FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These Frequently Asked Questions apply to Graduates of Non-Accredited Dental Programs.

How do I know if my dental program is non-accredited?

Generally, dental programs outside Canada, the United States, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland are not accredited. Lists of dental programs that are accredited can be found at:

I am a graduate of a non-accredited dental school. How can I get a licence to practice dentistry in Canada?

Graduates of non-accredited dental schools must successfully complete a Qualifying/Degree Completion Program at an accredited university OR successfully complete the NDEB Equivalency Process, and then take the NDEB Written and OSCE Examinations.

Are copies of previous Assessments available?

Released questions from the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge are made available on the NDEB website under the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge section.

Sample questions for the Assessment of Clinical Judgement are available on the NDEB website here.

Does the NDEB assist in obtaining visas?

If requested, the NDEB will provide a confirmation of registration letter by regular mail only; however, the NDEB cannot provide assistance in applying for visas or other documents required for travel for the purpose of participating in the Assessments.

Are there any preparatory classes or books to help me study for the Assessment?

The NDEB has developed a web-based Self Assessment which will aid individuals in preparing for the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge. A list of reference texts is also provided.

Which teeth are used in the Assessment of Clinical Skills (ACS)?

The ACS uses teeth available from Kilgore International. Details about the teeth and Kilgore International contact information can be found in the ACS Protocol.

Please be advised that while Kilgore International sells the series of teeth that are used by the NDEB they do not and have never sold specific pre-prepared teeth used for restorations nor teeth with caries used for preparations in the Assessment of Clinical skills.

What type of hand pieces and adapters are used at each Assessment of Clinical Skills center?

Please click here for a detailed list of the hand pieces and adapters used at each center.

Can cheek retractors be used in the Assessment of Clinical Skills?

Cheek retractors are NOT allowed to be used during the Assessment as they can be used to create an unrealistically large and uncontrolled amount of retraction with the simulator. They can also damage the silicone face shields. Sufficient and realistic retraction can be obtained using normal instruments such as a dental mirror.

How do I have my results sent to the specific Qualifying or Degree Completion Programs?

The NDEB automatically sends the results of each Assessment to Faculties offering Qualifying or Degree Completion Programs within six weeks of the Assessment. If you require an additional copy of your result letter sent to a Faculty you must submit a request in writing along with the required fee of $30.00 per letter.

Is there a way to appeal the result of my Assessment?

If you feel that a computer scanning or scoring error may have occurred on the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge or Assessment of Clinical Judgement you can request that the NDEB perform a manual re-score. To request a manual re-score, you must submit a request in writing within three months of the release of the results of the assessment and pay the required fee.

Within three months of the release of results of the Assessment of Clinical Skills, an individual may make submissions, in writing, to the NDEB setting out grounds for requsting to have a result of the Assessment of Clinical Skills changed and pay the required fee.

How are the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge and Assessment of Clinical Judgement questions selected and what is test equating?

For Information regarding the process used to select questions and regarding the processes used to analyze and test equate assessments Click Here.