On October 29, 2021, the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) announced significant changes to the Canadian dental equivalency process. This article has been updated to reflect those changes.
Becoming an accredited dentist in Canada is no easy feat. The road to practicing dentistry is an intricate, ever-evolving, yet rewarding process that requires highly specialized training and professional development.
For internationally trained dentists seeking to practice dentistry in Canada, the rewards for getting through the examination process and obtaining your license are tremendous as Canada now ranks in the top five countries in the world to practice dentistry in terms of salary and quality of professional life. First-year associates in Canada start with salaries around $150,000 CAD, and the earning potential for senior associates and clinic owners is vast.
Currently, there are three routes available that lead to becoming a dentist in Canada. One option is to attend a Canadian university as an undergraduate. If you are an internationally-trained dentist, you can navigate the NDEB process or take the university route by applying to a bridging program.
Let’s explore each route in further detail.
Pursuing a Dental Degree:
Admission and application requirements for dental school vary from one institution to another. It is important to contact the respective dental school admissions office to determine the specific admission requirements needed. As part of the admissions process, most Canadian dental schools require applicants to provide Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) scores administered by the Canadian Dental Association (CDA).
Luckily, Canada is home to a variety of prestigious dental schools across the country that prospective students can choose from. These include:
– University of Alberta (School of Dentistry)
– University of British Columbia (Faculty of Dentistry)
– University of Manitoba (Faculty of Dentistry)
– Dalhousie University (Faculty of Dentistry)
– University of Toronto (Faculty of Dentistry)
– The University of Western Ontario (School of Dentistry)
– McGill University (Faculty of Dentistry)
– Université de Montréal (Faculté de médecine dentaire)
– Université Laval (Faculté de médecine dentaire)
– University of Saskatchewan (College of Dentistry)
On average, the cost of obtaining a four-year undergraduate dental degree can vary from $50,000 to $200,000 CAD for domestic students and up to $360,000 CAD for international students. Tuition fees typically include both academic, non-academic, and dental instrument fees. However, tuition fees vary for universities, so it is best to do your research before filling out an application.
Registration for the DAT is not an application to dental schools but a step towards getting your foot in the door. Don’t be afraid to schedule a call with an advisor and find out what they’re looking for in successful candidates, such as extracurriculars.
The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB):
To begin the process with the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), you must apply to be accepted into the Canadian Dentistry Equivalency Process. As long as you have a recognized degree, you should be accepted. Due to COVID-19, response times may vary on acceptances as there may be delays to the application process.
Once accepted, the first exam you will need to complete is the AFK (Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge).After you pass this exam, you have two options: you may continue the equivalency process and then take Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ) followed by the National Dental Examination of Clinical Competence™ (NDECC™), or you may apply to a Canadian university and fulfill a two-year bridging program (more on this option below).
Currently, candidates are allowed three attempts each to pass the AFK and ACJ examinations. Beginning in 2022, however, examinees may attempt the NDECC™ an unlimited number of times within a five-year period.
If you are successful in the equivalency process, you will then need to take the board exams (OSCE & Written) to get your licence to start practicing in Canada. These exams are a requirement to practice dentistry in Canada for all accredited candidates and Canadian university dental graduates.
The NDEB equivalency process costs approximately $50,000 CAD, including course and exam fees. This amount may increase depending on how many attempts you need to pass. Here is a typical breakdown of the costs to expect when navigating the Canadian NDEB equivalency process:
*All prices are in Canadian dollars and reflect the fees as of April 2021. For the latest updates on NDEB exam fees, please visit the NDEB’s website.
In addition to exam fees, you will need to purchase materials (i.e. kits and reusable teeth) to practice dental procedures and techniques. It is also your responsibility to be fully equipped with all the required materials for the actual exam.
At Prep Doctors, we provide specialized dental equivalency courses to help students prepare for each exam administered by the NDEB. Our classes consist of various materials and components, such as comprehensive mock exams, detailed textbooks, and extensive lectures. Find out more about our courses, including registration dates, below:
AFK Training Course
ACJ Training Course
NDECC™ Training Course
Bridging Programs:
As we mentioned above, following the completion of the NDEB’s AFK exam, you have the option to enroll in a specialized bridging program offered by Canadian universities. These programs are designed to bridge the gap between international and Canadian dental training.
Bridging programs are held over five to six months, and after successful completion of the program, students can enroll directly into the third year of a four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery Program (DDS). Overall, a DDS degree program can take 2 to 2.5 years to complete.
If you’re looking to take a bridging course, there are some general qualifications that most Canadian universities require:
- You must have completed a minimum four-year University dental program not recognized by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC).
- You must have a relatively strong GPA (each university has its own GPA standard).
