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Becoming a dentist in Canada is a journey, and there’s more than one way to receiving NDEB certification. Obtaining an NDEB certificate demonstrates that you meet the national standard of competence expected of a beginning dental practitioner in Canada and is required to apply for a license with the provincial dental regulatory authority.

Individuals who hold a dental degree from an international dental program recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association, the Australian Dental Council, the Dental Council of Ireland, or the Dental Council of New Zealand are eligible to apply directly for the Certification Process and take the Virtual OSCE.

Graduates of international, non-accredited dental programs have two pathways to choose from: an accredited qualifying or degree completion program, or the NDEB Equivalency Process. Both options lead to eligibility to take the certification exam.

Accredited Qualifying or Degree Completion Programs

The first option is to complete a qualifying or degree completion program offered at an accredited university. These programs are shorter than a four-year DDS/DMD program and are designed to bridge the gap between training received abroad and Canadian educational standards. Many Faculties of Dentistry in Canada and the United States offer these programs. Upon completion of this program an individual can proceed directly to the NDEB Certification Process to take the Virtual OSCE.

The NDEB Equivalency Process
Alternatively, individuals trained in international non-accredited dental programs can pursue the NDEB Equivalency Process. The Equivalency Process provides an opportunity for dentists trained outside of accredited programs to demonstrate their competence without retraining.

The Equivalency Process comprises three examinations which together assess the knowledge, skills, and abilities of dentists trained in international non-accredited dental programs. The examinations are sequential and there are regulations around the number of times a person can take each examination. The exams are primarily offered in Canada, with a few additional locations in Australia and New Zealand. The last exam is only administered at the NDEB test centre in Ottawa, ON.

• The first exam is the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK). This exam uses single answer multiple choice questions to evaluate knowledge in biomedical and applied clinical sciences.
• The second exam is the Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ). This exam assesses problem-solving and decision-making abilities in clinical scenarios, including radiographic interpretation, diagnosis, and treatment planning.
• The last exam is the NDECC which comprises two components. The Clinical Skills component evaluates the ability to perform dental procedures according to current Canadian standards. The Situational Judgment component assesses judgement required for solving problems in work related situations.

Choosing the Right Pathway

Deciding between a university-based program or the Equivalency Process depends on your financial situation, timeline and personal circumstances. Both options are rigorous, but each provides a recognized pathway to practicing in Canada.

To help you understand your options and guide you through the process, we’ve created the video So, You Want to Be a Dentist in Canada, available in our Video library. This resource outlines the certification pathways, what to expect along the way, and provides valuable insights to guide your decision-making.

You can also visit our Are You Considering Canada? webpage for information on what to expect, timelines, and the associated costs.