Complete Your Pathway Requirements
The requirements completed before the Virtual OSCE depend on the pathway for which you are eligible.
Choose the Pathway You Identified in Step 1
Pathway A: NDEB Equivalency Process
Eligible graduates of non-accredited programs complete the following assessments in order.
1.Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge
The AFK assesses biomedical sciences and applied clinical dental sciences. A passing result is an equated, rescaled score of 75; it is not a requirement to answer exactly 75% of questions correctly.
The AFK may be attempted a maximum of three times. Under the current bylaw, a third failure ends the candidate’s Equivalency Process status.
2.Assessment of Clinical Judgement
The ACJ assesses diagnosis, treatment planning, clinical decision-making and radiographic interpretation. It does not contain a separately identified ‘ethical case studies’ component.
The ACJ may be attempted a maximum of three times. Under the current bylaw, a third failure ends the candidate’s Equivalency Process status.
3. NDECC
The NDECC is completed over two consecutive days and contains Clinical Skills and Situational Judgement components. It is not described by the NDEB as an OSCE component.
A candidate who fails only one component retakes only that component. NDECC attempts are not limited to three, but must be completed within the eligibility period established by the NDEB, currently 60 months from the first ACJ pass.
4. NDECC Registration Prioritization
NDECC registration uses a staged process. Access is organized first according to recency of the ACJ result, then considers approved evidence of Canadian citizenship or permanent residence, followed by other eligible candidates. Confirm the current policy before every registration period.
Pathway B: Accredited Degree-Completion Program
Complete the academic and clinical requirements established by the university. After graduating from the accredited DDS or DMD program, enter the Certification Process and take the Virtual OSCE. NDECC is not required after graduation from the accredited program.
Pathway C: Accredited Bridge Training Program
Complete the BTDPC academic, clinical, communication and Canadian-practice requirements. The program is full-time and in person and does not award a new DDS or DMD degree.
Graduates of accredited cohorts beginning in 2026–27 can proceed directly to the Virtual OSCE without completing NDECC.