FACULTY CALENDAR 2021-22

International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) 

For prospective students

Find out more about the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) in our prospective students area.

Note: The regulations in the Academic Rules and Regulations section of this Calendar apply to students in the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program.

Admission information

The International Dentist Advanced Placement Program is a special university program held over six months. After successful completion of this program students are admitted into and fully integrated into the third year of our four year Doctor of Dental Surgery Program, leading to a degree. The program is intended for graduates of non-accredited dental programs, i.e. educational programs that have not been recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) or the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation. Upon successful completion of the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program, the third year and fourth year of the DDS program and the NDEB examinations, the candidate will be eligible for licensure/ registration as a dentist. Once admitted into the third year of the DDS program, the rules of the DDS program apply.

The following admission guidelines apply to all applicants. Please consult the Faculty of Dentistry website for complete information at:  www.dentistry.utoronto.ca.

To be eligible for admission into the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program applicants must:

  • Have completed a minimum four-year University dental program, not recognized by the CDAC.
  • Achieve a minimum overall grade point average of 3.0 (4.0 scale) for all dental coursework.
  • Be a Canadian citizen or have permanent residency status in Canada by the July 2nd application    deadline. International Students are not eligible to apply to this program. 
  • As English is the primary language of instruction and communication at the University of Toronto,               applicants must demonstrate an adequate level of proficiency in English, regardless of their          citizenship status or country of origin. Applicants from universities outside Canada where English is               not the primary language of instruction must provide results of an English language proficiency examination as part of their application. Tests must have been taken within the last 24 months at    the time of submission of their application. Acceptable proof of English facility must be submitted by the application deadline (July 2). Official test scores must be sent by the testing agency directly    to the University of Toronto. Our institution code is 0982. The following tests are recognized:
  1. Test of English as a Foreign (TOEFL): The Minimum requirement is TOEFL PBT - total score              600 + 5.0 on TWE and for TOEFL IBT - total score 100 + 22 on Writing.
  2. Michigan English Language Assessment Battery (MELAB): The minimum requirement is an                 overall score of 85, with no part below 80.
  3. International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic Module: The minimum requirement is an overall band of 6.5, with no band below 6.0.
  4. The Certificate of Proficiency in English (COPE): The minimum requirement is an overall score of 86, with 32 in Writing and 22 in each of the Reading and Listening sections.
  5. Academic Preparation ESL, School of Continuing Studies, University of Toronto: The          minimum requirement is a grade of 'B' at the 60/Advanced level.
  • Write the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) Examination administered by the           National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) prior to the July 2nd  application deadline, and            to arrange for their results to be forwarded directly to the Admissions Office. The AFK exam must    have been taken within the last three years at the time submission of your application. To register      for the AFK exam contact:

                The National Dental Examining Board of Canada

                80 Elgin Street, 2nd Floor
                Ottawa, ON
                K1P 6R2

                Telephone: (613) 236-5912
                Email: info@ndeb-bned.ca
                Web site: https://ndeb-bned.ca/en/non-accredited

How to apply

To apply

Visit the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) in our prospective students area.

To apply to the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program you must complete the online application form from the Faculty of Dentistry website. In addition to the online application form the following documents must be received by the July 2nd application deadline:

  • Non-refundable application service fee of $ 275.00 CDN payable to the University of Toronto. Payment may be made by credit card, bank draft, or money order. We do not accept personal checks or cash.
  • Proof of citizenship (if applicable), i.e. Canadian citizenship or permanent resident status (photocopy only). This document can be mailed directly, faxed to: (416) 979-4944 or sent via e-mail to: admissions@dentistry.utoronto.ca.
  • Proof of English facility (if applicable) sent directly by the testing agency to the University of Toronto. 
  • A notarized copy of your dental school diploma accompanied by a notarized English translation, if applicable.
  • A notarized copy of your dental school marks accompanied by a notarized English translation, if applicable.
  • A photocopy of your NDEB Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge Exam results.
  • Applicants who are submitting documents in a name other than that shown on the application must submit proof of name change with the application. A notarized copy of one of the following is   acceptable: marriage certificate or Change-of-Name Order issued by an Ontario Court Judge, or by another court of competent jurisdiction.
  • Letter of extenuating circumstances (if applicable) to assist in the assessment of your qualifications.This letter should not exceed 750 words.

