Regardless of education, licensure/registration or experience, non-Canadian and non-U.S. general practitioners must obtain a Canadian licence/registration to practise dentistry in Canada. To obtain this licence/registration, you will need to complete an accredited dental program, as a regular or degree completion student, or complete an accredited qualifying program. Only programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) or the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation are recognized as accredited.
For information on how to practise dentistry in Canada, please contact the NDEB directly.
National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB)
80 Elgin Street, 2nd Floor
Ottawa, ON
K1P 6R2
Email: info@ndeb-bned.ca
Tel: (613) 236-5912
Fax: (613) 236-8386
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has created this resource hub to support Internationally Trained Dentists (ITDs) as they transition into the Canadian dental profession.Below, you’ll find key topics and links to help guide your journey.
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) is the national voice for dentistry in Canada, representing more than 21,000 dentists. We are committed to promoting optimal oral health and supporting a unified, thriving dental profession.
CDA website: JCDA: Journal of the Canadian Dental Association
CDA Essentials: Our print publication
CDA Oasis: Digital hub for clinical content
Advocacy
We advocate at the federal level for policies that support oral healthcare and the profession through government relations, media engagement, and public education.
Practice Support Services
Through provincial and territorial dental associations, CDA offers tolls and services that support day-to-day dental practice.
CDA is not a regulatory body.. Regulation of dentists and dental practice is managed by provincial and territorial authorities. Contact the appropriate authority in your region for licensing and certification information. Find your regulator here.
Dental care in Canada is delivered by a collaborative team of professionals. . Roles may vary slightly by province or territory.
Key Roles in a Dental Team
Dental Assistant
Prepares patients, sterilizes instruments, assists , may perform duties such asX-rays or fluoride application (varies by jurisdiction).
Dental Hygienist
Registered professionals who clean teeth, educate patients on oral hygiene, and may conduct hygiene assessments.
Dental Technologists/Technicians
Fabricates dental appliances including dentures, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic devices.
Dental Therapist (available in some regions)
Provides basic restorative care and extractions under a dentist’s supervision.
Receptionists and AdministrativeStaff
Manage scheduling, billing, and patient communication .They are often the first point of contact in a dental practice.
Learn more:
Canadian Dental Association: Your Dental Health Care Team Fact Sheet
There are many career paths within dentistry in Canada. CDA has developed a dedicated site outlining:
Career definitions
Pros and Cons of each path
Common questions
Additional Resources
Visit: Dental Career Options Helpful Resources for Internationally Trained Dentists
Free Services for Newcomers - Government of Canada
Pre-arrival services: Get help before you arrive in Canada -
YMCA Newcomers Information Centre
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