Overview
If you want to work as a dentist in Canada, the key first question is: Did you graduate from an accredited dental program, or from a non-accredited program?
For internationally trained dentists from non-accredited programs, the most common routes are: the NDEB Equivalency Process or completion of an accredited qualifying / degree completion program at a Canadian faculty of dentistry. After that, you must complete the national certification step and then apply for a licence in a specific province or territory.
Best first move
Confirm whether your dental degree is accredited or non-accredited under NDEB rules, then choose the correct pathway before spending money.
Main Routes to Practise
1) Equivalency Process
This is the main route for many internationally trained dentists from non-accredited dental programs.
- Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK)
- Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ)
- NDECC
- Then the Certification Process / Virtual OSCE
2) Qualifying / Degree Completion Program
Canadian faculties of dentistry offer accredited programs that familiarize international graduates to Canadian dentistry.
- School-based route
- Usually highly competitive
- Leads into the Certification Process
3) Accredited program graduate route
Graduates of accredited dental programs move directly through the NDEB Certification Process rather than the Equivalency Process.
- Different from the non-accredited route
- Still needs certification
- Provincial licence comes after certification
Step-by-Step Preparation Roadmap
Confirm your education category
Check whether your dental degree is considered accredited or non-accredited for NDEB purposes.
Create your NDEBConnect account
This is the main portal for applications, document submission, and registrations.
Submit required documents
Credential verification can take time, so document preparation should start early.
Pass AFK
The AFK is the first exam in the Equivalency Process and must be passed before advancing.
Pass ACJ
This exam focuses on case-based diagnosis, treatment planning, and clinical decision-making.
Pass the NDECC
The NDECC includes a clinical skills component and a situational judgement component.
Enter the Certification Process
After you complete the Equivalency Process, you move into the Certification Process and take the Virtual OSCE.
Apply to a provincial regulator
Once certified, apply for licensure in the province or territory where you want to practise.
Current Costs
| Item | Current fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) | CAD 1,000 | Official NDEB Equivalency Process fee. |
| Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ) | CAD 1,350 | Official NDEB Equivalency Process fee. |
| NDECC | CAD 6,500 | Total fee for both NDECC components. |
| NDECC Clinical Skills component | CAD 3,250 | Listed separately by NDEB. |
| NDECC Situational Judgement component | CAD 3,250 | Listed separately by NDEB. |
| Virtual OSCE | See current NDEB registration page | Part of the Certification Process after eligibility is confirmed. |
| Qualifying / Degree Completion Program | Varies by university | Often much more expensive than exam fees alone. |
| Provincial licensing fee | Varies by regulator | Paid after NDEB certification when applying for actual licensure. |
Simple cost estimator
Big cost warning
- Exam fees are only part of the real cost.
- Degree completion programs can cost much more than the exam route.
- Travel, visa, language, and provincial licensing costs can add up quickly.
- Failed or repeated exams can significantly increase the budget.
Credential Verification
What usually gets checked
- Identity documents
- Dental degree credentials
- Required NDEB application documents
- Country-of-education specific requirements
- Exam eligibility status
Common delay points
- Submitting documents in the wrong format
- Incomplete uploads
- Name mismatch across passport and educational documents
- Not reading the country-specific guidance first
- Leaving verification too late before exam registration windows
Exams and “Marks Needed”
AFK
You must pass AFK before continuing to later Equivalency Process exams.
ACJ
Focuses on diagnosis, planning, radiographic interpretation, and judgement.
NDECC
Includes clinical skills and situational judgement components.
Virtual OSCE
Required in the Certification Process and used for licensure in Canada.
What really matters
- Choosing the correct route
- Passing the exams in sequence
- Submitting correct documents early
- Meeting the certification standard, then the provincial regulator’s rules
Practical reality
- There is no single “safe score” page for getting licensed.
- The main issue is meeting the required standard and completing the process correctly.
- After certification, province-specific licensing steps still matter.
Provincial Licensure After NDEB Certification
What certification does
NDEB certification shows that you meet the national entry-to-practice standard. It qualifies you to apply for licensure with a provincial or territorial dental regulator.
What certification does not do
It does not automatically authorize practice. You still need the actual licence from the province or territory where you want to work.