Accepted to Dental School in Maldova, strange time-sensitive application process?

Pre-Dentistry & Dental School
1

Doing a bit of time-sensitive research for a family member of mine who recently applied to and was accepted to a 5-year dental program at a dental school in Maldova. Link to FAQ page for the program here. It states in the FAQ that it’s been accredited in the state of California in the US by the Dental Board of California (link to the Dental Board of California’s list of approved dental schools here).

The rest of my family and I don’t know too much about dental school or the regular process, though it seems to the layperson that the program itself is a little unconventional. Additionally, some parts of the application process seemed odd: the administration frequently does not respond to emails, the acceptance was given with requirement to submit the entire annual tuition of $20k USD within 6 days from the acceptance with no other assisted payment options, the program didn’t require any letters of recommendations or specific classes for the application (though that can be explained by the fact that it’s geared towards students graduating from high school – however in general it seemed like a very lax, quick, and unrigorous application process), and, most concerningly, didn’t require submission of a DAT score or any equivalent pre-dental standardized test.

Does anyone have experience with this program or a similar international dental school program accredited for the US? Does the application process and acceptance requirements (especially the 20k in 6 days flat deadline) seem standard for dental school, either in the US or elsewhere? Should we be worried about the legitimacy or quality of this program, and are there any comments on the situation?

I apologize greatly if this post is extremely ignorant – I’ll be the first to admit that we’re laypeople and are just quite bewildered by this whirlwind process. We’re on a deadline, and while we’re working on research of our own into this, I thought putting this direct post out there might solicit advice from the friendly folks on College Confidential. I’d also appreciate any pointers if we’re posting on the incorrect forum, and where/how we should be posting! Thanks for any help on this.

2

Not entirely familiar with all the requirements for dental licensing, but just because the schools is on the CA list of provisionally accredited schools don’t mean the graduate will be able to get a license to practice dentistry in the US.

Since the school you mentioned is only provisionally recognized in CA, I would be wary. A provisional accreditation is only good for 2 years and recognition may or may not be finalized–which means that 2 years from now your relative may be paying for a dental education that will not qualify for a US dental license under any circumstances.

Also each state has its own process for licensing dentists. You need to check the licensing requirements for the state your relative wishes to practice dentistry in. Some states will simply not accept an international dental degree. States that will accept an international degree will require additional training at US dental program upon the student’s return to the US. I’d recommend checking to see what the school’s track record is when it comes to placing its US grads into US training positions required to become eligible for a US dental license. Also ask about what percentage of US students pass the National Dental Board Exams required by all states (except Minnesota which has its own state exam) of graduates from international or non-ADA accredited dental programs.

Here’s is some information from the ADA about the process that international dental grads need to go through to get a license.

https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/dental-student-resources/international-dental-students

https://www.ada.org/en/education-careers/licensure/licensure-dental-students

3

You mean Moldova? It’s one of the poorest and most corrupt countries in Europe. Based on the information you provided, it’s probably not an outright scam; however, I strongly doubt your family member can receive an education there worth that kind of money. I’d stay well away.

4

Oh, and a little research told me the annual tuition there should be more like $5000 or less.

5

Sounds like a scam. Stay away.