Program Information

and
Frequently Asked Questions

UMN PASS Class of 2022

UMN PASS
Program for Advanced Standing Students
University of Minnesota, School of Dentistry
 Table of Contents

Program Overview…………………………………………………... Page 3

Why the UMN PASS Program………………………….................... Page 4

Application Process / Requirements………………………………… Page 5

Frequently Asked Questions………………………………………… Page 10

Program Director…………………………………………………… Page 23

Contact Information………………………………………………… Page 24

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

 Program Overview
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry Program for Advanced
Standing Students (UMN PASS) is a 29-month program designed for
graduates of dental schools outside of the United States (U.S.) and Canada
seeking to practice dentistry in the U.S or Canada.

A total of 16 students are admitted in each year.

Most states in the U.S. require a degree (DDS/DMD) from a dental school
accredited by the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and
subsequently passing a licensing examination before a license can be issued
(for further details on states accepting graduate training in lieu of a DDS/DMD
degree from a CODA accredited school contact ADA or appropriate states’
dental board). The University of Minnesota’s Program for Advanced Standing
Students (UMN PASS) will prepare non-U.S. and non- Canadian educated
dentists for a future career in the US. Successful completion of the twenty-nine
month. UMN-PASS program leads to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS)
degree, allowing a successful graduate to seek a license to practice dentistry in
the U.S. Candidates should be aware of that states may have different
requirements for licensure and are urged to seek information from the Board
of Dentistry in a state where they plan to practice or from ADA. The UMN
PASS program is designed to facilitate a smooth transition to the University of
Minnesota, provide a successful integration into the clinical years, and into the
profession allowing for a long and successful career.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

Why UMN PASS? Here are just a few reasons our students love the program
INTEGRATION. Smooth integration into DDS Class
The UMN PASS program is designed to facilitate a smooth transition to the
University of Minnesota, provide a successful integration into the clinical years,
and into the profession allowing for a long and successful career. UMN PASS
students are integrated into the second-year class. The students will also
participate in separate lectures and pre-clinical sessions during the first semester
of the program. As they proceed through their third and fourth years of dental
school, they take all courses and clinical experiences with University of
Minnesota four-year dental students.

World-class education
UMN PASS students receive the same clinical education as any other student
graduating from the School of Dentistry. A highlight of the education is the
outreach program, when students spend ten weeks in our outreach clinics in the
Twin Cities and in rural areas. Students will work with the newest technology,
learn to work with a chair-side assistant, treat several patients per day, and
experience opportunities for future practices.

Former UMN PASS students say that they especially enjoy the smaller size of
the program, the great clinical education, the outreach program, and that there
are never any chair issues.

Finally, we are the only school in the country that offers its dental students the
opportunity to take the Canadian Licensing Board Examination for those who
want to practice in Minnesota or in Canada.

Diverse community
The Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul are one of the most livable
metropolitan areas in the United States. Our community is home to the largest
Somali and Hmong populations in the U.S. There are significant and growing
populations of American Indians, Chicano/Latinos, East and West Africans,
Vietnamese, Bhutanese, Chinese, and Indians.

Learn more about life in Minnesota:

http://www.health.umn.edu/about/living-minnesota

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

 Application Process / Requirements

Starting March 2019, the UMN PASS has joined the centralized application
system called CAAPID (Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for
International Dentists). With this, the applicant should submit initial
documents through this system.

A separate Application Form and additional documents are also required.

Please download the application packet found at UMN PASS Website
https://www.dentistry.umn.edu/degrees-programs/umn-pass

The University of Minnesota shall not be held liable for delays caused by the
U.S. Postal Service or any courier service. It is advisable to mail your
completed application package by courier service as early as possible (see FAQ
#30). We will notify all applicants that we have received the application within
one week. Any application or parts of an application received past the above
date will NOT automatically be entered as an application for the following
year. Incomplete and/or late applications will not be reviewed.

