International Dentist Program increases school’s diversity
Ever since she came to the U.S. from India nearly seven years ago, Preeti Sastry has wanted to practice dentistry. Though she already has a dental degree from the Vokkaligara Sangha Dental College and Hospital, in order to practice in the United States, she must earn a degree from an accredited school in this country.
“I looked at other schools,” said Preeti, “but kept coming back to VCU.” Her interest in community health led her to the VCU School of Medicine where she earned her Master’s in Public Health degree in 2008. Then, when the School of Dentistry announced plans for an International Dentist’s Program, she thought it sounded like a good fit — and it was.
“The biggest difference I have noticed between dentistry in India and dentistry here in the U.S. is that in this country patients are far more involved in the treatment,” said Preeti. “I like working with older people and hope that when I graduate I can work with people in a rural area of the state.”
This year, she and four other students will begin a unique two-and-a-half year long course of study designed specifically for Virginia residents who are graduates of dental schools outside the U.S. or Canada. This program increases diversity, increases the number of practitioners in the state who can meet the changing demographics of the Commonwealth, and provides opportunity for new immigrants to Virginia to practice dentistry.
Dr. Riki Gottlieb, the program’s director describes this first cohort as bright, talented and highly motivated. The students hail from India (3), Nepal (1), and Colombia (1).
“We had many students qualify for application,” she said. “As word spreads, I think even more people will become interested. There were many good candidates this year, and the admissions committee had some difficult choices. We hope these applicants come back and try again next year.”
Tough application standards put the candidates through their paces. These Virginia residents must be certified graduates of a foreign dental school, have passed part one of the National Boards, have high TOEFL scores. The students had two separate interviews. The first day they were interviewed by three faculty members. The second interview involved cutting teeth in the DentSim lab.
Just the facts
The nation’s racial and ethnic mix will change markedly by mid-century. Immigrants and their descendants will account for 82 percent of the U.S. population growth between the years 2005 and 2050. (Pew Research Center)
American dental schools have offered special training to foreign dentists since the mid-1980s. Currently 30 other schools credential foreign-trained dentists, but VCU’s situation is somewhat different because our applicants must be Virginia residents. These residents pay higher tuition and fees because of the specialized nature of the program and its accelerated pace.
“I tell international students they need to enter into the process with an open mind,” said Dr. Peter Berthold, a veteran director of international programs since 1986, who currently heads up the University of Minnesota’s Program for Advanced Standing Students. “Sometimes they feel like they are starting over,” said Dr. Berthold. “That can be discouraging, but these programs build confidence and give international students a real sense of accomplishment. I tell my students they can say anything they want, except, ‘I quit.'”
Dr. Berthold, who knows VCU program director Dr. Gottlieb from her days at UPenn believes her intellect, sense of humor, and tremendous work ethic will make VCUs program hugely successful.
For more information about VCU School of Dentistry’s International Dentist Program, visit the International Dentist Program Web site.
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