How to become a licensed dentist in Canada?

Dentistry is a regulated profession in Canada. Each provincial dental regulatory authority is responsible for establishing the licensure requirements in their province.

Common to all provinces are the requirements that you:

Have a BDS/DDS/DMD degree

and

Hold an NDEB certificate

The process of becoming certified depends on where you obtained your dental education and if you want to be licensed as a general dentist, specialist, or both.

What process should I follow?

I am a general dentistI am a dental specialist

General dentists hold a BDS/DDS/DMD degree issued by a university.
Dental specialists hold a BDS/DDS/DMD degree and have advanced education and training in one of the following disciplines:

Dental Public Health
Endodontics
Oral Medicine and/or Oral Pathology
Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Orthodontics
Pediatric Dentistry
Periodontics
Prosthodontics

I graduated from an accredited programI graduated from a non-accredited program

In Canada, accreditation is determined by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). A dental program that is not recognized by the CDAC is considered to be non-accredited.

You can look up your program on the CDAC website: Canadian Graduates | International Graduates.

The NDEB defines a non-accredited dental program as a dental degree program from a university that is authorized by the government of the country it is located into award degrees.

Entry-to-Practice Pathway

Graduate of an Accredited General Dentistry Program

You completed a dental degree program from a university (BDS/DDS/DMD), and
your dental degree program is recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).

Certification Process

NDEB Virtual OSCE

The Virtual OSCE is a summative examination that assesses the problem solving and critical decision-making skills required of beginning dental practitioners in Canada. Examination items are based on the knowledge, skills and abilities of beginning dental practitioners in Canada. The Virtual OSCE is a national standard of competence for dentists in Canada.

NDEB Certification

NDEB certification is granted upon successful completion of the Written Examination and the OSCE or after January 2023 the Virtual OSCE and after proof of graduation is provided to the NDEB. When you are certified your name will be entered in the national register and you will be mailed a hard copy certificate. NDEB certification does not expire.

Go to Getting your Certificate and Licensure

Provincial Licensure

To be licensed to practice as a dentist in Canada, you must communicate with the Dental Regulatory Authority (DRA) of the province you wish to practise in for information on their licensure requirements.

DRAs may require additional documentation, jurisprudence tests, and evidence of language proficiency prior to licensure.

Go to DRAs

Graduate of a Non-Accredited General Dentistry Program

You completed a dental degree program from a university that is authorized by the government of that country in which it is located to award such degrees, and

your dental degree program is not recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).

The pathway below focuses on the Equivalency Process administered by the NDEB. There is also the option to attend a Degree Completion Program at an accredited university.

Equivalency Process

Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK)

The AFK tests biomedical science and applied clinical science knowledge. The AFK serves a dual purpose; it is both an admission requirement for Canadian Degree Completion Programs and one of the examinations in the Equivalency Process. A passing grade is required before you can continue to the other examinations in the Equivalency Process.

Go to AFK

Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ)

The ACJ assesses your ability to formulate a diagnosis and make clinical decisions, as well as evaluate your knowledge in oral radiology and ability to make a radiographic interpretation and diagnosis.

Go to ACJ

NDECC

The NDECC assesses clinical competence through the performance of clinical requirements on simulated patients and through situational judgement scenarios.

Go to NDECC

Certification Process

NDEB Virtual OSCE

NDEB Certification

NDEB certification is granted upon successful completion of the Written Examination and the OSCE or as of January 2023 the Virtual OSCE, and after proof of graduation is provided to the NDEB. When you are certified your name will be entered in the national register and you will be mailed a hard copy certificate. NDEB certification does not expire.

Go to Getting your Certificate and Licensure

Provincial Licensure

DRAs may require additional documentation, jurisprudence tests, and evidence of language proficiency prior to licensure.

Go to DRAs

Graduate of an Accredited Dental Specialty Program

You hold a masters degree from an accredited dental specialty program,

your dental specialty is recognized in Canada, and

your dental specialty degree is from a university dental institution recognized through an accreditation process approved by the NDEB or a mutual recognition agreement approved by the NDEB.

National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE)

To pursue licensure as a specialist in Canada, you must pass the NDSE in your specialty. The NDSE is administered by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC).

Go to NDSE

Provincial Licensure

To be licensed to practice as a dental specialist in Canada, you must communicate with the Dental Regulatory Authority (DRA) of the province where you want to practise. DRAs may require additional documentation, jurisprudence tests, and evidence of language proficiency prior to licensure.

Go to DRAs

Graduate of a Non-Accredited Dental Specialty Program

You hold a masters degree in a dental specialty from a university that is authorized by the government of that country in which it is located to award such degrees,

your dental specialty is recognized in Canada, and

your degree is not recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).

Dental Specialty Assessment and Training Program (DSATP)

DSATPs are training programs for internationally trained dental specialists offered by some Canadian Faculties of Dentistry. For admission requirements to Dental Specialty Assessment and Training Programs (DSATPs) visit the websites of the Faculties of Dentistry that offer the DSATPs.

National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE)

To pursue licensure as a specialist in Canada, you must pass the NDSE in your specialty. The NDSE is administered by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC).

Go to NDSE

Provincial Licensure

Go to DRAs

Admin Label: FAQs for Graduate of an Accredited General Dentistry Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take the examinations before I graduate?

The Virtual OSCE can be taken four months before months before graduation. Your expected date of graduation will be confirmed with your university prior to taking the examinations.

Admin Label: Graduate of a Non-accredited General Dentistry Program

Frequently Asked Questions

If I complete a Degree Completion Program, am I considered a graduate of an accredited dental program?

Yes, if you successfully complete a Degree Completion program at a Canadian faculty of Dentistry, you will receive a degree from an accredited university and complete the process for graduates of accredited dental programs.

If I take the Australian Dental Council Equivalency Process can I go directly to the Certification Process?

There is no reciprocity between the Australian Dental Council and the NDEB. You must complete the NDEB Equivalency Process in order to participate in the Certification Process.