Admission documents need to be mailed to the following address:

Admissions Office
Faculty of Dentistry
124 Edward Street, Room 104
Toronto, ON M5G 1G6, Canada

Interviews

By the end of September each year shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview based on their potential as shown by their academic achievement and AFK scores. Those not invited for an interview will be informed at this time as well. The interviews are held on one weekend at the end of October each year.

Selection and Notification of Applicants

The selection of applicants is made by the Undergraduate Admission Committee that reports directly to the Council of the Faculty of Dentistry. The criteria for selection are established by the Admission Committee and approved by Faculty Council. Final offers for admission to the IDAPP program will be made to selected members of this group of interviewed applicants and will be based upon academic achievement, AFK scores and the results of the interview process. In making its decisions the Committee takes all of this information into consideration. In mid-November, interviewed applicants will be notified by e-mail of the decision made by the Committee with respect to their application. The decision of the Faculty of Dentistry concerning admission into the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program is final. No appeal mechanism exists.

Applicants who have previously failed in university education

Applicants who have been required to withdraw by a dental school for academic or other reasons will normally be ineligible for admission to the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program.

Transfer within Canada

Requests for transfer from other Advanced Standing Programs will not be accepted.

Applicants with a communicable disease

All Faculty of Dentistry students are expected to be in a state of health such that they may participate in the academic program, including patient care, without posing a risk to themselves or to others. Students with a communicable disease may pursue their studies only as long as their continued involvement does not pose a health or safety hazard to themselves or others. Such a health or safety hazard, if protracted, may preclude them from participation in clinical work essential to the satisfactory completion of their program of study. The health status of all students shall remain confidential.  Registration status for HBV Carriers remains CONDITIONAL until the Expert Panel on Infectious Diseases reviews their case.

Counselling

All incoming students will have the opportunity of orientation counselling to discuss student services, financial assistance, enrolment procedures, housing and other concerns. Appointments may be arranged through the Admissions Office.

Admission deposit

A $2000 CDN non-refundable deposit will be required from each applicant granted admission. It will be applied to the fees providing he/she register.

Regulations Governing the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program

The program and degree regulations given in Section 2 of this calendar apply to the International Dentist

Advanced Placement Program in Dentistry with the substitution of ‘International Dentist Advanced Placement Program’ for ‘DDS program’ and the appropriate reduction in the number of years. However,

items 3, 4, 9 , 12 13 do not apply; appropriate versions of these sections follow.

First Aid course and CPR

Students registering in the International Dentist Advanced Placement program are required to obtain certification of satisfactory completion of (a) a Canadian Red Cross Society or St. John Ambulance course in First Aid (or its equivalent) and (b) a CPR Basic Rescuer course before they may register in the IDAPP program. The CPR course must have been completed within the past two years.  All students must present evidence of recertification in the CPR Basic Rescuer course by the last day of classes in 4th year. Certificates verifying completion of such courses must be submitted to the Student Services Office by the last day of classes in the 4th year of the program. The Faculty of Dentistry does not offer instruction in these courses as part of the D.D.S. program.

Courses

Students will take all courses and examinations of the program at the times set by the Faculty and under the direction of the Faculty staff.

The courses of the curriculum are divided into two categories - didactic, which includes all lectures and some laboratory and clinical/preclinical.  Clinical comprises the preclinical laboratory courses (Restorative Dentistry, Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry and Prosthodontics) and all clinical work in Third and Fourth Years.ll courses involving technical procedures must be completed in the Faculty laboratories under the direction of the staff in accordance with the regulations laid down by the programs concerned.

Exemptions

No exemptions from courses will be permitted to students registered in the International Dentist Advanced Placement program.

Supplemental examinations

Clinical courses in Third and Fourth Years do not have supplemental privileges, except for the Clinical Comprehensive Care Program oral and written examinations. For all other courses, students who fail a course have the privilege of a supplemental examination. A supplemental examination is defined as a special examination for students who have failed a course, and is graded "Pass" or "Fail".

