What is CAAPID? The Complete Guide for International Dentists (2026)
- Dr Dev Prajapati
- Jan 24
- 18 min read
If you're an international dentist trying to practice in the United States, you've seen the word "CAAPID" everywhere.
But what exactly is CAAPID? How does the CAAPID application work? What are the CAAPID requirements? And how do you actually stand out among thousands of international dentists applying through the same system?
This is the most comprehensive CAAPID guide on the internet. Whether you're just starting your research or ready to apply, this guide covers everything you need to know about CAAPID for international dentists in 2025-2026.
What is CAAPID? CAAPID (Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists) is the official application system used by internationally trained dentists to apply to Advanced Standing Programs at U.S. dental schools. CAAPID allows international dentists to submit one standardized application to 35+ participating dental schools, leading to a DDS or DMD degree in 2-3 years. CAAPID is operated by ADEA (American Dental Education Association) and opens annually in March.
What is CAAPID?
What Does CAAPID Stand For?
How Does CAAPID Work?
Who is Eligible for CAAPID?
What Are the CAAPID Requirements?
What is Included in a CAAPID Application?
How Do I Apply to CAAPID? (Step-by-Step Process)
Which Dental Schools Accept International Dentists Through CAAPID?
How Many Schools Should I Apply to Through CAAPID?
What is the CAAPID Timeline for 2025-2026?
When is the CAAPID Deadline?
How Much Does CAAPID Cost? (Full Breakdown)
What TOEFL Score Do I Need for CAAPID?
Do I Need INBDE to Apply Through CAAPID?
What is the CAAPID Acceptance Rate?
What is the Difference Between CAAPID and PASS?
Is CAAPID Worth It?
What Makes a CAAPID Application Stand Out?
What Are the Biggest CAAPID Mistakes to Avoid?
How to Write a Strong CAAPID Personal Statement
How Can P2A Consultancy Help With Your CAAPID Application?
Frequently Asked Questions About CAAPID
1. What is CAAPID?
CAAPID is the centralized application system for international dentists who want to practice in the United States.
If you graduated from a dental school outside the U.S. or Canada, you cannot directly practice dentistry in America. You must complete an Advanced Standing Program at a U.S. dental school and earn a DDS (Doctor of Dental Surgery) or DMD (Doctor of Dental Medicine) degree.
CAAPID is the gateway to these programs.
Instead of submitting separate applications to each dental school, CAAPID allows you to submit ONE standardized application that gets sent to multiple participating schools. This makes the application process more efficient for both international dentists and dental schools.
Key facts about CAAPID:
Operated by ADEA (American Dental Education Association)
35+ U.S. dental schools participate in CAAPID
Leads to DDS or DMD degree (same credential as U.S. dental graduates)
Advanced Standing Programs are typically 2-3 years (accelerated)
Application opens every year in March
Rolling admissions — early applicants have better chances
In simple terms: If you're a foreign-trained dentist who wants to become a licensed dentist in the USA, CAAPID is the application system you must use.
2. What Does CAAPID Stand For?
CAAPID stands for Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists.
Let's break that down:
Centralized Application — One application sent to multiple schools
Advanced Placement — You're placed in an advanced (accelerated) program, not starting from year one
International Dentists — For dentists who graduated outside the U.S. and Canada
CAAPID is specifically designed for internationally trained dentists. If you graduated from a U.S. or Canadian dental school, you do not use CAAPID — you're already eligible for licensure.
3. How Does CAAPID Work?
CAAPID works as a centralized hub that collects your application materials and distributes them to the dental schools you select.
Here's how the CAAPID application process works:
Create a CAAPID account on the ADEA website
Complete your application — personal information, dental education, experiences, personal statement
Upload supporting documents — transcripts, INBDE scores, TOEFL scores, letters of recommendation
Select schools — choose which participating dental schools receive your application
Pay fees — application fee for each school
Submit — CAAPID sends your application to selected schools
Complete supplemental applications — many schools require additional essays and fees
Wait for interview invitations — schools review applications on a rolling basis
Interview — if invited, attend interviews (in-person or virtual)
Receive decisions — acceptances, waitlists, or rejections
Important: CAAPID only handles the initial application. Many dental schools require supplemental applications with additional essays, fees, and school-specific requirements. You must complete these separately.
