2025/06/21 by Sahi, Gurpreet K., A, Ciza Z., Sehgal, Kamal
#Ethnic Minority #Immigrant #Newcomer #Racialized #Visible Minority
paper · doi:10.11575/prism/49515
Background: Immigration plays a pivotal role in stimulating Canada’s economy, thereby fostering economic growth and development both in urban and rural communities. Canada attracts economic/skilled immigrants annually through various programs such as the Federal Skilled Worker Immigrant Program (FSWP) and the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) aiming to facilitate their integration and socioeconomic contribution. For internationally trained dentists (ITDs), who are considered skilled immigrants, the path to accreditation to practice as dentists in Canada involves successfully passing a series of equivalency examinations set by the National Dental Examining Board (NDEB). Only after passing these examinations can they proceed to take the licensing exam required to obtain a license for practicing dentistry in Canada. However, pursuing this licensing process has numerous challenges for ITDs. Overcoming these challenges often spans several years, resulting in a substantial financial burden, and eroding hope for many ITDs. The Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) indicates the expected shortage of dentists at the national level. Over the period, 2022-2031, 13,500 job openings are expected in the field of dentistry while Canada’s capacity to fill these positions stands at 10,500 resulting in a massive gap in the delivery of dental services, particularly to Canadians living in rural and hard-to-reach communities. Approach: To fill this alarming gap. Alberta Network of Immigrant Women (ANIW), AB in Partnership with S.U.C.E.S.S. in BC and Open-Door Society in Saskatoon with a grant from the Foreign Credential Recognition Program of Employment and Service Development Canada (E SDC) is delivering a support program to ITDs. Results: To date, 538, ITDs have received the required service. 17 ITDs passed the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK), and 22 ITDs completed the Assessment of Clinical Judgement(ACJ). 4 passed the National Dental Examination of Clinical Competency (NDECC). Conclusion: Many ITDS manage to surmount the obstacles and challenges that they face in their journey and accomplish their aspirations of having rewarding and satisfying careers in Canada. In order to achieve this, they require a robust and reliable support system that can help them at every stage of the process. This support system can consist of various sources of assistance, such as educational institutions that provide them with the necessary training and accreditation, professional organizations that offer them opportunities for networking and advocacy, and mentorship programs that give them valuable guidance and feedback.