There are exciting career opportunities in Canada for internationally trained dentists. Labour shortages, a growing population and a rapidly aging workforce are just some of the many reasons Canada needs dentists. However, dentistry is a regulated profession – skilled immigrants and refugees in this sector must obtain a Canadian license in order to work. In this blog, we’ll discuss the ways that internationally trained dentists can get licensed and the role that the NDEB plays in the licensing process.
What is the NDEB?
The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) is responsible for establishing and maintaining a general standard for dentists in Canada. Part of their role is to develop and oversee examinations and certifications for individuals who wish to register as Canadian dentists.
Internationally trained dentists can get familiar with dental practice in Canada through qualifying and degree completion programs which are offered by faculties of dentistry across Canada. Spots for these programs are very limited and it is very costly.
Another route to getting licensed is the NDEB Equivalency Process. This process is made up of three NDEB exams:
Passing these three NDEB exams is equivalent to graduating in dentistry from a Canadian university. The next step is the NDEB Certification Process, which involves two exams:
- A written examination
- The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)
The final step, after the certification process, is to apply to a provincial regulatory authority to get licensed in a specific province.
For more information about getting licensed as a dentist in Canada, download our free Educational Pathways guide here.
Financing the licensing process in Canada
Getting licensed as a dentist in Canada is an incredible achievement but it is time-consuming and very expensive. Accreditation, training and qualifying exams require a significant amount of funds. At Windmill, we help internationally trained dentists manage these costs by offering low-interest loans. We have partnered with CIBC to help skilled immigrants and refugees advance through the NDEB Equivalency Process.
Are you an internationally-trained dentist in need of a loan? Apply for a Windmill loan here and return to your career in Canada.
