The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) announced modifications to the Canadian dental equivalency procedure on February 25, 2021. Accreditation as a dentist in Canada is a difficult task. The path to becoming a dentist is a complex, ever-changing, yet rewarding one that necessitates extensive specialized training and professional development.

The benefits of passing the examination and gaining your license for internationally qualified dentists intending to practice dentistry in Canada are enormous since Canada presently ranks among the top five countries’ compensation and quality of professional life.

There are now three paths to becoming a dentist in Canada. One alternative is to enroll as an undergraduate in a Canadian university.

Let’s take a closer look at each route available.

Pursuing a dental degree

Dental school admissions and application standards differ from one institution to the next. It is critical to contact the admissions office of the respective dental school to learn about the specific entrance requirements. Most Canadian dental schools require applicants to submit scores from the Canadian Dental Association’s Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) as part of the admissions process (CDA). It’s vital to understand that registering for the DAT isn’t an application to dental schools; it’s a first step in getting your foot in the door. Never hesitate to phone an adviser and ask about what they look for in successful candidates, such as extracurriculars.

NDEB

You must first apply to the Canadian Dentistry Equivalency Process with the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB).

Once you’ve admitted, the first exam you’ll have to take is the AFK (Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge). You have two alternatives after passing this exam: you can continue the equivalency process by taking Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ) and Assessment of Clinical Skills (ACS), or you can apply to a Canadian university and complete a two-year bridging program.

If you pass the equivalence process, you will be required to sit the board tests (OSCE and Written) to obtain your license to practice in Canada. All approved candidates, Canadian university dental graduates must pass these tests to practice dentistry in Canada.

Bridging programs

The goal of these programs is to bridge the gap between international and Canadian dentistry education. Bridging programs last five to six months, and students who complete them successfully can immediately enroll in the third year of a four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery program (DDS). A DDS degree program might take anywhere from 2 to 2.5 years to finish.

Bridging programs last five to six months, and students who complete them successfully can immediately enroll in the third year of a four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery program (DDS). A DDS degree program might take anywhere from 2 to 2.5 years to finish.

You will get contacted for an interview if you meet all of the program’s requirements at your chosen institution.

Remember

Regardless of which path you take, being a dentist in Canada requires a significant financial investment as well as a significant amount of time. Always feel free to contact your preferred school or institution for further information and to consider your options.