Students are permitted no more than two supplemental examinations in the International Dentist Advanced Placement program.

Consequences of failure to obtain standing

Academic Standing is assessed at the end of the academic year. Students who fail to obtain academic standing by having failed more than two subjects or by having failed one or more supplemental examinations, before advancing to the D.D.S. program, will be required to repeat all courses of the failed program in which the student did not receive a grade of A- in the first attempt.

Any student who fails to achieve academic standing on two occasions shall be refused further registration in the Faculty.

The University of Toronto IPE Curriculum/ Program

Interprofessional Education (IPE) occurs when students from two or more professions learn about, from and each other to enable effective collaboration and improve health outcomes. Dental students interact with ten other health professional programs (medical radiation sciences, medicine, nursing, occupational therapy, pharmacy, physician’s assistants, kinesiology and physical education, physical therapy, social work and speech-language pathology) in mandatory and elective activities focused on the development of specific values and core competencies. The knowledge, skills, behaviours and attitudes developed through the IPE curriculum/program will enable students to provide collaborative patient/client-centered care in an interprofessional context.

There is one mandatory IPE learning activity during the IDAPP program – “Conflict in Interprofessional Life”, IDAPP student can also sign up for IPE electives from the IPE calendar. Any electives taken during IDAPP will count towards the students IPE activities during 3rd and 4th year of the DDS program.

Certificate of Registration for Dental Practice

Please refer to this topic in the  DDS section of the calendar.

Promotion

Following successful completion of the program students will be invited to register into the third year of the D.D.S. program.

 

International Dentist Advanced Placement Program Curriculum

 

Course No.              Course Title                                                       Lecture       Seminar        Laboratory       Clinic          Total            Course

 

Hours

Hours

Hours

Hours

Hours

Weights

DPP105H1

Biomaterials

23

0

0

0

23

0.25

DPP111H1

Dental Public Health

46

0

0

0

46

0.50

DPP123H1

Biological Basis of Oral Health/Disease

30

0

0

0

30

0.25

DPP128H1

Periodontics

23

0

0

30

53

0.50

DPP132H1

Pharmacology

32

0

0

0

32

0.25

DPP138Y1

Prosthodontics

30

0

    37

36

87

0.50

DPP141H1

Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

14

0

0

4

18

0.00

DPP144Y1

Restorative Dentistry (preclinical)

0

0

0

   123.5

   123.5

0.50

DPP165H1

Restorative Dentistry (didactic)

    32.5

0

0

0

   32.5

0.25

DPP200H1

Anaesthesia

14

0

5

5

24

0.25

DPP202H1

Communication Skills

0

6

0

0

6

Pass/Fail

DPP208H1

Endodontics

    30.5

0

54

0

   84.5

0.50

DPP219H1

Medicine and pathology

21

0

0

0

21

0.25

DPP222H1

Orthodontics

16

28

0

28

72

0.50

DPP223H1

Pediatric Dentistry

14

0

     19.5

0

  33.5

0.25

DPP249H1

Ethics, Professionalism, Law I

0

   10**

0

0

10

Pass/Fail

DPP356Y1

Oral Diagnosis and Oral Medicine

     22.5

12

0

18

52.5

0.00

Total Hours

 

342.5

46

78.5

279.5

756.5

5.00

 

Course Descriptions: International Dentist Advanced Placement Program

The International Dentist Advanced Placement Program is an intense six months preclinical program. This period includes a series of lectures in a selected group of Clinical Science and Biological and Diagnostic Science subjects.

DPP105H1 Biomaterials

The lectures are designed to provide background knowledge of dental materials science that is required to understand how chemistry and structure of materials affect their physical and mechanical properties, and clinical application and performance. They also include a comprehensive review of the relationship between dental materials  structure, properties, performance, and biocompatibility.

