country, and evaluating how effectively they help identify candidates who will succeed not just academically, but as future contributors to oral health in Canada.” Gingras says that CDA is passionate about listening to the dental schools, learning where their challenges are and exploring how CDA can better support them. “Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that our admissions tools continue to evolve in step with the profession, so we’re helping to select a workforce that is capable, diverse and aligned with the needs of the population,” she says. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that our admissions tools continue to evolve in step with the profession, so we’re helping to select a workforce that is capable, diverse and aligned with the needs of the population. The conference morning sessions framed the current landscape, with speakers from McGill, University of Montreal and the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada outlining both the opportunities and persistent challenges in admissions processes. A segment on “problem areas” unpacked ethical and practical questions—ranging from marginalized population groups who are underrepresented among dental students and the dental profession to evolving assessment tools—sparking lively discussion among attendees. Participants also reflected on the growing pressures facing admissions committees as competition for limited seats intensifies, with some schools receiving hundreds of qualified applications for only a few dozen seats. Discussions explored how schools can evaluate applicants more holistically and equitably, looking beyond traditional academic metrics such as GPA to better assess qualities and competencies linked to long-term success in the profession. Emerging research presented at the conference also challenged some assumptions in admissions, including questions around the predictive value of manual dexterity testing, with some evidence suggesting that technical skills can be developed and refined through training. Breakout groups offered an opportunity to move from theory to practice, with participants exchanging ideas and identifying priorities for future research and collaboration. “The conference was an excellent opportunity to hear perspectives from across the country and have some very thoughtful, forward-looking discussions about admissions,” says Dr. Paul Allison, professor in the Faculty of Dental Medicine & Oral Health Sciences at McGill University and executive director of ACFD, which co‑hosted the conference with CDA. Dr. Allison says that a number of important ideas emerged that resonated with a broad range of attendees that he spoke with. “Collaborating nationally on admissions, we have an opportunity to reduce duplication, improve consistency and, ultimately, make the work of admissions at each dental school more efficient and more effective in selecting a more diverse range of excellent candidates,” he says. “I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to pursue more research in collaboration with CDA, as there’s a clear appetite among the schools to continue exploring these areas together.” CDSAAT met virtually in July 2026 to continue its work, and an in-person meeting is planned for 2027 in Ottawa. Group discussions among educators, administrators and students. 9 Issue 4 | 2026 | CDA at Work
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