How to Become a Licensed Dentist in Canada: My Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Table of Contents
- High School Preparation
- Undergraduate Degree Requirements
- Dental Aptitude Test (DAT)
- Extracurriculars and Gaining Experience
Introduction: My Path to Dentistry in Canada
When I first wanted to become a dentist in Canada, it looked really hard and confusing. There were lots of things I needed to do, weird tests, and lots of words I didn’t really get. I kept asking myself, “Where do I even begin?”
If you’re reading this, you’re probably a little nervous and a bit excited. That’s normal! The road to being a licensed dentist in Canada isn’t easy, but it’s totally possible. I’ll show you each step, what helped me, and answer some things I wished I knew when I started.
Being a dentist here isn’t just about making good money. You get respect, a safe career, and you actually help people—smile after smile. The journey has some big stops: preparing at school, passing tests, finishing dental school, getting past the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), and signing up with your province.
Ready to start? I’ll walk you through it.
Step 1: Laying the Foundation – Education and Prerequisites
High School Preparation
Everything started with my science classes in high school. If you’re in school now, focus on classes like biology, chemistry, physics, math, and English. These aren’t just things to check off—what you learn will help you later.
When I was preparing, teachers told me to keep my grades high. Dental schools in Canada want students who do well and also do other activities. So I joined school clubs, volunteered at health clinics, and tried to show I could lead and care about others.
Undergraduate Degree Requirements
After high school, next is going to university. Every dental school in Canada asks for at least two (but usually three or four) years of university study. Most people (me too) get a degree in sciences—like Biology, Chemistry, Health Sciences, or Biochemistry. These help you get ready for the hard learning in dentistry.
You can’t just show up to class, though. You have to finish required classes, usually:
- Biology (two classes)
- General Chemistry (with lab)
- Organic Chemistry (with lab)
- Physics
- Biochemistry
- English
Getting into dental school is tough. To have a good shot, you want a strong GPA—really, above 3.5. They might accept lower, but when hundreds of students want the same seats, higher grades help a lot.
Dental Aptitude Test (DAT)
Next comes a big step: the Dental Aptitude Test (DAT). The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) runs it, and most schools ask for it.
The DAT is more than just answering questions. There’s a section where you carve a shape into a block—yes, really! I spent a lot of hours hunched over practice blocks, trying not to mess up.
The DAT checks things like:
- Natural Sciences (biology and chemistry)
- Perceptual Ability (seeing and turning objects in your mind)
- Reading Comprehension
- Manual Dexterity (the carving part)
My best advice? Start early. I had a study plan months before, used prep books, workshops, and lots of practice tests. I got together with friends to quiz and help each other.
Extracurriculars and Gaining Experience
Grades and test scores aren’t everything. Dental schools in Canada like students who are involved outside the classroom. During the summer, I shadowed dentists (one let me watch a whole crown!), and volunteered at a dental help program.
If you can, help with research or volunteer in clinics. Showing you care about oral health and like to learn outside class really matters.
Step 2: Applying to Canadian Dental Schools
Choosing an Accredited Dental Program
When I was ready to apply, I had to choose a dental school. In Canada, dental programs give a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) or Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD); both are pretty much the same and accepted everywhere here.
I checked to make sure my school was approved by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC). If not, getting a license gets way harder.
Here are the 10 fully-accredited dental schools in Canada:
- University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry
- McGill University Faculty of Dentistry
- University of British Columbia Faculty of Dentistry
- Western University Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry
- Dalhousie University Faculty of Dentistry
- University of Alberta School of Dentistry
- University of Manitoba College of Dentistry
- University of Saskatchewan College of Dentistry
- Université Laval Faculté de médecine dentaire
- Université de Montréal Faculté de médecine dentaire
Application Components
Applying was stressful! Each school wanted:
- Transcripts: All my grades and classes.
- DAT Scores: DAT results, usually from the last two years.
- Personal Statement/Essays: Why I wanted to be a dentist and my story.
- Letters of Recommendation: From professors or dentists that really knew me.
- Interview: Some had regular interviews, some used the Multiple Mini Interview (MMI). I practiced with friends to get ready.
This all took a lot of time—about two months for me.
Tuition and Financial Aid
Now, the big thing: cost. Tuition for Canadian citizens was about $15,000–35,000 CAD per year when I applied, but now some are much higher—even over $50,000 a year. For international students, it’s a lot more—sometimes double.
I used student loans, scholarships, a part-time job, and some help from family. Most people I knew did the same. Look for bursaries, scholarships, and anything to help with costs.
Living costs are another thing. Moving hit my wallet more than I thought, so I had to learn to budget and shop carefully.
Step 3: Completing Your Dental Degree (DDS/DMD)
The heart of it all: getting through dental school.
