UIC DMD-AS Dental Interview: Format & Questions 2026

Q: Does UIC College of Dentistry require a bench test for the DMD-AS?

No. UIC's FAQ says “The University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry does not require a bench test,” and its ADEA CAAPID profile answers “No” for a bench test. UIC also does not require the ADAT, and its DMD-AS pages name no Kira, CASPer or other assessment. Its selection “is based upon the applicant’s credentials, letters of recommendation, and information obtained during the application process.”

Q: When is the UIC DMD-AS application deadline?

In the 2026 cycle, UIC took applications from March 5 to June 15, 2026, for both CAAPID and its own online application, for the class entering in January 2027. That cycle is closed, and UIC says it will notify all applicants of a final decision no later than November. UIC has not yet published dates for its next cycle; its admissions are rolling, “with preference given to earlier applications,” so apply early once it opens.

Q: What does UIC say about US dental work experience versus shadowing?

A 2019 post on UIC's admissions blog says “UIC admissions values paid work experience versus shadowing experience. Having shadowing experience is fine; however you want to complement this with paid or volunteer based US work experience.” It names work in a US dental office, dental assistant certification and further certifications, and says UIC values “the length and depth of your dental work experience, as well as career advancement.” UIC's current requirement pages don't mention work experience, so treat this as advice, not a requirement.

Q: Does UIC require a letter from your dental school dean?

No. UIC's FAQ says “UIC does not require a letter of recommendation from the Dean of your dental school.” It requires three letters, submitted only through CAAPID, on letterhead and signed, and “Preferably, one letter should be from a U.S. dental practitioner.”

Q: What TOEFL score does UIC require for the DMD-AS?

For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, 4.5 overall with Reading 4, Listening 4, Speaking 4.5 and Writing 4.5; for earlier tests, 80 with Reading 19, Listening 17, Speaking 20 and Writing 21. Every section minimum must be met, scores must be no more than two years old when you apply, and ETS must send them directly to UIC (code 1851). UIC does not accept the TOEFL Best Score and prefers the iBT to the Home Edition. Its last entering class averaged 101.

Q: What is UIC's DMD-AS curriculum like?

UIC's DMD-AS page names Team-based Learning (TBL), which integrates “the clinical, biomedical, and behavioral sciences through the use of clinical case studies,” and courses in Applied Oral and Behavioral Sciences, Oral-Systemic Issues and Community Based Learning. Its course list adds Oral/Systemic Topics taught with virtual patients, Oral/Systemic Issues as grand rounds, and Community Learning Experience courses that deliver care to underserved populations, over 28 months starting in January.

UIC's DMD Advanced Standing interview from UIC's own pages: no bench test, virtual or on-campus interviews April–August, 2026-cycle dates and TOEFL rules.

Admissions (dexterity) testing by invitation on one or more fall Sundays, then interviews by invitation from the results; 32 seats. return ( <> The UIC DMD-AS Admissions Process in Detail The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) College of Dentistry's Doctor of Dental Medicine Advanced Standing (DMD-AS) program "is designed to provide foreign-trained dentists with the education and experience required to practice dentistry in the US." It begins in January, runs 28 months full time, takes a class of up to 52 and awards the DMD. You apply through ADEA CAAPID and a separate UIC application. UIC's 2026 cycle is closed. For its January 2027 entering class, UIC took applications from March 5 to June 15, 2026 (CAAPID and its own application had the same deadline), interviewed from April to August, and says it will notify all applicants of a final decision "no later than November." ADEA's CAAPID cycle stays open until January 29, 2027, but

UIC's deadline has passed. UIC has not yet published dates for its next cycle; check its How to Apply page and ADEA's Program Finder before you plan around one. The dates UIC published for the 2026 cycle: When. What UIC says. March 5, 2026. Applications open, for the January 2027 entering class. Mid-March. UIC starts reviewing applications; admissions are rolling, “with preference given to earlier applications”. April to August. Interviews, by invitation from faculty. June 15, 2026. Deadline for both CAAPID and UIC's online application; if you applied by then, you may upload documents after it. No later than November. UIC notifies all applicants of a final admissions decision. January 2027. The program begins (ADEA: January 1, 2027). No Bench Test UIC's FAQ states: "The University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry does not require a bench test." Its ADEA CAAPID profile also answers "No" for a bench test, and its FAQ says UIC does

