For Dr. Soumya Jain, the road to dentistry in Canada wasn’t just about obtaining a license—it was a journey marked by cultural shifts, academic rigor, and an unwavering dedication to fulfilling a dream.
Born in India, Soumya Jain, with her family emigrated to Canada in 2001, settling in Richmond, British Columbia (BC), drawn by opportunities for her parents’ business and the promise of a temperate climate. Despite building a life in BC, Soumya chose to return to India to pursue her dental education after high school—a decision that shaped both her professional and personal growth.
Dr. Jain earned her Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) in 2014 from B.V.P.D.C.H in Pune, India. Studying dentistry in India offered her a unique advantage: an intensive, hands-on program that included four years of didactic education followed by a year-long clinical internship. This strong practical component allowed her to gain extensive experience early in her career. She practiced in rural India and at a private clinic in Pune, focusing on raising oral health awareness and providing care to underserved communities— a commitment to improving access to care that continues to define her work today.
Despite her years of hands-on training in India, Dr. Jain faced significant hurdles in re-qualifying to practice in Canada. Without a reciprocal licensing system, she had to complete the rigorous National Dental Examining Board (NDEB) equivalency program—a series of five exams testing both her clinical and academic expertise—which she successfully passed in 2016 to earn her Canadian credentials.
After earning her Canadian license, Dr. Jain joined a busy dental clinic in a local Richmond mall, where she has worked as a full-time associate for the last eight years. Although she initially had no plans to purchase the clinic, her perspective shifted over time. She built a strong patient base and earned the trust of the practice’s owner, who increasingly gave her leadership opportunities in patient care. After opening negotiations in December 2024, Dr. Jain is now exploring joining the practice as a partner—a significant milestone in her career.
The clinic operates seven days a week, serving a diverse and growing patient population. However, balancing a high-volume practice with personal well-being has been a challenge. Over the past year, Dr. Jain reduced her workweek to four days, prioritizing her mental and physical health. She describes this change as transformative. As she prepares to step into her new role, she’s grateful for the support of a strong team of associates and remains focused on fostering a collaborative and patient-centered environment.
For many foreign-trained dentists, the journey to practicing in Canada can feel isolating. Classmates aren’t always in the same city, and the lack of a familiar professional network can be daunting. While technology has eased some of this isolation, there’s still no substitute for in-person connections. Dr. Jain tackled this challenge by actively building a professional support system. She joined numerous study clubs, found a mentor whose values aligned with hers, and attended small evening lectures. Over time, she grew a community of like-minded professionals she could lean on and consult with. Now, as an established dentist, she pays that support forward. "When I meet younger dentists, I always tell them, 'Shoot me an email—just ask. I’m always willing to lend a hand or an ear.'" This commitment to excellence extends beyond her technical skills—she’s also a mentor and resource for younger dentists, offering guidance and support to those navigating the challenges of foreign credentialing and early practice.
Dr. Jain’s dedication to lifelong learning is evident in her pursuit of continuing dental education, particularly in the area of cosmetic dentistry. She’s passionate about creating beautiful, functional smiles and takes pride in delivering results that boost her patients’ confidence.
Beyond her clinical work, Dr. Jain stays deeply engaged with the dental community. She volunteers at a non-profit dental clinic in East Vancouver, continuing her commitment to improving oral health awareness and access to care. She’s also an active member of CDSPI’s Advisory Panel, where she connects with dentists from across Canada, sharing experiences and ideas that help strengthen the profession. These opportunities for collaboration and mentorship have been instrumental in combating the isolation that can sometimes happen with foreign-trained dentists.
As Dr. Jain navigates this pivotal phase of her life, financial planning has become increasingly important. With a condo in Richmond, an upcoming wedding, and her new dental partnership arrangement, balancing personal and professional financial obligations requires careful strategy. Rising interest rates and the demands of business ownership add to the complexity, making sound financial decisions essential for long-term stability and growth.
In the midst of these life changes, Dr. Jain remains focused on providing exceptional patient care. The introduction of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) has brought an influx of new patients, many of whom haven’t received regular dental care in years. Addressing their complex needs within the plan’s coverage limits has been challenging, but Dr. Jain sees it as an opportunity to educate patients about the importance of consistent oral health maintenance.
As she prepares to take on the added responsibilities as a partner at her practice, Dr. Soumya Jain remains committed to delivering exceptional care, mentoring the next generation of dentists, and building a thriving, patient-focused clinic. Her journey reflects not only the challenges faced by foreign-trained professionals but also the rewards of perseverance, adaptability, and a deep-rooted commitment to making a difference in people’s lives.