ACFD Bridge Training to Dental Practice in Canada Program

The integration of general dentists trained in non-accredited programs elsewhere in the world into the Canadian healthcare system is essential.

Such internationally trained dentists (ITDs) who are interested in obtaining a license to practice in Canada currently have two paths to do so:

1.  through a series of National Dental Examining Board exams; or
2.  through obtaining a place in an advanced-standing or similar program in one of Canada’s dental schools.

The federal government awarded the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD) a grant to develop and test a new program that could become a third pathway to licensure for ITDs.

The goal is to assess ITDs and, for those whose competencies, skills and expertise are evaluated to be at an appropriate level, they will be able to apply to participate in the new program. The aim is to identify candidates whose training needs can be addressed in a few months and prepare them for licensure exams so that they can then become licensed dentists in Canada.

The project started in 2024 and will last four years. The first two years will involve developing all elements of the program and the third and fourth years will involve testing and evaluating the pilot program twice (in year 3 and then in year 4) at three pilot site dental schools.