not require the ADAT. UIC's DMD-AS pages name no Kira, CASPer, MMI or written test either. That makes UIC worth a look if your hands-on skills are out of practice, and it is not the only such program: our CAAPID interview formats table shows which programs add a bench test and which don't. Without one, UIC decides on what it names: its selection "is based upon the applicant’s credentials, letters of recommendation, and information obtained during the application process." Be ready to explain, with specifics, how you have kept your clinical skills current. The Application Flow ADEA CAAPID first. "To apply to the UIC College of Dentistry you should first submit the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists (CAAPID)." Admissions are rolling, with preference for earlier applications. Then UIC's own application. "After submitting the CAAPID application, please

submit the UIC Supplemental Application." UIC's application checklist lists a non-refundable $150 application fee, payable by credit card only, and a non-refundable $100 International Credential Evaluation Fee for applicants with post-secondary coursework outside the United States, requested after you submit. Upload your documents a business day later. UIC's FAQ says to log in "1 business day after submission" of UIC's application to start uploading, and that review "may take up to 10 business days"; UIC emails you when your application is complete. An interview, by invitation, April to August. "Invitations are extended by faculty and therefore should not be requested by the applicant." A final decision by November. "The Office of Admissions will notify all applicants of a final admissions decision no later than November." Two score reports have their own routes: TOEFL scores straight from ETS. "It is required that TOEFL scores be

reported electronically directly to UIC by ETS," with UIC's institution code 1851. UIC's checklist warns that scores "may take up to 20 business days to be posted to your application." Board scores through CAAPID. UIC's FAQ says to have the ADA report your official National Board scores as part of your CAAPID application, and that UIC "will obtain access to the official scores reported to CAAPID." UIC's ADEA profile adds that candidates invited to interview "will be required to request that the American Dental Association (ADA) send an official score report to the UIC COD Office of Admissions via email." Dual Application Required. CAAPID alone does not complete your application. Asked whether you can apply directly to UIC without CAAPID, its FAQ answers: "No, UIC requires that all students submit both a CAAPID and a UIC online application." For the 2026 cycle, UIC's How to Apply page said to choose "The 2026-2027 Cycle, General

Application, Doctorate level, and finally DMD Advanced Standing from the intended program drop-down," and warned: "Do not choose the professional program supplemental application. This is not the correct application." What UIC Says About the Interview Who is invited, and when. "Only those candidates deemed highly qualified will be invited for an on-campus or virtual interview in the months of April – August." UIC's FAQ adds that it starts reviewing applications in mid-March and that "The interview process will take place from April to August." Virtual or on campus: UIC's pages differ. Asked whether it will conduct virtual interviews this cycle, UIC's FAQ answers that it "will continue to conduct virtual interviews with an opportunity to visit the College for an in-person tour for those candidates that have interviewed." Its How to Apply page, written for the 2026 cycle, says "an on-campus or virtual interview." Until your invitation

says which, plan for either, including a trip to Chicago, and confirm with codadmissions@uic.edu. Faculty extend invitations; UIC notifies you by email. Don't ask for one. UIC emails status updates, including "notification of interviews and admissions decisions," and says "we will contact you as soon as there is a status update." Your TOEFL score report. UIC's checklist says "Students selected for an interview will be required to bring the official, unopened score report to the interview day." If your interview is virtual, ask codadmissions@uic.edu how to provide it. UIC does not publish who interviews DMD-AS candidates, how many interviewers there are, how long the interview lasts, whether your interviewer has read your file, or what it asks. Its page for the four-year DMD describes a "typically closed file" interview with "1-2 faculty members," a student panel and a ban on recording, but that page is for the four-year program, applied

to through AADSAS, and UIC's DMD-AS pages don't say any of it applies to you. Prepare to introduce your background fully, and to discuss anything in your application. Practice for Your UIC Interview. UIC's FAQ says it interviews DMD-AS candidates virtually; its How to Apply page says on campus or virtual. Answer advanced standing interview questions out loud and get instant AI feedback on structure and clarity.. Start Practicing Free →. What UIC Is Looking For UIC calls admission competitive: "Since the college has a limited capacity, it must be selective in choosing students." Its class profile shows the scale. For the Class of 2028, which began in January 2026, UIC received 1,568 applications, interviewed 151 applicants, extended 81 offers and enrolled 52. US Dental Work Experience: UIC's 2019 Advice UIC's current requirements pages don't mention work experience. A March 2019 post on UIC's admissions blog, "Preparing a Competitive