- Be a Canadian citizen or have permanent residency status in Canada.
- Provide proof of your English abilities. Students whose first language is not English may be required to write the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL), and the Test of Written English (TWE), or equivalent.
- Complete the NDEB’s AFK exam with a high score (preferably 90% or more will greatly improve your chances of acceptance).
If you meet all the requirements for your chosen institution’s program, you will be contacted for an interview or to participate in a bench test.
It is important to note that not every university offers a bridging program. It is best to contact the institution of your choice to confirm its specified entry requirements.
The bridging program process can cost up to $90,000 CAD, but this price may vary depending on tuition fees as well as each institution’s non-refundable application fee.
At Prep Doctors, we also provide courses that help prepare trainees for Canadian universities’ admission bench tests and interviews. Our courses offer trainees case-based training and practical scenarios designed to guide them through the interview processes at institutions including the University of Toronto and Western University, to name a few.
Remember:
Regardless of whichever route you choose, becoming a dentist in Canada is a huge commitment, both financially and in the amount of time needed (find out about financing options here). Always feel free to reach out to the school or institution of your choice to learn more information and weigh your options.
To help give you the best information to make an informed decision, Prep Doctors offers scheduled tours of our campus and facilities, as well as demo classes and financial counselling. Our team is always available to answer any questions about the dental equivalency journey. So, please reach out to us through our Facebook page or email us at [emailprotected]. We are more than happy to help!
FAQs
How many years does it take to become dentist in Canada? ›
Attending dental school is a huge financial and time commitment. You will spend a minimum of 4-5 years at dental school so it is important to ensure the school you choose to attend is the right school for you. Most universities offer virtual tours of campuses on their websites.
Is it hard to be a dentist in Canada? ›Becoming an accredited dentist in Canada is no easy feat. The road to practicing dentistry is an intricate, ever-evolving, yet rewarding process that requires highly specialized training and professional development.
How can I be dentist in Canada? ›- Graduate of an Accredited General Dentistry Program. You completed a dental degree program from a university (BDS/DDS/DMD), and. ...
- Graduate of a Non-Accredited General Dentistry Program. ...
- Graduate of an Accredited Dental Specialty Program. ...
- Graduate of a Non-Accredited Dental Specialty Program.
The University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry might well be considered the easiest dental school to get into in Canada based on acceptance rate (17.14%) alone. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is required for admission. In a recent year, the average GPA was 3.94, and the lowest admitted GPA was 3.85.
Can a US dentist practice in Canada? ›Foreign-trained dentists, regardless of education, licensure, or experience, must obtain a Canadian licence to practise dentistry in Canada.
Can Canadian dentist work in USA? ›If you are a foreign-educated dentist and wish to become licensed to practice in the United States, you should be aware that most states require a degree from a dental education program accredited by the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA).
What GPA do you need for dental school in Canada? ›The lowest GPA admitted to a dental school in Canada ranges 3.3-3.7 depending on which school. To get in with a low GPA the other aspects of the application must be exceptional. A competitive GPA for admission, which is the average GPA of admitted students, is between 3.7-3.95 depending on the school.
Is being a Dentist worth it in Canada? ›Dentistry is one of the most rewarding professions to pursue. Through education, diagnosis and treatment, dentists provide the public with an essential health service. Research is continuing to show that the link between oral health and general health is strong.
What is the average GPA for dentistry in Canada? ›The ideal GPA for dental schools in Canada will, of course, depend on the school to which you're applying. However, the ideal cumulative undergraduate GPA that you should aim for is 3.5. You will need to look at the specific average scores of the most recent class profile and find out if the school has a cutoff score.
Are dentists well paid in Canada? ›The average dentist salary in Canada is $208,890 per year or $107 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $120,922 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $225,585 per year.
How much does DDS cost in Canada? ›
| Course | Fees |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's | 23,109- 103,407 CAD per year |
| Master's | 26,500- 44,580 CAD annually |
| Diploma | 15,190- 22,395 CAD per year |
| PhD | 16,200 CAD and can be paid on an instalment basis |
Whom Should We Really Call A “Doctor?” These days many health professionals use the title “doctor.” Indeed, the Canadian Press Stylebook now decrees that the title of doctor is reserved only for physicians. Physicians, surgeons, dentists, chiropodists, university professors, and in some countries pharmacists…etc.
Can you go to dental school in Canada and practice in us? ›Canadian and American dental schools are equivalent according to the Joint Commission of the ADA. There is a reciprocal agreement where those graduating from Canadian schools may practice in the US and vice versa.
What GPA should I have for dental school? ›To be accepted in a competitive dental program, you'll want to maintain a college GPA of at least 3.2.
