Licensure and Examination
- Dentistry is regulated in Canada.
- Dentists must obtain a license or permit from the province or territory they wish to practice in.
- The main requirement for licensure is passing the National Dental Examination Board (NDEB) exams.
- Several provinces require a jurisprudence and ethics examination.
- The NDEB administers a two-part examination.
- Dental students can take the exam no earlier than 3 months prior to graduation.
- Successful completion of the exam leads to a certificate issued by the NDEB.
- Eligibility for the exam requires graduation from an accredited dental school.
- Foreign-trained dentists must pass an equivalency process to be eligible for the exam.
Qualifying Programs and Equivalency Process for Foreign-Trained Dentists
- Foreign-trained dentists can enroll in qualifying or advanced standing programs.
- These programs typically consist of the last two to three years of a dental program.
- Canadian dental schools that offer these programs include Dalhousie University, University of Alberta, University of British Columbia, University of Toronto, and University of Manitoba.
- The equivalency process for foreign-trained dentists was launched in 2011.
- The process consists of three exams: assessment of fundamental knowledge, assessment of clinical skills, and assessment of clinical judgment.
Over-saturation of Dentists in Canada
- The population-to-dentist ratio has been dropping in all provinces and territories.
- Dentist over-saturation is resulting in growing competition, especially in urban centers.
- Dentists in Toronto are facing tough times due to the glut of dentists.
- The Canadian Dental Association acknowledges the issue of over-saturation.
- The over-saturation of dentists is leading to increased competition in the field.
Dental Groups in Canada
- dentalcorp is Canada's largest network of dental clinics with over 500 locations.
- Altima Dental has over 30 dental offices.
- Other dental groups include 123dentist, Dental Choice, and tooth corner Dental.
- These dental groups are criticized for lacking a personal touch.
- The dental groups provide services to millions of Canadians.
Miscellaneous
- The NDEB exam tests knowledge related to local laws, ethics, and regulation of the profession.
- Foreign-trained dentists must pass an equivalency process to be eligible for the NDEB exam.
- Dentist over-saturation is leading to increased competition in the field.
- The dental groups in Canada provide services to millions of Canadians.
The practice of dentistry in Canada is overseen by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada in conjunction with other agencies, such as the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada and the Royal College of Dentists of Canada. In 2013 there were 21,109 dentists in Canada according to the Canadian Dental Association.