Application for the Advanced Standing Foreign Trained Dentist Program," still on its site, gives "tips from our admissions team," and the first is US work experience: "Note that actual work experience is different than shadowing. UIC admissions values paid work experience versus shadowing experience. Having shadowing experience is fine; however you want to complement this with paid or volunteer based US work experience." The same post says "Many of our current DMD-AS students tell us this is their number one tip for applicants – get as much US based work experience as you can – as early as you can," and "UIC values the length and depth of your dental work experience, as well as career advancement." What it names: Work in a US dental office, where you can learn "how insurance, patient management, supporting technology and staff work together in US dental settings" Registered or Certified Dental Assistant status where your state requires

it to work as a dental assistant; where it doesn't, "our committee values the certification" Further dental assistant certifications, "such as Coronal Polishing Pit Fissure Sealants, Nitrous Oxide, Radiographic Monitoring, and Anesthesia Sedation" Any work experience from your home country, listed on your application, though "it is imperative that you gain experience in a United States dental office environment" The post also notes that some enrolled students have earned a US degree, "for example, an Associate’s in Hygiene, Master’s degree, General Practice Residency, or an Advanced Education in General Dentistry program." It dates from 2019 and parts are out of date (it says UIC requires two letters of recommendation; UIC's requirements page now asks for three), so read it as UIC's advice, not as a current requirement. GPA Through ECE UIC requires "A highly competitive comprehensive Grade Point Average (GPA) per the ECE

course-by-course evaluation." It publishes no minimum and no class average. For a low dental school GPA, the 2019 post's advice is a US degree: "Completing a science based Master’s program will show the committee that you are equipped to handle the rigors of dental school," and in that program "the committee likes to see a GPA of 3.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale." ECE Only — WES Not Accepted. Asked whether it accepts a WES evaluation, UIC's FAQ answers: "No, we only accept an Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) course by course evaluation as part of the ADEA CAAPID application." If you have a WES evaluation for other programs, you will need an ECE one for UIC as well, so order it early. Team-Based Learning (TBL) UIC's DMD-AS page says students "will benefit from innovative Team-based (TBL) learning models and courses in Applied Oral and Behavioral Sciences, Oral-Systemic Issues, and Community Based Learning." It describes TBL as

integrating "the clinical, biomedical, and behavioral sciences through the use of clinical case studies," with "Team discussions" at the center, run by trained faculty facilitators. Its goals, in UIC's words: "to develop students’ capacity to find and apply information relevant to clinical cases," "to foster critical thinking and higher-order reasoning skills," "to promote accurate self-assessment and a sense of responsibility for one’s own learning, and" "to build effective communication skills and, collaboration skills." UIC's Teaching and Learning page describes the same case-based approach in its four-year DMD as Small Group Learning (SGL). UIC doesn't say its interview asks about TBL, but these goals are a fair guide to what to show if you are asked why UIC: how you find and use evidence, how you judge your own gaps, and how you work in a team. Community Health and Oral-Systemic Emphasis UIC says its 28 months of coursework and

clinical experience aim "to deliver strong competencies in health promotion and disease prevention, diagnosis, evidence-based practice, communication, collaboration, and community engagement." Its DMD-AS course list and its 2026–2027 catalog lay the program out in seven terms, starting in spring, with: Applied Oral and Behavioral Sciences (DAOB) in every term Oral/Systemic Topics (DOST 332–333), which use "virtual patients to address the management of system-specific and multi-systems diseases and conditions," then Oral/Systemic Issues (DOSI 341–343), a "Grand rounds approach" to the same Community Learning Experience (DCLE 341–343): "Community-based experiences delivering dental care to diverse and vulnerable population, expanding access to care opportunities to underserved populations" The college sits "in the heart of the Illinois Medical District" and is "a part of UI Health." If community work is part of your story, UIC's 2019 post

