Systematic and Concise Roadmap to being a Dentist in Canada after BDS

Last updated on September 25th, 2023 at 01:32 pm

Are you ready to embark on a transformative journey towards becoming a dentist in Canada after BDS?

You hold a BDS degree , and your dream is to practice dentistry in the land of maple leaves and stunning landscapes.

Well, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog post, we’re about to unfold the roadmap that will guide you through.

Introduction

Beneath Canada’s stunning landscapes and diverse communities lies a pressing concern – the growing demand for dental services.

The aging population and the changing oral healthcare priorities add up to one simple fact: Canada needs more dentists.

As per reports over the period 2022 – 2031 new job openings in Canada for dentists arising from expansion demand and replacement demand are expected to total 13,500, while 10,500 new job seekers arising from school leavers, immigration and mobility are expected to be available.

Canada’s growing demand for dentists isn’t just a challenge; it’s an opportunity.

An opportunity for you to embark on a fulfilling dental career in a country known for its high standards of living and healthcare.

So let’s begin step by step on this Roadmap of Dentistry from India.

Regulatory Bodies and Licensing Authorities for a Dentist in Canada after BDS

One of the first and most crucial steps on your journey to becoming a licensed dentist in Canada is understanding the role of dental regulatory authorities.

These authorities govern the practice of dentistry in each Canadian province and are responsible for setting and upholding the standards and guidelines that ensure the quality and safety of dental care.

1. Dental Regulatory Authorities in Each Province

• Canada is a federation of provinces and territories, each with its own dental regulatory authority.
• These authorities oversee the licensing and regulation of dental practitioners within their jurisdiction.
• It’s essential to research and become familiar with the specific dental regulatory authority in the province where you intend to practice.
• Each province has its own Dental Association. These associations serve as resources for dentists, offering networking opportunities, continuing education, and advocacy for the profession.
• Dental licensure requirements can vary from province to province.

2. Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC)

• The Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC) is a significant organization in the Canadian dental landscape. It plays a pivotal role in ensuring the highest standards of dental care and specialty education in Canada.
• For those aspiring to specialize in various fields of dentistry, the RCDC conducts examinations and certification processes. Achieving RCDC certification demonstrates your expertise in a particular dental specialty, enhancing your professional profile.

3. Canadian Dental Association (CDA)

• The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is another key organization that influences the dental profession in Canada. It represents over 20,000 dentists nationwide and advocates for oral health promotion and access to dental care.
• While the CDA doesn’t directly handle licensing, it sets ethical and professional standards for the dental community. Staying informed about CDA guidelines is essential for maintaining high ethical standards in your practice.

4. The National Dental Examining Board (NDEB)

• The National Dental Examining Board (NDEB) is a key player in the assessment and licensure of international dental graduates in Canada.
• The NDEB operates independently and is recognized by all provincial dental regulatory authorities across Canada.
• Its primary mission is to ensure that all dental professionals practicing in Canada meet the Canadian standards for dental competency, knowledge, and clinical skills.
• It administers the Equivalency Process, which evaluates the education and qualifications of foreign-trained dentists.
• So you need to complete the NDEB certification process, which includes written and clinical examinations.

Click to view the Official Website of NDEB

Credential Assessment

When you decide to pursue a dental career in Canada as an internationally trained dentist, one of the critical steps is having your credentials assessed.

The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) plays a central role in this process.

In Canada, accreditation is determined by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). A dental program that is not recognized by the CDAC is considered to be non-accredited

BDS degree form some countries like India are considered Non accredited in Canada. So you can take two pathways if you wish to practice in Canada.

Option	Details
Pathway 1: NDEB Equivalency Process	This pathway comprises three examinations. AFK,ACJ, ACS Only after Successful completion of these exams you qualify to proceed to the NDEB Certification Process. Takes about 2 years for the whole process. Most dentists from India Choose this pathway as the cost is comparatively less and you don’t need to study DDS in a college in Canada.
Pathway 2: Accredited Qualifying/Degree Completion Program	These programs are offered by Canadian Faculties of Dentistry after you apply to the Canadian Universities. These are 2 year degree completion courses. Cost is about $50,000-$100,000 per year. After you complete 2year degree you qualify for NDEB Certification Process. You can choose this pathway if you wish to study DDS in Canada

Verification of Credentials

All your degrees, certificates, identification cards, transcripts and mark sheets need to be uploaded for verification first.

This application procedure will take around 4-5 months and the cost is about $900 .

After this step you can decide which pathway you want to choose.

Fee structure

Examination or Fee	Fee Amount
Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK)	$1000
Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ)	$1350
NDECC (National Dental Examining Board of Canada)	$8000
NDECC: Clinical Skills Component	$4000
NDECC: Situational Judgment Component	$4000
Application Fee (one-time, non-refundable)	$900
Equivalency Process Re-application Fee (non-refundable)	$400
Verification of Score (AFK, ACJ, or NDECC)	$200
Misconduct Decision Appeal	$1200
Proof of Successful Completion (each)	$30
Appeal of the Conduct of an Examination	$1200

A. Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK)

• The AFK is the first step in the credential assessment process. It evaluates your knowledge of the fundamental principles of dentistry.
• This examination typically consists of multiple-choice questions and assesses your understanding of topics such as dental anatomy, pathology, and basic clinical sciences.
• Passing the AFK is a prerequisite for advancing to the next stages of assessment.