4. Who is Eligible for CAAPID?
CAAPID is for dentists who graduated from dental schools outside the United States and Canada.
To be eligible for CAAPID, you must:
Hold a dental degree (BDS, DDS, DMD, or equivalent) from a non-CODA accredited institution
Have completed a dental program outside the U.S. and Canada
Meet individual school requirements for GPA, TOEFL, INBDE, and visa status
Who is NOT eligible for CAAPID:
Dentists who graduated from U.S. or Canadian dental schools (CODA-accredited)
Dental students who have not yet graduated
Individuals without a dental degree
Visa considerations:
Different dental schools have different preferences for visa status. Some schools prefer:
U.S. citizens
Green card holders (permanent residents)
F1 visa holders
H4 visa holders
There is no universal visa requirement for CAAPID. Each school sets its own preferences, and these can change from year to year. This is why strategic school selection is critical — you must apply to schools that accept your visa type.
5. What Are the CAAPID Requirements?
CAAPID requirements include a dental degree, credential evaluation, INBDE score, TOEFL score, letters of recommendation, and clinical experience.
Here are the standard CAAPID requirements:
Requirement | Details |
Dental Degree | BDS, DDS, DMD, or equivalent from a non-U.S./Canadian school |
Credential Evaluation | Official transcript evaluation by ECE or WES |
INBDE Score | Integrated National Board Dental Examination (required by most schools) |
TOEFL Score | English proficiency test (requirements vary: typically 80-100+) |
Letters of Recommendation | Usually 3 letters from dentists, professors, or supervisors |
Personal Statement | Up to 4,500 characters explaining your background and goals |
CV/Resume | Academic and professional background |
Clinical Experience | U.S. clinical experience strongly preferred (not always required) |
Important notes:
Requirements vary by school. Some schools have higher TOEFL requirements (100+), while others accept lower scores (80+).
Some schools require INBDE scores at the time of application, while others allow you to apply while awaiting results.
U.S. clinical experience is increasingly important. Shadowing alone is no longer enough to stand out.
6. What is Included in a CAAPID Application?
A complete CAAPID application includes personal information, dental education details, experiences, personal statement, CV, transcript evaluation, test scores, and letters of recommendation.
Here's everything you'll submit through CAAPID:
Personal Information
Name, contact details, citizenship, visa status
Demographic information
Dental Education
Dental school name and location
Dates of attendance and graduation
Degree earned
Transcript Evaluation
Official ECE or WES evaluation of your dental school transcripts
Must be sent directly to CAAPID
INBDE Score
Official score report from the ADA
Sent directly to CAAPID
TOEFL Score
Official score sent from ETS to CAAPID
CAAPID's TOEFL code: varies by year (check ADEA website)
Letters of Recommendation
Typically 3 letters
From dentists, dental school professors, or professional supervisors
Recommenders submit directly through CAAPID
Personal Statement
Up to 4,500 characters (approximately 600-700 words)
Explains who you are, your journey, and why you want to pursue dentistry in the U.S.
CV/Resume
Academic background
Clinical experience
Research, publications, presentations
Volunteer work and extracurriculars
Awards and achievements
Experiences and Achievements
Detailed descriptions of significant experiences
Clinical work, research, leadership, community service
Supplemental Applications (School-Specific)
Additional essays
Additional fees ($75-150 per school)
School-specific questions
7. How Do I Apply to CAAPID? (Step-by-Step Process)
Applying to CAAPID involves creating an account, gathering documents, completing the application, selecting schools, and submitting by deadlines.