No new or additional information will be accepted after the application

has been received.
Application material will not be returned.
An interview is mandatory if an applicant is invited. We follow 2 interview-
process. One is an on-line interview and the other is face to face. However, to
be invited for an interview does not guarantee acceptance to the program. The
face to face interview is a day long-event, that includes, presentations, tours of
the school, skills assessment, and lunch with the director and two faculty
members.
The University financial information is also distributed during the interview
day.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

Application requirements for the program

NOTE: PHOTOCOPIES ONLY - NO ORIGINALS OR NOTARIZED

COPIES
1. Official transcripts from previous dental education/Marksheets, and
Certificate of Internship, if applicable.
Copies of both official transcripts and mark sheets including all courses and
grades, and if applicable, results of annual qualifying examinations. If an
applicant does not have a transcript and/or mark sheets in their possession, they
are urged to contact their school of graduation. Please note most schools
worldwide do not issue mark sheets. However, most Indian, Pakistani, and
Bangladeshi schools issue copies of mark sheets upon request. Non-English
documents must be translated. An authorized translator must complete and
verify the translations. Copies of both original documents and translations must
be submitted with the application.
All originals must be brought in the event of an interview and examined for
authenticity.
For applicants with a four-year dental school education, a twelve-month
internship must have been completed. For applicants with a four-and-a-half-
year dental school education, a six-month internship must have been
completed. A mandatory one-year commitment after graduation working for
the home country government in a dental clinic, hospital, or in a one-year GPR
program is also an acceptable qualification.

2. E.C.E transcript evaluation

A copy, or an E.C.E. duplicate of the course-by-course evaluation report.

The documentation must be submitted with the application. We will not accept
documentation submitted directly by the E.C.E. (see FAQ #3)
Educational Credential Evaluators, Inc.

PO Box 514070 Milwaukee, WI 53203-3470 USA

Telephone: (414) 289-3400 Website: eval@ece.org

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

3. Copies of official diploma/graduation certificate from an international dental
school, and higher education schooling in the U.S. (if applicable).

Copy of final dental degree certificate or diploma. We do not accept

temporary/provisional diplomas.

If applicable, a copy of twelve-month internship certificate must also be

submitted. Diplomas in any other language than English must be translated by
an official translator into English. We do not accept temporary or provisional
graduation diplomas.

Copies of diplomas and transcripts from any degree granted in the US (if
applicable).

4. Copies of National Dental Board Part I and Part II examination

Part I and II of the NDB must be taken in the US or where offered.

It should be taken either as a written test or as a computerized test and within
the past ten years from the deadline of the application period (See FAQ #12).
Please note that it is no longer possible to retake the NDB PI examination if a
passing grade of 75 or above was received at an earlier attempt (see FAQ #9).
Duplicates or un-notarized copies are accepted. Copies should be included in
the application package. We will disregard documentation submitted directly
by ADA. For further information about dates and sites, and registration
materials contact:
The Joint Commission on Dental Examinations
211 E. Chicago Avenue Chicago, IL 60611

Telephone: (312) 440-2500 Website: ada.org/en/jcnde

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

5. Copy of TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) examination.

A TOEFL test is required for all applicants. The test must have been
completed within the past two years from the deadline of the application
period, and the Internet based test (iBT) is mandatory. Originals or copies are
accepted. The computer generated result that you may receive before the
printed version is acceptable. Copies of TOEFL results must include both the
front and backside of the form. We will disregard documentation submitted
directly by the testing organization.

The iBT average score must be 94 or above and with a score of 20 or above
in each of the four evaluations (see FAQ #12).
For further information and registration materials, contact:

TOEFL
P.O. Box 6155
Princeton, NJ 08541-6155
Telephone: (609) 921-9000

The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry’s TOEFL Institution Code is

6874.

6. Curriculum Vitae or Resume

7. Personal Statement
8. Application fee

An application fee of $150.00 must accompany the application. Make cashier's

check or money order payable to University of Minnesota. The applicant’s
name MUST be on the check or money order (see FAQ #29). Please note,
personal checks are not accepted.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

9. Passport photo

Include a passport-size photograph of yourself with your application. Then

paste in designated box on page 4 of the application.

Applications should be typed or legibly printed in black ink (regular ball

point pen). The application documentation must be submitted as a complete
package. Please do not submit documents in separate plastic file folders,
double-sided, or stapled. Use a full-size envelope; do not fold the application
forms.

The process is rigorous and time consuming. All applicants will receive an
email within 2 weeks after we have received your application excluding
weekends.

American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and CAAPID

ADEA introduced a centralized application system called CAAPID
(Centralized Application for Advanced Placement for International Dentists)
in 2009.
As of March 2019, the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry is
officially participating in CAAPID. (See FAQ# 1).
For additional information see application materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020
If you read all of these FAQs, you will know quite well what the UMN PASS
program is all about.

1. When did UMN PASS join the ADEA's centralized application service
for internationally trained dentists called CAAPID?
In the past, UMN PASS was not part of the CAAPID. However, most of our
applicants have expressed their interest in the application process through
CAAPID. Starting March 2019 application cycle, UMN PASS is now
officially part of CAAPID.

