Dental Groups Ask DHS to Add Dentistry to STEM OPT List

A coalition of national and state dental organizations asked the Department of Homeland Security to make dentistry degrees eligible for the 24-month STEM Optional Practical Training extension.

The November 9, 2026, request covers dentistry under Classification of Instructional Programs code 51.0401. If DHS approves the nomination, qualifying F-1 dental graduates could potentially receive up to 36 months of total post-completion OPT instead of the standard 12 months.

However, this is currently only a request. As of November 11, 2026, dentistry has not been added to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List, and the letter does not change current OPT eligibility. (cda.org)

What Dental Organizations Requested

The California Dental Association led the request, which was also signed by organizations including:

• American Dental Association
• American Dental Education Association
• American Student Dental Association
• Minnesota Dental Association
• National Network for Oral Health Access
• American Public Health Association

The coalition argues that dentistry qualifies as a STEM discipline because dental education and practice incorporate biological and physical sciences, three-dimensional imaging, computer-aided design and manufacturing, materials science, biomechanics, pharmacology and other technical fields.

The organizations also say the additional OPT period would give international dental graduates and employers more time to complete licensing, credentialing, onboarding and immigration sponsorship processes. They particularly highlighted the potential workforce impact on federally qualified health centers and other providers serving rural or underserved communities. (cda.org)

Dentistry Is Not Currently Eligible for STEM OPT

DHS determines STEM OPT eligibility using the degree’s CIP code—not simply whether a university, employer or professional association considers the subject scientific.

The current DHS list includes several programs within the broader Health Professions and Related Programs category, such as medical science, pharmaceutical sciences, environmental health and medical informatics. It does not include 51.0401 Dentistry. (ice.gov)

“STEM visa designation” is also an informal description. The proposal would not create a separate visa for dentists. It would make a qualifying dentistry degree potentially usable for a STEM OPT extension while the graduate remains in F-1 status.

What Approval Would—and Would Not—Mean

Adding dentistry to the list would not automatically give every international dental graduate three years of employment authorization.

A student would still have to satisfy the applicable STEM OPT requirements. These generally include:

• Completing qualifying post-completion OPT;
• Holding a degree with an eligible CIP code;
• Obtaining a STEM OPT recommendation from a designated school official;
• Filing Form I-765 with USCIS on time;
• Working for an employer enrolled in E-Verify;
• Completing Form I-983 with the employer; and
• Performing qualifying work directly related to the degree.

The designated school official must confirm that the degree code appears on the current STEM list before recommending the extension. Students can review the broader application process in Day1CPT.org’s OPT and STEM OPT guide. (studyinthestates.dhs.gov)

STEM designation would also not guarantee future H-1B selection or employer sponsorship. It would primarily create a longer period of F-1 practical training during which an eligible graduate could work and an employer could consider longer-term immigration options.

Dental Licensure Would Remain a Separate Requirement

Employment authorization and professional licensure are different legal requirements.

Even if dentistry becomes STEM-designated, a graduate would still need authorization under immigration law to work and the appropriate state license to practice dentistry. State dental boards establish licensing requirements, which can include graduation from an accredited program, examinations and clinical assessments.

Internationally educated dentists may also need to complete a Commission on Dental Accreditation-accredited advanced standing program or other qualifying education, depending on the state. STEM OPT designation would not waive these professional licensing rules. (ada.org)

What Happens Next

DHS, through the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, evaluates nominations to add or remove CIP codes from the STEM list. The agency considers whether the nominated field fits the regulatory definition of a STEM field and may review curricula, supporting evidence and professional standards.

If DHS accepts the dentistry nomination, an official update would be needed before students could use CIP code 51.0401 for STEM OPT. Previous additions have been announced through Federal Register notices and updates to the official DHS list. (public-inspection.federalregister.gov)

Until that happens, dental students and recent graduates should plan under the existing rules. Students approaching graduation or the end of OPT should consult their designated school official, employer immigration team or qualified immigration attorney rather than assuming the request will be approved in time for their case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is dentistry eligible for STEM OPT now?

No. As of November 11, 2026, dentistry under CIP code 51.0401 does not appear on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List. The November 9 coalition letter is a nomination, not an approved policy change.

Would dentistry’s STEM designation create a new visa?

No. It would not create a “STEM visa.” Approval would allow qualifying F-1 students with dentistry degrees to apply for the existing 24-month STEM OPT extension after their initial post-completion OPT.

Would every international dental graduate receive 36 months of OPT?

No. Students would still need to meet all STEM OPT requirements, including the qualifying degree, filing deadlines, DSO recommendation, E-Verify employer and Form I-983 training plan requirements. State dental licensing rules would also continue to apply to clinical practice.

Could the change help dental graduates pursue H-1B sponsorship?

Potentially. An additional 24 months of OPT could provide more time for graduates and employers to evaluate employment and pursue sponsorship. It would not guarantee that an employer will sponsor an H-1B petition or that a cap-subject registration will be selected.

Could current OPT participants benefit if DHS approves the request?

That would depend on the effective date of any DHS update and whether the student still satisfies the STEM OPT filing requirements at that time. Students should not rely on the pending nomination and should continue planning according to the current expiration date on their Employment Authorization Document.

Sources:

• American Dental Association: ADA seeks STEM visa designation for dentistry
• Coalition letter requesting STEM designation for dentistry degrees
• California Dental Association announcement on the dentistry STEM request
• DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
• Federal Register: Update to the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List
• SEVP STEM OPT reporting and eligibility requirements
• American Dental Association: Licensure for international dentists