The purpose of the NDECC is to assess the clinical competence and judgment of dentists trained in non-accredited programs. The NDECC is the final step in the Equivalency Process.
NDECC®
Format and Content
The NDECC comprises two components. The clinical skills component assesses clinical skills and techniques relevant to current Canadian standards. The situational judgement component assesses judgement required for solving problems in work related situations.
Details can be found in the NDECC Protocol.
Protocol
The NDECC Protocol provides specific details regarding the format and grading criteria as well as the examination blueprint. The Protocol should be read carefully.
Download the NDECC Protocol Effective September 30, 2024
Clinical skills equipment, instruments and supplies
The NDECC Practical Guide contains information about the NDECC Test Centre and is designed to provide examinees with details about the facilities, instruments and materials provided, as well as answer frequently asked questions about the examination and Test Centre. This document will be updated when new information is available.
Access the NDECC Practical Guide from the exam resources page.
Upcoming NDECC Sessions
The NDECC is delivered throughout the year. You can look at upcoming NDECC sessions on the NDECC calendar. Click on the exam date to see the registration window and evaluation period for the exam you want to take.
Registering for the NDECC
Once you pass the Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ) you will be offered registration for the NDECC for your first attempt. If you do not accept this offer you will be eligible to register when registration opens.
Register
Log in to your NDEB online profile at 10:00 a.m. on the registration date, to register and pay for the examination.Candidates with approved proof of Canadian Citizenship or permanent residency can register at 9:00 a.m. on the scheduled registration date.
Select your preferred exam date
You will see all the available sessions in the exam window. Select your preferred exam date. Keep in mind that the exam date you select is tentative, and that you will need to be flexible. The exact date of your NDECC exam will be confirmed when registration closes. Once confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email.Consult the withdrawal policies
There is a withdrawal fee of 50% for withdrawals that take place during the registration window. Visit the Withdraw from an Examination page for information.
Online profile update
Always keep your online profile up to date. Make sure that the language in which you wish to take the exam and your left/right handedness is updated in your online profile.
Request for time extension
Candidates have five years to successfully pass both components of the NDECC. Effective in May 2027, candidates who cannot demonstrate minimal competence on both components of the NDECC after five years, will cease to be candidates in the Equivalency Process.
Candidates who have experienced exceptional medical circumstances, or where unable to register for the NDECC a minimum of three times in five years, can submit a request for time extension.
Requests for time extension should be submitted using the following online form.
All requests will be reviewed by staff. Upon confirming that the request meets the criteria for submission, the candidate will be notified and requested to provide the required supporting medical documentation, if applicable. Requests will be provided to the Executive Committee for review. The decision of the Executive Committee will be final.
Criteria for submission
Exceptional medical circumstance:
- fewer than three attempts at one or more components of the NDECC
- a personal medical circumstance that occurred during the NDECC eligibility period and impeded the candidate’s physical ability to participate in the examination
Fewer than three NDECC attempts:
- Through registration logs, evidence that a candidate entered the registration queue during each registration window and were not moved to seat selection.
