How an Indian Dentist Can Practise in Canada in 2026: Every Pathway Explained
An Indian BDS can lead to a Canadian dental licence, but not directly. You either prove equivalency through the NDEB exams, or earn a Canadian degree through a degree completion program after the ADAT. Both routes end with the same national certification exam. Here is how each one works, who it suits, and what it costs.
The two pathways for Indian dentists
Canada licenses dentists through provincial regulators, and almost every province requires the certificate of the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB). An Indian BDS is a non-accredited degree in Canada, so you reach that certificate in one of two ways.
NDEB Equivalency ProcessProve your training is equivalent through three assessments: the AFK, the ACJ and the NDECC (or, since July 2026, an accredited bridge training program in place of the NDECC). Then sit the Virtual OSCE. No Canadian citizenship or permanent residency is needed for the exams themselves. Read the full equivalency guide.
ADAT and a degree completion programTake the ADAT, then apply to a Canadian university program for internationally trained dentists. You study two to three years and graduate with a Canadian DDS or DMD, then sit the Virtual OSCE. These programs require Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. Read the full ADAT and programs guide.
How to prepare: our full plans
The AFK opens the equivalency route and the ADAT opens the degree route. The Study Boards runs a complete preparation program for each.
AFK Premium Boards: our full AFK planA structured AFK program with 12 sequenced sections, 20,000+ high-yield points, the AFK released question bank, subject-wise and full mock tests against 350+ peers, and daily mentor coordination. Plans run 3, 6 or 12 months.See the AFK Course Blueprint
ADAT Premium Boards: our full ADAT plan13 sequenced sections, 16,000+ ADAT-framed points, biomedical and biostatistics tracks, full-length simulations and daily mentor coordination. Want practice only? Try our 4 full-length ADAT simulation exams.See the ADAT Course BlueprintOr see the 4 ADAT simulation exams
Which pathway fits you?
Pick the statement closest to your situation.
The NDEB exams do not require citizenship or permanent residency, so you can start from India. Begin with the AFK, which is offered at test centres in several countries, then plan the ACJ and the NDECC.
You can choose between the equivalency exams and a degree completion program. The degree route costs more and takes longer, but ends with a Canadian degree. You are also eligible for the new bridge training program after the AFK and ACJ.
The equivalency route has no two to three year program, so it can be quicker if you pass each assessment the first time. The NDECC is a demanding hands-on exam, so plan serious clinical practice.
A US DDS or DMD from a CODA-accredited program lets you skip the equivalency exams. The US route starts with the INBDE and an ADEA CAAPID application.
The pathways side by side
| NDEB equivalency | ADAT + degree completion | |
|---|---|---|
| Who can apply | Any graduate of a non-accredited dental program | Canadian citizens or permanent residents (Manitoba also accepts refugee status) |
| Steps | AFK, then ACJ, then NDECC or bridge training, then Virtual OSCE | ADAT, application, bench test and interview, 2 to 3 year program, then Virtual OSCE |
| Main costs | CA$11,950 in NDEB fees on first attempts (application, AFK, ACJ, NDECC, certification and Virtual OSCE) | ADAT US$465 + US$435 non-CODA fee, then program tuition, for example about CA$293,808 in total at the University of Alberta |
| Seats | No seat limit; you pass or fail each exam | Very limited, for example 24 at Toronto and 20 at Alberta |
| You finish with | NDEB certificate, then a provincial licence | A Canadian DDS or DMD, NDEB certificate, then a provincial licence |
Your Indian paperwork
An Indian BDS is five years: four years of study plus a one-year compulsory rotatory internship, under the Dental Council of India. Both Canadian routes check your credentials carefully.
Credential verificationThe NDEB verifies your degree directly with your university. Allow around 10 weeks, and request official transcripts early.
Name consistencyYour name must match across your passport, degree, transcripts and registration. Fix any spelling differences before you apply.
LanguageUniversities and provincial regulators set English or French requirements. Check them early for your chosen province and program.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take the NDEB exams from India?
Do I need permanent residency for the equivalency route?
Is the ACS still part of the process?
What is the new bridge training program?
Which exam should I start with?
Read the detailed guides
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Current as of 5 October 2026. Sources: NDEB fee schedule effective 1 July 2025 and 2026 exam protocols, NDEB announcement of 25 June 2026 on the new entry-to-practice pathway, ACFD Bridge Training to Dental Practice in Canada program, ADA ADAT information, and Canadian university program pages. Rules and fees change; confirm with the NDEB, your provincial regulator and each university before you apply. Educational content, not legal or immigration advice.