Professional Program for International Dentists (PPID)
In addition to our traditional 4-year DDS program, we offer a fully integrated, 2-year advanced standing program for international dentists or PPID. The program begins in late May of each year, continuing for a minimum of 25 consecutive months, and includes a rigorous summer curriculum, with didactic and clinical preparatory instruction.
Representation from 19 countries
Female: 64%
Male: 36%
Training Future Leaders
Our PPID program has 30 available slots for qualified foreign-trained dentists and is specifically designed for those wishing to further their training and obtain a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) by a U.S. accredited dental school. PPID graduates are then eligible to take the dental licensing exams throughout most of the United States.
After PPID students successfully complete the summer courses, they are fully integrated into the 3rd year class, starting the following fall quarter. From then on, the PPID student has the same opportunities in clinical experience, professional development, extracurricular activities, and research as a traditional UCLA student dentist. Same as our 4-year DDS students, those who don’t pass basic competencies will be required to spend extra time remediating their deficiencies, while those who demonstrate advanced proficiency will have the opportunity for additional training within the normal curriculum.
Prepared for What's Next
To provide the next generation with not just knowledge and skills, but compassion as well, we introduce student dentists to potential careers caring for underserved populations through our Community-Based Clinical Education (CBCE) program a required 8-week rotation. Then, to inspire forward-thinking professionals with the expertise to embrace new and exciting technologies, we created Innovative Digital Dentistry Systems (iDDS), with a mission to lead a digital transformation in dental education and oral health care through creativity, innovation, and research.
We respect the fact that each candidate has achieved a dental degree in another country and believe that UCLA has much to offer, especially in the clinical dental sciences. We take great pride in our reputation for academic excellence, and welcome your application to become part of the UCLA School of Dentistry community.
Contact Us
Genevieve Cedillo, PPID Coordinator
Direct: (310) 825-6218
ppid_admissions@dentistry.ucla.edu
Notice to Trainees re: Professional Licensure and Certification
University of California programs for professions that require licensure or certification are intended to prepare the student for California licensure and certification requirements. Admission into programs for professions that require licensure and certification does not guarantee that students will obtain a license or certificate. Licensure and certification requirements are set by agencies that are not controlled by or affiliated with the University of California and licensure and certification requirements can change at any time.
The University of California has not determined whether its programs meet other states’ educational or professional requirements for licensure and certification. Students planning to pursue licensure or certification in other states are responsible for determining whether, if they complete a University of California program, they will meet their state’s requirements for licensure or certification. This disclosure is made pursuant to 34 CFR §668.43(a)(5)(v)(C).