Internationally trained dentists: how to train or practice in Canada

If you have trained as a dentist in a country not recognised by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) or the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) and wish to practice or train in Canada, we can offer you two options.

1. To gain a licence to practice dentistry in Canada: the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP)

You must complete the Doctor in Dental Surgery (DDS) to be able to take the national licensing exam (National Dental Examining Board) to become a practicing dentist.

If you are already qualified in another country, you can join the International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP), which places you in the third year of the four-year DDS.

2. Practice as a specialist dentist in Canada: Dental Specialty Assessment and Training Program (DSATP)

You can join the DSATP if you are a graduate of a non-accredited dental specialty program and want to practice specialty clinical dental practice in Canada, such as endodontics or orthodontics.

Continuing Dental Education

All courses offered by the CDE Department are available to all dentists, regardless of where you have trained. 

You can only participate in treating patients if you have a Canadian licence, if you do not have one, you can join as an observer.

Non-accredited programs

Countries recognised by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) or the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) are:

  • Australia
  • Canada
  • Ireland 
  • New Zealand 
  • USA 

If you qualified in a country not listed above, you will be considered non-accredited.
 

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