How to Become a Dentist in Canada? | Complete NDEB Process 2026

If you are an internationally trained dentist, moving to Canada is one of the biggest steps you will ever take. The process is long, the exams are hard, and the rules can be confusing. However, in 2026, the demand for dentists in Canada is at an all-time high.

To help you navigate this journey, we have put together the ultimate roadmap. This guide is based on years of experience helping thousands of dentists succeed.

Watch the Full Roadmap Video

Before we dive into the details, watch this expert interview with Dr. Chithesh, the founder of ACE Academy. He explains his personal journey from 2018 to becoming a licensed dentist and founding Canada's top prep academy.

[Embed Video: https://www.google.com/search?q=https://youtu.be/n8_WHY5_hRQ]

Part 1: Choosing Your Path (The Two Main Roads)

In Canada, there are two ways for an international dentist to get a license. As Dr. Chithesh explains in the video, you must choose the one that fits your time and your budget.

1.1 The University (Bridging) Pathway

This path means you go back to school. You apply to a Canadian university for a 2-to-3-year program.

• The Exam: You must take the ADAT (Advanced Dental Admission Test).
• The Result: You graduate with a Canadian degree (DDS or DMD).
• Pro: You get a lot of support and a local degree.
• Con: It is very expensive ($150k - $250k) and takes a long time.

1.2 The NDEB Equivalency Process (The Direct Path)

This is the path most ACE students choose. It allows you to prove your skills through three major exams without going back to university for years.

• The Exams: AFK, ACJ, and NDECC.
• The Result: You get the same license as any Canadian graduate.
• Pro: It is faster (2-3 years) and costs much less ($30k - $50k).
• Internal Link: Most students start with our Clinical Skills Course to prepare for the final stage.

Part 2: Step-by-Step Breakdown of the Equivalency Process

Step 1: Credential Verification

Before you can book a test, the NDEB must check your papers.

• What you need: Your degree, your transcripts (mark sheets), and a "Certificate of Good Standing" from your home country.
• Timeline: Evaluation usually takes 6 to 8 weeks.
• Dr. Chithesh’s Tip: Start this while you are still in your home country!

Step 2: The AFK (Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge)

This is a theoretical exam with multiple-choice questions. It tests your basic dental knowledge.

• When: It happens twice a year (usually February and August).
• Format: You sit at a computer and choose the best answer.

Step 3: The ACJ (Assessment of Clinical Judgement)

This exam is about making the right decisions. You will look at X-rays and case stories of patients. You have to decide on the best diagnosis and treatment.

Step 4: The NDECC® (National Dental Examining Competency Exam)

This is the final "boss" of the process. It has two parts:

1. Clinical Skills: You perform dental work on a simulated model (manikin).
2. Situational Judgement: A role-play exam where you talk to "patients" or other dentists.

• Why it’s hard: This is where many people fail because they don't have the right hand-skills. This is why our Situational Judgement Course is so popular—it teaches you the "Canadian way" of communicating.

Part 3: Costs and Financial Help in 2026

As mentioned in the video, the cost is the biggest hurdle for new immigrants.

• Exam Fees: About $13,000 – $14,000 total.
• Prep Courses & Materials: About $25,000 – $30,000.
• Living Expenses: Rent and food in Canada can add another $2,000 per month.

How to Pay for It?

You don't have to have all the money at once. ACE is proudly partnered with:

• CIBC Bank: Professional loans for dentists.
• Windmill Microlending: Special low-interest loans for immigrants (up to $150,000 in phases).

Part 4: Job Outlook and Salaries

Why put yourself through this struggle? Because the reward is worth it.

• The Demand: There is a major shortage of dentists in Canada, especially in the North.
• The Salary: New dentists earn between $150,000 and $300,000 per year on average.

Part 5: Comparing the Two Paths (Deep Dive)

As Dr. Chithesh mentions in the Complete NDEB Process Video, many dentists are confused about which path to pick. Let's look closer at the pros and cons of each.

5.1 Why Some Choose University

The university path is called the "Accredited" path.

• The Safety Net: If you are in a university, you have teachers helping you every day for two years.
• The Degree: You get a Canadian DDS degree. Some big hospitals or specialty schools prefer this.
• The Cost: This is the biggest downside. You will likely finish school with $200,000 in debt.

5.2 Why Most Choose the Equivalency Path

The Equivalency path is what we teach at ACE.

• Speed: You can be a licensed dentist in 2 years instead of 3 or 4.
• Cost: It is much cheaper. You save almost $150,000 compared to university.
• Focus: You only study what is on the exam. You don't have to take extra university classes that you don't need.
• Internal Link: If you pick this path, the hardest part is the clinical section. Our Clinical Skills Course is designed to get you through it on the first try.

Part 6: Language and Communication Requirements

A common question in the video was about English skills.

6.1 Do You Need IELTS?

If you follow the Equivalency path, you usually do not need to take an English test like IELTS if your dental degree was taught in English.

• The Proof: You just need a letter from your university saying you studied in English.
• The Exception: If you choose the University path, they will ask for a high IELTS or TOEFL score.

6.2 The "Soft Skills" of Canadian Dentistry

Even if you speak English well, you must learn how to talk to Canadian patients.

• Patient-Centered Care: In Canada, the patient helps make the decisions. You cannot just tell them what to do.
• The Exam: This is tested in the Situational Judgement exam. We teach you exactly which words to use to sound professional and kind.

Part 7: Financial Aid and Loans (Expanded)

Dr. Chithesh highlighted that $50,000 is a lot of money for a new immigrant. Here is how you manage it:

7.1 Windmill Microlending

This is a special group for immigrants.

• Phase 1: They can give you $25,000 just to start your AFK study.
• Phase 2: As you pass exams, they can increase the loan up to $150,000.
• Interest: The interest rate is much lower than a credit card or a regular bank loan.

7.2 CIBC and RBC Professional Lines of Credit

Once you have your Permanent Residency (PR), big banks will give you a "Line of Credit."

• How it works: You only pay interest on the money you spend.
• Repayment: You don't have to pay the full amount back until you start working as a dentist.

Part 8: Life After the License (The Reward)

Why is everyone trying so hard to move to Canada? Because the lifestyle for dentists is excellent.

8.1 Career Growth

Once you are licensed, you aren't just a dentist; you are a business person.

• Associate Life: Most start by working for someone else. You earn a percentage of what you do.
• Ownership: After 3 or 4 years, many ACE alumni buy their own clinics.
• Internal Link: To keep your skills high after you pass, we offer Continuing Education (CE) Courses in things like implants and wisdom teeth.

8.2 The Community

You aren't doing this alone. There are thousands of international dentists in Canada.

• ACE Alumni: We have a private group where our past students help new students find jobs and housing.
• Support: Moving to a new country is hard. Having a group that understands your struggle makes it much easier.

Final Summary: Your 2026 Checklist

1. Watch the Video Roadmap to hear Dr. Chithesh's advice.
2. Start Credentialing on the NDEB website.
3. Study for AFK (the first theory test).
4. Practice Clinical Skills in a real lab with A-Dec simulators.
5. Pass the NDECC and apply for your provincial license.

Are you ready to change your life?

Explore our 2026 Course Schedule →

Conclusion: Start Your Journey Today

You do not need to be a Permanent Resident (PR) to start the exams. You can even pass the first two exams (AFK and ACJ) from your home country!

As Dr. Chithesh says, "Don't shut down your practice back home yet." Start your study journey online, and then come to Canada when you are ready for the hands-on practice.

Book a Free Consultation with an ACE Advisor →