Foreign-trained dentists licensed in the United States: exploring their origins.
BACKGROUND
The authors explored the origins of foreign-trained dentists seeking licensure in the United States.


METHODS
The authors analyzed data received from the American Dental Association Department of Testing Services for candidates who took the National Board Dental Examinations (NBDE) Part II from 2002 through 2005. They also established proxies for the information they sought in lieu of existing direct data.


RESULTS
A total of 4,136 candidates took NBDE Part II from 2002 through 2005. The greatest number of foreign-trained dentists originated from India, the Philippines and Colombia.


CONCLUSIONS
The greatest number of potential U.S. dental licensees are primarily from Asia, the Middle East and South America. However, precise studies need to be conducted to generate more exact data about foreign-trained dentists who practice in the United States.


CONCLUSIONS
The source of international dental graduates seeking licensure in the United States has implications for the licensure process and for the potential accreditation of foreign dental schools.
Sweis
Luciana E
LE
American Dental Association, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
Guay
Albert H
AH
D000068:Accreditation; D003105:Colombia / Q000208:ethnology; D003815:Dentists / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004497:Education, Dental / Q000592:standards*; D004641:Emigration and Immigration / Q000639:trends; D005551:Foreign Professional Personnel / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India / Q000208:ethnology; D008005:Licensure, Dental; D010679:Philippines / Q000208:ethnology; D012575:Schools, Dental / Q000592:standards; D014481:United States