What is the NDEB Equivalency Process?

For anyone looking to sink their teeth into Canadian dentistry, the National Dental Examining Board of Canada’s (NDEB) equivalency process is the place to start.

In Canada, dentistry is a regulated profession. The NDEB works with the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) to grant international dentists the opportunity to become licensed in Canada. With their three-step examination process, the NDEB provides a direct pathway into Canadian dentistry depending on where you obtained your dental education and if you would like to practise as a general dentist, specialist, or both.

What does this NDEB process look like? 

To begin, foreign-trained dentists must apply to be accepted into the Canadian dentistry equivalency process through the NDEB. 

1. Apply through the NDEB equivalency portal here. You will need to create an NDEB login and online profile on their website as well. 
2. Pass the AFK exam, the first NDEB exam. (Prep Doctors is now introducing our newest AFK online Crash Course for international dentists who cannot make it to our campuses this cycle.)
3. Pass the ACJ and NDECC™ exams, the second and third NDEB exams. 
4. Pass the Written Board and OSCE exams, known as the NDEB’s certification process. 

Direct Route NDEB Equivalency Process Time: 1.5-2.5 years
NDEB Equivalency Process Fees: $13,050 CAD
Prep Doctors Equivalency Course Fees: Up to $15,000 CAD
Total Equivalency Process Cost: Up to $30,000 CAD**

**This approximation amount is based on a combination of the current NDEB examinations and Prep Doctors Full Course option fees. This amount may increase depending on how many attempts you need to pass.

The NDEB’s direct route may take 1.5 to 2.5 years to complete. The NDEB equivalency process costs approximately $30,000 CAD, including the Prep Doctors courses and NDEB exam fees. This amount may increase depending on how many attempts you need to pass. When navigating the process, you can expect the following breakdown of NDEB equivalency process fees:

Learn more about the NDEB’s exam fees here.

The NDEB also provides foreign-trained dentists with the opportunity to enter the dental profession through a Canadian university. 

What does the university process look like? 

While providing a quicker pathway to the certification process, bridging programs (more accurately known as accredited qualifying and degree completion programs) follow a similar progression.

1. Apply through the NDEB equivalency portal here. You will need to create an NDEB login and online profile on their website as well. 
2. Pass the AFK exam with a high score, the first NDEB exam. (For some qualifying and degree completion programs, the AFK must be taken within the last three years of submitting your application. Please reach out to your interested dental school for admission requirements.)
3. Enroll in and complete a qualifying and degree completion program offered by the Faculties of Dentistry in Canada. You can find a list of programs here. 
4. Pass the Written Board and OSCE exams. 

Qualifying and Degree Completion Program Process Time: 2-3 years
Qualifying and Degree Completion Program Process Fees: Up to $90,000 CAD

Qualifying and degree completion programs are unique university programs held over five to six months. After successfully completing these programs, students are admitted into the third year of a Doctor of Dental Surgery Program, leading to a degree (DDS). Overall, a DDS can take two to 2.5 years to complete. The qualifying and degree completion programs process can cost approximately $90,000 CAD.

Regardless of the path you choose to take, each process begins with the AFK exam and ends with the Written Board and OSCE exam. 

Despite the challenges and intense regimen each NDEB equivalency process may take, Prep Doctors remains the best place to begin your journey, and we have the course for you. Our team is always available to answer any questions about the NDEB process and dental equivalency. So, please reach out to us through our Facebook page or email us at info@prepdoctors.ca. We are more than happy to help!