The remaining time is devoted to clinical training as necessary to achieve graduation qualifications. Graduation from the International Student Program leads to a D.D.S. degree but does not give automatic licensure to practice dentistry. However, graduates are eligible to take the State Board Dental Examinations in most of the United States. The alternative to the National Board examination is the ADA Science Achievement Test given at USC in December. A score of 75 percent must be attained in each category.
Higher scores are advantageous in evaluation of the candidate's academic level.
Proficiency in English is an important key to success in the program. Scores of 202 or higher are acceptable. A personal interview by a member of the international student faculty of the School of Dentistry. Two letters of evaluation from former teachers. A brief but accurate account of clinical experience.