Y. FINER, STAFF

DPP111H1 Dental Public Health

In this course students will study Canada’s oral health and learn the principles of evidence-based health care. The course will include epidemiological concepts and the strength of study designs, the epidemiology of dental conditions in Canada and the determinants of oral health, descriptions of the Canadian health and dental care delivery systems, and an overview of current issues in dental health care in Canada. In a second section students will learn the principles of clinical epidemiology and then work in small groups to complete an evidence- based report on a selected topic. Please refer to DEN207H1 Dental Public Health II for further information on the second section of this course.

A. AZARPAZHOOH, STAFF

DPP123H1 Biological Basis of Oral Health and Disease

This review course is designed to provide the incoming international dentist with a review of the current knowledge on oral health and disease mechanisms. Since research in this area is proceeding rapidly, guest lecturers, most of whom are clinicians, are asked to provide the students with a brief review of the basic mechanisms of health and disease. They are also asked to bring students up to date regarding how far various scientific fields relating to oral health and disease have advanced.

There are 14 lectures on topics ranging from the histology of soft tissues, the biochemistry of mineralized tissues, oral bacterial ecology, immunity, and oral physiology. Upon completion of the course, students will have an understanding of the basic concepts that will help them prepare for the other didactic courses in the IDAPP.

G. KULKARNI, STAFF
 

DPP128H1 - Periodontics

The didactic lecture series centers on the pathogenesis, pathology, diagnosis and approaches to therapy for the various periodontal diseases. The preclinical module teaches the fundamental skills in scaling technique, instrumentation and instrument sharpening. In the clinical component students exam, chart, diagnose, treatment plan patients and also perform scaling, root planing and oral hygiene instruction.

R. GHILZON, STAFF
 

DPP132H1 Pharmacology

This course provides an up to date focus on the principles of pharmacology and selected systems and topics relevant to the therapeutic management of patients in dental practice. Topics include autonomics, respiratory, cardiovascular, central nervous system, antimicrobials, anticoagulants, pain management and drug regulations in Canada. Clinically relevant case studies are included and students have an opportunity to work in small groups.

J. LANÇA, STAFF

DPP138Y1 Prosthodontics

This course take into consideration that students have prior experience in prosthodontics. The course consists of a didactic component and a preclinical practical component carried-out on manikins and stone models. The overall goals are to maximize students' knowledge and understanding of the multiple dimensions of  prosthodontics and the restoration of oral functions, and build their clinical skills, professional behaviour and attitude that are required for successful treatment of paitents in subsequent years. The course covers aspects of fixed and removable prosthodontics including diagnostic procedures, treatment planning and technical solutions for patients who require replacement of missing teeth and the restoration of function with fixed and/or removable prostheses including, acrylic and cast removable partial dentures, conventional and implant-supported complete dentures, short-span conventional fixed prostheses and single implant-supported crowns. Students will learn principles of treatment planning and the application of biomechanical principles in prostheses design, taking into consideration physiological factors and potential risks and benefits to each individual patient. Students must attend all lectures, laboratory and clinical sessions, and must come prepared to all laboratory sessions. Knowledge and clinical competency of students are tested via written quizzes and tests, and practical exam and assignments.

L. AVIVI-ARBER, STAFF

DPP141H1 Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology

Lectures and seminars introduce the student to the principles of radiation physics and hygiene, biology, radiographic imaging modalities, technique and the interpretation of normal anatomy and its variations, including common diseases affecting the teeth and jaws. Clinical sessions provide students with the opportunity to learn and practice intra-oral imaging techniques incorporating infection control protocol, utilizing the two digital imaging systems (CMOS and Photostimulable Phosphor receptors). Radiographic interpretation is introduced reinforcing lecture material.

M. CASH, STAFF

DPP144Y1/DPP165H1 Restorative Dentistry

This course consists of two components, a didactic component and a practical (preclinical) component. The objectives of this course are to review current restorative treatment principles and procedures with

the participants and ensure that they are at the level of competency required before they can treat patients on the clinical floor. The course covers all the aspects of cavity preparation and restoration for both the direct and indirect techniques (both intra- and extracoronal). It involves reviewing methods of diagnosis of initial and recurrent caries and introducing state of the art management regimes and procedures for carious- and endodontically-treated teeth. For the practical component of this course a clinical stimulation set-up is used in order to optimize proximity to the real situation. Teaching in the laboratory is conducted in small groups of participants (no larger than 8) each allocated to one instructor.

