Application to the Equivalency Process involves 3 steps.
How to Apply
Notice
Applications for the Equivalency Process will be temporarily suspended from January 24, 2022 to 9:00a.m. Eastern Time on February 7, 2022.
The NDEB® is finalizing changes to required documents. New requirements will be available on the NDEB® website by the time applications re-open.
Examinees looking to re-apply for the Equivalency Process after failing the ACS™ three times can complete the Re-Application form at any time; the submission will not be affected by the temporary application suspension.
Step 1
Download the Required Documents and watch “Tips for submitting the required documents”
Step 2
Create your online profile
Step 3
Submit your required documents
To apply to the NDEB Equivalency Process, follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Download the Required Documents
Download the Required documents and reference resources developed to help with the application process.
This information has been developed to help you submit the correct documents in the required formats the first time. Credential verification can be a long process, submitting documents incorrectly will delay approval of your application.
Ready to Apply?
Examinees who have previously failed the Assessment of Clinical Skills (ACS) three times are now eligible to re-apply to the Equivalency Process. To re-apply, click the link below and complete the re-application form. Once your application has been verified, you will be required to pay the non-refundable re-application fee through your online profile.
What happens next?
Once all of your required documents are received, the credential verification process can start. Credential verification verifies the authenticity of documents, verifies your identity, and confirms you graduated from a recognized dental program.
The credential verification process has multiple stages. When all your documents are received by the NDEB, an initial screening of the basic criteria is done. If, during this process, it is determined something is missing or does not meet the basic criteria, you will receive an email. The documents then go in queue for a comprehensive review. This is done in two stages.
After the second review you will receive an email indicating your application is approved, or that it cannot yet be approved and outline the steps you need to take to complete the application. The length of time it takes for an application to be approved varies and can depend on many factors including if it is considered a precedent file (new school, program, or official, or documentation that differs from what is typically received) and if documents were submitted according to the criteria outlined in the Required Documents.
As documents are moved through the credential verification process, the status of each document is updated in your online profile. When all of the required documents are accepted, you will receive an email indicating that your application has been approved. At this stage you are eligible to register for the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK).
When a document does not meet the requirements for credential verification, you will be notified by email. The email will outline what you need to do to complete your application.
You can view the status of your documents by logging on to your online profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the NDEB assist in obtaining visas?
The NDEB cannot provide assistance in obtaining visas or other documents required for travel for the purposes of participating in the examinations. However, the NDEB can provide a confirmation of registration letter upon request. This letter will be sent to the email address on your online profile within two weeks of your request. If an original letter is required, this must be included in your request and will be sent by regular mail.
Do I really need to send original documents, when will I get them back?
Yes, you must submit the original documents as indicated in the criteria for required documents. Once credential verification is completed, original documents are returned to the applicant. This may take up to 12 weeks from the time you receive your email notification that verification is complete.