How to Become a Dentist in Canada: Your Complete Guide (for Canadian & Foreign-Trained)

Thinking about working as a dentist in Canada? You’re not the only one. Dentistry in Canada is a respected job with high demand and good pay, but the way to get there isn’t always simple. Whether you finished dental school in Canada or you’re a dentist from another country, I’ll help you understand each step—from getting your license to working in your new job. You’ll learn what you need, how long it takes, how much it costs, and things real dentists wish they knew before starting. By the end, you’ll know what to do at every step, and you’ll see why this path, even if it feels tough sometimes, is really worth it.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Why Become a Dentist in Canada?

Everyone likes a reason to smile — especially dentists! Dentists in Canada are respected, get paid well, and usually have a good balance between work and life. Whether you grew up in Toronto, came here from India, or finished school in the UK, practicing dentistry here is possible.

Let’s be honest — the steps can feel long, confusing, and not cheap. You might worry about all the forms, hard tests, or learning new rules. But Canada really needs trained dentists. If you like working with people and notice small details, this can be a great job.

Basically, there are two main ways: one for Canadian dental grads and one for internationally trained dentists (ITDs). Each way has a few steps, but I’ll make sure you understand what you have to do — with plain words.

2. What Does It Take to Work as a Dentist in Canada?

Let’s look at what you need. To be a dentist in Canada, you must have a dental degree that Canada accepts, a license from the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), and you must register with your provincial dental group. You need to prove you can speak English or French, and show you are a good person.

Here’s what you must have:

• Accepted Dental Degree: From a Canadian or approved international dental school.
• NDEB Certificate: Shows you passed the main board exams.
• Provincial/Territorial License: Each place has its own rules, like the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) in Ontario or the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia (CDSBC).
• Language Test: Often IELTS or CELPIP, unless you studied in Canada.
• Proof of Good Standing: You don’t have professional troubles.

You also need to understand ethics, privacy, and how to keep things clean. Most provinces want you to pass a jurisprudence exam to show you know the local laws.

If your dental degree is from outside Canada or the U.S., you must complete the NDEB Equivalency Process. Canadian grads have an easier way.

3. How Do Canadian Dental Graduates Get Started?

If you finished dental school in Canada or the U.S., things are easier.

What are the main steps?

1. Finish an Accredited Dental Program: Finish a dental program approved by the Canadian Dental Accreditation Commission (CDAC).

2. Get Automatic NDEB Certification: After you finish, your school sends your results to the NDEB. You get certified with no extra exams.

3. Apply for Provincial Registration: Pick your province, get your papers ready (degree, NDEB certificate, letter proving you’re in good standing), and apply. In places like Ontario and British Columbia, you need to pass a jurisprudence exam too.

4. Get Insurance and Start Work: You must have professional liability insurance. It keeps you and your patients covered.

Canadian grads usually start as associates in a dental clinic, and later — if they want — open their own clinic.

4. What’s the Pathway for Internationally Trained Dentists?

If you got your dental degree from outside Canada or the U.S., you have a few extra steps. Don’t worry—I’ll explain them all.

Why is the process different?

Canada wants to make sure every dentist has the same good training. This keeps patients safe and keeps trust in dental care.

Here’s how it goes:

• Step 1: Pass the NDEB Equivalency Process. This has three big exams: the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK), the Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ), and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) or a hands-on test.
• Step 2: Some dentists pick a Dental Degree Completion Program — a special school program for international grads at places like the University of Toronto or UBC. You study for 2-3 years with other Canadian students, then get a Canadian degree.
• Step 3: With your NDEB certificate, things are similar to Canadian grads. Apply to your province, prove your language level, take the ethics exam, and get insured.

Each step costs money and time. The exams are tough and need studying. If you don’t pass, you usually can try again, but you’ll pay more and wait longer. Most foreign-trained dentists need at least two to five years to finish, especially if they retake tests.

Tip: Many international dentists do better with study courses and by joining bridging programs.

5. How Hard Is the NDEB Equivalency Process?

It isn’t easy, but many people pass!

Three main exams:

How much does it cost? Around $15,000–$25,000 for exams, not counting extra classes or study materials (which can cost more). Add money for living, and less income if you can’t work while studying.

How long does it take? Most foreign-trained dentists take between 2 and 5 years to finish.

Real Life Example: Dr. Joe Dental, a dentist from India, took 3.5 years and about $20,000 to pass all tests, then got a job three months after getting his license. His advice: “Start early, save up, and don’t worry if you need another try.”

