A new pathway for internationally trained dentists seeking licensure.

This program is for internationally trained dentists following the equivalency process to obtain licensure as a general dentist in Canada and have yet to pass the National Dental Examination of Clinical Competence (NDECC).

This new program is at three locations:

• University of Alberta in Edmonton, Alberta, in English
• Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia, in English
• l’Université Laval, Québec City, Québec, in French*

Key facts

• Up to 8 months
• 1 intake of students per year**
• 9 core modules
• 4 individualized modules (will vary)
• Full-time, weekdays***
• In-person
• Up to 10 students per site

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply, you must:

• Be a graduate of a minimum four-year university dental program not recognised by CDAC
• Be a Canadian citizen or a permanent resident of Canada on or before the application deadline
• Have passed, within three years of the application deadline, these NDEB exams:
  • Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK)
  • Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ)

Next Intake Information

Applications for the second cohort will open on January 15 and close on February 28, 2026, with an anticipated program start date in Late Summer/Early Fall 2026. Join our email list to be notified when these dates are announced.

Why Study With Us?

You will experience personalised training to become a dentist in Canada in the BTDPC program. You will be part of the dental school community as part of the pilot site. We will customise your schedule to address specific knowledge gaps, giving you confidence when you move towards licensure. Our modules are designed with internationally trained dentists in mind.

Our students have the advantage of receiving a quality education that world-class universities have to offer, alongside the benefits of a close-knit faculty and student communities. Our pilot sites are among the best in Canada, and our faculty are recognised worldwide for their research and passion for teaching.

Licensure After Completion

Accreditation In Progress
Documentation has been submitted to accredit the program for the 2026–2027 cohort. We anticipate an update on this accreditation status and its implications for licensure exams before the end of January 2026.