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Entry-to-Practice: Dental Specialists

Entry-to-Practice:  Dental Specialists

Special Notice

Application for the DSKCE will now close on June 30, 2023 at 9:00 p.m. EST.

The Nine Dental Specialities

Dental specialists have advanced education and training in a specific discipline. There are nine recognized dental specialties in Canada.

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

Learn how to obtain a license as a dental specialist

There are two pathways to become licensed as a dental specialist in Canada.

Pathway for Graduates of international specialty programs

The Dental Specialty Core Knowledge Examination (DSCKE) for Graduates of International Dental Programs not accredited by the CDAC.

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

Dental Specialty Core Knowledge Examination (DSCKE)

Dental Specialty Assessment and Training Program (DSATP)

NDEB – NDSE Certification

National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE)

NDSE Certification

Provincial Licensure

Pathway for Graduates of Canadian and US specialty programs

The National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE) for Graduates of Canadian and US Specialty Programs accredited by the CDAC.

  • You are a graduate in a dental specialty that 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.

NDEB – NDSE Certification

National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE)

NDSE Certification

Provincial Licensure