NDEB – The National Dental Examining Board Of Canada / BNED – Le Bureau National d’ examen dentaire du Canada
Canada, renowned for its diverse landscapes and cultural richness, also upholds high standards in healthcare, including dentistry. The practice of dentistry in Canada is governed by stringent regulations to ensure the well-being of its residents. Aspiring dentists, both domestic and international, navigate a comprehensive system overseen by provincial dental regulatory authorities and the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB).
The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) is an organization that assesses the qualifications of graduates from dental programs outside of Canada to ensure that they meet Canadian standards.
NDEB develops and administers innovative, internationally-recognized examinations and assessments that are valid and reliable. Each year, approximately 1000 dentists from Canada and around the world are certified through the NDEB’s examination and assessment processes.
Licensing Requirements for Dentists in Canada
Dentistry is a regulated profession in Canada, with each provincial dental regulatory authority establishing licensure requirements. Common prerequisites include holding a BDS/DDS/DMD degree and possessing an NDEB certificate.
Entry-to-Practice Pathway: Graduate of a Non-Accredited General Dentistry Program:
To attain licensure as a dentist in Canada for individuals with degrees from non-accredited dental programs, it is essential to undergo both the Equivalency and Certification Processes. The journey commences with the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK™), a pivotal step for obtaining a license and exploring study options.
Equivalency Process:
Certification Process :
Equivalency Process
AFK-Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge:
The AFK tests biomedical science and applied clinical science knowledge. The AFK serves a dual purpose; it is both an admission requirement for Canadian Degree Completion Programs and one of the examinations in the Equivalency Process. A passing grade is required before you can continue to the other examinations in the Equivalency Process.
Format: 200 single-answer multiple-choice questions in two parts.
Delivery: Electronic at Prometric test centers or booklet format at select sites.
Scoring: A pass requires a test equated, re-scaled score of 75 or greater.
Retakes: Up to three attempts are allowed.
Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ)
This examination evaluates diagnostic and clinical decision- making skills, oral radiology knowledge, and radiographic interpretation abilities. The ACJ is a 5.5-hour electronic examination at Prometric test centers.
Format: 120-150 single-answer and multi-answer multiple-choice questions.
Sections: Case-based diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical decision-making, and radiographic interpretation.
Scoring: A pass requires a test equated, re-scaled score of 75 or greater.
Retakes: Up to three attempts are allowed.
NDECC- National Dental Examining Competency Committee
In 2022, the National Dental Examining Competency Committee (NDECC) replaced the ACS, focusing on assessing clinical competence in dentists from non-accredited programs. With a new Test Centre in Ottawa, ON, sessions are offered multiple times weekly for accessibility. Candidates benefit from the flexibility of unlimited attempts within a 60-month period. The NDECC comprises two components: Clinical Skills, evaluating skills aligned with Canadian standards, and Situational Judgement, assessing problem-solving abilities in work contexts. This streamlined approach ensures a robust evaluation of dentists' capabilities against Canadian dental standards.
Certification Process
NDEB Virtual OSCE - The Virtual OSCE
The Virtual OSCE is a summative examination that assesses the problem solving and critical decision-making skills required of beginning dental practitioners in Canada. Examination items are based on the knowledge, skills and abilities of beginning dental practitioners in Canada. The Virtual OSCE is a national standard of competence for dentists in Canada.
NDEB Certification
NDEB certification is granted upon successful completion of the Written Examination and the OSCE or as of January 2023 the Virtual OSCE, and after proof of graduation is provided to the NDEB. When you are certified your name will be entered in the national register and you will be mailed a hard copy certificate. NDEB certification does not expire.
Provincial Licensure
To be licensed to practice as a dentist in Canada, you must communicate with the Dental Regulatory Authority (DRA) of the province you wish to practise in for information on their licensure requirements. DRAs may require additional documentation, jurisprudence tests, and evidence of language proficiency prior to licensure.
