The International Dental Program (IDP) at Universidad De La Salle Bajío in León, Guanajuato, Mexico, is tailored for dentists who have graduated from institutions outside the United States. Its primary objective is to facilitate the educational process required for dental license validation in the State of California, thereby enabling international dentists to practice within the state.
Program Structure:
The IDP is structured into two main stages:
Standardization Course: A six-week intensive program comprising 250 hours, designed to align international dental education with U.S. standards.
Advanced Training: Following the standardization course, participants engage in four semesters (two years) of advanced dental education, focusing on comprehensive clinical practice and theoretical knowledge.
Given that the program is bilingual, non-Spanish-speaking admitted students are required to undertake an intensive Spanish course in December prior to commencing the IDP. Upon completion of this language course, obtaining a SIELE certification is mandatory.
Accreditation:
The School of Dentistry at Universidad De La Salle Bajío has been accredited by the Dental Board of California since 2002. In April 2006, the board approved the university's IDP, recognizing it as a valid pathway for international dentists to fulfill the educational requirements necessary for dental licensure in California.
Recent Developments:
In April 2022, the CDCA-WREB-CITA agency conducted its inaugural dental examination process at Universidad De La Salle Bajío, marking the institution as the first outside the U.S. to offer this facility.
Mission and Vision:
Mission: To prepare individuals through an integrated learning process, fostering the development of essential knowledge, skills, attitudes, and values. The program emphasizes high-quality education, dedication to research, and a commitment to community service, aiming to provide exemplary dental healthcare to the public.
Vision: To be recognized as the premier dental school in Mexico and to achieve international visibility. This recognition is based on the quality of educational programs, oral healthcare services, research initiatives, and community service efforts, all directed towards addressing public oral health needs.
For more detailed information about the program, including admission requirements and application procedures, please visit the International Dental Program page on the university's official website.