Here is the complete step-by-step CAAPID application process:
Step 1: Create Your CAAPID Account
Visit the ADEA CAAPID website
Create an account with your email
Start your application
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Before you begin, collect:
Dental school transcripts
INBDE score report
TOEFL score report
Letters of recommendation (identify 3 recommenders)
Passport and visa documents
CV/resume
Step 3: Request Credential Evaluation
Send your dental school transcripts to ECE or WES
Request a course-by-course evaluation
Have the evaluation sent directly to CAAPID
This takes 4-8 weeks — start early
Step 4: Complete the CAAPID Application
Fill in personal information
Enter dental education details
List experiences and achievements
Write your personal statement (up to 4,500 characters)
Upload your CV
Step 5: Request Letters of Recommendation
Add recommenders to your CAAPID application
CAAPID sends them instructions to submit letters directly
Follow up to ensure letters are submitted on time
Step 6: Send Test Scores
Request official INBDE scores be sent to CAAPID
Request official TOEFL scores be sent to CAAPID
Step 7: Select Dental Schools
Research participating schools
Choose schools that match your profile (visa status, TOEFL score, GPA)
Apply to 10-20 schools for best chances
Step 8: Pay Application Fees
$264 for first school
$115 for each additional school
Pay via credit card through CAAPID
Step 9: Submit Your Application
Review everything carefully
Submit before deadlines
Earlier is better — rolling admissions favor early applicants
Step 10: Complete Supplemental Applications
Many schools require additional essays and fees
Check each school's requirements
Submit supplementals promptly after CAAPID submission
Step 11: Wait for Interview Invitations
Schools review applications on rolling basis
Interview invitations sent via email
Respond quickly to schedule interviews
Step 12: Attend Interviews
Prepare thoroughly
In-person or virtual depending on school
This is your chance to show who you are beyond the application
Step 13: Receive Decisions
Acceptances, waitlists, or rejections
Decide where to attend
Submit enrollment deposit to secure your seat
8. Which Dental Schools Accept International Dentists Through CAAPID?
Over 35 U.S. dental schools accept international dentists through CAAPID, including programs at major universities across the country.
Participating CAAPID schools include programs at:
Boston University
Case Western Reserve University
Columbia University
Harvard University
Indiana University
Loma Linda University
Louisiana State University
Marquette University
New York University
Ohio State University
Oregon Health & Science University
Rutgers University
Stony Brook University
Temple University
Tufts University
UCLA
UCSF
University at Buffalo
University of Colorado
University of Connecticut
University of Detroit Mercy
University of Florida
University of Illinois Chicago
University of Iowa
University of Louisville
University of Maryland
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Missouri-Kansas City
University of North Carolina
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Southern California
University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio
University of Washington
Virginia Commonwealth University
Western University of Health Sciences
Important: The list of participating schools changes. Always check the official ADEA CAAPID website for the current list.
Not every school is right for your application.
Each school has different preferences for:
Visa status (citizen, green card, F1, H4)
TOEFL score minimums
GPA expectations
Interview formats
Class size and competition level
This is why strategic school selection matters. Applying to 20 schools that don't fit your profile wastes money and reduces your chances. You need a targeted list based on YOUR specific situation.
9. How Many Schools Should I Apply to Through CAAPID?
Most successful international dentists apply to 10-20 dental schools through CAAPID.
Here's the breakdown:
Number of Schools | Strategy |
Fewer than 10 | Risky — limited chances unless your profile is exceptional |
10-15 schools | Reasonable — good balance of reach, match, and safety schools |
15-20 schools | Recommended — maximizes opportunities |
More than 20 | Possible but expensive — only if budget allows |
The key is not how many schools you apply to, but WHICH schools you apply to.
Applying to 20 schools that don't accept your visa type is worse than applying to 10 schools that fit your profile perfectly.
How to build your school list:
Reach schools (3-5) — Top programs where admission is competitive
Match schools (5-10) — Programs where your profile fits well
Safety schools (3-5) — Programs where you're likely to be accepted
Factors to consider:
Does the school accept your visa status?
Does your TOEFL score meet their minimum?
Is your GPA competitive for this program?
