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Dentist

  • Jan 6
  • 3 min read

Becoming a Licensed Dentist in Ontario (Internationally Educated)


Introduction to Dentistry in Ontario:


Dentistry in Ontario focuses on oral health, disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Dentists work in private clinics, hospitals, public health, research, and education. All dentists must be licensed to practice in Ontario, ensuring public safety, professional competency, and ethical practice.


Internationally educated dentists (IEDs) follow a regulated pathway involving credential verification, examinations, clinical assessments, and licensure.


Regulatory Bodies in Canada


  1. National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB)

  2. Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO)

Step-by-Step Licensing Process for Internationally Educated Dentists


Step 1: Create an NDEB Profile and Submit Documents

  • Visit NDEB website and create an account.

  • Submit diploma, transcripts, and proof of clinical training.

  • Documents will be verified through the NDEB Equivalency Process.

  • Timeline: 2–4 months

  • Cost: ~$900 CAD


Step 2: NDEB Equivalency Process

This process is for dentists educated outside accredited Canadian or U.S. programs. It includes three assessments:


  1. Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK)

    • MCQ test covering biomedical and clinical sciences.

    • 💰 ~$800 CAD | 📅 Offered 2x/year


  1. Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ)

    • Evaluates diagnostic, radiographic, and clinical decision-making.

    • 💰 ~$1,350 CAD | 📅 Offered 1–2x/year


  1. Assessment of Clinical Skills (ACS)

    • Hands-on test on manikins to assess clinical procedures.

    • 💰 ~$6,000–$9,000 CAD | 📅 Limited seats


✅ Once all three assessments are passed, candidates proceed to the NDEB Certification Examination.


Step 3: NDEB Certification Examination

  • Includes written and OSCE-style exam (Objective Structured Clinical Examination).

  • Certifies eligibility to practice dentistry in Canada.

  • 💰 ~$1,000 CAD

  • 📅 3–6 months after completing ACS


Step 4: Apply to RCDSO for Licensure

  • Submit NDEB certificate to RCDSO.

  • Complete Jurisprudence and Ethics exam.

  • Pay registration and insurance fees.

  • 💰 ~$1,500–$2,000 CAD


Bridging Programs for IEDs

These programs help internationally educated dentists prepare for NDEB exams and clinical practice.

  1. University of Toronto – International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP)

  2. Western University – Advanced Standing Program

  3. PREP Courses


Financial Aid Options

  • Lifelong Learning Plan (LLP): Use RRSPs for full-time education.

  • OSAP: Available for full-time DDS students.

  • CIBC Professional Edge® Student Line of Credit: Up to $125,000.

  • Cost+ZERO Financing Initiative: Up to $25,000 for exam prep courses.

  • Credential Recognition Program: Up to $30,000 low-interest financing for credential assessment, licensing, or training.


Alternative Career Options While Working Toward Licensing


Dental-Related Roles

  • Dental Assistant (Level I/II – 8-month certificate)

  • Dental Hygienist (requires diploma and licence)

  • Sterilization Technician

  • Dental Receptionist

  • Treatment Coordinator

  • Dental Claims Reviewer


Non-Clinical / Healthcare Roles

  • Medical Device Sales (dental products)

  • Health Program Coordinator

  • Health Research Assistant

  • Patient Navigator or Case Manager in newcomer health services

  • Public Health Outreach roles


Without Pursuing Licensing

  • Health Administration

  • Settlement Worker (health-related newcomer services)

  • Clinical Research Coordinator

  • Oral Health Educator

  • Medical Transcriptionist

  • Technical Writer for health organizations


Employers in Ottawa & Surrounding Area


Dental Clinics & Offices

  • Trillium Dental

  • Altima Dental

  • Ottawa West Dental

  • Bank Street Dentistry

  • Merivale Dental Centre

  • Barrhaven Dental Studio


Hospitals & Health Centres

  • The Ottawa Hospital

  • CHEO (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario)

  • Bruyère Continuing Care

  • Queensway Carleton Hospital

  • Ottawa Public Health


Government / Public Sector

  • Health Canada

  • Canadian Dental Association

  • Public Health Agency of Canada

  • National Research Council (Health & Life Sciences)


Job Search Resources

  • Job Bank Canada

  • Indeed Canada

  • LinkedIn Jobs

  • Prep Doctors Jobs


Summary Timeline & Cost Breakdown

Step

Approx. Cost (CAD)

Timeline

NDEB Credential Assessment

~$900

2–4 months

AFK Exam

~$800

After approval

ACJ Exam

~$1,350

~6 months later

ACS Exam

$6,000–$9,000

May take 6–12 months

NDEB Certification Exam

~$1,000

3–6 months after ACS

RCDSO Registration

~$1,500–$2,000

Upon NDEB certification

Total Estimated Cost

15,000+

1.5–3 years total

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