day Adventists in admissions Visa Support F-1 (I-20 after acceptance the advance deposit and a documented financial plan; LLU’s catalog says F-1 students pay the first year’s tuition and fees and show funds for the second year before enrolling) Campus Location Loma Linda California Tuition (Estimated) LLU s program page lists estimated costs for Academic Year 2025–2026 6–12 months before the deadline Pass the INBDE (or NBDE Part I and Part II) if you have not already Take the TOEFL iBT scoring at least 20 in each section with 100 or higher recommended (or 5+ on the new

scale) within 2 years of matriculation Order a course-by-course evaluation from WES or ECE (LLU’s catalog also names AACRAO but LLU’s transcripts page does not list it) Ask your schools to send official transcripts to LLU directly Ask three recommenders preferably former teachers or mentors (not family members) Read LLU s standards in its 2026–2027 catalog (Admission Policies and Information A Unique University Student Life) When CAAPID opens Submit CAAPID early because LLU decides who may test first-come first-served by the date a file is complete Watch for LLU s email invitation to its supplemental application (CAAPID processing takes about four weeks) Return the supplemental within 30 days with an essay specific to LLU a passport-size photograph and the application fee Have every document in by June 1 (LLU s catalog) whatever the July 1 date on its IDP page Keep your hand skills current on a typodont If you are invited to admissions

testing Ask admissions.sd@llu.edu what the test covers what to bring and what the fee is Arrange travel to Loma Linda California since testing is at LLUSD on a fall Sunday Arrive early bring the documents and identification you are asked for and follow every instruction Work carefully because the results decide who is interviewed If you are invited to interview Read the invitation for the setting time and anything to bring; LLU publishes none of them Rehearse explaining your clinical decisions out loud Practice full interview answers on motivation values character and your clinical work Re-read your CAAPID application and your LLU essay Prepare professional attire Ask thoughtful questions about the program clinical rotations and community What is the Loma Linda IDP interview format? LLU does not publish one. Its steps are the CAAPID application and LLU s supplemental screening admissions (dexterity) testing by invitation on “one or more

Sundays in the fall ” then an interview and “Interviews are by invitation only and are determined by the results of the admissions test.” LLU does not say whether the interview is in person or virtual who conducts it how long it lasts or whether interviewers have read your file. The Admissions Committee then makes the final selection from your testing results interview and application file. Do I need to be Seventh-day Adventist to apply? No but LLU gives Adventists preference. Its catalog says that “While preference is given to Seventh-day Adventist Church members anyone interested in studying at Loma Linda University and willing to live by the institution s standards is encouraged to apply.” It also says “Students come from many different faiths.” LLU publishes no figure for how many IDP students are Adventist. What is the Lifestyle Agreement? LLU s IDP pages don t use that term or ask for a separate form. LLU s 2026–2027 catalog sets

standards for every student instead including no tobacco alcohol or recreational drugs (“all students agree to refrain” from them while enrolled) Saturday Sabbath hours when University offices and facilities close vegetarian campus cafeterias and “required religion courses and required chapel services.” It also says that “Once application is made to this university the applicant has chosen to abide by these principles and practices.” What does the bench test involve? LLU calls it admissions testing under the heading “IDP Dexterity Testing Notice.” It is by invitation at LLUSD with a fee on “one or more Sundays in the fall ” and its results decide who is interviewed. LLU does not publish what the test contains how long it lasts how it is scored or what the fee is. What TOEFL score does Loma Linda require? LLU s 2026–2027 catalog requires “a minimum score of 20 in each area of the Internet-based examination” and says “To be competitive a

score of 100 or higher is recommended.” Its IDP page says the test must be taken within 2 years of matriculation “with a recommended score of 5 or higher” (LLU does not name the scale; a 5 fits only the new 1–6 scale on which LLU states no minimum). LLU s university-wide TOEFL iBT minimum is 80. How competitive is the Loma Linda IDP? LLU accepts 32 students a year (“Thirty-two applicants are accepted each year”; ADEA lists 32) and publishes no applicant numbers or acceptance rate. Testing spaces are limited and go first-come first-served by the date a file is complete so applying early matters; the Admissions Committee then selects from testing results interviews and files. NYU Advanced Standing Interview Prep A Kira video interview for every applicant then an in-person Candidate Day for final candidates (ADEA); 28 months Manhattan. International Program /schools/nyu-dental-advanced-standing-interview USC Advanced Standing Interview

Prep Also in Southern California; 24 months 34 seats (ADEA); an on-campus interview by invitation that includes a practical dental exam (USC). International Program /schools/usc-dental-advanced-standing-interview BU Goldman Advanced Standing Interview Prep Zoom interview by invitation generally May–November; 24 months; 100 seats a year in Boston. International Program /schools/bu-goldman-dental-advanced-standing-interview UCLA Advanced Standing Interview Prep Los Angeles; 25 months 30 seats (ADEA); finalists are invited to an interview and a knowledge and skills assessment held over 3 days (UCLA). International Program /schools/ucla-dental-advanced-standing-interview