Committee on Overseas Professional Qualifications. Expert Panel in Dentistry

Area of Science:

• Dental education and assessment
• Professional qualification standards
• International dental practitioner evaluation

Background:

• Established in 1979, the Expert Panel in Dentistry of the Committee on Overseas Professional Qualifications (COPQ) developed a key assessment for foreign-trained dentists.
• Six of eight Australian dental boards accept the examination, highlighting its significance in professional registration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and detail the structure of a standardized written and clinical examination.
• To outline the assessment's role in evaluating the competency of dentists trained internationally.
• To inform about the future administration of the clinical component in various Australian State capitals.

Main Methods:

• Development of a comprehensive written examination.
• Design of a practical clinical examination with assistance from the Dental Board of New South Wales.
• Establishment of acceptance criteria by Australian dental boards.

Main Results:

• The examination was introduced in 1979 and is recognized by a majority of Australian dental boards.
• The assessment is specifically designed for overseas-trained dentists seeking registration.
• Future plans include conducting the clinical examination in multiple state capitals.

Conclusions:

• The COPQ's examination provides a vital pathway for the professional integration of international dental graduates.
• The assessment ensures a consistent standard of dental practice across Australia.
• The planned expansion of clinical examination sites aims to improve accessibility for candidates.