Step-by-Step Guide: How an International Dentist Can Get Licensed in Canada. Starting a career as a dentist in Canada is an exciting journey that comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities. The Canadian healthcare system has this broad ability to integrate international qualified dentists into the system, however it is worth noting all Internationally trained dentists must still go through the licensure process set by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB). You will find that some International dentists have already completed the licensure process and are now part of providing dental care in Canada, which is, and has been, facing a critical shortage of dental professionals.
This guide will walk you through the process of becoming a licensed dentist in Canada – from documents you will have to submit, to the final licensure.
First step is to find out if you meet eligibility with NDEB.
The first step is to have your education credentials verified, if you are an internationally educated dentist who is going to be practicing in Canada.
You will need to submit an application to the NDEB Equivalency Process, which is the entry point into determining whether your education and qualifications from your dental education is equivalent to what is required of Canadian University program recognized body and accredited program. The NDEB would assess your transcripts, proof of your degree, and other professional documents from your International Dental School.
Phase 2: Register for the NDEB Equivalency Process
After you have confirmed your credentials you can then Register for a three step equivalency process:
- Assessment for Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) – This assesses your fundamental knowledge in the dental sciences.
- Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ) – This assesses your clinical judgement on clinical cases to dentistry practices
- Assessment of Clinical Skills (ACS) – This assesses your clinical skills via a practical exam.
Once successful of all three portions – an internationally educated dentist in Canada can then proceed to write the NDEB Written and the OSCE examinations.
Phase 3: Complete NDEB Certification Assessments
Once the equivalency process has been complete successfully it is then possible to write NDEB Certification Assessments:
- Written Examination
- Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
Once successful of both assessments you have received your NDEB Certification which is an important step to practice in any province or territory in Canada.
Phase 4: Apply for a dental license in your province
In Canada dentists are licenced through the provincial or territorial process. Each province has a dental regulatory authority built directly in that province, i.e. the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia (CDSBC), the Alberta Dental Association”
Step 5: Secure Your Immigration and Work Status
Before pursuing your career as an internationally educated dentist in Canada, you must obtain your immigration status; the usual complete application paths for internationally trained dentists are:
- Express Entry (Federal Skilled Worker Program)
- Provincial Nomination Programs (PNP)
- Study/Work Permits (bridging programs)
Having the status of a permanent resident will most likely alleviate this stage of your career transition.
Step 6: Start Practicing or Working in a Dental Office
Now that you have the practice license from the provincial authority, keep in mind that you can:
- Become a private-public practitioner
- Work as a dental associate in an established dental office
- Participate in dentistry in both public health and in research
By receiving your license as an international dentist in Canada, you have transitioned into one of the most reform health care systems in the world!
Achieving the status of licensed, professionally trained international dentist in Canada will take focus, time, and the proper direction. As you have worked through the above plans and process in the last sections, you will be on your way to achieving your dream of practicing and being a dentist in Canada, a highly respected and very rewarding profession.
