100% free for applicants

Your Canadian guide to dental school in Istanbul

DDS Direct is run by Canadian dental students at Yeditepe University — one of the only programs outside North America with both CODA and CDAC accreditation. We guide you through every step of the application, completely free.

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No fees. Ever.
Dual Accreditation — Yeditepe University Faculty of Dentistry
CODA Commission on Dental Accreditation (USA)
CDAC Committee on Dental Accreditation Canada
5 yr
DDS program length
English
Instruction language
Istanbul
Yeditepe University, Turkey
CA / US
Students we serve
Why Yeditepe
A world-class program,
recognized back home

Yeditepe's Faculty of Dentistry holds dual North American accreditation — meaning your degree is recognized for licensing in Canada and the US.

CODA & CDAC accredited

One of the only programs outside North America recognized by both the American and Canadian dental accreditation bodies. Your degree travels home with you.

Dramatically lower tuition

Tuition at Yeditepe is a fraction of Canadian dental schools, which can exceed $100,000 CAD per year. World-class education without six-figure debt.

English-taught program

All lectures, textbooks, and examinations are conducted strictly in English for the full 5-year program. A B2-level Turkish (TÖMER) certificate is required before clinical rotations begin (by Year 3), as Turkish is needed only for direct patient communication in the Dental Hospital.

Peer guidance from Canadians

You speak with Canadian students actually living the experience — not admissions staff reading from a script. Honest, first-hand answers only.

Full application support

We walk you through every document, deadline, and decision — from your first question to your acceptance letter.

Life in Istanbul

A vibrant, safe, affordable city with a massive international student community and direct flights from Toronto and Montreal.

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How it works
Simple. Free. Student-led.

Three steps from your first question to your first day of dental school.

1

Explore & apply

Browse all the information you need here, then submit your interest form. We review every application personally and reach out within 24 hours.

2

Book your free call

Get matched with a Canadian dental student at Yeditepe. Ask anything — candidly. No sales pitch, no pressure. Just honest peer conversation.

3

We guide you in

We help you prepare documents, navigate the Yeditepe application portal, and support you all the way through to your acceptance and beyond.

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Application requirements
What you'll need to apply

Yeditepe's admissions are straightforward. Here's what Canadian and American applicants typically need.

Academic requirements

Minimum prerequisites before applying to the DDS program.

  • High school diploma or university degree
  • Strong science background (Biology, Chemistry)
  • Minimum GPA — contact us for specific thresholds
  • English proficiency (native speakers exempt)
  • DAT / MCAT not required

Documents needed

Documents to prepare for your Yeditepe application package.

  • Official transcripts (translated if not in English)
  • Valid passport copy
  • Personal statement / letter of intent
  • 2 letters of recommendation
  • Passport-size photos

Application timeline

Typical cycle for international applicants — plan well ahead.

  • Applications open: Spring each year
  • Intake: September (fall semester)
  • Decision turnaround: 2–6 weeks after submission
  • Visa processing: ~4–8 weeks post-acceptance
  • Reach out to us at least 6 months before intake

Cost of living in Istanbul

Real estimates from Canadian students currently living there.

  • Rent (near campus): ~$400–700 CAD/month
  • Groceries: ~$150–250 CAD/month
  • Transportation: ~$20–40 CAD/month
  • Monthly total estimate: ~$700–1,100 CAD
  • Far below Toronto, Vancouver, or Montreal
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Free consultation & application support

Ready to take the next step?

Whether you want to start your application or simply talk to a Canadian dental student at Yeditepe — we're here to help. No pressure, completely free.

Book a 30-min call with a Canadian DDS student
Get hands-on help starting your application
Ask anything: housing, visas, clinical training, licensing
No obligation, completely free, always

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We respond within 24 hours to find a time that works for you.

FAQ
Common questions
Yes — 100% free. DDS Direct is a student-run peer advisory service. We charge applicants nothing. Our goal is to make Yeditepe accessible to North American students who deserve a great dental education without the barrier of six-figure Canadian tuition.
CODA (Commission on Dental Accreditation) is the American accrediting body and CDAC (Committee on Dental Accreditation Canada) is the Canadian equivalent. Graduating from an accredited school is a key requirement for sitting licensing exams — the NDEB in Canada and the NBDE in the US. Yeditepe holds both, making it one of the only internationally-based programs where North American graduates can pursue licensure back home.
Graduates of Yeditepe University's dental program (graduating after the CDAC accreditation date) are eligible to proceed directly to the NDEB Certification Process. This status streamlines the path to Canadian licensure by allowing graduates to bypass the NDEB Equivalency Process. Since provincial requirements vary, we recommend verifying specific registration details with your local dental regulatory body. We are also happy to walk you through your specific licensing journey during a free consultation call.
All theoretical instruction is 100% in English — lectures, textbooks, and exams throughout the full 5-year program. No Turkish is needed to apply or to complete the classroom portion. However, students must obtain a B2-level Turkish proficiency certificate (TÖMER) before starting clinical rotations (typically by Year 3), since direct communication with patients in the Dental Hospital is conducted in Turkish. Many students arrive with zero Turkish and pick it up during their first two years.
Tuition at Yeditepe is significantly lower than Canadian dental schools (which often exceed $100,000 CAD/year). Monthly living costs in Istanbul for a student typically run around $700–1,100 CAD including rent, food, and transport — a fraction of what you'd spend in Toronto or Vancouver. We share real budget breakdowns from current students on consultation calls.
Yes. Istanbul is a major international city with a large student population and an established expat community. Yeditepe's campus is in the Ataşehir district — a modern, safe residential area. Dozens of Canadian and American students study there without issue. We're happy to address any specific concerns on your consultation call.
You'll be matched with a Canadian dental student currently enrolled in the Yeditepe DDS program. This is a genuine peer conversation — no sales pitch, no admissions script. Ask about clinical training quality, student life, visa process, housing, licensing pathways, or anything else on your mind.