Can you afford the tuition and cost of living?
Are you willing to live in that location for 2-3 years?
10. What is the CAAPID Timeline for 2025-2026?
The CAAPID application for the 2025-2026 cycle opens in March 2025, with most deadlines falling between July and October 2025.
Here is the complete CAAPID timeline:
Date | Milestone |
March 2025 | CAAPID application opens |
March - May 2025 | Early application period (best chances) |
June - July 2025 | Peak application period |
July - October 2025 | Most school deadlines |
August - December 2025 | Interview invitations sent (rolling) |
September - February 2026 | Interviews conducted |
October - April 2026 | Acceptance decisions released (rolling) |
April - May 2026 | Final decisions and waitlist movement |
July - August 2026 | Classes begin |
Critical insight: CAAPID operates on rolling admissions. Schools review applications as they arrive and send interview invitations throughout the cycle.
This means early applicants have a significant advantage.
By mid-cycle, many seats are already filled. If you submit in September for a July deadline, you're competing for fewer remaining spots.
Our recommendation: Submit your complete CAAPID application by May or June for best results.
11. When is the CAAPID Deadline?
CAAPID deadlines vary by school, with most falling between July and October 2025 for the 2025-2026 cycle.
There is no single CAAPID deadline. Each participating dental school sets its own deadline.
Example deadlines (check official sources for current dates):
School | Typical Deadline |
NYU | July |
USC | August |
UPenn | August |
UCLA | September |
Rutgers | September |
Buffalo | October |
Tufts | October |
Important: Deadlines change every year. Always verify deadlines on the official ADEA CAAPID website and individual school websites.
Don't wait for the deadline.
Rolling admissions means earlier is better. Submitting on the deadline puts you at a disadvantage compared to applicants who submitted months earlier.
12. How Much Does CAAPID Cost? (Full Breakdown)
The total cost of applying through CAAPID ranges from $10,000 to $15,000 when including all fees, exams, and preparation.
Here is the complete cost breakdown for the CAAPID application:
Cost Item | Amount |
CAAPID first school | $264 |
Each additional school | $115 |
Supplemental fees per school | $75-150 |
15 schools total (CAAPID + supplementals) | ~$4,000 |
Transcript evaluation (ECE/WES) | ~$230 |
INBDE exam | $1,350 |
TOEFL (in USA) | ~$270 |
TOEFL (in India) | ~$190 |
U.S. clinical experience (hands-on program) | ~$5,000 |
Travel and accommodation (if on visitor visa) | Variable |
TOTAL (coming from outside USA) | ~$15,000 |
TOTAL (already in USA) | ~$10,000 |
Our advice: Don't let application fees hold you back.
Yes, CAAPID is expensive. But it's a small fraction of your total dental school investment (tuition alone is $100,000-$300,000). At the end of the cycle, you shouldn't be regretting that you had an opportunity but missed it because of a few hundred dollars.
Apply to enough schools to maximize your chances. This is not the place to cut corners.
13. What TOEFL Score Do I Need for CAAPID?
TOEFL score requirements for CAAPID schools range from 80 to 100+, with most competitive schools requiring 100 or higher.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) proves your English proficiency. Every CAAPID school requires it unless you completed your dental education in English.
TOEFL requirements by school type:
School Type | Typical TOEFL Minimum |
Less competitive programs | 80-90 |
Moderately competitive | 90-100 |
Highly competitive (NYU, USC, UCLA) | 100+ |
Important: These are minimum scores. Having a higher TOEFL score strengthens your application.
TOEFL costs:
In USA: ~$270
In India: ~$190
Scores are valid for 2 years
Tips for TOEFL:
Take the test early — scores take 10-15 days to arrive
Aim for 100+ if possible
Send scores directly to CAAPID through ETS
14. Do I Need INBDE to Apply Through CAAPID?
Yes, most CAAPID schools require INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination) scores, though some allow you to apply while awaiting results.
INBDE is the board exam for dental licensure in the United States. It replaced the NBDE Part I and Part II exams.
