Advanced placement, qualifying, and degree completion programs for internationally trained dentists in Canada and the...

Canadian and U.S. universities are faced with the challenge that they are not graduating enough dentists to meet the future needs of the Canadian and U.S. populations. Foreign-trained dentists represent a valuable resource to society and the economy. Dental programs have been established to train foreign-trained dentists for some or all of the following reasons: public need for health care services, income generation for universities, and demand by foreign-trained dentists who desire to practice dentistry in Canada or the United States rather than in their own nation. Changes implemented by the National Dental Examining Board (NDEB) of Canada in 2000 and by the Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) in the United States in 1986 have resulted in foreign-trained dentists no longer being able to gain dental licensure in these countries strictly through a certification examination. Foreign-trained dentists are now required to apply for and complete a two- to three-year advanced placement, qualifying, or degree program at a Canadian or U.S. dental school prior to receiving licensure to practice. The study reported in this article investigated the various types of advanced placement, qualifying, or degree programs available to foreign-trained dentists wishing to practice in either Canada or the United States and the differences among these programs. This research provides a better understanding of the various commonalities and differences among Canadian and U.S. programs for internationally trained dentists.