says it "encourages applicants to be exposed to community service especially in underserved areas." Interview Format Context. UIC's DMD-AS pages describe an interview by invitation from faculty, between April and August: virtual in its FAQ, "on-campus or virtual" on its How to Apply page. They don't say who interviews you, for how long, or whether your interviewer has read your application, so prepare for either: a clear account of your training, your US experience and your reasons for UIC, and answers about anything in your file. What UIC's No-Bench-Test Policy Means for Your Preparation What it doesn't mean: that clinical readiness is unimportant. The program is 28 months of "coursework and clinical experience," full time only, and leads to a DMD with which, UIC says, graduates "are eligible for licensure to practice dentistry in the United States of America." What it does mean: UIC's decision rests on what it names: "the applicant’s

credentials, letters of recommendation, and information obtained during the application process." Make each part specific: your US work experience and certifications, the procedures you have performed, and the continuing education you have taken. The letter from a US dental practitioner: UIC requires three letters of recommendation, and "Preferably, one letter should be from a U.S. dental practitioner." It takes letters only through CAAPID, on letterhead and signed, and does not require one from your dental school's dean. Its 2019 post recommends "a strong letter of recommendation from a US dentist that you have worked with who can address your knowledge of the field, dependability, determination and dedication," because letters are "one of the only parts of the application that allows us to learn about you from a third party that has worked with you in a professional setting." A dentist who has worked alongside you can say more than

one who watched you shadow. Administrative Details That Trip Applicants Up The dual application: You need both CAAPID and UIC's online application, and in the 2026 cycle the right one was the DMD Advanced Standing application (under Doctorate level), not the professional program supplemental application. If you applied before, resubmit everything: "The university and college does not transfer application materials from previous years." TOEFL Submission — ETS Code 1851. "It is required that TOEFL scores be reported electronically directly to UIC by ETS." UIC's institution code is 1851. If you update your score, have ETS send it to UIC and update CAAPID as well: UIC says "it is extremely important that CAAPID be updated." TOEFL minimums, on both scales: For tests taken on or after January 21, 2026, UIC's 2026–2027 catalog requires 4.5 overall with Reading 4, Listening 4, Speaking 4.5 and Writing 4.5; for earlier tests, 80 with Reading 19,

Listening 17, Speaking 20 and Writing 21. "All students must meet the minimum TOEFL iBT sub-scores to be eligible to apply." The last entering class averaged 101 (on the 0–120 scale). Scores must be no more than two years old when you apply: "There is no exception to this rule." Home Edition and Best Score: UIC "prefers that students applying to our program take the TOEFL iBT (not Home Edition)," and "The TOEFL Best Score will NOT be accepted." The Home Edition is not banned outright, but the iBT avoids the question. TOEFL waivers: UIC waives the TOEFL for some applicants. Its FAQ names a US bachelor's, master's or doctorate; its requirements page names coursework or graduation in a country where English is the only official language; its catalog and ADEA profile also name a US high school. A dental school that taught in English, in a country where English isn't the only official language, does not exempt you. Check UIC's list, or ask,

before you skip the test. National Boards before you apply: You must have passed the INBDE, or NBDE Parts I and II, at the time of application; UIC will not take a result sent after the deadline. Its 2026–2027 catalog accepts NBDE Parts I and II "if taken prior to 2022." Do not ask for an interview: "Invitations are extended by faculty and therefore should not be requested by the applicant." Watch your email instead: UIC sends acknowledgments, missing-credential notices, interview notifications and decisions that way. Documents go through the portal: Upload them to UIC's application from one business day after you submit it. "Please do not email or mail your documents; our office will not accept them." Your dental transcripts and diploma (merged into one file), English translations (UIC recommends a member of the American Translators Association) and any US degree's transcript all go there. Visa status: UIC "is accepting applications

from students who currently live in the U.S. and hold a valid visa status"; its FAQ adds, "If your visa status allows you to study, you can apply to our program." Its ADEA profile says "Individuals holding a tourist visa do not qualify," and that US citizenship or a green card is not required. UIC's pages don't say whether applicants who live outside the US may apply; if you do, confirm your eligibility with codadmissions@uic.edu before you apply. Questions: UIC asks you to read its whole admissions site, including the FAQ, then email codadmissions@uic.edu with your CAAPID ID and UIN ready; it says you will receive a reply "within 3-4 business days." The practice questions below are ours, built on what UIC says it values. UIC does not publish its DMD-AS interview questions. Practice Your UIC Answers Out Loud. UIC's pages don't say whether your interviewer will have read your file, so your training, US experience and reasons for UIC need

