Can you study dentistry in Australia, then practice in Canada?

5 March 2021

If you study dentistry in Australia, can you practice in Canada?

This is perhaps the most common question among prospective students. If you earn a degree from an Australian dental school, is it valid in Canada?

The short-and-sweet answer? Yes!

Dental degrees in Australia
Find out how you can study dentistry in Australia

Since 2010, there has been a reciprocal agreement between Canada and Australia allowing international graduates of accredited dentistry programs from both countries to be considered the same as domestic graduates. This applies equally to accredited Australian dentistry programs—whether they are undergraduate-entry, such as the Bachelor of Dental Surgery or Bachelor of Dental Science degrees, or whether they are graduate-entry, such as the Doctor of Dental Surgery or Doctor of Dental Medicine degrees.

To become a licensed dentist in Canada, graduates of accredited dental programs must successfully complete the National Dental Examining Board of Canada‘s (NDEB) Certification Process. The certification process comprises two examinations based on the competencies required to be a beginning dental practitioner in Canada.

The written examination consists of two 2.5-hour examination papers. Each examination paper contains 150 multiple-choice items. The examination tests foundation science knowledge and applied clinical science knowledge and judgment.

For the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), clinical judgment and problem-solving skills are tested in a case-based examination. Patient data is presented in timed stations with extended match-type questions. Candidates may also be required to review patient information and write an acceptable prescription for a medication commonly prescribed by general dentists in Canada.

Your Pathway to Certification

  • Application
    Create an online application through the NDEB portal.
  • Registration for the Examinations
    Register for available examinations through your online profile.
  • Proof of Graduation
    Provide an original official transcript of marks indicating date of convocation.
  • Certification
    When you have passed both examinations and proof of graduation is received, you will be certified and a certificate will be issued.
  • Provincial Licensure
    Requests for licensure are made through the provincial dental regulatory authorities.

For detailed information, be sure to visit NDEB website.

Practicing in Canada

Once you understand how easy it is to come back to Canada with your degree, you might be interested in how to open your own dental practice in Canada. We have you covered!

In February of 2021, OzTREKK chatted with University of Melbourne DDS graduates, Dr. Pavi and Dr. Geroche, who both own and practice dentistry in Ontario. If this is something you are interested in doing upon graduation from an Australian dental program, you must watch the recording of this webinar.

This will be a great way to hear firsthand from Australian dentistry graduates about what it’s like to study in Australia—then open your own practice in Canada!

How to Apply to an Australian Dental School

Applying to the Australian dentistry schools listed below via OzTREKK is streamlined and stress-free. You can apply to multiple dentistry programs at the same time via our online OzTREKK Australian Dental Schools application.

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Do you have questions about studying dentistry in Australia? Contact OzTREKK’s Dentistry Admissions Officer at dentistry@oztrekk.com.

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