2. Why should we submit E.C.E. evaluations of our transcripts? I have

already had my transcripts evaluated by another service.
We need to have a standardized process for admissions purposes, and for future
school accreditations. The evaluation services look at transcripts differently.
Same transcript evaluated by different services may have different outcomes.

Note that this document is submitted through CAAPID.

3. Why do you not accept E.C.E. evaluations, board and TOEFL scores
submitted directly by the services?
We wanted these documents submitted through CAAPID. This is to ensure
that we have all the requested documents with your application. This is in your
best interest. Numerous evaluations have in the past reached us much later than
the applications, or are occasionally delivered to the wrong address, or may not
reach us at all. Incompletes applications cannot be reviewed. Our decision to
invite an applicant for an interview is based on all material in one submission.
Thus, you cannot resubmit a score if you retake a test or if you reevaluate your
credentials.

If you are called for an interview you must bring the original documentation
(TOEFL, ADA NDB PT I, PT II, ECE GPA calculation, transcripts, diploma,
etc).

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

4. Is it true what I have heard that you only look at the scores and not read
all transcripts and other submitted material?
Every application is carefully read and evaluated on its own merits. Every
marksheet and transcript is evaluated as well (see below for High School scores
FAQ #7).

No school in my country issues "mark-sheets". What do I do now?

We know that many dental schools do not have official marksheets. However,
most schools in South Asia (e.g. India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal) keep
available marksheets. Transcripts may be requested from any dental school
world- wide.

5. Why do you have to tell us what point size we should use for our
personal statement?
This is also in your best interest. The statements should be concise and not be
much longer than one page. Ideally, the statement should be only one page.
Personal statements that are substantially longer will not be fully read. The
statements are part of the evaluation. Because of this all applicants should
follow the same guidelines. It could otherwise be unfair. Your personal
statement gives us information about you, in addition to what is in the
application form and in the Curriculum Vitae or Resume. Do not repeat
information. Your personal statement needs to be accurate, brief, and concise.

6. I would guess that all applicants are trying to do their very best with the
application. So why all of these rules?
Anybody can make a mistake and if we ask for some important information
twice you may catch it yourself. That is also why we have included the check-
off sheet. It is very easy to forget one little detail. We are only trying to make
changes that will help you and be in your best interest, not to make it more
difficult.

7. Will my chances get better if I submit my High School scores?

We will not evaluate High School scores even if you submit them.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

8. What is an interview like? I know of schools that do not have interviews,
so why do you want us to spend money on travel and housing?
Over many years we have learned that an interview is essential both for the
candidate and for the school. The interview is not just for us but also for you.

Starting application cycle 2019, there will be 2-step interview process.

a. Online Interview
b. Face to face interview
The online interview is done on a computer. You will be sent a link to explain
the process of the online interview.

Then, in the face to face interview, you will get a chance to hear what our
school is like and what the program is all about. We try to make the interview-
day worth your time and money whether you will get accepted or not.

The interview is an all-day event. It begins with a D4 or D3 student taking you

on a tour of the school, followed by a question and answer session, where
beverages and a light breakfast will be served. There will be a short briefing
about the day's program, then the director will give a presentation on the
program, the school, and the University.

This is followed by a short break and then the candidates will complete a skills
assessment. (FAQ #47).

Then lunch is served in the conference room where you will meet with the
director and two faculty members.

You will be asked to submit your choice of lunch sandwich in advance based
on your dietary preferences.

The day starts at 8:00 in the morning and ends by 4:00 p.m.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

9. I sat for/took the NDB I more than five years ago. Do I need to retake
that examination?
As of January 2010, it is not possible to retake the National Dental Boards if
you have received a passing grade in an earlier test. Also, the grade is only
Pass or Fail. The use of a numerical grade has been dropped.

Because of this situation we will accept NDB Part I or Part II scores that are
up to ten years old.

10. What is the school's TOEFL institution code?

You can find the code number on the website in the application criteria section.
The University of Minnesota School of Dentistry's TOEFL Institution Code is
6874. The Department code or Profession code is 38 for dentistry. All
applicants need to submit a TOEFL score.

11. I have left a phone message and nobody is returning my call. Why is
that?
Before you call us with a question, you should study our website. The answers
to most of your questions are on the website. Also, we encourage all applicants
or those who only want some further information to use e-mail.

