How to Choose the Right Educational Pathway in Canada for International Dentists.Those internationally-trained dentists who are looking to advance or develop their career in one of the greatest countries in the world, Canada, will be pleased to learn they are now seeking advancements or career paths that will allow them to cut into Canada’s highly regarded health care system. However, before you are even really eligible to practice dentistry in Canada, you will need to understand the appropriate method of education that is aligned with your assessment knowledge, past education, and overall goals.
In this guide you will learn about How to Choose the Right Educational Pathway in Canada for International Dentists how the NDEB equivalency process works, and important points to understand and keep in mind when making pathway choices to licensure in Canada.
1. Learn about the NDEB equivalency process
The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) establishes the process of certification for every dentist in Canada. If you are a dentist from a foreign country, the equivalency process is typically the first step towards being a practicing dentist.
There are three key considerations:
- Review of your documents: The NDEB will have to review your degree in dentistry & your credentials
- You will be required to complete the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK), Assessment of Clinical Skills (ACS) and the Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ)
- Finally, once you complete your assessments, you can apply for certification to practice and you can register with a provincial dental regulatory authority.
If you have a valid degree in dentistry and have been practicing, and working full time in clinics in another country this will likely be the best pathway for you.
2. Advanced Standing or Qualifying Programs
Becoming an advanced standing or qualifying program is another common pathway for foreign-trained dentists to consider in Canada. These programs typically last 2-3 years for international dentists wanting to cross over to a Canadian dental program to obtain their Canadian DDS or DMD. The following are considered the top universities running advanced standing programs for foreign-trained dentists in Canada:
- University of Toronto
- University of British Columbia
- Western University
- McGill University.
Generally speaking, programs require some combination of the following admission components: proof of foreign dental degree, National Dental Examining Board (AFK) results, proof of English proficiency, and some combination of personal statement/interviews. This pathway suits your objectives well if you prefer the structured academic environment and want some level of quality control standards in the education system of Canada.
3. Dental Bridging Programs
Bridging programs are designed for internationally educated dentists, so that they can complete the transition to current Canadian clinical and academic standards and pass licensing exams. Bridges are usually shorter and narrower in focus than full-degrees.
Examples are:
- University of Alberta International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP)
- University of Manitoba International Dentist Program
- Dalhousie University Qualifying Program
Bridging programs are typically a mix of theoretical learning, practical learning, and exam preparation as required for NDEB exams.
4. Postgraduate or Specialty Programs
If you’re an international dentist with an interest in a dental specialty-E.g., orthodontics, prosthodontics, periodontics-you can apply for postgraduate dental programs in Canada, especially if you have both a strong academic and clinical background.
Postgraduate programs:
- Advanced clinical training
- Advanced research and teaching
- May lead to specialist licensing through provincial dental colleges
This option would be more suited for dentists looking to study and practice academic or a specialized dental clinical career instead of general practice.
5. Evaluate Your Financial Situation and Timing
The three options differ as to how long they will take to complete and the total cost in Canada: • NDEB Equivalency: 2-3 years, approximately $40,000 CAD and approximately $60,000 CAD in assessments and coursework fees. • Advanced Standing DDS program: 2-3 years, may be as high as $250,000 CAD in tuition fees. • Bridging programs: 12-24 months, price estimated between $70,000 CAD and $120,000 CAD. Take the time to think about your financial circumstances and your individual circumstances before engaging in planning for one of these options.
6. Make Professional Connections
Before you have committed to a pathway to a decision, reach out to the following organizations: • Canadian Dental Association (CDA) • Provincial dental regulatory body • Graduates of advanced standing DDS programs/bridging programs • Healthcare consultants who have knowledge working with newcomers These individuals will provide information and act as resources, and provide you understanding of the lived experience that will help you to make a wiser choice once you decide on a pathway that will work for you.
7. Planning for Career Goals in the Long-Term
If your end goal is to become a general dentist, the NDEB equivalency or advanced standing is the best choice for you. If your long-term goal is teaching, research, or specializing, then postgraduate education would be more beneficial then either the other two routes.
Making an educated decision in educational route options in Canada for international dentists requires careful consideration of your background, financial means, and goal for your career in Canada. Regardless of how you obtain your qualifications (NDEB equivalency process, bridging program or Canadian DDS degree) each scenario will facilitate a career in a field considered valuable in the Canadian dental profession.
