NDECC After Passing – Complete Provincial Licensing Guide 2026

1. NDEB Certification vs Provincial Licensure – What Is the Difference?

Many internationally trained dentists mistakenly believe that passing the NDECC and receiving the NDEB Certificate is the end of the licensing journey. It is not. It is the final step of the national certification process and the first step of the provincial licensing process.

The NDEB Certificate is a national credential. It confirms that you have met the national standard of competence expected of a beginning dental practitioner in Canada. However, healthcare regulation in Canada is provincial. The NDEB Certificate alone does not grant you the legal authority to treat patients.

Provincial dental regulatory authorities (DRAs) issue the actual licence to practise. You must apply to the DRA in the province or territory where you intend to work. Only after the DRA reviews your credentials, confirms your NDEB Certificate, verifies your identity and background, and approves your application will you receive a licence.

The NDEB explicitly states: “Having an NDEB certificate does not allow you to practice in Canada until you apply for and are granted a license in a specific province/territory.” The NDEB Certificate is a prerequisite for provincial licensure, not a substitute for it.

2. The General Provincial Licensure Process – Step by Step

While each province has its own specific requirements, the general process for obtaining a provincial dental licence is consistent across Canada.

Step 1 – Obtain NDEB Certification

You must successfully complete the NDEB Equivalency Process (AFK, ACJ, and NDECC) and receive your official NDEB Certificate. This is a mandatory prerequisite for every province and territory.

Step 2 – Choose a Province or Territory

Decide where you wish to practise. Consider factors such as licensure requirements, cost of living, job market, language requirements (English or French), and immigration status. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of that region‘s DRA.

Step 3 – Submit Your Application

Complete the licensure application for your chosen DRA. Submit the required documentation and pay the associated fees. Applications are typically submitted online through the DRA’s applicant portal.

Step 4 – Complete the Jurisprudence and Ethics Examination

Most provinces require candidates to pass an examination on local laws, ethics, and regulations. This exam tests your knowledge of the specific provincial legislation that governs the practice of dentistry in that jurisdiction.

Step 5 – Obtain Professional Liability Insurance

Every province requires dentists to carry malpractice insurance. In some provinces, the insurance is included in your annual registration fee. In others, you must purchase it separately.

Step 6 – Receive Your Licence

Once your documents are approved, you pass the jurisprudence exam, and all fees are paid, the DRA will issue your certificate of registration. You are now legally authorised to practise dentistry in that province.

3. Required Documentation – What You Need to Have Ready

Provincial DRAs require a standard set of documents. Prepare these in advance to avoid delays.

Core documents required by most DRAs:

The NDEB provides a list of provincial and territorial DRAs on its Contacts and Organisations page. You are encouraged to contact the DRA where you intend to practise to confirm specific licensing requirements.

4. Ontario – Licensing Through the RCDSO

The Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) is the regulatory authority for dentists in Ontario. Ontario is Canada’s largest dental market, but it also has one of the most competitive licensing environments.

Step 1 – NDEB Certification

Before applying to RCDSO, all internationally educated dentists must be certified by the NDEB. You must complete the NDEB Equivalency Process (for graduates of non-accredited programs).

Step 2 – Submit Application to RCDSO

Submit your application through the RCDSO online portal. Required documents include:

- NDEB Certificate
- Proof of identity (passport)
- Academic transcripts and dental degree
- Certificate of Standing if previously licensed elsewhere
- Proof of English or French language proficiency (if required)

Step 3 – Jurisprudence and Ethics Training

RCDSO requires mandatory jurisprudence and ethics training for all international applicants. The training covers Ontario’s dental laws, professional standards, and ethical obligations.

Step 4 – Professional Liability Insurance

Ontario has a unique Professional Liability Program (PLP). There is no premium – the cost of PLP protection is included in annual RCDSO registration fees. Anyone eligible for protection is entitled to be indemnified for up to $2 million in damages and legal costs.

5. British Columbia – Licensing Through the BCCOHP

In British Columbia, the regulatory authority for dentists is the BC College of Oral Health Professionals (BCCOHP), formerly known as the College of Dental Surgeons of British Columbia (CDSBC).

Step 1 – NDEB Certification

To apply for registration and practise as a dentist in BC, you must complete the national examination administered by the NDEB. If your dental training was obtained outside of accredited jurisdictions (Canada, US, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland), you must successfully complete either an accredited two-year Qualifying Program or the NDEB Equivalency Process.

Step 2 – Submit Application to BCCOHP

Once you have successfully completed the appropriate NDEB process and received your NDEB certificate, you can apply for registration through the BCCOHP.

Step 3 – Criminal Record Check

A mandatory Criminal Record Check must be completed through the BC Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General. BCCOHP will automatically submit the check during your application process.

Step 4 – Jurisprudence Examination

BC requires a jurisprudence examination that tests knowledge of BC’s dental laws, ethics, and regulations.

6. Alberta – Licensing Through the CDSA

The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) regulates the dental profession in Alberta. Alberta has introduced new pathways to increase flexibility for internationally trained dentists.

Step 1 – Obtain NDEB Certification

Before applying to CDSA, you must be certified by the NDEB through the Equivalency Process (for graduates of non-accredited international programs).

Step 2 – Apply to CDSA for Licensure

Submit your application through the CDSA Applicant Portal. Required documents include:

- NDEB Certificate
- Certified dental degree and official transcripts
- Valid government-issued photo ID
- Certificates of Standing from every regulatory body where you have been licensed (issued within 8 weeks)
- Language proficiency test results (if applicable)

Fees: Application Fee – $500 CAD; Registration Fee – $1,000 CAD.