If you have left a phone message your call may not have been returned for
several reasons. It is sometimes very difficult to hear the messages and/or
understand it. Your name and your phone number are often unclear. Hence we
cannot return your call. Therefore, speak slowly and clearly when leaving your
name and phone number.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

12. What scores for NDBs Part I, II, and TOEFL do I need to have to be
considered for an interview?
Since 2012 a numerical score for NDB Part I and II are not reported. We will
only see a grade of "pass". With this change, we only note that the Board exam
has been taken with a grade of Pass.

The TOEFL iBT test (Internet based test with a spoken language section) is
mandatory. You will need to have a minimal total score on the iBT test of 94,
and a score of 20 and above in each of the four sections. Please remember that
your application will NOT be reviewed if your score is below 94 and/or 20 in
any subsection.

Why are you so strict with the TOEFL score?

An article from 2008 in the Journal of Dental Education by Lisa E. Itaya, David
W. Chambers, and Patricia A. King presented results of a study that one of the
more predictive admissions criteria for success is the TOEFL score or language
skills (Analyzing the Influence of Admissions Criteria and Cultural Norms on
Success in an International Dental Studies Program J Dent Educ. 2008 72: 317-
328). This confirms our strict language requirement. The better your English
communication skills are, the better your chances to do well are.

13. I will be in Minneapolis next week. Can I meet with you and discuss
the program?
In fairness to all applicants, we do not meet with any future candidates until
they may get an interview. The director will not meet with you for what we
call a "pre-interview" even if you happen to be visiting the area.

14. I have specialty training in my home country. Will that increase my

chances?
It does not automatically increase your chances. But any further education may
be valuable for your ranking.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

15. I have specialty training from the US. Will that increase my chances?
Yes, it might increase your chances.

16. Are Letters of Recommendation needed?

Yes. They should attest to your personal and professional qualifications, and
be submitted with your CAAPID application. These letters are submitted
electronically through CAAPID.

17. Is it only scores that count towards an acceptance?

TOEFL scores, previous grades (and calculated GPA), your personal
statement, and experiences in your new country and home country are the most
important in the initial review before an interview is granted. We are not paying
any attention to the NDB PI and PII scores since they are only reported as a
"Pass". The interviews (online and face to face) are very important and it is
mandatory to present yourself for an interview if invited. We have included a
Psychomotor Skills Assessment on the interview day. Remember that you must
bring all original documents to the interview.

18. Do you have a bench test on the interview day?

Yes, we have a Psychomotor Skills Assessment on the interview day (FAQ
#47).

19. I submitted my application a while ago and I have not heard from you.
What do I do now?
We have many applications and it takes some time for the committee to review
them. We try to review the applications as soon as we can and make decisions
on interviews. Applications received are reviewed and discussed by the
committee as soon as possible. Interviews may start as early as May of the
calendar year. Please allow about 6-8 weeks for a response to your application.
Please see the application form and/or the website for the application deadline.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

20. Do you have a rolling enrollment or do you wait until all interviews are
completed and then make your decisions? We use a combination of both
these processes. That means that some individuals may be offered a position
earlier than others. We will not fill all positions before the end of the
application period and not until after the last interview. We do not fill the class
until all eligible candidates have been interviewed.
Does this mean that if I am in an early interview group and I am not offered
admissions my chances are gone?

No, your chances are not gone. Applicants that are not among the earlier
admitted students will still be on the list of possible students.

21. Financial Information

Application Fee: $150, non-refundable paid via Money Order or Cashier's
Checks only. NO Personal checks.

Acceptance down payment: $10,000, non-refundable paid via Money Order

or Cashier's Check. This will be applied to your tuition upon matriculation.
Tuition and Fees:
Cost for the 29-month program is estimated at $295,000.00. Excluding living
expenses. We will continue to update this estimate as we get the actual
approved cost by the School of Dentistry administration.

22. If I have been accepted at another school but prefer the University of
Minnesota but I have not heard from you, what do I do?
In that special situation, we suggest that you email or call us and we will give
you the information we have regarding your status.

What do I do if the answer is that there is no decision yet?

We always say: “Do not gamble with your future”. If you are one of the lucky
ones to get accepted in another program, I would not count on something that
has not yet been decided.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

23. My spouse is also a dentist and is applying for your program and we
want to go to the same school. Can we both be accepted the same year?
A spouse will not automatically be accepted if the other is accepted. It is a
competitive program and each person will be evaluated on his/her own merits.

24. Does the University of Minnesota offer any scholarships for PASS
students?
During the fourth year, PASS students are eligible for the same scholarships
that are available to all dental students during the same year. After graduation,
all graduating dentists meeting certain criteria will have the opportunity to
apply to a number of Loan Repayment Programs.