Curriculum Overview
Dental school takes four years, and it’s tough. The first two years were full of science—anatomy, how the body works, oral biology, and some things like dental materials and ethics. The last two years were more hands-on, treating real patients with teachers helping.
I learned everything from cleanings to pretty tricky treatments. Each class made me better for the next one. By the end, I was working confidently as part of the team.
Clinical Rotations and Competency
Dental school isn’t just books—it’s a lot of doing things with your hands. I still remember my first patient, I was so nervous! But soon, I was fixing teeth, making crowns, and learning from every mistake and win.
Most schools have you work in hospitals or clinics, so you get to see emergency care, work with kids, do surgeries, and more.
Step 4: NDEB Certification – The Gatekeeper
For Graduates of Accredited Canadian Programs
Finishing dental school doesn’t let you work right away. I had to pass the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB).
- I applied, sent proof I finished dental school, and sat the NDEB exam.
- Getting the NDEB’s certificate means you know what you need for Canada.
Most students from Canadian schools go right from graduating to this exam.
For International Dental Graduates (IDGs)
If you studied dentistry in another country, it’s longer but possible. Some of my friends did this.
1. Academic Assessment: The NDEB checks if your degree is like a Canadian one.
2. Equivalency Exams: If not, there are three parts:
- Written Exam (Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge): Theory and science questions.
- Clinical Skills Exam: Showing you can actually do fillings, crowns, and other stuff on models.
- Clinical Judgment Exam: Shows how you plan treatments and solve problems.
It’s not easy. Some people spent months or more getting ready.
3. Bridging/Qualifying Programs: Some dental schools in Canada have programs for international dentists. They last one to two years, are hard to get into, and cost a lot, but help a lot.
Step 5: Provincial Licensure – The Final Hurdle
Even after the NDEB, you’re not done. Every province and territory has a group that gives out dentist licenses.
Understanding Provincial Regulatory Authorities
This part depends on where you want to work. Ontario has the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO). Quebec calls theirs Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ). Every province has its own group.
Provincial Requirements Explained
Everywhere needs:
- NDEB Certificate
- Proof you finished dental school or a recognized program
- Jurisprudence Exam: Tests if you know the rules and ethics of that province. Think of it like a simple driving test.
- Professional Liability Insurance: You must have it in case something goes wrong.
- Good Standing Check: Says you haven’t been in trouble in another area.
- Criminal Record Check: They all do this.
- Language Check: In provinces with more than one language.
Some places add other things, so always check their website.
Life After Licensure: Career Growth and Ongoing Learning
Once I had my license, I felt amazing. But dentistry doesn’t end there—you keep learning and growing for your whole career.
General Practice or Specialty?
Most dentists in Canada do general dentistry. But if you want to do braces, work with kids, treat gums, or do surgery, you need more years of training (two to six).
Continuing Professional Development
Dentistry changes a lot. There’s new tech, new tools, new safety rules. Every province makes you do Continuing Professional Development (CPD) every year. I like going to talks, reading dental news, and online classes.
Employment Outlook and Salary
Dentists in Canada normally find jobs. How much you make depends on where you live, how much you work, and if you run your own clinic.
At first, I worked as an associate with experienced dentists. I learned a ton. Later, I started thinking about my own clinic.
If you want to learn more about things like digital dental lab work or dental implants in your clinic, you might need more training or to work with a special lab.
Professionalism and Ethics
People trust dentists to be safe, fair, and caring. Provinces have high rules for this. I learned fast your reputation means a lot—patients talk, coworkers pay attention, and the rules people watch for problems.
Conclusion: Your Journey Begins Now
Looking back, becoming a licensed dentist in Canada was the hardest thing I’ve done—but also the best. Four years of hard classes, tough exams, late-night studying, and lots of hands-on learning changed me, step by step, into a better, stronger person.
If you’re starting or already on this road, here’s my honest advice: Take it one step at a time. Split up big things into little tasks. Lean on friends, family, and anyone you meet through dental groups. And remember, there’s always room for more people who care, work hard, and want to help others.
Further Resources for Aspiring Dentists
Here are the places I found helpful:
- Canadian Dental Association (CDA): For information across Canada.
- National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB): For test and license needs.
- Provincial regulatory groups (like RCDSO for Ontario, ODQ for Quebec).
- All accredited dental school websites—they have up-to-date guides and checklists.
- Digital dental lab info to keep up with new tech.
- Dental implant details if you want to add this to your practice.
If you’re from another country, look for dental bridging or qualifying programs at the big Canadian dental schools. It’s tough, but with focus, you can make it.
I hope this helps and makes things a bit clearer. If you still have questions, reach out to your local dental group or talk to current students and dentists. Your future patients—and smiles in Canada—are out there waiting!
Markus B. Blatz
Trending Now
