In a landmark achievement for Caribbean dental professionals, Dr. Derek Marshall from Antigua and Barbuda has made history as the inaugural regional examiner invited to participate in the prestigious National Trinidad Dental Board Examinations. The rigorous two-day assessment, conducted on November 27-28, 2025, represents a significant step toward regional integration in dental certification standards.
The examination process, designed to ensure global standards of dental care, comprises both theoretical and clinical components that candidates must successfully complete. Dr. Marshall joined an elite panel of Trinidadian dental experts with international training backgrounds spanning the United Kingdom, United States, and the University of the West Indies system.
The clinical evaluations followed a structured format: Day 1 focused on endodontics (root canal procedures) and fixed prosthodontics (crowns and bridges), while Day 2 assessed candidates’ skills in restorative dentistry (fillings) and periodontics (deep scaling and root planing). This comprehensive testing approach ensures that successful candidates meet the stringent requirements for registration and licensure in multiple jurisdictions.
Candidates from Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados participated in the examination session, with final results to be formally announced by the Dental Council of Trinidad and Tobago following thorough evaluation.
Dr. Marshall brings exceptional qualifications to this role. A Temple University (USA) graduate, he currently practices as a senior practitioner at Dental Care Clinic in St. John’s, Antigua. His distinguished career includes 24 years of service as District Dental Officer within the Ministry of Health (1993-2017), and he currently holds the position of Senior Dental Consultant within the same ministry.
Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Marshall holds leadership roles as Chairman of the Antigua and Barbuda Medical Registration Board and serves as Vice President of the Antigua and Barbuda Dental Association, having previously served as its President.
In response to this honor, Dr. Marshall expressed gratitude to the Dental Council of Trinidad and Tobago for his selection, while also acknowledging the support from the Ministry of Health and Wellness, Environment & Civil Service for enabling his participation. He further credited his colleagues in both private and public practice for their unwavering support in advancing professional standards across the region.