The Application Process

Application for the graduate program should be made to Graduate/International Admissions and will be processed through the Graduate College of the University of Iowa. To apply for the program, please visit the University of Iowa Graduate Admissions Operative Dentistry Certificate and the follow guidelines under application procedures. Applicants should indicate 151 Oral Science as their Primary major and Operative Dentistry Certificate as the Non-primary major.

Materials to be uploaded:

  1. The Application Supplement (pdf)
  2. Dental license (see note below)
  3. Three Letters of Recommendation
  4. CV
  5. Statement of Purpose
  6. Educational Credential Evaluators (ECE) Report for international applicants
  • The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of all international applicants who are non-native speakers of English. This requirement is waived for applicants who have completed a bachelor's degree or higher at an accredited university in the U.S., the United Kingdom, Canada (excluding French Quebec), Africa (English speaking), Australia, or New Zealand. A score of at least 577 paper-based (PBT) or 85 internet-based (IBT) is required. Applicants who present TOEFL scores below 600 on the PBT or below 100 on the IBT are required to complete an English Proficiency Evaluation on campus before their first registration for classes.
  • IELTS will also be accepted as an alternative to TOEFL. A minimum IELTS composite score of 7 and no single section score under 6 is required. Individuals taking the IELTS will be required to take the on-campus English Proficiency Evaluation.
  • DuoLingo (DET) will also be accepted as an alternative to TOEFL, with a minimum score requirement of 105.  
  • GRE is not required.
  • The National Board Dental Exam is not required but highly recommended.
  • A copy of the applicant's dental diploma and any dental license(s) ever held are required with their application and may be from any country.

Three students are accepted into the graduate program each year. Currently, no stipends are available for graduate students accepted into the program and all students must be able to financially support themselves. International students must also submit a financial statement upon acceptance to the University. The deadline for application is July 15 of the year prior to the anticipated date of starting the program. The program begins on or about July 1. Tuition and fees may be found on the Office of the Registrar Web pages. A more complete list of Operative Dentistry Advanced Education Program fees may be found here.