What do I need to practice dentistry in Canada?
To practice as a dentist in Canada you’ll need:
Completion of a Canadian accredited dentistry program, obtaining a dentistry degree, such as a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD)
Completion of certification exam (Virtual OSCE) through the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB)
License or registration with the associated regulator/governing body where you would like to practice
(The National Dental Examining Board of Canada, n.d.)
How do I apply?
To apply to a dentistry program, you may apply:
Through individual program websites
Through the Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) for dentistry programs in the U.S.
The application process may consist of the following components:
Personal information
Personal statement
Autobiographical sketch (ABS)
Referees/letters of reference
Transcript(s), including prerequisites (if applicable)
Interviews and/or assessments (program-specific)
Standardized test results (i.e. DAT, Casper)
Note: There is a difference between the Canadian DAT and the American DAT. The Canadian DAT includes the Manual Dexterity Test, which may be required for some programs. The American DAT does not include the Manual Dexterity Test and may not be acceptable for admissions to Canadian dentistry programs.
Your grades (i.e. GPA), experiences, admission test results (i.e. DAT), personal statement(s) and references will all be important factors in the admissions process.
References
The National Dental Examining Board of Canada. (n.d.). How to become a licensed dentist in Canada? https://ndeb-bned.ca/how-to-become-a-dentist-in-canada/