What is the lowest GPA to get into dental school? ›| School | GPA |
|---|---|
| A.T. Still University - Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health | 2.75 |
| Dental College of Georgia at Augusta University | 2.8 |
| University of Minnesota | 2.79 |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Dentistry | 3.0 |
This four-year (11-term) undergraduate program leads to a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree. At least two pre-professional years of university education are required before admission.
How many years is a dentist program in the USA or Canada? ›It typically takes aspiring dentists three to four years in an undergraduate program to complete a bachelor's degree, then an additional four years in dental school to become a licensed dentist.
How do foreign dentists work in Canada? ›To gain a licence to practice dentistry in Canada: the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP) You must complete the Doctor in Dental Surgery (DDS) to be able to take the national licensing exam (National Dental Examining Board) to become a practicing dentist.
How hard is the NBDE exam? ›The NBDE is a challenging exam for international dentists; the challenges being the following: A different tooth numbering system in US. NBDE is an objective exam. NBDE is computer-based and a timed exam.
Do dentists make more in Canada or the US? ›According to Dentist salary | How much does a dentist make ? Dentists in the US make about 150K annually. With bottom 10% making an average of ~120K and upper 10% making an average of 210K. In Canada, the salary can be between 40K ~ 200K, with an average of ~110K.
Are dentists respected in USA? ›
Dentistry is ranked as the 2nd Best Job overall in the US, according to the 2019 U.S. News and World Best Jobs Report.
Is 3.4 GPA too low for dental school? ›The ideal dental school applicant will have a 3.5 cumulative GPA or higher. There are many schools that average Biology, Chemistry, and Physics (BCP) GPAs together. For these science courses, the average applicant should strive for a 3.4 GPA or higher.
What is GPA in Canada? ›Transcript. English. GPA means grade point average, and it's a way to translate your letter grade. So an A is 4.0, a B would be 3.0, a, C would be 2.0.
How much does university of Toronto dentistry cost? ›The tuition fees for the dentistry program are approximately $45 000.00 per year for domestic students and $ 90 000.00 per year for international students. These tuition fees includes both academic, non-academic and dental instrument fees.
Where do dentist make the most money? ›Average Dentist Salary by State
Region of the country, cost of living and demand for dental services all impact salary levels. The three states with the highest-paid dentists are Rhode Island ($258,920), Vermont ($254,190) and Alaska ($242,850). West Virginia is last at $127,950 just ahead of Kentucky ($128,850).
"Current work-force data suggest that there is an oversupply of dentists throughout most regions of Canada, and the current supply of dentists will continue to significantly outpace the population growth," the report notes.
How stressful is being a dentist? ›Time management is a major factor of stress for dentists. Working long hours as a dentist can be extremely stressful and demanding, which requires great time management. Every patient needs the dentist's undivided attention, but as time passes and one grows weary, it can be challenging to offer the greatest care.
Is dentist demand in Canada? ›Provincial Nominee Program
Provincial nomination programs allow you to move to a specific Canadian province. Provinces like British Columbia, Alberta, etc. has a very high demand for qualified dentists.
- University of British Columbia – Faculty of Dentistry. ...
- University of Toronto – Faculty of Dentistry. ...
- McGill University – Faculty of Dentistry. ...
- Western University Schulich – School of Medicine & Dentistry. ...
- Dalhousie University – Faculty of Dentistry. ...
- University of Alberta – School of Dentistry.
The undergraduate program in dentistry in Canada is of 2 to 4 years. The program offered includes a bachelor of dental hygiene, Doctor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Dental Medicine, Bachelor of Dental Science, Advanced Diploma in Dental Hygiene, etc.
Which job is highest paid in Canada? ›
The top 25 highest-paying careers in Canada are no surprise – doctors, lawyers and bankers. Most of these careers on this list require years of education and special licensing.
Where in Canada do dentist make the most money? ›- Ottawa, ON. $283,184 per year. 12 salaries reported.
- Winnipeg, MB. $247,511 per year. 12 salaries reported.
- Calgary, AB. $221,217 per year. 16 salaries reported.
- Vancouver, BC. $200,518 per year. 8 salaries reported.
- Edmonton, AB. $176,324 per year. ...
- Show more nearby cities.
The highest-paying dental specialty is oral and maxillofacial surgery. On average, dentists practicing in this specialty make $400,000 annually. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons treat injuries and head, neck, face, and jaw diseases.
Is dental becoming free in Canada? ›In 2022, the federal government announced plans to create the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), providing dental care coverage for uninsured Canadians with a household income of less than $90,000 a year. For those who have a household income of less than $70,000 a year, costs will be fully covered.
