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Canada · Licensing exam

NDEB exams: how dentists get certified in Canada

The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) sets the national standard for general dentists and runs the exams that show you meet it. Every new dentist takes the same final NDEB exam, the Virtual OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Examination). If your degree isn’t from a program the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) accredits or recognizes, you first pass the three exams of the Equivalency Process: the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK), the Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ) and the NDECC, a two-day clinical exam in Ottawa.

  • 75Pass score on AFK, ACJ and Virtual OSCE
  • 3Attempts allowed at each of those exams
  • Eight weeksResults normally due within
Where to studyHow the test works

Updated October 2026 · Written from the NDEB 2026 exam protocols (AFK, ACJ and Virtual OSCE effective January 19, 2026; NDECC effective June 15, 2026)

Key facts

At a glance

Run by
The NDEB, created by an Act of Parliament and based in Ottawa
Accredited graduates
The Virtual OSCE, which you can take up to four months before you graduate
Non-accredited graduates
AFK, then ACJ, then NDECC, then the Virtual OSCE
Where the exams run
Prometric centres and NDEB sites; the NDECC only in Ottawa
Dental specialists
A separate exam, the National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE), run by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada

How it works

How the NDEB exams fit together

AFK, ACJ and Virtual OSCE rescaled score
Below 75: fail75 or higher: pass
75 is a test equated, rescaled score, not 75% of the questions right. The NDECC is graded pass or fail by component instead.
  1. You start by opening an NDEBConnect account, paying the application fee and sending the documents NDEB asks for. Nothing is booked until NDEB has approved your application.
  2. Which exams you take depends on your dental degree. Graduates of programs accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), or recognized by it, go straight to the Virtual OSCE.
  3. Graduates of non-accredited programs take the Equivalency Process first: the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK), then the Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ), then the NDECC. You must pass each one before you can register for the one after it.
  4. The AFK, ACJ and Virtual OSCE are multiple-choice exams. The AFK can be on paper or on computer at a Prometric centre, while the ACJ and Virtual OSCE are on computer only.
  5. The NDECC is different: a two-day exam at the NDECC Test Centre in Ottawa, with clinical work on a manikin one day and situational judgement stations the other.
  6. Once you pass the Virtual OSCE and NDEB has your proof of graduation, NDEB certifies you, mails your certificate to the address in your profile and adds your name to its National Register.

Topics

What’s on the test

01

Operative and restorative dentistry, prosthodontics and implants

The largest single area on the Virtual OSCE blueprint, and one of the biggest on the AFK and ACJ.

Key points (4)
  • Operative Dentistry is 16 ± 5% of Virtual OSCE questions and Prosthodontics another 10 ± 5% (Virtual OSCE Protocol, effective January 19, 2026).
  • On the AFK, Restorative, Prosthodontics and Implants make up 16 ± 5% of questions (AFK Protocol, effective January 19, 2026).
  • Cariology and Restorative Dentistry is 18 ± 5% of the ACJ (ACJ Protocol, effective January 19, 2026).
  • The NDECC clinical skills day includes Class II amalgam and composite restorations, a Class IV composite, a crown preparation and a provisional crown (NDECC Protocol, effective June 15, 2026).
02

Periodontics

Periodontal diagnosis and management, including reading a periodontal chart in a patient case.

Key points (3)
  • Periodontics is 14 ± 5% of the Virtual OSCE, 15 ± 5% of the ACJ and 8 ± 5% of the AFK (2026 protocols).
  • Virtual OSCE periodontal charts show probing depth, recession, clinical attachment loss (CAL), bleeding on probing, furcation (Class I, II, III) and mobility (Virtual OSCE Protocol).
  • Mobility is classified 1, 2 or 3 using the Miller classification in both the ACJ and Virtual OSCE charts (ACJ and Virtual OSCE Protocols).
03

Oral medicine, oral pathology and oral radiology

Diagnosing lesions and reading radiographs, a large part of the ACJ.

Key points (4)
  • Oral Medicine/Oral Pathology and Oral Surgery together are the largest ACJ area, at 25 ± 5% (ACJ Protocol).
  • Every section of the ACJ has radiographic interpretation questions, which test prescribing, assessing and interpreting radiographic images (ACJ Protocol).
  • Oral Medicine/Oral Pathology and Oral Radiology are 15 ± 5% of the AFK, and Oral Medicine and Pathology 12 ± 5% of the Virtual OSCE (AFK and Virtual OSCE Protocols).
  • On the Virtual OSCE, radiology questions are spread across every blueprint category (Virtual OSCE Protocol).
04

Pain and endodontics

Finding the source of pain and managing pulpal and periapical disease.

