Help

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.