NDEB Equivalency Cost in Canada
Have you ever wondered exactly how much it costs to become a licensed dentist in Canada through the NDEB equivalency process?
You’re not alone… every year, thousands of internationally trained dentists start this journey with the same questions:
• How much should I budget from start to finish?
• What are the hidden expenses people don’t talk about?
• Is there a smarter, more affordable way to plan this path?
At ConfiDentist, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to navigate fees, courses, and financial planning… especially when you’re building a new life and career in Canada. For over a decade, our team has guided international dentists through each stage of the NDEB equivalency pathway, helping them avoid costly surprises and plan confidently for success.
This comprehensive 2025 guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the true cost of the NDEB equivalency process in Canada. From official exam fees and credential verification to prep course tuition, travel, and provincial registration.
By the end, you’ll have a clear, realistic budget and actionable strategies to save money, stay organized, and move closer to your Canadian dental licence, with complete transparency every step of the way.
Quick Facts at a Glance
| Component | 2025 Fee (CAD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AFK® (Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge) | $1,000 | Notes |
| ACJ® (Assessment of Clinical Judgement) | $1,350 | Next step after AFK |
| NDECC® (Clinical Skills + S J) | $6,500 | Split into $3,250 Clinical + $3,250 Situational judgement |
| Application (Equivalency process) | $900 | Non-refundable |
| Preparatory course (ConfiDentist AFK package) | ~$4,559-$6,649 | Online and in-person pricing |
Estimated minimum total budget for direct route (first-attempt success): roughly CAD $25,000 to $35,000 when you include exams, prep, travel and accommodations.
Enterprise note: University route (as a bridging/degree completion path) is significantly higher ($70,000 +).
In the remainder of this article we unpack each cost component in detail, explore hidden/ancillary costs, compare pathways, and offer budgeting & cost-saving strategies.
Official NDEB Exam Fees
When planning your budget, the only truly fixed numbers you can rely on are the official exam fees published by the NDEB. The rest (courses, travel, provincial licensing) vary based on your individual choices and mistakes avoided.
Application Fee (Equivalency Process): $900 (non-refundable)
Re-application Fee: $400
Verification of Scores (AFK/ACJ/NDECC): $200
Appeal of Conduct of Exam: $1,200
Important note: These fees cover only the official NDEB exam and process registration. They do not include prep courses, retake costs, travel, accommodation, materials, provincial licensing fees, or opportunity cost of time out of practice.
Additional & Hidden Costs
Beyond the official exam fees, many internationally trained dentists underestimate the “hidden” cost components. These can significantly increase your total spend.
Credential Verification & Application Costs
– Document Verification (degree, transcripts, translations)
– Immigration / residency status (if applicable)
– Application materials (some provinces charge separate fees)
These costs vary based on your country of degree, whether you need translations, courier charges, notarizations, etc.
Travel, Accommodation & Exam Logistics
Many exams (especially the NDECC® clinical skills) take place in specific Canadian centres (e.g., Ottawa). Costs include:
– Round-trip airfare from your home country or temporary residence
– Local accommodation (often 1-2 weeks)
– Meals, ground transportation
– Time out of practice (opportunity cost)
In our ConfiDentist student data we’ve seen candidates spend CAD $3,000 to $8,000 in total travel/accommodation during the equivalency process (depending on their home country, whether they work while studying, and number of trips).
Study Materials, Supplies & Prep Trial Costs
– Mock exams, simulation kits (for NDECC)
– Additional instruments, practice lab costs (if you undertake hands-on prep)
– Books, review subscriptions
– Local study group costs, software access
Retake Costs & Opportunity Costs
Failing an exam (or needing multiple attempts) greatly increases cost:
Each additional attempt = exam fee + prep cost + possibly travel cost
Time out of earning income
Stress and extended duration
For example, even though the official AFK exam fee is $1,000, a student who needs a second attempt may incur prep course costs again (~$4K-6K) and lose 3-6 months of earning.