International Dentist in MN: Feeling lost. Limited License seems impossible. Dentistry is too expensive. Advice?

Hi everyone,
I’m an International Dentist currently living in Minnesota, and I’m feeling incredibly stuck and frustrated. I’m hoping to get some perspective or advice from other foreign-trained dentists or people familiar with the MN dental board.
My original plan was to pursue a Limited General License here in Minnesota. However, I’ve hit a wall—hardly anyone seems to know how the process actually works, and finding an employer willing to hire/sponsor someone under this license feels non-existent or completely impractical.
I then looked into becoming a Dental Hygienist as a stepping stone. But after looking at the requirements, it’s discouraging:
• I’d have to complete a long list of prerequisites just to apply.
• The tuition at the University of Minnesota is nearly $300k, which is astronomical for a hygiene degree.
I’m feeling really defeated. I want to work in the field I love, but I also have plans to start a family in the near future. Spending $300k or waiting years for prerequisites feels like I'm putting my life on hold.
My questions for the community:
1. Has anyone successfully navigated the Limited General License in MN? Is there a specific type of clinic (FQHCs, public health) that is more open to this?
2. Are there more affordable pathways for international dentists in the Midwest that I might be overlooking?
3. For those who chose the RDH route, was it worth the debt, or did you find a way to lower the cost (community colleges, etc.)?
4. Is it better to just bite the bullet and prep for the INBDE/bench exams for a residency/advanced standing program instead?
I just want to contribute to the field and build a life here without drowning in debt before I even start a family. Any guidance or even just some encouragement would mean the world.
A few tips for your situation:
• Look into FQHCs: For the Limited License, look at "Federally Qualified Health Centers" or public health clinics. They are often short-staffed and more familiar with alternative licensing than private practices.
• Check Community Colleges: If you do pursue Hygiene, never pay $300k for it. Look at schools like Normandale or Century College. They are much cheaper, though still competitive.
• The "Family" factor: If you want a family soon, the $300k debt from a top-tier University will be a massive weight. Many international dentists find that studying for the INBDE and applying to Advanced Standing (IDP) programs is ultimately more "cost-effective" long-term than paying dental school prices for a hygiene degree.
Hang in there—you’ve already done the hard part by becoming a doctor. This is just a detour, not the end of the road.