Written by AI from public information on 2026-10-26. Fees and rules change and vary by province — confirm with the official body before relying on anything here.
Typical cost
Not published
Time to earn it
about 8 years
Issued by National Dental Examining Board of Canada and provincial dental regulators
Required to start: Practising dentistry needs a licence from the provincial dental regulator.
About
Dentists diagnose, treat and prevent problems with the teeth, gums and mouth. A licence is required by law before you can see patients or call yourself a dentist. It is issued by the provincial or territorial dental regulator, not by a single national body.
Most people qualify by finishing a dental degree at an accredited program and then earning the national certificate from the National Dental Examining Board of Canada. Dentists trained outside Canada can also pursue the certificate through an assessment process. The same licence covers general dentists. Those who want to work as an orthodontist, periodontist or oral surgeon complete extra specialty training and are recognised by the regulator as specialists.
How to get it
Complete an accredited dental degree
Finish a dental program that is recognised in Canada. This is a long university program that combines classroom learning with hands-on clinical work.
Earn the national certificate
Pass the examinations set by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada. This shows you meet the national standard for entry to practice.
Apply to your provincial or territorial regulator
Send in your application, proof of education, and your national certificate. You will also be asked for identity checks and a criminal record check.
Meet the local requirements
Your regulator may ask for proof of good character, language ability, liability insurance and up-to-date first aid or CPR training.
Receive your licence and register
Once approved, you are registered and can begin to practise in that province or territory.
Add specialty training if you want it
To work as an orthodontist, periodontist or oral surgeon, complete an approved specialty program and meet the regulator's rules for specialists.
The exam
The national certificate involves a written exam and a hands-on or practical assessment. The written part tests your knowledge of dental science and clinical decision-making. The practical part checks that you can carry out dental skills safely. Graduates of Canadian programs and internationally trained dentists may follow different routes to reach the same standard.
Licensed by each province
Each province and territory issues this itself, under its own rules. Each province and territory has its own dental regulator, and each sets its own application forms, fees and renewal rules. The national certificate is widely accepted, which helps you move between jurisdictions. You still need to register with the regulator in any new place before you practise there, and extra local steps may apply.
Keeping it
You must renew your licence on a regular schedule set by your regulator. Renewal usually means paying a fee, confirming you are still fit to practise and keeping your insurance in place. Most regulators also expect you to complete continuing education so your skills stay current.