
NDEB Canada Dental Equivalency Process
Are you an internationally trained dentist & would like to become a licensed dentist in Canada?
Learn all about the NDEB process & exams.
Step 1: NDEB Application & Approval
This is the first step that all foreign-trained dentists must complete if you planning to become a dentist in Canada. You should start this step as soon as possible even if you haven't completely figured out your immigration process. Actually, it may be easier to send your documents while you remain in your country. The sooner the better. Once you are approved by the NDEB you can register for the AFK exam whenever you're ready for it, there is no expiry date for your NDEB account.

Starting the NDEB Equivalency Process
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Open an NDEB account (click here) and pay the account fee.
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Send the documents requested (watch video)
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Wait for the NDEB to review and approve your documents.
NDEB Application Steps
NDEB Equivalency Process?
The NDEB equivalency process provides foreign trained dentists with an opportunity to become a licensed practicing dentist in Canada. The process consists of 3 exams followed by the licensing exams (written board and OSCE exams). This is called the direct path (does not involve going back to university). The second method is to go through university.
Regardless of the pathway you choose, both begin with the AFK exam, and both end with the OSCE and written board exams.

Direct Path
VS
University Path
Steps for direct pathway
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NDEB application & approval
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Pass the AFK exam
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Pass the ACJ and NDECC exam
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Pass the written board and OSCE exams
Duration: 2-3 years
Budget: $30k-$60k
Steps for university pathway
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NDEB application & approval
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Pass the AFK &/or ADAT
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Complete a Canadian university
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Pass the written board and OSCE exams
Duration: 3-4 years
Budget: $100k-$200k

Step 1
NDEB Application
Step 2
Pass AFK
Step 3 - Direct
Pass ACJ & NDECC
Step 3 - Indirect
Complete University
Step 4
Pass Board Exams
Optional
Pass ADAT
Certification & Licensure
Not sure which path is best for you?
Don't worry, experts of Scholars Dental will guide you through the Canadian Equivalency process. All you need to do is book a free consultation with us.
National Dental Examination Board of Canada (NDEB)
Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge
Assessment of Clinical Judgement
NDEB Process - The Direct Pathway & Courses
Application
The NDEB Application Process
This is the first step that all foreign-trained dentists must complete if you planning to become a dentist in Canada. You should start this step as soon as possible even if you haven't completely figured out your immigration process. The steps are:
1. Open an NDEB account
2. Send the required documents
3. Wait for approval
AFK
Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK)
The AFK exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions that cover all fields of dentistry and is the first step of the journey that all foreign trained dentists must go through. This exam will really test the dentists core understanding and knowledge. We at Scholars Dental believe this is the most important step in the process and have made the preparation for AFK our specialty. We have created an excellent AFK Course. Scoring high opens the university pathway. Learning the core knowledge in the best way possible will ease the remaining steps of the process. Moreover, passing the first step smoothly will give the student confidence to continue the process, whereas failing may damage your confidence.
ACJ
Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ)
The ACJ exam is a case-base examination that consists of two booklets. The first booklet tests a students clinical judgment in diagnosis and treatment planning through a series of clinical cases with patient info, medical history, dental history, photos, symptoms and other info necessary for the cases. The second booklet consists of radiographs and test a students radiographic inteepretation of pathological conditions, carries, calculus, periodontal conditions and more. Our ACJ Course trains students to apply the fundamental knowledge learned in the AFK Course to realistic clinical cases.
NDECC
The NDECC
The NDECC exam will test a dentist’s dexterity and clinical skills by preparing and restoring Kilgore teeth. There are 8 projects including crown preps, cavity preps, class II and class IV restorations, temp crowns and more. The student must purchase all the required material for the exam and training period. The Situational Judgement component of this exam assesses judgement required for solving problems in work-related situations. SJT focuses more on ethical and professional situations rather than skill and knowledge.
Board Exams
OSCE and Written Board Exam
The written board exam is very similar to the AFK exam with a higher passing rate. You can prepare with the same study material. The OSCE exam is similar in structure to the ACJ exam, but with additional templates that evaluating preparations and dentures on models and typodonts. All these differences and more will be discussed in our OSCE course.