Step 3 – Complete the Alberta Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam

All applicants must complete this online exam covering:

- Alberta’s Health Professions Act
- CDSA Standards of Practice
- Patient rights, informed consent, and ethics
- Legal scope of practice in Alberta

Step 4 – Professional Liability Insurance

All dentists in Alberta must carry professional liability insurance. The insurance is included in your Annual Practice Permit Fee of $2,100 CAD (pro-rated after July 1). No additional insurance purchase is required.

Alternative Licensure Pathways in Alberta (2026)

7. Quebec – Licensing Through the Ordre des dentistes du Québec

Quebec has distinct requirements, including mandatory French language proficiency. The regulatory authority is the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (ODQ).

Step 1 – Complete the NDEB Equivalency Process

Internationally trained dentists must first complete the NDEB Equivalency Process. Once the equivalency process is successfully completed, you may register for the Order‘s examination.

Step 2 – Submit Your Equivalency Application

Submit the “Demande de reconnaissance d‘équivalence de diplôme ou de formation” form to the ODQ with the following documents:

- University academic record (course descriptions, credits, grades)
- Certified copy of your dental degree
- Certified copy of your NDEB Certificate or proof of success
- CV attesting to work experience and continuing education
- Certified translation of documents not in French or English
- Payment of administrative fees

Applications are evaluated every two months.

Step 3 – French Language Proficiency

In Quebec, candidates from all professional orders must prove their ability to work in French. You must demonstrate French proficiency before you can be licensed.

Step 4 – Professional Liability Insurance

In Quebec, you must subscribe to the professional liability insurance fund of the Ordre des dentistes du Québec (FARPODQ). You must pay the required fees and subscribe to the Fund.

8. New Brunswick – Licensing Through the NBDent

The New Brunswick Dental Society (NBDent) regulates dentists in New Brunswick. The province has transparent fee structures and is welcoming to internationally trained dentists.

Licensing Process:

1. Complete the NDEB Equivalency Process and receive your NDEB Certificate
2. Complete the online application form through the NBDent website
3. Submit your NDEB Certificate (new graduates may submit an official letter)
4. Specialists must provide proof of having successfully completed the National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE)

2026 Licensing Fees:

The 2026 licensing fee in New Brunswick is $3,890.03. This includes:

- One-time registration fee: $150.00
- Annual license fee: $3,167.90
- CDA membership fee: $497.50 + HST

9. Other Provinces and Territories – Quick Reference

Each territory and smaller province has its own specific requirements. Always check the DRA’s website directly for the most current information.

10. Common Requirements Across All Provinces

While each province has unique elements, the following requirements are universal across Canada.

Jurisprudence Examination

Most provinces require a jurisprudence and ethics examination that tests knowledge related to local laws, ethics, and regulation of the profession. These exams are typically computer-based, multiple-choice, and require a passing score of 70–75%.

Criminal Record Check

Dentists are required to undergo a criminal record check in every province. Under British Columbia’s Criminal Records Review Act, dentists are among the regulated professionals who must submit to checks due to their work with children and vulnerable persons. Other provinces have similar requirements.

Language Proficiency

Some provinces require proof of proficiency in English or French. Quebec requires French proficiency. Ontario and British Columbia may require English proficiency depending on your educational background.

Continuing Education Requirements

Most provinces mandate ongoing professional development to maintain licensure. Review the specific continuing education (CE) requirements set by your provincial authority.

Alberta requires regulated members to complete 100 hours of continuing education in five-year cycles. Of these 100 hours, 10 may be taken to promote personal or non-clinical development. Other provinces have similar requirements, typically ranging from 60 to 100 credits per cycle.

Professional Liability Insurance

Every province requires dentists to carry malpractice insurance. Coverage limits vary:

Related NDECC articles

References

• National Dental Examining Board of Canada | NDEB Certificate demonstrates national competence and is required to apply for provincial licence
• National Dental Examining Board of Canada | Certification vs licensure – NDEB Certificate does not allow practice; provincial licence required
• IEHPs-Canada | General provincial licensure process: NDEB certification, choose province, submit application, jurisprudence exam, obtain licence; required documentation and continuing education requirements
• IEHPs-Canada | Ontario RCDSO licensing process: NDEB certification required before application; required documents including language proficiency
• IEHPs-Canada | Alberta CDSA licensing: NDEB certification, $500 application fee, $1,000 registration fee, Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam, $2,100 PLI included in permit; Supportive Pathway Pilot Program and BTDPC
• Ordre des dentistes du Québec | Quebec licensing: NDEB equivalency, diploma equivalence application, FARPODQ insurance, French proficiency required
• BC College of Oral Health Professionals | BC licensing: NDEB certification required for internationally trained dentists; must complete NDEB Equivalency Process or Qualifying Program
• RCDSO Professional Liability Program | Ontario PLP: no premium, up to $2 million coverage included in annual fees
• IEHPs-Canada | BC licensing: criminal record check mandatory through BC Ministry of Public Safety
• New Brunswick Dental Society | 2026 licensing fee: $150 one-time + $3,167.90 annual + $497.50 CDA membership + HST = $3,890.03
• College of Alberta Denturists | CE requirements: 100 hours in five-year cycles
• Wikiwand | Jurisprudence examination requirement for licensure in Canada