NDEB Examinations & Certification

After credential verification, internationally trained dentists must pass NDEB exams based on their educational background.

  • Accredited Graduates (Canada, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland) proceed to NDEB Certification.
  • Non-Accredited Graduates must complete the Equivalency Process before certification.

Examination Pathways

Pathway 1: NDEB Certification Process (For Graduates of Accredited Programs)

Requirements

Direct entry to the certification exam

Examination Required

Virtual Objective Structured Clinical Examination (Virtual OSCE) – A high-stakes computer-based exam assessing clinical decision-making, diagnostic ability, and ethical reasoning in patient cases.

Exam Format

  • Consists of multiple-choice and case-based questions.
  • Covers clinical diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient management.

Successful candidates receive NDEB Certification, allowing them to apply for provincial licensure.

For a full breakdown of the NDEB Certification Process, Click Here

Pathway 2: NDEB Equivalency Process (For Graduates of Non-Accredited Programs)

Requirements

Must pass three assessments to qualify for the certification exam.

Examinations Required:

Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK)

A multiple-choice exam that evaluates basic and clinical sciences knowledge, including anatomy, physiology, pathology, and pharmacology. Candidates must score at least 75% to pass.

Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ)

A scenario-based exam testing clinical reasoning, diagnosis, radiographic interpretation, and treatment planning. The ACJ includes extended matching questions, radiographic cases, and ethical case studies.

National Dental Examination of Clinical Competence (NDECC)

A two-day, hands-on clinical skills examination where candidates perform procedures such as cavity preparations, restorations, and crown preparations on mannequins. This exam includes an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) component to test practical decision-making skills.

🆕 NDECC Registration Prioritization (Effective July 1, 2025)
The NDEB will implement a three-stage registration process for the NDECC to manage exam access more equitably:

  1. First-time candidates who recently passed the ACJ

  2. Candidates who have submitted proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency

  3. All other eligible candidates

This prioritization helps streamline access for new candidates and those with immigration status in Canada.

NDEB News – NDECC Registration Changes

Candidates who pass all three assessments proceed to Pathway 1 (the NDEB Certification Process).

Click Here to Learn More About the NDEB Equivalency Process
NDEB Exam Dates and Fees

Exam Registration

  • Log in to NDEBConnect to register for examinations.

  • Select the exam and location (availability may vary based on demand).

  • Submit the required examination fees.

Click Here to Register

Exam Preparation Resources

  • NDEB Released Materials – Official past questions, sample cases, and practice exams available for purchase. 
  • Reference Textbooks – Recommended books covering dental sciences, radiographic interpretation, clinical procedures, and ethics.
  • Online & In-Person Review Courses – Several Canadian institutions offer structured prep courses for NDEB exams. 
  • NDEB Sample Questions & Guidelines – Available on the official website to familiarize candidates with exam formats and expectations.
  • Hands-On Training for NDECC – Some candidates enroll in Canadian preparatory programs that provide practice with mannequins and clinical simulations.
  • Time Management Strategies – Structured study plans to maximize retention and efficiency.
Check the NDEB Study Resources

Exam Policies & Retake Options

Passing Score

Determined by NDEB’s standard-setting methods; varies per exam.

Failure to Pass

Candidates who fail three attempts at AFK or ACJ must enroll in a Canadian dental school program before reapplying.

Exam Results Timeline

Scores are typically released within 6 to 8 weeks after the exam.

Appeals Process

Candidates can appeal exam results within a specific timeframe by submitting a formal request to the NDEB.

Retake Limits

  •  AFK & ACJ: Can be attempted up to three times.
  • NDECC & Virtual OSCE: Retake policies depend on performance evaluation, with remediation required for multiple failures.
  • Retaking Components of NDECC: Candidates who fail one component of NDECC (either Clinical Skills or Situational Judgment) only need to retake the failed portion.
To Read More, Click Here