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Would it be possible to work towards as a dental assistant requiring visa sponsorhip ?

I am a general dentist from Mexico, and I am interested in moving to Texas through legal means. My goal is to gain dental experience in the United States, with the intention of pursuing a dentistry revalidation in the future. I bring experience and a strong understanding of the dental field.
I would like to know what steps I can take to increase the chances that someone would be willing to hire me. I am fully prepared to cover all expenses related to the visa process myself.
Any guidance or advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you comment icon I love how you’re exploring your options - that curiosity will take you so far. This isn’t my area of expertise, so I can’t give you a detailed answer, but I’d recommend checking out my peers answer’s who can give you first-hand guidence. Keep asking questions like this - it’s the best way to learn. Isida Mici

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James Constantine’s Answer

Hello Barbara,

If you're looking to work as a dental assistant in the U.S., here are some visa options to consider:

1. H-1B Visa: This is for specialized jobs and requires a job offer from a U.S. employer. It allows for a transition to a green card, making it a good long-term option.

2. TN Visa: This is available for Mexican and Canadian citizens under the USMCA for specific professions, including dentistry. To qualify, you need a relevant dental degree or a license. The TN visa allows you to stay in the U.S. for up to three years, with unlimited renewals. However, it's not intended for permanent residency, so seeking a green card while on a TN visa can be tricky and is best done with legal advice.

For more details, you can visit:
- h1bvisajobs.com for guidance on H-1B visas for dental assistants.
- immi-usa.com for work visa information for dentists.
- h2visaconsultants.com for dental assistant visa advice.

If you need legal help, here are some resources in Texas:

- Avvo: A directory of immigration lawyers with reviews.
- Best Lawyers: A list of top immigration attorneys in Texas.
- Chavez & Valko, LLP: A trusted firm in Dallas-Fort Worth.
- Foster LLP: Operating in Houston, Austin, and Dallas.
- Justia: Compare immigration attorneys across Texas.

Consider consulting an immigration lawyer to navigate these options effectively.
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Sriveni’s Answer

Hi Barbara,

I’m a foreign-trained dentist as well, and I want to start by wishing you the best of luck—it’s definitely a long and challenging journey to pursue dentistry in the U.S.

If you're considering gaining work experience in the U.S. to improve your chances of getting into dental school, I’d like to share my perspective. In my opinion, U.S. experience is helpful, but it's not the sole factor in the selection process. It's equally important to pursue U.S.-based education, participate in research if possible, and build a well-rounded profile. Clinical or dental work experience can certainly strengthen your application, but it’s just one part of a broader evaluation.

Regarding jobs in the U.S.:

You’ll need a valid visa to work legally. Please refer to the options shared by James Constantine Frangos in the previous reply—they're very helpful. Once you have a valid visa, you can look into working as a dental assistant. Requirements vary by state, so you’ll need to check with the state’s dental board.

For example:

In New Jersey, I had to complete a radiology course before I could work as a dental assistant.

In New York, no certification was required.

In North Carolina, anyone can work as a dental assistant, but there are limitations and age restrictions.

You might also want to consider the dental hygiene profession—it’s another path that can lead to meaningful clinical experience and may support your dental school application.

Here are the basic requirements for applying to U.S. dental schools (Advanced Standing Programs):

Have your dental degree evaluated by ECE or WES.

Pass the INBDE (Integrated National Board Dental Examination).

Take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language).

Obtain a minimum of three letters of recommendation.

Feel free to reach out if you have more questions. Wishing you success on your journey!

Best regards,
Sriveni
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