to come through in conversation. Practice with instant AI feedback.. Start Practicing Free →. ); }; export default UICDentalAdvancedStanding; uic-dental-advanced-standing-interview UIC College of Dentistry UIC Dental DMD-AS Format Questions and Prep Guide 2026 UIC DMD-AS Dental Format & Questions 2026 UIC s DMD Advanced Standing interview from UIC s own no bench test virtual or on-campus interviews April–August 2026-cycle dates and TOEFL rules. UIC dental advanced standing interview UIC DMD-AS interview University of Illinois Chicago dental interview UIC CAAPID no bench test UIC dental advanced standing program 2025-06-01 2026-10-07 International Program Virtual or on-campus interview by faculty invitation (no bench test) UIC requires no bench test. Its FAQ says it “will continue to conduct virtual interviews ” with the chance of an in-person tour afterward; its How to Apply page says “on-campus or virtual.” Degree Doctor of Dental

Medicine (D.M.D.) 28-month Advanced Standing Interview Format By faculty invitation; virtual (UIC s FAQ) or “on-campus or virtual” (its How to Apply page); interviewer and length not published File Type Not published Interviews April–August (2026 cycle) Deadline June 15 2026 (2026 cycle; closed) Final Decisions No later than November (2026 cycle) Program Start January (2026 January 2027) Program Length 28 months full time Class Size Up to 52 Bench Test No (UIC s FAQ; ADEA) Rolling Admissions Yes; earlier applications preferred; review from mid-March TOEFL iBT Minimum 4.5 on or after Jan 21 2026; 80 before; section minimums apply TOEFL Scores Sent by ETS directly to UIC (code 1851); no TOEFL Best Score Boards INBDE or NBDE Parts I & II passed when you apply Credential Evaluation ECE course-by-course only (no WES) Letters 3 via CAAPID; 1 preferably from a US dental practitioner; no dean s letter needed Applications CAAPID + UIC s online

application (both required) Visa Living in the US on a visa status that allows study; not tourist visas (ADEA) admissions-process The UIC DMD-AS Admissions Process 2 what-uic-looks-for What UIC Is Looking For 2 no-bench-test No-Bench-Test Policy 2 administrative-details Administrative Details 2 sample-questions Practice Interview Questions 2 preparation-tips Expert Preparation Tips 2 admissions-stats Admissions Statistics 2 prep-checklist Prep Checklist 2 faq FAQ 2 Opening Questions Tell me about yourself. UIC does not publish its DMD-AS interview questions; these are practice questions built on what it says it values. UIC doesn t say whether your interviewer will have read your file so lead with your professional identity as a dentist (training years of practice clinical scope) move to your motivation for US licensure anchored in a specific observation or goal and close with why UIC s DMD-AS specifically. Keep it to about 90 seconds —

enough to establish a clear arc. Why do you want to practice dentistry in the United States? Ground it in something specific — a clinical observation during US dental exposure a community you re connected to a professional goal that requires US licensure. UIC s FAQ says its DMD “is sufficient for licensing purposes throughout the United States ” so say where and whom you want to serve with it. Why UIC s DMD-AS program? This is the question that requires genuine UIC research. Use what UIC says about its Team-based Learning (TBL) built on clinical case studies; courses in Applied Oral and Behavioral Sciences; Oral/Systemic Topics taught with virtual patients and Oral/Systemic Issues run as grand rounds; Community Learning Experience courses that deliver care to underserved populations; and a college “in the heart of the Illinois Medical District.” One or two specific researched reasons outperform a list of generic program virtues. US

Experience & Clinical Background Tell me about your experience working in dental settings in the United States. Describe your US dental work experience the practice setting your role what you contributed what you observed about US dental practice that differed from your home country. UIC s 2019 admissions-blog advice says it values “the length and depth of your dental work experience as well as career advancement ” so mention promotions and certifications (dental assistant coronal polishing sealants nitrous oxide radiographic monitoring). What do you understand about how dentistry is practiced differently in the United States compared to your home country? Name specific documentation and HIPAA requirements infection control and OSHA standards the informed consent culture insurance billing and its effect on treatment planning patient communication expectations in a direct-consent clinical environment. Clinical Skills & Motivation How