INBDE facts:
Cost: $1,350
Format: Computer-based, one-day exam
Content: Biomedical sciences, clinical sciences, patient management
Passing: Pass/fail (no numerical score reported to schools)
Do you need to pass INBDE before applying to CAAPID?
Most schools require INBDE results at the time of application or shortly after. Some schools allow you to apply while awaiting results, but having a passing score strengthens your application.
Our recommendation: Pass INBDE before applying if possible. It removes uncertainty and makes you a stronger candidate.
15. What is the CAAPID Acceptance Rate?
CAAPID acceptance rates vary widely by school, ranging from 5% to 30% depending on the program's competitiveness.
There is no single "CAAPID acceptance rate" because each school has its own admissions statistics.
Estimated acceptance rates:
School Tier | Estimated Acceptance Rate |
Highly competitive (NYU, USC, UCLA) | 5-10% |
Moderately competitive | 10-20% |
Less competitive | 20-30% |
Important: These are estimates. Schools don't typically publish exact acceptance rates for international dentist programs.
What affects your chances:
TOEFL score
INBDE score
Dental school GPA
Clinical experience (especially U.S. hands-on experience)
Personal statement quality
Letters of recommendation
Interview performance
Visa status alignment with school preferences
The reality: Getting into a U.S. dental school as an international dentist is competitive. Thousands apply through CAAPID every cycle, and seats are limited.
But with the right preparation, the right school selection, and the right presentation of your story, it's absolutely achievable.
16. What is the Difference Between CAAPID and PASS?
CAAPID is for international dentists applying to Advanced Standing Programs, while PASS (Postdoctoral Application Support Service) is for licensed dentists applying to specialty residency programs.
This is a common point of confusion. Here's the difference:
Feature | CAAPID | PASS |
Who it's for | International dentists seeking DDS/DMD | Licensed dentists seeking specialty training |
Programs | Advanced Standing Programs (2-3 years) | Residencies (Ortho, Endo, Perio, etc.) |
Outcome | DDS or DMD degree | Specialty certification |
Operated by | ADEA | ADEA |
In simple terms:
CAAPID = Get your dental degree recognized in the U.S. (earn DDS/DMD)
PASS = Specialize after you already have a U.S.-recognized degree
If you're an international dentist who wants to practice general dentistry in the U.S., you use CAAPID. If you want to become an orthodontist, endodontist, or other specialist AFTER completing an Advanced Standing Program, you would later use PASS.
17. Is CAAPID Worth It?
Yes, CAAPID is worth it if you want to practice dentistry in the United States and are willing to invest the time, money, and effort required.
Here's the honest assessment:
CAAPID is worth it if:
You're committed to building a career in the United States
You understand it's a significant investment ($10,000-15,000 for applications alone)
You're willing to complete a 2-3 year Advanced Standing Program
You can handle the competitive admissions process
You have a strong profile or are willing to strengthen it
CAAPID may not be worth it if:
You're unsure about practicing in the U.S.
You're not willing to invest in proper preparation
You expect it to be easy (it's not)
You're taking the application lightly
The reality:
Thousands of international dentists have successfully navigated CAAPID and are now practicing in the United States. The path is challenging but achievable.
At the end of the day, you shouldn't be regretting that you had the opportunity but didn't take it.
18. What Makes a CAAPID Application Stand Out?
A standout CAAPID application tells a unique personal story, demonstrates meaningful clinical experience, and shows genuine fit with each school.
Most international dentists submit applications that look identical:
Generic personal statements ("I've always been passionate about dentistry...")
Long, cluttered CVs listing everything they've ever done
No meaningful U.S. clinical experience
Random school selection based on Reddit recommendations
These applicants blend into the crowd and get overlooked.
What actually makes you stand out:
1. A Personal Statement That Shows Who You Are
Dental schools want great humans, not just good dentists. Your personal statement should reveal your character, values, and unique story — not just why you want to be a dentist.