25. Can I get student loans for the PASS program?

Yes, but only if you are eligible for federal student loans. Those who are not
U.S. citizens or permanent residents, will need private student loans.
If you are accepted, you will pay partial spring semester tuition down payment
in advance to secure your seat. It is important for you to know that the early
down payment can only be made with personal finances. Student/private loans
CANNOT be used for this payment. Eligible students can apply for loans once
they have been accepted to the program. Your downpayment is credited to your
student account, with your loan payment. If you decide to accept another
school's offer, the down payment will not be returned.

26. Why do I have to pay this money before the classes start?
We request a down payment to hold your seat. If a student drops out late in the
process, we may not be able to replace that student. If we cannot replace
someone who withdraws late in the process, we may face a financial deficit.
That is why you have to submit parts of the first semesters cost before classes
start.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

27. I was not invited for an interview. I think I deserved one. Please tell
me the reasons why I was rejected to help me prepare for the future.
Unique education opportunities attract many applicants. We regret that we
cannot possibly interview each and every applicant. We focus our interviews
on the strongest candidates and we base that decision on our review of the
submitted applications. We look closely at each and every application and
consider a combination of factors, including GPA, TOEFL scores; personal
statements; and applicants' personal and professional experience. This
thorough procedure allows for an effective admission process. We are keeping
down travel and housing expenses for candidates that we deem non-
competitive at this time. It is the profile of the total applicant pool that
determines an individual application's competitiveness.

We do realize that this can be disappointing and a hardship. Experience tells

us, however, that each year brings new opportunities. You can increase your
chances in the future by taking a critical look at your application and start
working to strengthen it. Generally speaking, higher test scores increase an
application's competitiveness. At this time you can only increase your TOEFL
score. Our program's policy is that we do not discuss specific reasons why an
individual candidate was not invited for an interview, or was not accepted after
an interview.

28. I have already submitted my application. When will I hear from you?
We will acknowledge receipt of the application via email within 15 working
days, excluding weekends and holidays. If you will be invited for an interview,
we will, whenever possible, inform you at least two weeks before the
interview. Interview information will be sent via e-mail.

29. You ask us to put our name on the cashier's check/money order. Why
do you need that?
For accounting purposes, it is beneficial to have the applicant's name on the
money order or cashier's check.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

30. Is it an advantage to submit my application early?
We advise all applicants with a visa status to apply as early as possible
especially for those who may require changes in visa status to enter the
program. However, if you are taking or retaking an examination you should
wait until your application is complete.

31. I hear that you have a waiting list after interviews and admissions have
been completed. Does it ever happen that anybody from the alternate list
gets accepted?
One might think that if you are accepted, you will never give up your seat.
However, life situations change. Since there are more programs available today
then 10 years ago many students will change their minds during the acceptance
process when other options become available, and withdraw from our program.
(FAQ #26).

32. Why do you ask all these questions about work and working permit?
Over the years we have had several applicants that have worked illegally in the
US, even practiced dentistry without a license and on an expired visa. Each
visa has its limitations and regulations. If a candidate appears for an interview
and is in violation of the applicable visa regulations, we all are put in a very
precarious situation.

33. Do I need to be a US citizen or be a permanent resident (Green Card

holder) to apply to your PASS program?
No, you do not need to have any special visa status or citizenship. Every year
we have applicants with various visa situations.

34. If I am currently on an F-1/H-1 visa and studying/working in the US,

is there something I should be aware of?
It takes time to process a change of visa status, or transfer of a visa (F-1) from
one school to another. Thus, you should apply as early as possible to give
yourself maximum time for the admissions process. If you are accepted, visa
requests and/or a change of status or school usually take time. In some
situations, you may have to return to your home country and request an
interview at the embassy and then apply for a student visa. (FAQ# 30).

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

I am on a J-1 visa. Does the same apply for me?

Yes, it certainly does. However, there might be other visa stipulations with the
J-1 visa that might make the situation difficult. Please check with your
employer and/or the state department.

35. I am currently studying for a Master's degree at a US college. My

program does not end when PASS starts in January. Can I still get
accepted?
The most important time is in the beginning of the program and that cannot be
missed. Also, if you have started another program it is a good idea to finish it.
A degree will always be more valuable than leaving a program without
finishing it.

37. I have just suggested including you and others at your school in Linked
In or in a "Twitter" group. Wasn't that a good idea?
No. That is not a good idea. It is inappropriate and not appreciated. Be sure to
remove our email addresses, if you submit several addresses to any Internet
service of this nature (Social Networking sites).

