ACFD BTDPC Program 2026–2027: What Internationally Trained Dentists Need to Know

Starting with the 2025–2026 pilot and continuing in 2026–2027, Canada is implementing a new structured pathway for internationally trained dentists: the ACFD Bridge Training to Dental Practice in Canada (BTDPC) program. This national, university-based initiative, developed by the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD), targets dentists who graduated from non-accredited dental programs and are pursuing licensure in Canada. It establishes a third route alongside the traditional NDEB Equivalency Process and university-qualifying or degree-completion programs.

What Is the ACFD BTDPC Program?

The BTDPC (Bridge Training to Dental Practice in Canada) is an 8-month, full-time, in-person bridge program delivered at three Canadian dental schools:

• University of Alberta

• Université Laval

• Dalhousie University

Each institution will admit up to 10 candidates per intake, using a competency-based curriculum that validates existing knowledge while addressing gaps relative to Canadian entry to practice standards.

Why the ACFD BTDPC Matters for Internationally Trained Dentists in Canada

Until now, internationally trained dentists had two main pathways:

1. Complete the full NDEB Equivalency Process (AFK, ACJ, NDECC)

2. Enroll in a 2–3 year qualifying or advanced standing dental degree

The BTDPC introduces a third option with a defined timeline.

Key advantage for 2026–2027 graduates and beyond:

• NDECC exam is not required

• Direct eligibility for the NDEB Virtual OSCE

• A potentially faster route to provincial licensure once NDEB certification is achieved.

ACFD BTDPC Program Structure and Curriculum

The program runs up to 8 months, full-time on weekdays, entirely in person.

Curriculum includes:

• 9 core modules

• Up to 4 individualized modules (assigned after assessment)

• Clinical skill refinement

• Canadian standards of care

• Patient-centred and culturally competent practice

The curriculum follows a competency-based approach aligned with national entry-to-practice standards.

ACFD BTDPC Eligibility Requirements for Internationally Trained Dentists

To qualify, candidates must:

• Hold a dental degree from a non-accredited program (minimum 4-year university program)

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident by the application deadline

• Have passed AFK and ACJ within 60 months (5 years) of the application deadline

The 60-month validity window represents an extension from previous policies.

ACFD BTDPC Application and Admission Requirements

Applicants must provide:

• Legal identity information matching NDEB records

• Consent for NDEB to share exam and credential verification results

• Ranked site preferences

• Curriculum vitae with verifiers

• Proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency

• Three professional references

• Short written statements (up to 300 words each) describing academic and clinical experience

• Evidence of language proficiency

Language Requirements

Applicants must meet minimum English or French language requirements (for example, TOEFL iBT around 90 or IELTS Academic around 7.0, with no component below the minimum set by the program), or demonstrate prior post‑secondary education in English or French, as specified by the ACFD

English:

• TOEFL iBT minimum 90 (no section below 21), or

• IELTS Academic minimum 7.0 in all components

French:

• TCF or TEF meeting specified minimum standards

Prior post-secondary education in English or French may also satisfy requirements.

ACFD BTDPC Selection Process: From Application to Pre‑Entry Assessment

The ACFD uses a multi-stage competitive selection process.

1. Application Review

Eligibility and documentation screening.

2. Professional Conversational Language Assessment

Online evaluation of professional communication skills.

3. Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI)

Conducted online via Kira Talent to evaluate:

• Critical thinking

• Ethical reasoning

• Decision-making

• Teamwork

4. Six-Day In-Person Pre-Entry Assessment

Conducted at one of the three universities, assessing competencies in:

• Operative dentistry

• Periodontics

• Prosthodontics (fixed and removable)

• Endodontics

• Pediatric dentistry

• Oral surgery

Assessment results determine both admission and individualized training modules. Admissions decisions are final and cannot be appealed or deferred.

ACFD BTDPC Program Costs and Fees

Application-related fees:

• Application (including language and MMI): $500 CAD

• Pre-entry assessment: $1,000 CAD

• Program deposit: $3,000 CAD

Tuition:

• $30,000 CAD

Additional expenses may include travel, housing, and criminal record checks. The program is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Foreign Credential Recognition Program.

2026–2027 Timeline

For the 2026–2027 cohort, the BTDPC followed this general schedule pattern:

• Applications were open in late January and closed at the end of February

• Language and professional conversational assessments took place in early March

• Multiple Mini Interviews (MMI) were held in mid-March

• The six-day in-person pre-entry assessment ran in early May

• Programs started in late summer / early fall, with some universities beginning in mid-August and others in early September

These 2026–2027 dates are provided as an example of the typical timeline. Exact dates for future cohorts are set and updated by the ACFD, so always check the official ACFD BTDPC information before planning or applying.

How ACFD BTDPC Fits Into the NDEB Certification Process

Does BTDPC Replace the NDEB Equivalency Exams?

No. Candidates must have completed AFK and ACJ to apply.

However, for 2026–2027 cohorts and beyond:

BTDPC graduates are exempt from the NDECC and proceed directly to the NDEB Virtual OSCE after program completion.

Who Is Eligible for the ACFD BTDPC Pathway?

The BTDPC may be suitable for internationally trained dentists who:

• Have already passed AFK and ACJ

• Meet residency requirements

• Prefer structured university-based training

• Want to bypass the NDECC

• Seek an 8-month program rather than a 2–3 year degree

Applicants must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents and must have completed AFK and ACJ; others are not eligible under the current criteria.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ACFD BTDPC a replacement for the full equivalency process?

It offers a structured alternative pathway but does not eliminate the requirement for NDEB certification.

Do I still need the Virtual OSCE?

Yes. After completing ACFD, candidates must pass the NDEB Virtual OSCE.

Is the program permanent?

It is currently a federally funded pilot program.

Can I defer admission?

No. Admission decisions cannot be deferred to another year.

The ACFD BTDPC Bridge Program represents a significant development in Canada's dental licensing framework. It introduces a competency-based, time-limited university pathway that allows eligible internationally trained dentists to bypass the NDECC and proceed directly to the NDEB Virtual OSCE.

For candidates who meet eligibility criteria, the ACFD BTDPC may offer a more structured and predictable route toward licensure.

For official updates and detailed application information, consult the Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry and NDEB publications.

Interested in more reference content like this? Scholars Dental publishes practical, up-to-date guides on NDEB pathways and Canadian dental licensing for internationally trained dentists. Subscribe to stay informed as new course dates, policy updates, and exam prep resources are published, so you never miss an important change in the Canadian dental licensing landscape.

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Sources: • ACFD BTDPC official page: acfd.ca/training-programs/btdpc-program/

• NDEB Virtual OSCE page: ndeb-bned.ca/certification-process/virtual-osce/

• NDEB AFK and ACJ info: ndeb-bned.ca/certification-process/

• Government of Canada Foreign Credential Recognition Program: canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/funding/foreign-credential-recognition.html