The integration of general dentists trained in non-accredited programs elsewhere in the world into the Canadian health-care system is essential.

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About
Why Study With Us?
Future of the Program
Licensure After Completion
Modules
Information Webinar
Program Costs
Admission Requirements

Internationally trained dentists (ITDs) seeking a license to practice in Canada currently have two paths:

1. National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) exams
   OR
2. Obtaining a place in an advanced-standing or similar program in one of Canada’s dental schools

The Bridge Training to Dental Practice in Canada program (BTDPC) is a new third pathway for ITDs being tested, supported by federal funding.

The goal is to validate your knowledge, skills and abilities and provide training to build your competence in the missing areas of scope and standards for a beginning dentist in Canada. Students in this program have training needs that can be addressed in a few months to prepare them for licensure exams to become a dentist in Canada.

Key facts

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

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.

Future of the Program

The project started in 2024 and will run through January 2028. The first two years will involve developing all elements of the program, and the third and fourth years will involve testing and evaluating the pilot program twice at three pilot site dental schools.

Licensure After Completion

Dentistry is a regulated profession in Canada. After program completion, you will write the National Dental Examination of Clinical Competence examination (subject to change) and the Virtual OSCE. Then, graduates can start the application process for their license to be a dentist with the regulatory body in their jurisdiction.

Writing the NDECC
For the first pilot year in the 2025–2026 BTDPC program, candidates must successfully pass the National Dental Examining Board of Canada’s (NDEB) National Dental Examination of Clinical Competence (NDECC) to obtain licensure in Canada. However, the program has initiated the process of accreditation through the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada for the upcoming 2026–2027 pilot year. The results of this process may change these requirements. Information about accreditation and licensure requirements will be updated on this website before the end of January 2026.

Modules

Each module’s design is relevant to internationally trained dentists based on the knowledge and skills demonstrated in prerequisite testing, with an emphasis on variations for the Canadian context and practice guidelines. Your classes will be a mix of lectures, labs, and clinic/simulation time.

Note that each module varies in the time it takes to complete.

Core Modules
The core modules that every student will take include:

• Patient management
• Professionalism and communication
• Patient assessment and treatment planning
• Radiology
• Periodontics
• Caries assessments and operative refresher
• Health promotion
• Oral surgery
• Clinical experiences

Personalised Modules
You may be assigned some or all of these modules based on your performance in your pre-assessment:

• Endodontics
• Pediatric dentistry
• Prosthodontics
• Removable prosthodontics
• Fixed prosthodontics

Information Webinar

The project team hosted a webinar information session on February 7, 2025. A new webinar will be hosted for the 2026–2027 program year closer to the application date.

Program Costs

Please note that this program is currently in development and will undergo pilot testing and evaluation for two years. Fees for the second pilot year in 2026 are not yet known.

Note: Costs are estimates and subject to change. Application fees are paid at registration, and program fees are paid at registration.

Additional Fees

• You may need to pay additional fees
• Conducting a criminal record check for the application process
• Fees for and related to travelling to and from the pre-entry assessment
• Housing and living costs for relocating to a program location, should you be selected for the program