38. If my application is incomplete will you notify me?

We request all documentation in one package. We have included a check-off
sheet at the end of the application material to make it easier. This is for you to
use so you are assured that you have included everything. We will not return
incomplete applications. Never submit original documents. They may
disappear in the mail or get buried in an archive box. We neither request any
originals nor any notarized copies. However, if you get an interview you must
bring all original documents for verification. Check your submission more than
once before you seal the envelope to verify that you have included all the
material, since you will not receive any notification that it is incomplete.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

39. Is there anything in particular that is most often missing?
Yes. We need both sides of the TOEFL form. The backside is often missing.
NOTE: We do not accept provisional diplomas.

40. I did not get accepted last year and I want to reapply. Do I need to
submit all documentations again?
We require reapplicants to go through the process from the start again. Apply
through CAAPID and send document to UMN PASS.

41. I submitted my application yesterday by FedEx and I have no heard

from you yet, should I call you or email you to make sure you got it?
No. We will email you no later than 15 days after we received your application,
excluding weekends and holidays. Also, you have a tracking number so you
can look up on the Internet exactly when it was delivered to our office. Always
use the address we have listed in the application material.

42. Why is dental education so expensive in the U. S.?

Dental education is the most costly education all over the world. Education is
costly in the U.S. but it leads to a most rewarding career.

43. Why do the tuition and fees increase every year?

The University is not fully responsible for those increases. As a state
University, we are dependent on the State of Minnesota's allocations. The state
legislators decide on the education budget for the state. Almost all Universities
across the country have to adjust their expenses and incomes to balance the
budget. This is why we have to raise the tuition. We also have to tighten "our
own belt" quite a bit. The most important is that the education does not suffer.
The University President and our Dean have both made this very clear. We
realize that the cost could be prohibitive. We are doing our best to have
minimal or no tuition increases.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

44. I have studied in the US for more than three years and I have spoken
English the whole time. I also "passed" the TOEFL examination before I
started my studies. Do I really have to take the TOEFL iBT examination?
Yes you do. All applicants will need to submit a TOEFL score.

45. What does "matriculate" mean?

The word "matriculate" may mean different things in different parts of the
world. Matriculation/matriculated is used in this application indicating, "when
you enrolled, or started your studies".

46. Why do you have a form requesting information about our ethnicity or
race?
This information is voluntary. However, the US Government requests that all
education applications have this form included. We have to include it, but you
do not have to answer it.

47. Psychomotor Skills Assessment. Why have you included it and what is
it? I think it is just another word for bench test.
The Psychomotor Skills Assessment is a brief evaluation of some basic
psychomotor skills needed in dentistry. The complete description of the test
will be provided prior to your arrival.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

 Brief Biography of the Director of UMN PASS Program

Ranier M. Adarve, DMD, MS, MHPE

Dr. Ranier M. Adarve is the Director of the

UMN PASS. He received his Doctor of Dental
Medicine (DMD) from the University of the
Philippines College of Dentistry in 1996. He
also completed his Masters in Health
Professions Education (MHPE) from the
University of the Philippines- National
Teachers Training for Health Professionals
(UP-NTTC) in 2002. Dr. Adarve is a
Prosthodontist and completed his clinical
residency at University of Minnesota Graduate
Prosthodontic Program while pursuing his
Masters in Science of Dentistry (MS) at
University of Minnesota Graduate School in 2005. In the same year, he also
completed his Certificate in Multimedia Design and Development from
Department of Curriculum and Instruction at University of Minnesota College
of Education and Human Development (2005). In 2010, Dr. Adarve completed
a Systems Approach to Assessment in Health Professions Education at
Harvard Macy Institute.

Currently, he is an Associate Professor at the Division of Prosthodontics,

Department of Restorative Sciences. He is the course Director of Fixed
Prosthodontics for first year dental students. Dr. Adarve is also involved with
the education of residents in the Graduate Prosthodontic Program.

Dr. Adarve enjoys travelling with his family, watching movies and listening to
audio books. As a hobby, he is a pen turner and making custom pens for his
friends and families.

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020

 Contact Information

For additional information, please contact the UMN PASS Program Director

Dr. Ranier Adarve

School of Dentistry
University of Minnesota
15-121 Moos Health Sciences Tower
Minneapolis, MN 55455
Email: adar0002@umn.edu

FAQ’s UMN PASS Updated: February 2020