Imagine you’ve spent years completing a dental degree abroad mastering anatomy, operative techniques, treating patients and now you’re facing the exciting but daunting decision: Can I practise in Canada? You’re not alone. Thousands of internationally trained dentists make the leap each year. The pathway can feel complex, confusing and full of jargon. But the truth is: with the right guidance and prep, the Canadian licensure journey is absolutely achievable.
This guide is your one-stop roadmap. You’ll learn what the dentistry equivalency process in Canada really means, who needs to complete it, how long it takes, what it costs, and how you prepare for every hurdle. At the same time, you’ll see how ConfiDentist with over 10 years helping international dentists succeed can be your trusted partner on this path.
Quick Facts Box
What is the NDEB and why it exists
The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) is the national body that sets and maintains the standard of competence for dentists entering practice in Canada.
To ensure that any dentist – whether educated in Canada or abroad – meets the same baseline of knowledge, clinical skills and professional judgment before being licensed in any Canadian province or territory.
Who needs to complete the equivalency process?
If you graduated from a non-accredited dental program (i.e., your dental school is not accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada – CDAC), you must go through the Equivalency Process to become eligible for licensure in Canada. Graduates of accredited dental programs in Canada are eligible to proceed directly to the NDEB Certification Process without the equivalency exam series.
So if you’re an international dental graduate, this pathway is likely your route.
Accredited vs. Non-Accredited Programs: What’s the difference?
Accredited programs: Recognized by the CDAC, meet Canadian dental education standards.
Non-accredited programs: Not CDAC-approved; internationally trained dentists from these schools must complete the equivalency process.
The key takeaway: If you fall under the equivalency route, you’ll face three major exam stages, credential verification, and then you’ll be eligible for Canadian certification and provincial registration.
Overview of the Flow
Here’s the high-level process:
Credential verification & application to the NDEB Equivalency Process
Pass the three equivalency exams: AFK → ACJ → NDECC®
Once all three are passed, move into the NDEB Certification Process (virtually or in-person)
Apply to the Dental Regulatory Authority in your province/territory → Ethics/Jurisprudence exam → Licence to practise
With this roadmap in hand, you’ll know exactly what lies ahead.
The Three NDEB Equivalency Exams
The “three-legged stool” of the equivalency pathway are the AFK, ACJ and NDECC®. Let’s dive deeply into each, what they test, how to prepare, and how ConfiDentist helps you succeed.
AFK – Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge
Overview: The AFK exam evaluates your foundational knowledge in dental and biomedical sciences. It typically consists of 200 multiple-choice questions (MCQs) covering key subjects such as anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, dental anatomy, pathology, dental materials, preventive dentistry, pharmacology, and more.
Skills tested: This is knowledge-based – the “book” part of dental practice. If your memory, recall and foundational knowledge are strong, you’re well positioned.
Study approach
Begin by mapping out the major subject domains (e.g., anatomy, materials, periodontics).
Use question banks and timed MCQ practice to simulate the pressure.
Focus on “big 5” high-yield areas: anatomy/physiology, pathology, dental materials, pharmacology, preventive dentistry.
Schedule regular revision and spaced repetition of key concepts.
After each practice exam, log your mistakes and create a “mistake-bank” you revisit.
ConfiDentist’s AFK prep method
We provide a structured 6- to 8-month study plan, weekly live review sessions, full-length timed MCQ simulations, and an analytics dashboard so students track how they perform by topic area. You’ll exit this exam knowing you’re ready for the next challenge.
ACJ – Assessment of Clinical Judgment
Overview: The ACJ is a case-based written exam. It presents two booklets filled with clinical scenarios, radiographs, charts and patient histories. You’re tested on diagnostic reasoning, treatment planning and patient management — the “thinking dentist” component.
Why it’s considered the toughest step: Because you must shift from “knowing facts” (AFK) to “making decisions” under Canadian practice standards, with realistic dental case complexity.
Study approach
Use real-world Canadian dental textbooks and guidelines to align with how dentistry is practised in Canada.
Work through sample cases: scan history → interpret radiographs/images → propose treatment plans.
Prioritise systematic frameworks: e.g (1) identify chief complaint → (2) list findings → (3) diagnose → (4) propose treatment options → (5) management & long-term follow-up.