These Frequently Asked Questions apply to Graduates of Accredited Dental Programs.
- What is the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), why was it formed and what is its major function?
- Who makes up the NDEB?
- Of what value is the NDEB certificate?
- How do I receive the certificate?
- What is the Written Examination?
- What is the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)?
- Are copies of previous examinations available?
- When can I take the examinations?
- What happens if a candidate fails one or more of the examinations?
- What happens if I graduated more than 60 months ago?
- Must I renew my certificate each year?
- What is the money used for?
- How does the NDEB ensure that accredited dental programs meet the standards of the NDEB?
- Is the NDEB certificate necessary to take postgraduate training in the United States of America?
- When are certificates issued?
What is the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), why was it formed and what is its major function?
The NDEB was incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1952 for the purpose of establishing qualifying conditions for a national standard certificate for dentists. All ten Canadian Provincial Licensing Authorities recognize and participate in the activities of the NDEB.
Who makes up the NDEB?
The NDEB is composed of twelve members. Each Provincial Licensing Authority appoints one member and two members are appointed by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.
The Committee on Student Affairs of the Canadian Dental Association appoints two observers to the NDEB annual meeting.
Of what value is the NDEB certificate?
Generally the certificate is recognized as the principal requirement for a licence to practise dentistry in Canada, subject to current provincial regulations.
How do I receive the certificate?
A graduate of an accredited undergraduate dental program or an accredited Qualifying Program must successfully complete the NDEB Written Examination and the NDEB Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) within 60 months of graduation in order to receive the certificate. A graduate of a non-accredited program and who has successfully complete the Board Equivalency Process is considered equivalent to a graduate of an accredited program and must also successfully complete the NDEB Written Examination and NDEB Objective Structured Clinical Examination.
What is the Written Examination?
The Written Examination consists of two 2 1/2-hour examination papers. Each examination paper contains 150 multiple-choice type items.
The examination is set according to a national standard and does not cover the areas of jurisprudence and practice management. The examination tests foundation science knowledge and applied clinical science knowledge and judgment.
Released questions from the Written Examination are available at http://www.ndeb.ca/en/accredited/written_examination.htm. Further detailed information is available in the Written Examination Protocol that is provided to candidates upon registration for the examinations.
What is 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 multiple choice and 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.
A released version with the template of all questions and sample questions of the OSCE are available at http://www.ndeb.ca/en/accredited/osce_examination.htm. Further detailed information is available in the OSCE Protocol that is provided to candidates upon registration for the examinations.
Are copies of previous examinations available?
All previously used questions from the Written Examinations are posted on the NDEB website (www.ndeb.ca). All of the question templates for the OSCE are also posted along with some sample complete questions.
When can I take the examinations?
Most candidates may take the Written and OSCE Examinations within three (3) months of their expected graduation date.
What happens if a candidate fails one or more of the examinations?
Candidates may take the Written and/or OSCE Examinations a total of three (3) times each, during scheduled examination sessions within 60 months of graduation. Candidates who fail an examination 3 times within 60 months of graduation must successfully complete an accredited Qualifying Program, an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program, a General Practice Residency Program or a Dental Residency Program before applying to become a candidate and being eligible to take additional examinations.
What happens if I graduated more than 60 months ago?
Provided the individual has not failed the Written and/or OSCE Examination three (3) times, an individual who graduated from an accredited undergraduate dental program more than 60 months previously may apply for special consideration to take the NDEB Examinations.
Must I renew my certificate each year?
No. The certificate is presently valid for the lifetime of the holder.
What is the money used for?
The NDEB is a non-profit organization and all fees charged are cost related. The application fee for graduates of accredited dental programs financially supports the accreditation process and helps maintain an examining and certifying facility.
How does the NDEB ensure that accredited dental programs meet the standards of the NDEB?
The NDEB actively participates in the accreditation process carried out by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada and the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation. Two NDEB members are appointed to the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada and one member to each team surveying undergraduate dental programs and Qualifying Programs.
Is the NDEB certificate necessary to take postgraduate training in the United States of America?
No.
When are certificates issued?
Certificates are issued to candidates who successfully complete the Written and OSCE Examinations and who provide confirmation of graduation from an accredited dental program. Canadian dental programs generally provide confirmation of graduation for their students directly to the NDEB in June. Graduates of U.S. Dental Programs must ensure that confirmation of graduation is sent to the NDEB.