Foreign-trained dentists' perceived knowledge and skills after graduation from a structured two-year program

In this survey study, graduates of the University of Western Ontario program for foreign-trained dentists from 1999 to 2009 were asked for their perceptions of their knowledge and skill in fourteen clinical topic areas before they were admitted to the program and after graduation. Their ratings were made on a ten-point visual analog scale divided into three aptitude domains: competent, proficient, and master/expert. Definitions of each domain were provided. The majority of the respondents felt that their knowledge level improved at least one aptitude level in only four of the fourteen (29 percent) topic areas but that their skill level had increased at least one aptitude level in nine (64 percent) topic areas. Of note, clinical topics with content reflective of North American dental practice such as oral medicine and treatment planning, ethics, regulated dentistry, record keeping, and informed consent were the topic areas in which most respondents reported an improvement in both their knowledge and skill. It is suggested that programs evaluating or providing gap training for internationally trained dentists consider mandatory inclusion of these topics.