Sure, you can apply. The question is whether your application is going to be approved (which I doubt, under the circumstances). Perhaps, you might be able to apply for a change of status through your prospective employer. Alternatively, you should consider filing for a change of status to F-1 student visa, especially if you are already taking classes for your dental exam preparation: taking classes while on a B visa is considered a violation of your non-immigrant status; and USCIS might take a dim view of your stay in the U.S. on a B visa for the purposes of taking a professional exam. Otherwise, consider this: your extension application will take 4.5 months (in Vermont Service Center; 2.5 months - if your previous application was processed in California Service Center; look up the address on the notice granting you the extension). Even if it will be denied, *so long as you do not accrue 180 days* of out-of-status presence in the U.S. after expiration of your first extension, you will not become inadmissible (yes, the U.S. consul is likely to give you hard time when you apply for your next visa; but, if you can show that you filed for an extension and remained in the U.S. only until your exam, your overstay will likely be forgiven).
Answered on Jan 30th, 2013 at 7:22 AM