Provincial origin of first-time writers of the Canadian Dental Aptitude Test

A brief summary of the current status of the Canadian Dental Aptitude Test (CDAT) is presented. The number of first-time writers of the CDAT is reported by the province of their preference as designated by the candidate on the test application form. Anomalies in the numbers taking the test are discussed and relationships with other provincial and regional parameters developed. It is clear that the effect of the policy change at the University of Toronto, where the CDAT is no longer required for admissions purposes, has had a major effect on the numbers taking the test and the information available about the demographics, quality and size of the Canadian dental school applicant pool. The regional and provincial differences highlighted include a relatively smaller applicant pool in British Columbia, Manitoba and the Atlantic Provinces in addition to a relatively limited educational opportunity for potential dental professionals in British Columbia, Ontario and the Atlantic Provinces.