We were united in fighting for the expansion of the RT exam, but we seem to have lost momentum in pressing CDB to hold more RT exams, and to conduct the application in a friendlier way. The latest "file folder" incident is just another episode how CDB treat foreign dentists as second class entities.
I call for others to join me in a writing campaign to CDB, the governor, state assembly members and state senators to rectify this situation. I will make appointments to see my district senator and assembly member, and see what they can do about this. The things I want CDB to improve are:
1) Hold more RT exam a year. At twice a year and 250 examinees per exam, it will take 3 years to give the ~1500 applicants ONE exam. The wait is TOO long. Since the exam will sunset in 2008, there isn't enough time for a second chance for everybody. CDB argues they don't have enough resources to hold more exams, however they have no problem holding 6 licensure exams a year. Currently there is no wait to get onto a licensure exam, but up to 3 years for the RT. This is another example of their discriminatory actions towards foreign trained dentists.
2) Establish a guideline on RT exam priority, and to give out a priority number. This way we can plan our lives, instead of waiting and preparing endlessly for the exam. Right now my wife does not know whether to apply for dental school, or wait up to three years for the RT exam. If she knows she will not get into the November exam, she will make a long overdued trip with our new born baby home. Instead she is practicing everyday in the garage, hoping for a 1 in 6 chance she will be admitted to the RT exam this November.
3) Annouce who are in the exam two months ahead. Not 4 to 6 weeks. This way we can practice more effectively.
4) Get rid of this kind of "file folder" bullsh?t.
Remember only the squeaky wheel gets the grease.
- tengu