Key points (4)
  • Pain is 12 ± 5% of the Virtual OSCE and Endodontics another 10 ± 5% (Virtual OSCE Protocol).
  • Endodontics is 10 ± 5% of the ACJ and 6 ± 5% of the AFK (ACJ and AFK Protocols).
  • In Virtual OSCE endodontic charts the electric pulp test has a maximum value of 80, and percussion and palpation are graded “++”, “+” or “-” by pain (Virtual OSCE Protocol).
  • An endodontic access cavity preparation is one of the seven NDECC clinical requirements (NDECC Protocol).
05

Medical emergencies, medically complex patients and pharmacology

Safe care for patients with medical conditions, drugs and local anesthesia, including writing a prescription.

Key points (4)
  • Pharmacotherapeutics, Medically-Complex Patients, Medical Emergencies, Geriatrics and Local Anesthesia are 22 ± 5% of the ACJ (ACJ Protocol).
  • Prevention and management of medical emergencies, including medically complex patients, is 12 ± 5% of the Virtual OSCE (Virtual OSCE Protocol).
  • Some Virtual OSCE case questions ask you to complete a prescription for a medication commonly prescribed by general dentists in Canada, worth four marks (Virtual OSCE Protocol).
  • Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Local Anesthesia and Medical Emergencies are 14 ± 5% of the AFK (AFK Protocol).
06

Oral surgery, orthodontics and pediatric dentistry

Surgery, trauma and dental emergencies, plus growth, orthodontics and care for children and patients with special needs.

Key points (4)
  • Surgery is 8 ± 5% and Orthodontics 6 ± 5% of the Virtual OSCE (Virtual OSCE Protocol).
  • On the AFK, Oral Surgery, Trauma, Orofacial Pain and Dental Emergencies are 8 ± 5%, and Orthodontics, Pediatric Dentistry, Geriatric Dentistry and Special Needs Patients another 8 ± 5% (AFK Protocol).
  • Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry together are 10 ± 5% of the ACJ (ACJ Protocol).
  • All NDEB exams use the FDI World Dental Federation two-digit tooth numbering system, so primary teeth run from 5.1 to 8.5 (2026 protocols).
07

Applied biomedical sciences, prevention and ethics

The science base tested mostly on the AFK, plus evidence-based dentistry, infection control and ethics.

Key points (4)
  • Applied Biomedical Sciences is the largest AFK area, at 20 ± 5% of questions (AFK Protocol).
  • The AFK lists anatomy, biochemistry, biomaterials, cariology, growth and development, histology, immunology, microbiology, oral embryology and physiology under that area (AFK Protocol).
  • Evidence-Based Dentistry, Prevention, Infection Control, Ethics and Jurisprudence are 5 ± 5% of the AFK (AFK Protocol).
  • Virtual OSCE questions on scientific literature, health promotion and professionalism may also be included (Virtual OSCE Protocol).
08

NDECC clinical skills and situational judgement

The two-day clinical exam at the end of the Equivalency Process, taken at the NDECC Test Centre in Ottawa.

Key points (4)
  • The clinical skills component has seven requirements plus infection control and safety, done on a manikin over a full day (NDECC Protocol, effective June 15, 2026).
  • You may make two infection control and safety errors; three or more errors, or one critical error, fails the component (NDECC Protocol).
  • Situational judgement has 10 stations, five written and five spoken with an actor, two for each of five requirements (NDECC Protocol).
  • To pass situational judgement you must pass at least six stations, including at least one in each requirement (NDECC Protocol).

Test day

What to bring to an NDEB exam

  • Government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s licence, passport or provincial photo ID card
  • ID in English or French, with your name exactly as it appears in your NDEBConnect profile (photocopies and digital images aren’t accepted)
  • ID that isn’t expired, or that was issued within the last 10 years if it has no expiry date
  • Water in a clear bottle with the label removed, if you want it in the room for the AFK, ACJ or Virtual OSCE
  • No watch, phone or smart device in the exam room; NDEB provides earplugs, scratch paper and a pencil, and you can’t use your own earplugs

Before you go

  1. Check which route you’re on. NDEB’s How to Become a Dentist in Canada page asks a few questions and points you to the right one.
  2. Send your documents exactly as the application guide describes. NDEB says documents sent incorrectly delay approval, and resubmitting adds to the credential verification time.
  3. Register as soon as registration opens. NDEB says it isn’t unusual for exams to fill up before the registration deadline.
  4. For a Prometric exam, schedule your seat with Prometric once NDEB sends the instructions after the registration deadline.
  5. Read the protocol for your exam. It has the blueprint, the check-in rules and what you can bring.
  6. If illness or a personal problem will stop you doing your best, withdraw in NDEBConnect before the exam starts. A withdrawal fee applies, but NDEB says you won’t lose an attempt.
NDEB: Login to your Online Profile (NDEBConnect)You apply, register for exams, pay and see your results in NDEBConnect. Prometric seats are booked separately, with the instructions NDEB posts after the registration deadline.

Study options

Where to study

NDEB publishes its own preparation material: a protocol for each exam with its blueprint, a released question bank, an online self-assessment for the AFK, sample ACJ questions and the Virtual OSCE Frameworks. It says prep courses aren’t required and that it isn’t affiliated with any of them.

