Ana Lucia Seminario, DDS, PhD, MPH and Susan E. Coldwell, PhD
Lecture
To be considered for this program, please submit Admission Requirements (listed below) to dentalce@uw.edu.
Course Description:
The FOCUS Certificate Program is a 12-month certificate designed for internationally trained dentists who plan to apply to U.S. International Dentist Degree Programs (IDDS), advanced standing DDS programs, or dental residencies.
Positioned in the pre-application phase, this cohort-based program provides longitudinal academic and professional preparation to strengthen readiness for the U.S. dental education environments. Participants gain structured guidance on the U.S. application process, professional communication expectations, evidence-based didactic learning, and the structure of the U.S. healthcare systems.
Through focused preparation aligned with the NBDE board requirements and English proficiency standards, participants enhance their academic confidence, research literacy, and professional competitiveness for U.S. dental programs.
The program includes a structured professional development component integrated throughout the year and culminates in a faculty-evaluated group capstone presentation. Enrollment is intentionally limited to maintain a cohort-based learning environment and direct interaction with faculty.
Course Objectives:
As a result of attending this course, you will be able to:
- Describe key components, timelines, and requirements of U.S. IDDS and residency application processes.
- Demonstrate professional communication skills for interviews, didactic participation, and patient interactions in U.S. settings.
- Apply evidence-based principles to read, interpret, and discuss dental literature used in U.S. DDS/IDDS programs.
- Explain structure of the U.S. healthcare for dental education systems.
- Develop a structured preparation plan for the INBDE and program applications.
| Course | Instructor | Hours Per Course | Course Timing | Meeting Type | Course Objectives |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evidenced-Based Dentistry and Research Foundations | Ana Lucia Seminario, DDS, PhD, MPH | 16 | Fall | In-person: Meeting room required |
|
| U.S. Health System and Professional Context | Susan Coldwell, PhD | 10 | Winter | Virtual |
|
| Global Oral Health and Professional Context | Ana Lucia Seminario, DDS, PhD, MPH | 10 | Spring | Virtual |
|
| Pathways to Licensure and Professional Practice | Susan Coldwell, PhD | 16 | Summer | In-person: Meeting room required |
Group Capstone Academic Presentation:
|
Why Choose the FOCUS Certificate?
- FOCUS prepares individuals for U.S. based international DDS and residency programs
- Professional development tailored for international dentists
- Learn and network with UW School of Dentistry Faculty experts
- Structured, faculty mentorship of FOCUS learners
- Clear preparation of dental school (IDDS) or residency application packets
Program Completion Requirements
- Completion of all four program modules
- Attendance at required in-person sessions (Fall and Summer)
- Active participation in virtual sessions
- Successful completion of the group capstone presentation
- Fulfillment of all assigned coursework and assessments
Admission Requirements
To be considered for this program, please submit the following items to dentalce@uw.edu.
Applicants must:
- Complete non-refundable Application Payment of $35.
- Provide a DDS, DMD, or equivalent dental degree from a recognized international institution.
- Demonstrate proficiency in English sufficient for participation in academic discussions.
- Submit a current curriculum vitae.
- Submit a brief statement of professional goals (300–500 words).
- Enrollment is limited to maintain a cohort-based learning experience. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, with priority consideration for early decision in June.
Instructors
Dr. Ana Lucia Seminario, DDS, PhD, MPH, is a pediatric dentist and epidemiologist who serves as Professor in Pediatric Dentistry and Adjunct Associate Professor of Global Health at the University of Washington. Originally from Peru, she earned her DDS and certificate in Pediatric Dentistry from Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, followed by a PhD in Stomatology from Charles University in the Czech Republic and a Master of Public Health in Epidemiology from the University of Washington. She is the Director of the Timothy A. DeRouen Center for Global Oral Health. Her academic interests include research methodology, global oral health, access to care, oral health among immigrant populations, and early childhood oral health.
Dr. Susan E. Coldwell, PhD, is a Professor of Oral Health Sciences at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She holds adjunct appointments in Pediatric Dentistry and Oral Medicine. Dr. Coldwell earned her BA in psychology from Duke University and completed her MA and PhD in experimental psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. She served for 17 years as Associate Dean for Student Services and Admissions at the University of Washington School of Dentistry. She is the course director for the University of Washington undergraduate course OHS 201: Planning a Career in Dentistry for the Future. She has been active in preparing economically and educationally disadvantaged students for dental school through programs funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Her academic work focuses on the developmental and physiological influences on taste preference and perception, as well as psychophysical measurement of pain, anxiety, and taste.
Course Logistics
DATE:
Friday, October 23, 2026 – Friday, July 16, 2027
LOCATION:
Combination of online and in person at UW School of Dentistry in Seattle, WA, USA
TARGET AUDIENCE:
This course is designed for internationally trained dentists relocating to North America.
TIMES:
TBD
APPLICATION & PAYMENTS:
$18,635/Attendee total – see breakdown below:
- Application fee: $35 (non-refundable)
- Applicants are reviewed and accepted before any program payment
- $5000 Registration fee due by July 15, 2026 (non-refundable, secures the spot)
- Remaining balance: $3,400 prior to each module
- $3400 due by September 15, 2026 for fall 2026 module
- $3400 due by December 15, 2026 for winter 2026 module
- $3400 due by March 15, 2027 for spring 2027 module
- $3400 due by June 15, 2027 for summer 2027 module
- Each module must be paid in full before it starts
CREDITS:
52 hours
Cancellation and Refunds
Application fee, registration fee, and module payments are all non-refundable.
Conflict of Interest
In accordance with the ADA CERP Standard V., everyone involved in planning or presenting this educational activity will be required to disclose any relevant financial relationships with commercial interests and this information will be made available to participants at the start of the course.
As a continuing education provider, University of Washington Continuing Dental Education is responsible for ensuring the content, quality and scientific integrity of all continuing dental education activities for which credit is provided. The School is also responsible for taking steps to protect against and/or disclose any conflict of interest of the faculty/instructors presenting those courses.
By providing my information, I consent to receive communication via mail, email, fax, and phone from the University of Washington Continuing Dental Education office. The Continuing Dental Education office will not share your information with anyone.
Dental education institutions have an obligation to disseminate new knowledge related to dental practice. In so doing, some presentations may include controversial materials or commercial references. Sponsorship of a continuing education course by the University of Washington does not necessarily imply endorsement of a particular philosophy, procedure, or product by this institution.
The University of Washington Continuing Dental Education cautions continuing dental education participants that there are potential risks of using limited knowledge when incorporating new techniques and procedures into the practice of dentistry, especially when the continuing education course has not provided supervised clinical experience and/or competency tests in the techniques or procedures.
Contact Us
Register for Courses
Have a question or need help registering for a course? Contact us.
Local: (206) 543-5448
Toll Free: (866) 791-1278
Email: dentalce@uw.edu
Online registration for all classes
University of Washington
Continuing Dental Education
Box 357137
Seattle, WA 98195-7137
The University of Washington is an ADA CERP Recognized Provider.
ADA CERP is a service of the American Dental Association to assist dental professionals in identifying quality providers of continuing dental education. ADA CERP does not approve or endorse individual courses or instructors, nor does it imply acceptance of credit hours by boards of dentistry.
The University of Washington is a member of the Association for Continuing Dental Education.
University of Washington designates this activity for 52 continuing education credits.