6. What About Immigration and Work Permits?

If you trained outside Canada, you must think about moving here, too.

What are the main ways to immigrate?

1. Express Entry: This is a points system for skilled workers. Dentists get extra points for school and language. Having a job offer helps.

2. Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs): Some places let provinces pick you, especially if you’re a healthcare worker. This can make permanent residency faster.

3. Temporary Work Permit: If you get a job offer from a clinic, you might start work before you get permanent residency.

4. Study Permit: If you join a Dental Degree Completion Program.

Tip: The best way depends on your background, language score, and if you have a job lined up. It helps to talk to an immigration consultant or lawyer.

7. How Do You Find a Job or Start a Practice?

Once you have your license, where do you start?

Getting a Job: Most new dentists start as associates. Jobs are on sites like Indeed, LinkedIn, or through local dental practical guide groups. Becoming a member of the Canadian Dental Association or your province’s group helps you meet other dentists and find openings.

Owning Your Own Practice: Some want to be their own boss. This is possible — after you get some experience, find money, and meet people in the area. You need some business skills to hire staff, manage money, and get patients.

Specialties and Public Clinics: Some go further and become orthodontists or kid’s dentists. Others work in public clinics, hospitals, or even teach.

Rural vs. City: There’s strong need for dentists in smaller towns or rural areas. These places may pay more or give extra bonuses to get you there.

8. What’s the Dentist Salary and Outlook in Canada?

Most people ask, “How much do dentists make?” Here’s what you need to know.

Typical salaries:

Dentists working in private offices and big cities usually make more, but you spend more to live there, too. Specialists like orthodontists earn the most, and running your own practice means more risk but bigger pay.

Job Outlook: Dentists in Canada can find work, mostly in smaller towns where the need is even bigger. With people getting older, dental care is needed more. Over 90% of dentists work in private practice, but some work in hospitals or for the government.

9. What Are the Main Challenges and Tips for Success?

To be honest, this path can get tough.

Main Problems:

• NDEB exams are hard—and pricey.
• Getting your degree accepted takes time and lots of forms.
• Immigrating to Canada costs money and may take time.
• Many people want to work in big cities, so jobs are harder to get there.
• You must learn Canada’s dental rules and office style.
• Canadian dental students often finish school with a lot of debt ($100,000 to $250,000+).

Why This Hurts:

• It’s easy to get lost or feel down if you fail a test or have trouble with forms.
• Money worries can cause stress, especially if you pay for classes or have to live with family while you wait.
• You could worry about your English or French, or have trouble talking with patients.

Tips to Succeed:

• Start Early: Study as soon as you can, and join real classes.
• Save Up: Set money aside for tests, school stuff, and any time you might not get paid.
• Meet Others: Join local dental groups to meet friends and find jobs quicker.
• Use Good Labs: Working with trusted labs, like a well-known crown and bridge lab, helps you do a better job for your patients.
• Stay Positive: Every step brings you closer to your goal!

Dr. Joe Dental says, “Almost everyone struggles with something on this journey. But if you keep trying and ask for help when needed, you can reach your dream job.”

10. Quick Answers to Major Questions (FAQ)

Q: How long does it take for international dentists?

A: Usually 2-5 years, based on how quickly you pass exams and finish paperwork.

Q: What will I spend?

A: The NDEB exams and prep cost about $15,000-$25,000, plus more for courses and living costs.

Q: Are there jobs for dentists in Canada?

A: Yes! There’s good need, especially if you can work in a smaller town.

Q: Do I need to take a language test?

A: Yes, unless your degree is from a Canadian or U.S. school.

Q: Can I own my clinic right away?

A: It’s best to work as an associate first, but after you get experience, you can own a clinic.

11. Fast Facts: Summary and Takeaways

• Canada needs dentists — both Canadian grads and international dentists.
• Canadian dental grads have a simple path: Finish school, get NDEB certified, and register in your province.
• Foreign-trained dentists must finish the NDEB Equivalency Process and meet extra language and living rules.
• The way for ITDs takes dedication: 2-5 years, $15,000+ in test costs, and lots of time studying.
• Small towns have more job openings and often pay better for new dentists.
• Most dentists start out working for someone and may own a practice or specialize later.
• Use trustworthy dental labs — like a reliable china dental lab — to make your patient care better and build your name.
• A good attitude, planning your money, and meeting other professionals makes things easier.
• Dentistry in Canada gives you a solid job, respect, and a chance to help people every day.

Remember:

• Start early.
• Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
• Stick with it!
• You can become a dentist in Canada — and it’s worth it.