Dr. Janak Discusses His Path from BDS in India to DDS in Canada (Part I)

Dr. Janak Harish Kumar: Hello, I'm Janak Harish Kumar. I earned my Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) from Government Dental College in Chennai and hold a Master of Public Health (MPH) from Western University in Canada. I'm currently advancing my studies with a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) at the University of Toronto.

Dr. Janak Harish Kumar: My journey into dentistry started pretty close to home—literally. It began with my grandmother, who had a lot of dental problems. Watching her struggle to eat and handle everyday tasks really opened my eyes to the importance of dental health. It wasn't just about teeth; it was about quality of life. That experience put me on the path to dentistry. Now, years later, as I meet different patients every day, each with their own unique challenges—whether it's pain, cosmetic issues, or functional needs—I find real satisfaction in making a difference. Helping someone eat without pain or smile with confidence reminds me why I chose this career. Every day brings new challenges, but also new opportunities to change lives for the better.

Dr. Janak Harish Kumar: During my undergrad at Government Dental College in Chennai, I had a daily ritual: I'd walk by the main hall and glance at the patient count displayed on the board. It was always an eye-opener, with numbers typically hovering between 1,100 and 1,300 patients a day. Those figures initially overwhelmed me but soon became the impetus for a shift in my thinking about dentistry. I started questioning how I could make a broader impact beyond the individual patient level. This curiosity led me to discover the field of population health, which considers not just the individual's oral health, but also how it's influenced by other parts of the body and external environmental factors. This broader perspective drove me to pursue further education in Canada. I wanted to explore how I could integrate this holistic approach into my practice, so I moved to Canada to pursue a Master of Public Health and then a Doctor of Dental Surgery. This journey has been about transitioning from focusing on individual health to embracing a population-based health approach. It has also reshaped my understanding of what dentistry can achieve.

Dr. Janak Harish Kumar: I was fortunate to gain admission to Government Dental College (GDC) in Chennai, which is considered one of the best colleges in India in terms of patient exposure and clinical experience due to the high patient footfall. This extensive clinical exposure allowed me to hone my practical skills early on. Additionally, the college emphasized building strong theoretical knowledge, encouraging us to read extensively from standard dentistry textbooks. This combination of robust clinical experience and a solid theoretical foundation was vital in helping me understand the basics of dentistry and prepared me well for my venture into the DDS program in Canada.

Dr. Janak Harish Kumar: One of the most crucial steps in transitioning from India to Canada for dental education is to start early, especially for those still in dental school. It's important to first determine if pursuing dentistry abroad aligns with your career goals. Maintaining high grades is essential. I began exploring opportunities in dentistry in the USA and Canada during my third year of BDS. By my final year, I focused heavily on maintaining a strong GPA. During my internship, I dedicated most of my time to outreach work, volunteering, and community service. I also collaborated with professors to publish several research articles. To be eligible for DDS admissions in Canada, one must be a permanent resident (PR) or a citizen. Depending on one’s situation, you can enter Canada as a student and transition to PR status or arrive as a PR directly. I decided on Canada after receiving an acceptance offer from Western University’s public health program, something I was very passionate about. I moved to Canada as a student and eventually obtained PR status.

Dr. Janak Harish Kumar: Before enrolling in the DDS program in Canada, I completed a one-year Master of Public Health program from Western University. I also took the NDEB-AFK course from Prep Doctors and self-studied for the ADAT. Additionally, I took coaching for IELTS and university interview preparation. These courses and programs helped me prepare thoroughly for the necessary entrance exams.

Dr. Janak Harish Kumar: Before enrolling in the DDS program in Canada, I completed my degree in public health. I then started as a research assistant at the Human Environments Analysis Laboratory (HEAL) for a month, working on a project investigating vaping among school children in Canada, continuing from my practicum placement. Seeking more direct person-to-person communication, which is essential in dentistry, I then worked as a Community Health Ambassador at PCHS, a non-profit organization focused on improving community health in the South Asian population in Canada. During this time, I was also studying and taking numerous exams, so my job experiences were somewhat limited.

Dr. Janak Harish Kumar: To enroll in the DDS program in Canada, I took the NDEB-AFK, ADAT, and IELTS exams. While most universities now primarily require the ADAT, they all mandate the IELTS or a similar English competency exam. Some institutions also require clinical exams as part of the admission process. I scored 86/100 in the AFK, and 700/800 in the ADAT exam, with 800/800 in biomedical sciences, 610/800 in clinical sciences, and 680/800 in statistics.

Dr. Janak Harish Kumar: Navigating the process of researching and deciding on dental schools in Canada for my DDS was relatively straightforward because there are only seven schools offering international dentist programs. I started by making an Excel sheet to track each school's requirements, deadlines, and whether they required clinical exams. Since each school has different deadlines, it was crucial to research thoroughly and plan the application process meticulously. Missing a deadline could mean waiting an entire year to reapply, so staying organized and informed was key to successfully managing the application process.

The transition from deciding to pursue a DDS after completing my BDS to actually enrolling in the DDS program came with several challenges. First, the application process was rigorous and required careful planning and organization, especially since there are limited schools in Canada offering international dentist programs. Each school had different requirements and deadlines, which meant I had to stay on top of every detail to avoid missing any critical dates. Secondly, preparing for and scoring really well on the necessary exams, such as the NDEB-AFK, ADAT, and IELTS, was demanding. This involved a significant amount of self-study and dedication to meet the high standards required for acceptance into the program. The financial aspect was another significant challenge. The costs associated with applications, exams, and tuition were substantial, and I did not take any scholarships or financial aid. This required careful financial planning and budgeting to manage the expenses involved in the process. Additionally, adapting to a new country and its educational system required me to adjust to different teaching styles and expectations. Balancing these academic demands while settling into a new environment and culture added another layer of complexity to the transition. Despite these challenges, my determination and the support from my family and mentors helped me navigate this journey successfully.