Our Mission, Setting the Standard for Dental Competence in Canada
The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) is responsible for establishing the minimal competency of a beginning dentists in Canada.
This national standard confirms that all dentists, regardless of where they were educated, demonstrate the same level of competence before being licensed to provide safe, effective dental care to Canadians.
Examinations That Support Canadians Safety
We contribute to the oral health of Canadians by providing a fair, valid and reliable evaluation of competence for the certification of dentists.
We develop, administer, and grade examinations designed to confirm that all individuals applying for licensure as dentists in Canada have met the national standard of competence.
Our examinations include:
- The Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK)
- The Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ)
- The NDECC
- The Virtual OSCE
The first three exams are part of the NDEB Equivalency Process, which evaluates the knowledge and clinical judgment of dentists trained in non-accredited dental program to determine their eligibility for licensure in Canada.
The Virtual OSCE, which is the final step of the Certification process, is required for all dentists, regardless of their training background, including those trained in Canada. Each examination is carefully developed, administered, and graded to meet national standards and ensure the integrity of the licensure process.
The successful completion of the NDEB Certification process provides dental regulatory authorities with the information needed to make fair and consistent licensure decisions that protect the public.
Working in Collaboration to Support Canadian Dental Standard
The NDEB work closely with the Canadian Faculties of Dentistry, the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), and provincial Dental Regulatory Authorities.
These collaborations ensure alignment between education, certification, and licensure. Together, we support consistent national standards and contribute to high-quality dental care across the country.
To learn more about NDEB role in maintaining national standards we recommend reviewing our latest Annual Report.