2. Meaningful Clinical Experience
Shadowing is the minimum requirement now, not a differentiator. You need hands-on clinical experience that proves you can PERFORM to U.S. standards, not just observe.
What to look for in clinical experience:
Hands-on work (mannequins, SIM labs)
U.S. dental school setting
Faculty mentorship
Opportunity for meaningful connections
Active learning, not passive observation
What to avoid:
Programs where you only observe
Expensive courses with no real attention
Generic shadowing certificates
3. Strategic School Selection
Not every school fits your application. Your school list should match YOUR profile — visa status, TOEFL score, GPA, budget, and geographic preferences.
4. Strong Letters of Recommendation
Letters from U.S. dental school faculty carry significantly more weight than letters from private practice dentists. If you can get a letter from someone who has actually evaluated your clinical skills, that's gold.
5. Every Word Matters
Take your application seriously. Every word in your personal statement, every description in your CV, every response to supplemental questions — it all matters. Sloppy applications signal that you don't care.
19. What Are the Biggest CAAPID Mistakes to Avoid?
The biggest CAAPID mistakes include generic personal statements, poor school selection, weak clinical experience, and taking the application lightly.
Here are the top mistakes international dentists make:
Mistake 1: Comparing Yourself to Other Applicants
Your story is yours. No one can steal it. Stop worrying about what others are doing and focus on presenting YOUR best self.
Mistake 2: Writing a Generic Personal Statement
If your personal statement could be submitted by any other international dentist, it's not good enough. Admissions committees read hundreds of "I've always been passionate about dentistry" essays. They forget them immediately.
Mistake 3: Faking Your Application
Admissions committees can spot inauthenticity instantly. Be genuine. Reflect on your real experiences. Don't manufacture stories that didn't happen.
Mistake 4: Applying to Wrong Schools
Research visa requirements, TOEFL thresholds, and program preferences before applying. Applying to schools that don't accept your visa type is wasted money.
Mistake 5: Only Having Shadowing Experience
Shadowing used to be enough. Not anymore. With increased applicants every cycle, you need hands-on experience that proves PERFORMANCE, not just attendance.
Mistake 6: Submitting Late
Rolling admissions favors early applicants. Submitting in September when the deadline is October puts you at a significant disadvantage.
Mistake 7: Taking the Application Lightly
This is your future. Every word matters. Get help from people who will help you analyze yourself and write your application in a meaningful manner.
Mistake 8: Thinking Too Much About Fees
Yes, CAAPID is expensive. But application fees are a small fraction of dental school costs. At the end of the cycle, you shouldn't regret missing opportunities because you were trying to save a few hundred dollars.
20. How to Write a Strong CAAPID Personal Statement
A strong CAAPID personal statement tells your unique story, shows who you are as a person, and makes admissions committees want to meet you.
Your personal statement is not about dentistry. It's about YOU.
What doesn't work:
"I've always been passionate about dentistry since childhood"
"My grandmother's dental problems inspired me"
"I want to serve underserved communities"
Admissions committees have read these lines ten thousand times. They don't work anymore.
What works:
1. Hook the Reader Immediately
Your first sentence should make them want to keep reading. Start with something memorable, not generic.
2. Show Who You Are as a Human Being
Dental schools want great humans, not just good dentists. What experiences shaped you? What values do you hold? What makes you interesting?
3. Let "Why Dentistry" Emerge Naturally
Don't state "I want to be a dentist because..." Instead, tell your story in a way that makes your path to dentistry obvious without explicitly saying it.
4. Be Genuine
Authenticity wins. Reflect on your real experiences. Don't write what you think they want to hear — write what's actually true for you.
5. Make Every Word Count
You have 4,500 characters. That's roughly 600-700 words. No space for fluff. Every sentence should serve a purpose.
21. How Can P2A Consultancy Help With Your CAAPID Application?
P2A Consultancy offers comprehensive CAAPID application services including personal statement mentorship, CV formatting, school selection, clinical preceptorship, and interview preparation.
At P2A Consultancy, we've helped 100+ international dentists navigate the CAAPID process successfully.