have you maintained your clinical skills since completing your dental degree? UIC requires no bench test so your application letters and interview carry your clinical story. Be CE courses by name US dental assistant work bench preparation clinical volunteering shadowing. Address any gap directly. Describe a complex clinical case you managed in your home country practice. Choose a case that demonstrates diagnostic reasoning treatment planning complexity or a patient communication challenge. UIC s TBL is built on clinical case studies — show that you think like a clinical problem-solver. Where do you see yourself professionally after completing the DMD-AS? Be specific about practice type patient population and geographic area. If you plan to serve underserved communities connect it to UIC s Community Learning Experience courses which UIC describes as delivering care to “diverse and vulnerable” populations. What do you think will be the

most challenging aspect of the DMD-AS for you? Self-awareness question. Authentic the transition from independent clinical culture to team-based collaborative learning (TBL) or re-entry into a full-time 28-month academic program after years of practice. Name the challenge genuinely and describe your plan to address it. What do you hope to contribute to the UIC DMD-AS cohort? Differentiation question. What does your cohort gain by having you in it? Your multilingual ability and the patient populations you can communicate with. Your specific clinical specialty background. Your research experience and how it connects to evidence-based practice discussions in TBL. Your community health background and how it enriches case discussions. One specific thing argued directly. Team-Based Learning (TBL) Have you had experience with team-based or collaborative learning? How did you perform in that environment? If you have TBL PBL or group case-based

learning experience describe it specifically. If not describe clinical team environments where you ve worked collaboratively (specialists treatment planning conferences) and connect those to TBL demands. UIC s curriculum integrates the clinical biomedical and behavioral sciences through clinical case studies. What s your reaction to that approach? Demonstrate genuine understanding of TBL — not just I love learning in groups but insight about what case-based integration offers that traditional lecture-based approaches don t. How do you approach learning something you don t already know — how do you find and apply new information? Metacognition question connected to TBL s stated goal of developing capacity to find and apply information relevant to clinical cases. Describe literature search habits CE engagement specialist consultation clinical guideline use. Community Health & Oral-Systemic What do you understand about the oral-systemic

health connection and how did it show up in your clinical practice? UIC s DMD-AS includes Oral/Systemic Topics courses taught with virtual patients and Oral/Systemic Issues courses run as grand rounds. Name specific periodontal-diabetes bidirectional relationship cardiovascular associations prenatal oral health. Describe a case where you encountered an oral-systemic issue. Tell me about your experience serving diverse or underserved patient populations. Describe specific populations — linguistically diverse communities limited dental access patients complex systemic health profiles. Connect it to UIC s Community Learning Experience courses which deliver care to “diverse and vulnerable” populations and to UIC s 2019 advice that it “encourages applicants to be exposed to community service especially in underserved areas.” Get US Dental Work Experience — Not Shadowing Work A 2019 post on UIC s admissions blog says “UIC admissions values

paid work experience versus shadowing experience” and calls US work experience its DMD-AS students “number one tip for applicants.” UIC s current requirement pages don t list it but if you can work in a US dental office before you apply as a dental assistant (certified where your state requires it) and add certifications such as coronal polishing pit and fissure sealants nitrous oxide or radiographic monitoring. Read UIC s Own Description of TBL UIC s DMD-AS page names Team-based Learning built on clinical case studies and run by trained faculty facilitators with four finding and applying information relevant to clinical cases critical thinking and higher-order reasoning accurate self-assessment and responsibility for your own learning and communication and collaboration. Know them well enough to say which one you already practice and how. Apply Early in the Cycle UIC s admissions are rolling “with preference given to earlier

applications ” and review starts in mid-March. In the 2026 cycle applications ran from March 5 to June 15 2026; UIC has not published its next cycle s dates. Submit CAAPID then UIC s own application ($150 fee credit card only) upload your documents from a business day later and have ETS send your TOEFL to UIC directly (code 1851). Introduce Yourself Fully UIC doesn t publish whether DMD-AS interviewers read your file. Prepare a tight 90-second tell me about yourself covering your dental training your US dental work experience your motivation for the DMD-AS and one genuine reason for UIC and be ready to discuss anything in your application. Have a Genuine Teamwork Answer UIC doesn t say its interview asks about TBL but a curriculum built on team discussions makes collaboration a fair topic. I love working in teams is not an answer. Prepare a specific example of a professional or clinical situation where collaborative reasoning produced a