Aspect	Details
Format of AFK	200 single-answer multiple-choice questions in 2 parts
Time Allotted for Each Part of AFK	Two hours for each part
Type of exam	Prometric test at test centers OR Booklet format offered at select exam sites
Passing Score	A test score of 75 or greater is reported as a Pass
Maximum Attempts Allowed for AFK	You can take the AFK a maximum of three times

Apply for AFK exam here

B. Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ)

• The ACJ is another essential component of the credential assessment. It evaluates your decision-making skills and clinical judgment in different dental scenarios.
• This examination assesses your ability to diagnose dental conditions, develop treatment plans, and make informed clinical decisions.
• The Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ) also evaluates your knowledge in oral radiology and ability to make a radiographic interpretation and diagnosis.
• Passing the ACJ confirms your capacity to provide quality patient care independently.

Aspect	Details
Duration of ACJ	5.5 hours with one scheduled 30-minute break
Number of Questions	120-150 questions, including single-answer and multi-answer multiple-choice type questions
Type of exam	The ACJ will be administered electronically at Prometric test centres.
Case-Based Questions	Evaluate the ability to formulate a diagnosis and make clinical decisions using case histories, dental charts, radiographic images, and photographs.
Radiographic Interpretation Questions	Evaluate knowledge in oral radiology and the ability to make radiographic interpretations and diagnoses using radiographic images.
Passing Score	A test score of 75 or greater is reported as a Pass
Maximum Attempts Allowed for AFK	You can take the AFK a maximum of three times

Login to ACJ registration

C. Assessment of Clinical Skills (ACS)

• After successfully completing the AFK, you’ll proceed to the ACS.
• This stage assesses your clinical skills and your ability to apply dental knowledge in a practical setting.
• The ACS examination involves various practical stations where you’ll perform dental procedures under supervision.
• It is conducted on two consecutive days of 6 hours each.
• 12 procedures are to be performed including Access cavity preparation, tooth preparation for crown and Class II cavity preparation etc
• It assesses your clinical competency and ability to provide safe and effective patient care.
• Excelling in the ACS is a significant achievement, as it demonstrates your clinical proficiency.

NDEB Certification Process

After you have completed and passed your Equivalency exams of pathway 1 or your degree completion exams of pathway 2 you need to apply for the Certification process.

This is like a registration process and all Canadian dentists also need to clear this exam to practice.

Virtual Clinical Examination (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.
• The Virtual OSCE is a national standard of competence for dentists in Canada.
• The examination leads to NDEB certification and is required for licensure in Canada.
• The fee for the Virtual OSCE is $2000.
• It can be taken a maximum of three times.
• The Virtual OSCE consists of 200 questions. There are 50 standard single answer multiple choice questions and 150 case based questions.

Component	Approximate % of Questions
Oral Medicine and Pathology	12%
Periodontics	14%
Endodontics	10%
Prosthodontics	10%
Orthodontics	6%
Operative Dentistry	16%
Surgery	8%
Pain	12%
Prevention and management of medical emergencies including medically complex patients	12%
Total	100%

Receiving NDEB certificate

Once you have successfully passed all the required examinations, you can apply for certification from the NDEB.

The application process typically involves submitting various documents, including your examination results, educational credentials, and other relevant information.

As English and French are the official languages of Canada, you may need to demonstrate language proficiency in either English or French, depending on the province in which you intend to practice.

This is done through language proficiency tests such as the IELTS or the French language equivalent.

Once licensed, you’ll be required to engage in continuing education to maintain your professional competence.

Dental professionals in Canada are subject to ongoing assessment and peer review to ensure the highest standards of patient care and safety.

Provincial Licensure

After receiving your NDEB certificate, you’ll need to apply for a license to practice dentistry in the specific province or territory where you wish to work.

Each province has its own dental regulatory authority responsible for granting licenses.

You’ll need to meet their specific licensing requirements, which may include additional examinations or assessments.

Many provinces require foreign-trained dentists to pass a jurisprudence exam that assesses your knowledge of Canadian dental laws, ethics, and regulations.

If required, you may need to complete a Clinical Observership Program (COP) in a Canadian dental clinic.

This program allows you to gain hands-on experience under the supervision of a licensed Canadian dentist.

How to Apply for DDS in USA : A Complete Step-by-Step Guide.

Work as a Dentist in Australia: The Best Guide for International Dentists

Conclusion

In conclusion, the journey from being a dentist in India with a BDS degree to practicing dentistry in Canada is undoubtedly challenging, but it’s a path filled with immense opportunities and the potential for a rewarding career.

Throughout this pursuit, remember that international dental graduates bring unique perspectives, experiences, and skills to the Canadian healthcare system.

Your journey to becoming a dentist in Canada after BDS is not just about acquiring a license; it’s about contributing to the oral health and well-being of the diverse communities across this vast nation.