University of Minnesota School of Dentistry

Program Description

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Program for Advanced Standing Students (U of M SOD PASS) is a 29-month program designed for graduates of dental schools outside of the United States and Canada. Graduates earn their Doctor of Dental Surgery (D.D.S.) degree to practice general dentistry in the United States. Also, U of M SOD PASS is one of the only U.S. programs that prepares graduates to take the Canadian dental board examinations so graduates can practice dentistry in Canada as well. A total of 16 students are admitted each year.

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

If accepted, you would begin your studies in January 2023 and graduate May 2025.

Quote from Current U of M SOD PASS student:

“Joining UMN was a transformative experience for me. It introduced me to a wonderful cohort of educators and staff members, gave me the opportunity to sharpen my clinical acumen while offering the flexibility to engage in translational research and community practice on the side. It has a rare, versatile, student-friendly environment that allows us to pursue our passions to the fullest.” – Dr. Kaushik Mukherjee, U of M SOD PASS Class of 2022, born in and earned dental degree in India

U of M SOD PASS Program Director Dr. Ranier Adarve

Dr. Ranier M Adarve is the Director of U of M SOD PASS. He graduated from the University of the Philippines College of Dentistry with a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) in 1996 and Master’s in Health Professional Education (MHPE) in 2002. He was awarded his Advance Education Program in Prosthodontics and Master’s of Science Degree in 2005. Dr. Adarve has been a University of Minnesota faculty member since 2007. He is also the Course Director for Pre-Clinical Fixed Prosthodontics. In 2019, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz appointed Dr. Adarve as a member of the Minnesota Board of Dentistry. Dr. Adarve also serves as a Board Examiner for The Commission on Dental Competency Assessment (CDCA). In the U of M SOD Continuing Education Program, Dr. Adarve is the Director and Lead Lecturer for various courses. He runs his own practice at the highly successful Adarve Prosthodontics. In his limited free time, he enjoys biking and spending time with his family.

Smooth Integration

U of M SOD PASS is designed to facilitate a smooth transition to the School of Dentistry as well as provide a successful integration into the clinical years and the profession, allowing for a long and successful career.

PASS students are integrated into the second-year class. Also, students participate in separate lectures and preclinical sessions during the first semester of the program. As they proceed through their third and fourth years of dental school, students take all courses and clinical experiences with U of M SOD fourth-year dental students.

World-class Education

PASS students receive the same clinical education as any other student graduating from the School of Dentistry. A highlight of the education is the outreach program, when students spend 10 weeks in outreach clinics in the Twin Cities and in rural areas. Students work with the newest technology, learn to work with a chair-side assistant, treat several patients per day and experience opportunities for future practices.

Former PASS students say they especially enjoyed the smaller size of the program, the great clinical education, the outreach program and that there are never any chair issues.

Finally, U of M SOD is the only school in the United States that offers its dental students the opportunity to take the Canadian Licensing Board Examination for those who want to practice in Minnesota or in Canada. 

Requirements to Apply to Program

English Language Proficiency

The PASS program only accepts internet-based Test (iBT) of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) examination results. Other requirements include the following:

• Examination must have been completed within the last three years.
• The TOEFL iBT is mandatory regardless of instruction in English or residency
• The iBT total score must be 94 or above and with a score of 20 or above in each of the four evaluations.
• The iBT Home edition is accepted.

National Board Dental Examination (NBDE) Requirements

• Applicant must submit Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE) or NBDE Parts I and II examination results.

Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT)

ADAT is not a requirement at this time.

Letter of Recommendation

Submit as part of your ADEA CAAPID application.

Transcripts and Evaluations

Submit an Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) evaluation report of all courses based on mark sheets and transcripts. U of M SOD's requirement for credit hours is 126 and above.

Supplemental Application

Visit the U of M SOD PASS webpage for more information.

Other Documents

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Additional Requirements

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