better outcome than independent judgment. Know the Oral-Systemic and Community Courses UIC s DMD-AS teaches Oral/Systemic Topics with virtual patients and Oral/Systemic Issues as grand rounds and its Community Learning Experience courses deliver care to diverse and vulnerable populations. Know the documented connections between oral and systemic disease and how they show up in your clinical decisions. Metric Detail Degree D.M.D. Program Doctor of Dental Medicine Advanced Standing (DMD-AS) for dentists trained outside the US and Canada; 28 months full time only; CODA accredited Class size Up to 52 ( estimate); 52 enrolled in each of the Classes of 2024–2028 Applications interviews offers Class of 2028 (entered January 2026): 1 568 applications 151 interviewed 81 offers 52 enrolled (UIC s class profile updated 3/2026) Acceptance rate Not published as a rate (UIC publishes the counts above) Application ADEA CAAPID then UIC s own online

application (both required) 2026 cycle Applications March 5 – June 15 2026 (closed) for the January 2027 entering class Next cycle Dates not yet published by UIC Review Rolling “with preference given to earlier applications”; review starts mid-March Interview By invitation from faculty April–August; virtual (UIC s FAQ; its How to Apply page says “on-campus or virtual”) with an in-person tour offered afterward Interviewer length file policy Not published for the DMD-AS Bench test None (UIC s FAQ; ADEA) ADAT Kira CASPer ADAT not required; no Kira CASPer or other assessment on UIC s DMD-AS pages Final decisions No later than November (2026 cycle) Program start January (2026 January 2027; January 1 2027) Boards INBDE or NBDE Parts I and II ( if taken before 2022) passed at the time of application TOEFL iBT minimum 4.5 (Reading 4 Listening 4 Speaking 4.5 Writing 4.5) for tests on or after January 21 2026; 80 (Reading 19 Listening 17 Speaking

20 Writing 21) before TOEFL average (last entering class) 101 TOEFL rules Sent electronically by ETS directly to UIC (code 1851); no older than two years when you apply; TOEFL Best Score not accepted; iBT preferred over Home Edition; some applicants waived Credential evaluation ECE course-by-course only; WES not accepted Letters 3 through CAAPID only on letterhead and signed; 1 preferably from a US dental practitioner; dean s letter not required UIC fees $150 application fee (credit card only); $100 International Credential Evaluation Fee for coursework outside the US; both non-refundable Visa Applicants living in the US on a valid visa status that allows study; tourist visas do not qualify; US citizenship or a green card not required (ADEA) Curriculum Team-based Learning (TBL); Applied Oral and Behavioral Sciences; Oral/Systemic Topics and Issues; Community Learning Experience; 143 semester hours over seven terms Location Chicago in

the Illinois Medical District Contact codadmissions@uic.edu (reply within 3–4 business days); Office of Student and Diversity Affairs Room 104 801 S. Paulina St. Chicago IL 60612; (312) 996-1020 (UIC s catalog) Before you apply (UIC has not published its next cycle s dates) Pass the INBDE (or NBDE Parts I and II): UIC won t accept a result after the deadline Order an ECE course-by-course evaluation (WES not accepted) Take the TOEFL iBT (UIC prefers it to the Home Edition) and meet every section minimum unless UIC waives it for you Get US dental work experience if you can (UIC s 2019 paid or volunteer work not only shadowing) Line up three recommenders ideally one a US dental practitioner who has worked with you Applying (2026 March 5 – June 15 2026) Submit CAAPID first as early as you review is rolling with preference for earlier applications Then submit UIC s online application (DMD Advanced Standing not the professional program) and

pay the $150 fee by credit card Pay the $100 International Credential Evaluation Fee when UIC requests it Have ETS send your TOEFL directly to UIC (code 1851) and keep CAAPID updated From one business day after submitting upload your documents through UIC s portal (not by email or mail) If you are invited (2026 April–August) Request that the ADA email an official board score report to the UIC COD Office of Admissions (UIC s ADEA profile) Confirm with codadmissions@uic.edu whether your interview is virtual or on campus and how to provide your official unopened TOEFL score report Prepare a 90-second introduction that doesn t assume your interviewer has read your file Read UIC s own description of TBL and of its oral-systemic and community courses Prepare US dental work experience stories with specific details After the interview Watch your UIC sends interview notifications and decisions by email Keep your other applications moving while

