UMN Program for Advanced Standing Students (PASS)

UMN PASS graduating class

School of Dentistry PASS graduates.

UMN PASS graduates

School of Dentistry PASS graduates.

The PASS program by the numbers.

3.25
Dental School GPA
18
Class Size
32+
Birth Countries

Apply for the PASS Program

Pay Supplemental Application Fee

About the PASS program

UMN Program for Advanced Standing Students (PASS) is a 29-month program for graduates of dental schools outside of the United States and Canada. Graduates earn their Doctor of Dental Surgery to practice general dentistry in the United States. UMN PASS is one of the only programs that prepares graduates to take the dental board examinations so graduates can practice dentistry in Canada as well. A total of 18 students are admitted each year.

UMN PASS is an integrated program, so students receive the same clinical education as any other student graduating from the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry. All instruction is research-based, taught by top faculty who are leaders in dentistry, and incorporates leading dental techniques, skills, and tools. UMN PASS facilitates a smooth transition into the United States and Canadian dental profession with 100% employment after graduation.

Application Requirements

RequirementDescription
EligibilityAll applicants, regardless of citizenship or visa status, are welcome to apply.
Standardized tests
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL):
    • Must have been taken in the last two years, with a score of 5 or above (94 or above for legacy scores)
    • Section scores must be 4.5 or above (24 or above for legacy scores)
  • Passing score on the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) is required
  • Applicants can request a TOEFL waiver if their dental degree was completed in English or if they obtained an advanced degree from a program in English.
Transcripts
  • Must be evaluated by World Education Services (WES) if your dental degree is from an institution outside the U.S. and Canada
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5
Letters of evaluation
  • Three letters of evaluation should be submitted as part of your ADEA CAAPID application.
    • One letter from a professor or dean in your dental school and one letter from a U.S. or Canadian practicing dentist are preferred.
    • The recommenders must not be family members.
Supplemental feeApplicants must pay the UMN PASS application fee.

 

Countries and cities where PASS students come from

Class of 2022 through Class of 2027

Advanced degrees held by current PASS students

Learn more about the School of Dentistry

This video features Jessie Walsh, PASS DDS '25, providing much-needed patient care in the dental clinic.

Why the UMN PASS program?

A Day in the Life of a PASS Student