The Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD) has introduced a pilot program designed to offer Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are internationally trained dentists a new pathway to licensure in Canada. Applications for the Bridge Training to Dental Practice in Canada (BTDPC) Program will open on February 1, 2025.
The program is also open to graduates of a recognized but non-accredited four-year university dental program.
Dalhousie University described the program as a “quicker and cheaper” pathway to licensure. “This will provide a third pathway to licensure, in addition to passing the National Dental Examining Board (NDEB) exams or securing a place in an advanced-standing program at a Canadian dental school,” the university said on its website.
Last year, Canada welcomed a record number of foreign-trained dentists immigrating to the country, driven by an anticipated wave of retirements and employment growth in the dental field.
Offered in three provinces
The pilot program will run for two years and be offered at three locations: the University of Alberta in Alberta, Dalhousie University in Nova Scotia, and l’Université Laval in Québec. The specific training location for each participant will be determined during the application process. Participants are expected to complete the program within eight months.
To qualify
Candidates must have passed the NDEB’s Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) and Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ) within the past three years. They must also meet the minimum proficiency requirements in either English or French.
Program fees
The fee structure for the first year of the pilot program (2025–2026) is as follows: • Application: $250 • Assessment: $500 • Training: $10,000
These fees are subject to change for the second year of the pilot program in 2026.
Licensure requirements
Participants in the first pilot year must pass the NDEB National Dental Examination for Certification and Competence (NDECC) to become licensed. The ACFD noted that licensure requirements may change as the program develops.
The program is still in development and will undergo evaluation after two years to assess its effectiveness and determine any necessary adjustments.