you wait UIC notifies all applicants of a final decision no later than November Does UIC College of Dentistry require a bench test for the DMD-AS? No. UIC s FAQ says “The University of Illinois Chicago College of Dentistry does not require a bench test ” and its ADEA CAAPID profile answers “No” for a bench test. UIC also does not require the ADAT and its DMD-AS pages name no Kira CASPer or other assessment. Its selection “is based upon the applicant’s credentials letters of recommendation and information obtained during the application process.” What is UIC s interview format for the DMD-AS? UIC says only that candidates “deemed highly qualified will be invited for an on-campus or virtual interview in the months of April – August ” that invitations “are extended by faculty and therefore should not be requested by the applicant ” and that it “will continue to conduct virtual interviews with an opportunity to visit the College for an

in-person tour for those candidates that have interviewed.” It does not publish who interviews DMD-AS candidates how long the interview lasts or whether the interviewer has read your file. The closed-file 1–2 faculty description on UIC s site is for its four-year DMD. Because the two DMD-AS pages differ on the setting be ready for either and confirm it with codadmissions@uic.edu when you are invited. When is the UIC DMD-AS application deadline? In the 2026 cycle UIC took applications from March 5 to June 15 2026 for both CAAPID and its own online application for the class entering in January 2027. That cycle is closed and UIC says it will notify all applicants of a final decision no later than November. UIC has not yet published dates for its next cycle; its admissions are rolling “with preference given to earlier applications ” so apply early once it opens. What does UIC say about US dental work experience versus shadowing? A 2019 post

on UIC s admissions blog says “UIC admissions values paid work experience versus shadowing experience. Having shadowing experience is fine; however you want to complement this with paid or volunteer based US work experience.” It names work in a US dental office dental assistant certification and further certifications and says UIC values “the length and depth of your dental work experience as well as career advancement.” UIC s current requirement pages don t mention work experience so treat this as advice not a requirement. Does UIC require a letter from your dental school dean? No. UIC s FAQ says “UIC does not require a letter of recommendation from the Dean of your dental school.” It requires three letters submitted only through CAAPID on letterhead and signed and “Preferably one letter should be from a U.S. dental practitioner.” What TOEFL score does UIC require for the DMD-AS? For tests taken on or after January 21 2026 4.5 overall

with Reading 4 Listening 4 Speaking 4.5 and Writing 4.5; for earlier tests 80 with Reading 19 Listening 17 Speaking 20 and Writing 21. Every section minimum must be met scores must be no more than two years old when you apply and ETS must send them directly to UIC (code 1851). UIC does not accept the TOEFL Best Score and prefers the iBT to the Home Edition. Its last entering class averaged 101. What is UIC s DMD-AS curriculum like? UIC s DMD-AS page names Team-based Learning (TBL) which integrates “the clinical biomedical and behavioral sciences through the use of clinical case studies ” and courses in Applied Oral and Behavioral Sciences Oral-Systemic Issues and Community Based Learning. Its course list adds Oral/Systemic Topics taught with virtual patients Oral/Systemic Issues as grand rounds and Community Learning Experience courses that deliver care to underserved populations over 28 months starting in January. Loma Linda University

IDP Interview Prep Admissions (dexterity) testing by invitation on one or more fall Sundays then interviews by invitation from the results; 32 seats. International Program /schools/loma-linda-dental-advanced-standing-interview Nova Southeastern IDP Interview Prep A personal interview and a $3 000 psychomotor bench test; 39 months on the same curriculum as NSU s DMD. International Program /schools/nova-southeastern-dental-advanced-standing-interview BU Goldman Advanced Standing Interview Prep Zoom interview by invitation no bench test (ADEA) 24 months Boston campus. International Program /schools/bu-goldman-dental-advanced-standing-interview Rutgers IED Interview Prep Interview by invitation of its Admissions Committee (format not published) no bench test 27 months New Jersey. International Program /schools/rutgers-dental-advanced-standing-interview UIC DMD Interview Guide For US applicants to UIC s four-year DMD through a virtual

typically closed-file faculty interview the December 1 deadline and its Illinois preference. Domestic Program /schools/uic-dental-school-interview For internationally trained dentists applying through what UIC says about its DMD-AS interview its no-bench-test policy its 2026-cycle dates its TOEFL ECE and board rules and the US work experience its 2019 admissions-blog post advises.