(PO-160) Novel 12-Month Accelerated Dental Hygiene Program for Internationally Trained Dentists

Author: Dianne Sefo, M.Ed. – Clinical Associate Professor, Department Chair, NYU College of Dentistry
Author: Lisa B. Stefanou, M.P.H. – Clinical Associate Professor, Director, NYU College of Dentistry
Submitter: Dianne Sefo, M.Ed. – Clinical Associate Professor, Department Chair, NYU College of Dentistry

There are educated international dentists who have an interest in providing preventive oral health services in the United States as dental hygienists. Dental hygiene students are prepared to perform competently in providing preventive and therapeutic patient oral health care. A 12-month advanced standing dental hygiene program would provide an additional option for this population to practice in an oral healthcare team, allowing qualified international dentists who seek to obtain a degree in dental hygiene in a shortened period of time by building on their previous knowledge and training.

Methods: Upon successful completion of a rigorous admissions process, which includes an extensive transfer credit review, passing score on the Integrated National Board Dental Examination (INBDE), TOEFL score of a 100 or higher, established U.S. residency, and clinical competency practicum, full admission is offered to the applicant for the advanced standing track. The student then proceeds to course work in the summer, fall, and spring to graduate in the one-year program length in May. Outcomes: Six qualified applicants were accepted in 2020 and another six in 2021. Average cumulative GPA for the 2021 graduates advanced standing students was a 3.76, with two students inducted into Sigma Phi Alpha, Psi Chapter. In comparison to the traditional dental hygiene student in the program, the advanced standing students were on par or excelled with their classmates in both didactic and clinical courses.

Conclusion: With an extensive admissions process and clinical practicum experience, internationally trained dentists can demonstrate competency in the basic skills of dental hygiene. An accelerated 12-month degree track within a dental hygiene program for advanced students creates a path for dentists with international dental degrees who want to pursue careers in dental hygiene.