Evaluating the Migration Motives and Post-Migration Experiences of Iranian Dental Graduates Who Migrate to Ontario, Canada

Abstract

Many healthcare professionals from lower-income countries seek to improve their circumstances by immigrating to higher-income countries. However, successfully integrating into these different socio-cultural environments can be a challenge and, as a result, the skills these individuals bring may be underutilized. While substantial research around immigration experiences of physicians and nurses appear in the literature, little is known about the experiences of dentists. This study explored the migration motives and post-migration experiences of Iranian dentists living and working in Ontario, Canada. The intention was to identify potential barriers and facilitators of their integration in order to identify practical solutions to improve their experiences. Following a qualitative approach, eleven personal interviews were conducted through the Zoom platform. A semi-structured interview guide consisting of two main areas of migration motivation and post-migration integration was used. Interviews were conducted in English and thematically analyzed through Dedoose software. Socio-political and economic issues, including poor governance, political repression, currency devaluation, and incompatible social ethos were the main reasons behind Iranian dentists migrating to Canada. Canada’s multicultural friendly environment, along with peace and stability, were reported as the major pull factors of migration. However, participants experienced significant challenges, especially in terms of integrating into Canadian society and the process of having the equivalency of their dental education evaluated. These barriers were categorized into two main themes, including “socio-cultural” and “institutional” problems. Language barriers, tough and stressful equivalency examinations, and lack of familiarity with the Canadian dental system were key issues. However, ethnic networks, family supports, and examination preparation courses were identified as mitigating factors that facilitated a more positive migration experience. Findings reveal that Iranian dentists and their families are stressed both financially and emotionally, mainly throughout the dental qualifications equivalency process; many applicants are unsuccessful in having their qualifications recognized or at least in a reasonable time period. The skills they bring are therefore not benefiting either themselves or Canada. Meanwhile, it appears that a systematic and institutionalized bias against foreign-trained dentists, including Iranian dentists, makes the process even more difficult. Regulatory college and board examinations may intentionally or unintentionally serve to limit foreign-trained dentists’ access to practicing for several reasons including racial attitudes or saving jobs for Canadian trained dentists. Several recommendations to improve the situation are identified. The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) needs to revise its strategy by enhancing information about the equivalency and licensing process while providing information about mental health supports and financial aids for international applicants. Shadowing program opportunities and general orientation courses for international dentists could help International Dental Graduates’ (IDGs) to learn about dental system and practice dentistry in Canada.