Becoming a Dentist in Canada: Step-by-Step Guide for Internationally Trained Professionals

Are you a dentist trained outside of Canada, dreaming of practicing in this vibrant country? Canada offers a clear pathway for internationally educated dentists to achieve licensure. This guide breaks down the essential steps, exams, and timelines involved in the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) Equivalency Process, helping you navigate your journey to becoming a licensed dentist in Canada.

Who Can Become a Dentist in Canada Through the Equivalency Process?

The NDEB Equivalency Process is specifically designed for dentists who have graduated from dental programs not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). This means if your dental degree was obtained in a country other than Canada, the United States, Australia (after March 31, 2010), New Zealand (after December 14, 2011), or Ireland (after December 5, 2012), this pathway is for you.

You generally need to:

• Have a dental degree (DDS/DMD/BDS) from a university authorized by its government to award such degrees.
• Demonstrate English language proficiency (e.g., through acceptable language proficiency exam)
• Provide all required documents, including identification, academic records, and statements of good standing from all licensing bodies you've been registered with.

The NDEB Equivalency Process: A Step-by-Step Breakdown

The NDEB Equivalency Process typically involves a series of examinations and can take approximately 1.5 to 2.5 years to complete, depending on individual progress and exam attempts.

Here's a breakdown of the steps:

Step 1: Application and Credential Verification

• Create an NDEB Connect Account: This is your online portal for managing your application and exam processes. You'll need a current passport-style photograph and a valid credit card.
• Submit Required Documents: This is a crucial step. You'll need to submit notarized copies of your government-issued photo ID, dental school diploma, academic records (transcripts with all courses and grades, attendance dates, university stamp, and official signature), and statements of good standing from all dental licensing bodies you've been registered with. Any documents not in English or French must be accompanied by an original, certified translation.
• Credential Verification: The NDEB verifies the authenticity of your documents, your identity, and your graduation from a recognized dental program. This process involves multiple stages and can take approximately 10-22 weeks if all documents are submitted correctly. Incorrect submissions will cause delays.
• Application Approval: Once all your required documents are accepted, you will receive an email indicating your application has been approved. This makes you eligible to register for the first exam.

Step 2: Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK)

• Purpose: The AFK is the initial and foundational examination. It assesses your fundamental knowledge in various areas of dentistry, ensuring you possess the essential understanding required for dental practice in Canada.
• Format: The AFK consists of 200 single-answer multiple-choice questions, divided into two parts. You have two hours to complete each part. It can be taken electronically at Prometric testing centers or in booklet format at select exam sites.
• Scoring: A test-equated, re-scaled score of 75 or greater is considered a pass. You can take this exam a maximum of three times.
• Timeline: The AFK is offered twice a year, typically in February and August. You can only register for the AFK after your NDEB application is approved.

At ACE Courses, our AFK preparation program is designed to align precisely with the format and expectations, giving you the edge you need to succeed. With structured study plans, mock tests, and expert guidance, we recommend a focused preparation period of 4–6 months for optimal results.

Step 3: Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ)

After successfully passing the AFK. Your next step is ACJ.

Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ)

• Purpose: The ACJ evaluates your clinical judgment skills, including your knowledge of oral radiology, ability to interpret radiographic images, and clinical decision-making.
• Format: This exam consists of 120-150 single-answer and multi-answer multiple-choice questions, including case-based diagnosis and clinical decision-making scenarios. It is administered electronically at Prometric Test Centers across Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
• Scoring: A re-scaled score of 75 or greater is required to pass.
• Timeline: The ACJ is offered twice a year, typically in May and November.

At ACE Courses we offers comprehensive preparation for the ACJ exam.

Step 4: National Dental Examination of Clinical Competence (NDECC™)

• Purpose: The NDECC™ is the final clinical examination for those who choose the NDEB equivalency exam route (Option A in Step 3). It assesses your clinical competence and situational judgment based on current Canadian standards.
• Format: The NDECC™ comprises two components:  
  • Clinical Skills Component: This evaluates your practical skills in areas such as Class II amalgam preparation and restoration, and Class IV composite restoration.
  • Situational Judgment Component: This tests your ability to manage various clinical scenarios by following industry standards and best practices.
• Location: The NDECC™ is held at the NDECC Test Centre in Ottawa, ON.
• Timeline: The NDECC™ is offered throughout the year, with multiple sessions per week. You must pass the ACJ to be eligible to register for the NDECC™. If you fail one component of the NDECC™, you only need to repeat that specific component.

We specialize in hands-on NDECC™ preparation—offering mock exams, clinical skills training, and situational judgment coaching to help you pass with confidence. Most students prepare effectively within 3 months for the Situational Judgement course and 6 months for the Clinical Skills exam under our structured guidance.

Step 5: Written Board and OSCE Exams (Certification Process)

• Purpose: Regardless of whether you pursue the NDEB equivalency exam route (AFK, ACJ, NDECC™) or the university pathway, all candidates must pass the NDEB's final certification examinations: the Written Board Exam and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE). These exams confirm your readiness for general dental practice in Canada.
• Written Board Exam: This typically involves multiple-choice questions covering a broad range of dental knowledge.
• OSCE: This is a practical, station-based exam that assesses your clinical decision-making, communication skills, and professionalism in various simulated patient scenarios.
• Outcome: Upon successfully completing these final exams, you will be issued an NDEB certificate, which is recognized by all provincial and territorial regulatory bodies for licensure as a general dentist in Canada.

We offers targeted coaching for both the Written Board Exam and OSCE, with focused study groups, simulated stations, and expert feedback to ensure you're fully prepared. With 3-4 months of dedicated prep, many of our students achieve success on their first attempt.

Time and Cost Considerations

The NDEB Equivalency Process is a significant investment of both time and money.

• Overall Timeline: As mentioned, the direct NDEB Equivalency Process can take 1.5 to 2.5 years. The university pathway typically takes 2-3 years or more.
• Estimated Costs (subject to change by NDEB):
  • NDEB Profile & Application: CAD 900
  • Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK): CAD 800
  • Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ): CAD 1,350
  • National Dental Examination of Clinical Competence (NDECC™): CAD 9,000
  • OSCE: CAD 1,000 (part of the final certification)
  • Total NDEB Exam Fees: Approximately CAD 13,050
  • Qualifying/Degree Completion Programs: University tuition and fees can range significantly, potentially up to CAD 90,000 or more for the entire program.
  • Preparation Courses: Many international dentists opt for preparatory courses, which can add another layer of cost (e.g., up to CAD 15,000 or more per exam).
  • Total estimated cost (including courses and exams): Can range from CAD 50,000 to CAD 90,000+ depending on the chosen pathway, preparation and the number of attempts.

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Becoming a dentist in Canada as an internationally trained professional is a challenging but rewarding journey. By understanding the NDEB Equivalency Process, preparing diligently for each examination, and being aware of the timelines and costs involved, you can effectively plan your path to a successful dental career in Canada.

We encourage you to visit the official National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) website (www.ndeb-bned.ca) for the most up-to-date and detailed information on application requirements, exam dates, and fees.