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Qualifying Dental Programs for Internationally Trained Dentists: A Scoping Review
Background:
Many dental schools offer qualifying dental programs to internationally trained dentists (ITDs) to help them meet the standards of dental care expected in the host country. The literature on this topic has not yet been comprehensively summarized. This scoping review aimed to summarize the available literature on ITDs enrolled in qualifying dental programs. Methods This study was guided by a previously established framework for scoping reviews (Arksey and O'Malley's framework). No restrictions were set on the time period or study design of included studies. Five databases (PubMed, Web of Science [Core Collection], Scopus, ProQuest and ERIC) were searched for relevant studies. The reference lists of selected papers were checked to complement the database search. Two reviewers independently screened eligible papers and extracted the relevant data.
Results:
Fifteen papers (2 reviews and 13 primary research studies) met the inclusion criteria. Fourteen of the studies were conducted in the United States and one in Canada. Thirteen of the primary research studies used quantitative approaches, and the remaining study used a qualitative approach. Three studies focused on characteristics of the program (e.g., duration, type, admission requirements) and the students, 9 assessed the performance (predictive, comparative and perceived) of ITDs, and 3 described challenges faced by ITDs. Most of the programs were at the undergraduate level with a duration of 2 years, and the ITDs were mainly from India. The most significant academic and clinical performance predictors were scores on English-language testing and the National Board Dental Examination I. The challenges encompassed cultural disparities, language barriers, financial constraints and immigration-related issues.
Conclusions:
Although the literature on ITDs in qualifying dental programs is growing and covers several topics, more evidence is needed to describe further and understand ITDs' performance and experiences in these programs.