Our founder, Dr. Dev Prajapati, didn't just study CAAPID — he went through it himself and matched into Howard University's AEGD Residency Program. He knows what works because he lived it.
Our CAAPID Services:
Personal Statement Mentorship We don't just edit. We sit with you, hear your entire story, and craft a statement that stands out. Done WITH you + done FOR you. 48-hour turnaround.
CV Formatting Transform your cluttered 4-page CV into a clean, impactful 1-2 page document that shows who you became, not just what you did.
Strategic School Selection A targeted list based on YOUR profile — visa status, TOEFL score, GPA, budget. Not a generic spreadsheet from Reddit.
Clinical Preceptorship 10-day hands-on program at a U.S. dental school with Dr. Golda Erdfarb (Associate Professor, Clinical Course Director). Only 2 students per batch. Faculty LoR opportunity included.
Interview Preparation Learn what to say AND how to say it with our proprietary frameworks (MAFHAF, Moldable Answer, Pattern Interruption). Mock interviews before each real interview.
Our Results:
100+ exceptional personal statements crafted
90%+ interview rate for mentorship students
Acceptances at UNC, Buffalo, Rutgers, Howard, and more
Ready to stand out?
[Book Your Free Strategy Call]
22. Frequently Asked Questions About CAAPID
What is CAAPID?
CAAPID (Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists) is the application system for international dentists to apply to Advanced Standing Programs at U.S. dental schools.
What does CAAPID stand for?
CAAPID stands for Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists.
How many dental schools participate in CAAPID?
Over 35 U.S. dental schools currently participate in CAAPID.
What is the CAAPID application fee?
$264 for the first school, $115 for each additional school, plus supplemental fees ($75-150 per school).
When does the CAAPID application open?
The CAAPID application typically opens in March each year.
When is the CAAPID deadline?
Deadlines vary by school, with most falling between July and October. Check individual school websites for specific dates.
What TOEFL score do I need for CAAPID?
Requirements vary by school, ranging from 80 to 100+. Competitive schools typically require 100 or higher.
Do I need INBDE to apply through CAAPID?
Most schools require INBDE scores. Some allow you to apply while awaiting results, but having a passing score strengthens your application.
What is the difference between CAAPID and PASS?
CAAPID is for international dentists seeking DDS/DMD degrees. PASS is for licensed dentists applying to specialty residency programs.
How long are Advanced Standing Programs?
Typically 2-3 years, depending on the school.
Can I apply to CAAPID on a visitor visa?
You can apply, but school preferences for visa status vary. Research each school's requirements before applying.
Is CAAPID worth it?
Yes, if you're committed to practicing dentistry in the United States and willing to invest the necessary time, money, and effort.
How much does the entire CAAPID process cost?
Approximately $10,000-$15,000 including application fees, exams, transcript evaluation, and clinical experience.
What makes a CAAPID application stand out?
A unique personal story, meaningful clinical experience (especially hands-on), strong letters of recommendation, strategic school selection, and careful attention to every detail.
What are the biggest CAAPID mistakes?
Generic personal statements, poor school selection, only having shadowing experience, submitting late, and taking the application lightly.
Ready to Start Your CAAPID Journey?
The CAAPID process is challenging. Thousands of international dentists apply every cycle, and most blend into the crowd with generic applications.
But it doesn't have to be that way.
Your story matters. How you tell it matters more.
With the right guidance, the right strategy, and the right presentation of YOUR unique story, you can stand out and get interviews.
Book a free strategy call with P2A Consultancy.
We'll analyze your profile, identify what's holding you back, and show you exactly what you need to do to succeed.
About the Author
Dr. Dev Prajapati Co-Founder, P2A Consultancy
Dr. Dev didn't just study the CAAPID process — he lived it. After navigating the entire journey as an international dentist, he was accepted into Howard University's AEGD Residency Program.
Now he's helped 100+ international dentists craft applications that get interviews, not rejections.
He knows what works because he's been exactly where you are.
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