Preparing for the NDECC Exam in Canada is already one of the most demanding journeys for an international dentist. Add parenthood into the mix—feeding schedules, sleepless nights, school runs, emotional needs—and suddenly the challenge feels doubled. Many dentists quietly struggle with the question: How do I balance family life while preparing for such a high-stakes exam?

The truth is, there is no perfect formula. But there are patterns, choices, and small habits that make this balancing act possible.

For parents, time feels like the most precious resource. While single candidates might study long hours, parents have to divide their day between practice on typodonts and bedtime stories, between revision notes and school drop-offs. The guilt creeps in—when you’re with your books, you feel you’re not giving enough to your children. When you’re with your children, you worry you’re not giving enough to your studies. This cycle is exhausting, and it often breaks confidence.

But many dentists who went through the Canadian dental equivalency process while raising families found ways to adapt. Some learned to carve out study sessions early in the morning, before the house woke up. Others stayed up late, trading personal rest for practice hours. A few turned parenting itself into a source of motivation—reminding themselves that every hour of study is an investment in their family’s future.

The cultural shift in Canada can also add layers. Without extended family nearby, childcare often falls entirely on the parents. Daycare is expensive, and family support may only come through video calls. That makes planning even more essential. For many, finding a study group or enrolling in structured courses helped them stay disciplined and efficient, so every minute counted.

It’s also important to recognize the role of communication. Many dentists preparing for exams hesitate to ask their spouse or partner for more support, fearing it may sound selfish. But honesty about your study schedule, exam stress, and future goals often strengthens the partnership. Children too, even young ones, can sense when their parents are under pressure. Explaining the process in simple words—“Mommy is studying to be a dentist here in Canada so we can have a better life”—often helps them feel included instead of neglected.

Balancing dentistry and parenthood during exam prep is not about doing it all perfectly. It is about setting priorities, forgiving yourself on the tough days, and celebrating small wins along the way. One finished practice set, one extra bedtime story, one passed mock exam—each is a step forward.

And when the day comes that you finally pass the NDECC exam and hold your Canadian dental license, your children won’t remember the missed playdates or the takeout dinners. They’ll remember that they watched their parent work hard, sacrifice, and achieve something extraordinary. That lesson, more than anything else, is a gift that stays with them forever.