News & Events

September 15, 2010

Government of Canada helping internationally trained dentists enter the labour market

The Government of Canada is funding a project that will help internationally trained dentists put their knowledge and skills to work sooner. The Canadian Dental Regulatory Authorities Federation (CDRAF) will receive over $790,000 in Foreign Credential Recognition Program funding for its Assessment of Internationally Trained General Dentists from Non-Accredited Dental Programs project.

"The CDRAF is pleased to receive funding from the Foreign Credential Recognition Program to develop and implement a national assessment program for internationally trained general dentists," said Dr. Cam Witmer, President of the CDRAF. "This important initiative will establish an impartial, objective and fair process, based on nationally agreed upon standards and programs. Canada's dental regulatory authorities are committed to helping reduce barriers by registering qualified and competent internationally trained dentists in our country."

The project will establish a national process for the assessment of internationally trained dentists. Prior to this initiative, the majority of foreign-trained dentists, who come from non-accredited dental schools, would have been required to undertake additional training and education.

This new process will evaluate whether these individuals already have the same knowledge, skills and competencies as a graduate from an accredited Canadian dental program. Successful completion of this assessment process will enable them to take the national examination through the National Dental Examining Board of Canada. Candidates who pass the exam can then register to practise as a dentist anywhere in Canada.

"Our government is helping internationally educated health professionals enter the labour market to improve the quality of life of all Canadians," said the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development, who made the announcement on September 15. "Through Canada's Economic Action Plan, we are working with partners to develop a common approach to foreign credential recognition. This project contributes to a fair, efficient and timely system that will help internationally trained dentists find work in communities across Canada."

Photo: Dr. Cam Witmer, CDRAF President, with
the Honourable Diane Finley, Minister of Human Resources and Skills Development Canada.