Challenges Encountered by Immigrant Dentists while Integrating into the Swedish Labour Market

Abstract: Swedish workforce has a shortage of practitioner dentists in 18 regions which is expected to last until 2035 (Hall Hoppe, 2022). At the same time, immigrant dentists face many challenges that delay or prevent their integration into the Swedish labour market. This paper investigates the process of immigrant dentists’ integration into the Swedish labour market, what obstacles they encounter, and in their perception, what are the requirements to facilitate their integration into the Swedish labour market. This research paper followed a qualitative method to achieve its aims. In order to obtain the necessary data to conduct the research, in-depth interviews were performed with immigrant dentists who received their education in countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland. The main empirical findings reveal the need to transform immigrant dentists' human capital. In light of this, immigrant dentists need to choose one of two routes to be eligible to apply for the Swedish dental license, due to the devaluation of their education. Besides the need to master the Swedish language. There is a lack of support provided for the two routes for acquiring the Swedish dental license. The participants clarify that they need more support in both routes. The Knowledge Exams route lacks guidance, materials, and financial support. while the complementary courses route is limited to three cities which makes it challenging forimmigrant dentists to join if they live in a city that does not offer these courses. It also showed the importance of social connections in the licensing process, while it was not essential in the process of obtaining a job. This study informs policymakers and concerned stakeholders about the barriers and challenges immigrant dentists encounter when integrating into the Swedish labour market. Which contributes to making decisions that will help to facilitate immigrantdentists’ integration into the Swedish labour marke.