Is a DDS equivalent to the MD? ›Are they the same as a physician? No, but there's a lot of crossover between the two. Both professions require a four year degree once a bachelor's is completed, but a physician will also need to complete a residency program after they graduate before they can begin to practice. Dentist do not have to do this.
Is dental free in Canada? ›Most Canadians receive oral health care through privately operated dental clinics and pay for services through insurance or by paying for it themselves. Some dental services are covered through government dental programs. These programs are integral to the health and well-being of Canadians.
Can a US citizen see a doctor in Canada? ›As a foreign visitor to Canada, you can visit any doctor or hospital, as long as you pay the bill. Relatively small amounts, you pay upon your visit. After you returned home, send the medical bill to your insurance company.
Can I call myself Dr if I have a PhD? ›A doctoral degree (PhD) is a degree that one earns after a master's degree. A PhD entitles a person to use the title doctor.
Do dentists have PhD or MD? ›A doctorate in dentistry is the highest general dental degree in the U.S. Dentistry schools award either a doctor of medicine in dentistry (DMD) or a doctor of dental surgery (DDS) to graduates.
Which country is best for dental study? ›Best countries to study dentistry
Europe is home to many of the most respected schools in the world, with top universities in the Netherlands, Sweden, the UK and Switzerland. If Asia is your preferred destination, Hong Kong, Japan and China all offer well respected dentistry programs.
Can a US dental assistant work in Canada? ›
Canada recognizes USA registered dental assisting programs that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of America (CODA). If your registered dental assisting program is accredited, you will NOT have to complete STEP 3: Clinical Practice Evaluation of the registration and licensing process.
Is dentistry hard in USA? ›Dental school is very hard and can be close to as hard as medical school. Many students attending dental school struggle with the copious amounts of studying they must do. It has a vast amount of dental information that must not only be memorized but also utilized in practice.
Can I get into dental school with a 2.7 GPA? ›To be competitive applicant, a 3.5 or higher GPA is recommended ● Courses: Grades of the following prerequisites have to contain an average grade of C or higher.
Is it harder to get into dental or medical school? ›Both, however, might be difficult to get into because they often have competitive admissions processes and high expectations for applicants. Although this might vary greatly and is not always true, dental schools may have slightly lower acceptance rates than medical schools.
Is 23 a good DAT score? ›The score that you see on your score report is based on a 1-30 scale. An average score is 17-18, a good score is 20-21, and a very high score is anything above 22. Your raw score for the DAT is the number of correctly answered questions per section.
How can I increase my chances of getting into dental school? ›To maximize your chances of admissions success, make a plan that ensures that you earn strong grades and a great DAT score, gain relevant dental experiences, and write high quality dental school application essays—and then stick with it. Before you know it, you'll have the letters DDS or DMD after your name.
What is the lowest GPA accepted Harvard dental school? ›| Minimum Overall GPA to Apply | Average Overall GPA of accepted applicants | Lowest Overall GPA Admitted |
|---|---|---|
| None | 3.89 | 3.69 |
HSDM reviews completed applications holistically and makes admissions decisions based on a comprehensive review. HSDM does not have a minimum GPA or DAT score.
Is being a dentist worth it in Canada? ›Dentistry is one of the most rewarding professions to pursue. Through education, diagnosis and treatment, dentists provide the public with an essential health service. Research is continuing to show that the link between oral health and general health is strong.
What is a dentist salary in Canada? ›How much does a Dentist make in Canada? The average dentist salary in Canada is $208,890 per year or $107 per hour. Entry-level positions start at $120,922 per year, while most experienced workers make up to $225,585 per year.
Is dental school worth it in Canada? ›
The Canadian dental industry is booming, and there are many jobs available for qualified dentists. If you want to work in a prestigious field, studying dentistry in Canada is the way to go! Canada has a rich history in dentistry and the academic experience available to dental students is second to none.
Which country pays dentists the most? ›The tuition fees for the dentistry program are approximately $45 000.00 per year for domestic students and $ 90 000.00 per year for international students. These tuition fees includes both academic, non-academic and dental instrument fees.
Is dentist a doctor in Canada? ›Whom Should We Really Call A “Doctor?” These days many health professionals use the title “doctor.” Indeed, the Canadian Press Stylebook now decrees that the title of doctor is reserved only for physicians. Physicians, surgeons, dentists, chiropodists, university professors, and in some countries pharmacists…etc.
What is the top 5 income in Canada? ›What income puts you in the top 5% in Canada? In order to be inside of the top 5% of earners in Canada, you would need to earn about $236,400 annually.
At what age do most Dentists retire? ›The average American retires at age 62, but the average retirement age for dentists is 69. Here are five distinct reasons why dentists have a harder time retiring at an earlier age.