OptionPriceFree to useLinks
Official
NDEB Released Test Item BankOfficial released questions (PDF)Retired and active NDEB questions in English and French, first made available in 2009. NDEB says the mix doesn’t match the AFK blueprint and some items are outdated. No answers are published with it.
No fee listedDownload from NDEB’s Exam Resources page, for personal use only
NDEB: Released question bank (PDF) ↗
NDEB Online Self-AssessmentOfficial web-based self-assessment for the AFK100 multiple-choice questions in 120 minutes, one answer each and no going back. At the end you get a tally of correct answers. NDEB says the score is a guideline only and doesn’t predict your AFK result.
No fee listedRuns on NDEB’s website
NDEB: Online Self-Assessment ↗
NDEB ACJ Sample Questions and AnswersOfficial sample questions for the ACJ (PDF)Examples of the question formats used in the Assessment of Clinical Judgement, updated October 2024. NDEB strongly encourages you to look at it before the ACJ. A separate PDF shows how multi-answer questions are scored.
No fee listedDownload from NDEB’s Exam Resources page
NDEB: ACJ Sample Questions and Answers (PDF) ↗
NDEB Virtual OSCE FrameworksOfficial case-question formats for the Virtual OSCE (PDF)Examples of the case-based question formats used on the Virtual OSCE, each with its list of answer options, revised January 29, 2026. NDEB says they don’t show how many questions of each kind you’ll get, and not every framework appears on every exam.
No fee listedDownload from NDEB’s Exam Resources page
NDEB: Virtual OSCE Frameworks (PDF) ↗
NDEB NDECC preparation documentsOfficial guides for the NDECCThe NDECC Practical Guide (effective July 30, 2026) on the Test Centre, instruments and materials; a situational judgement station sample with its grading scheme (revised October 2023); a reference list (updated March 2026); and Tips for the NDECC (updated October 2025).
No fee listedDownload from NDEB’s Exam Resources page
NDEB: Exam Resources ↗
Prep courses
Prep DoctorsCourses for each NDEB exam, online and in personPrep Doctors lists $3,650 CAD for its online ACJ course and $6,500 online or $9,000 on site for NDECC clinical skills, and its AFK and ADAT bundle page prices the online AFK course at $5,500. Tax is added where it applies. NDEB isn’t affiliated with Prep Doctors or any other course provider.
From $3,200 CAD (Virtual OSCE course), plus taxNo free course listed
Prep Doctors: NDEB dental equivalency courses ↗

Prices and ratings checked October 2026.

Explore

Everything else, in one place

Study optionsEquivalencyVirtual OSCEExam datesFeesPass ratesNDAEB (assistants)

Equivalency exams

AFKACJNDECC

Login and contact

NDEBConnect loginOttawa office

FAQ

Common questions

What is the NDEB exam?

It’s really a set of exams. The NDEB was created by an Act of Parliament to set one national standard for general dentists and to test people who apply to be registered as dentists. All of them take the Virtual OSCE, 200 questions on computer, and graduates of non-accredited programs pass the AFK, ACJ and NDECC before it. Passing them leads to NDEB certification.

Is the NDEB the same as the NDAEB?

No. The NDAEB is the National Dental Assisting Examining Board, a separate board with its own office in Ottawa. It runs the Theory Exam and the Clinical Practice Evaluation for dental assistants, not dentists, and it has its own fees, dates and candidate portal. The NDAEB page in this guide covers those exams on their own.

How is an NDEB exam scored?

You need a test equated, rescaled score of 75 to pass the AFK, ACJ or Virtual OSCE. That isn’t 75% of the questions. A panel of dentists from across Canada sets the minimum score a competent dentist needs, and that score is then rescaled to 75. In NDEB’s own example, if the panel sets the bar at 55% correct, a raw 55% is reported as 75. NDEB says its exams aren’t graded on a curve, and a score of 74 could be one question or several away from a pass.

Does NDEB certification give you a licence to practise?

No. Licences come from the dental regulatory authority in the province where you want to work. Every province requires an NDEB certificate, and it may also ask for more documents, a jurisprudence test and proof of language proficiency.

How long does it take to get NDEB certified?

For graduates of accredited programs, NDEB says it can take 6 to 18 months from when you’re eligible to sit the certification exam, depending on how many attempts you need. The Equivalency Process takes longer, because there are three exams to pass first and the time depends on seats and retakes. The Equivalency page in this guide has NDEB’s sample timelines.

Do you need to live in Canada to take NDEB exams?

No. NDEB has no residency requirement, and you don’t need to be a citizen or permanent resident to apply or take its exams. NDEB can’t help with visas or other documents you need to travel to an exam.

Sources: NDEB and 14 more. Checked October 2026.

Rules and fees can change, so check the official site before your test.

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