At the culmination of this course, participants are expected to have reached a competency level in both didactic and preclinical restorative dentistry to enable them to proceed to patient treatment on the clinical floor. Participant must pass examinations in both the didactic and practical components of this course independently.

O. EL-MOWAFY, STAFF

DPP200H1 Anaesthesia

The courses in anaesthesia extend from second through the third and fourth dental years. They cover aspects of pain control and patient management in order to provide the dental student with the knowledge and skills needed to render the conscious patient freedom from pain and apprehension.

The objectives of the course in second year are to provide the students with the in-depth pharmacology of those local anaesthetics and vasoconstrictors used in dentistry, as well as the ability to technically administer these drugs and achieve local anaesthesia. The first part of the course discusses the detailed specific injection techniques covering all forms of intra-oral anaesthesia for dentistry in the mandible and maxilla, their complications, and the required armamentarium. Students then practice these injection techniques on each other in the clinic. The second part provides an in-depth discussion of the pharmacology of local anaesthetics.

P. NKANSAH, STAFF

DPP208H1 Endodontics

This course offers the student didactic and preclinical experiences designed to establish the student’s basic knowledge of the nature, the diagnosis and the treatment of pulpal and periapical disease.  The didactic and preclinical courses are given during the winter and spring terms.   The goal of this course is to acquire knowledge and preclinical skills equal to those of second year DDS students.

The didactic component commences with an overview of the endodontic disease and associated therapies. Later it provides more comprehensive review of the Pulpal and periapical physiology, pathology and diagnosis of healthy and diseased endodontium. A portion of the course is dedicated to the understanding, prevention and treatment of the Endodontic emergencies and Traumatic injuries of the teeth. The preclinical component is mostly directed towards preparing the student to perform basic clinical endodontic procedures prior to entering the clinics in third year.

 P.CHERKAS, STAFF

DPP219H1 Medicine and Pathology

The course is designed to provide basic knowledge of common medical conditions, reviewing the etiology, pathogenesis, pathologic and clinical features of each condition. The purpose of the course is to understand the pathologic basis of the medical condition, how it may impact the patient’s health, how the illness presents clinically at the bedside, and to develop an approach to treating patients with chronic medical conditions. The relevance of these conditions on the practice of dentistry is emphasized throughout the course. The course builds upon content learned in Basic Disease Mechanisms and Pharmacology, but provides a more clinical perspective. The lectures are complemented with three problem-based learning seminars revolving around real-life scenarios that may be seen in dental practice. 

D. CHUGH, STAFF

DPP222H1 Orthodontics

This course consists of a series of lectures, aiming at familiarizing the students with the material taught in the 2nd DDS year. During this preclinical phase students review basic orthodontic concepts such as cephalometrics, model analysis, and basic aspects of orthodontic treatment that they will use in their diagnosis, treatment planning and patient treatment in the ensuing two years.

S. SURI, STAFF

DPP223H1 Pediatric Dentistry

This course consists of a didactic and clinical component which is designed to introduce the student to the fundamental principles and philosophies as they pertain to dentistry for children in order to prepare the students for entry into the Clinical Core Program in Pediatric Dentistry. The didactic component will include lectures and laboratory sessions on restorative dentistry for the primary dentition. The didactic component will include a basic overview of dentistry for children including early childhood care and prevention, development of the occlusion, introduction of the child to the clinic which includes information on the administration of local anesthesia, application of rubber dam, and intra oral radiography.

P. ANDREWS, STAFF

DPP356Y1 Oral Diagnosis and Oral Medicine

A course of lectures, seminars and clinical sessions introduce the student to a system of diagnosis of dental and oral disease. Emphasis is placed on methods of history taking, examination, patient evaluation and management.  This will include the evaluation and management of healthy patients as well as those with a wide variety of co-existing medical disorders.  Students will learn the impact of medical conditions on treatment planning and provision of dental care.   This course begins in IDAPP, and continues in Third Year.

K. BURGESS, STAFF