The NDEB equivalency process for internationally trained dentists: the AFK, ACJ, NDECC and Virtual OSCE, with 2027 exam dates and every NDEB fee.

How to Become a Dentist in Canada with a Foreign Degree (2026–27)

Three times at most. The ACJ and the Virtual OSCE also have a limit of three. The NDECC has no set number, but you must pass it within 60 months of passing the ACJ.

How many times can I take the AFK?

NDEB’s fees add up to $11,500: application $900, AFK $1,000, ACJ $1,350, NDECC $6,500 and Virtual OSCE $1,750. That assumes one attempt at each step and leaves out prep, travel and provincial licence fees.

What is the total cost of the NDEB equivalency process?

No. NDEB says applicants do not need to be permanent residents or Canadian citizens to apply or take the exams. You do need to travel: the AFK and ACJ are held in Canada and a few other countries, and the NDECC only in Ottawa. University programs and the BTDPC are different. U of T and Western require PR or citizenship. The BTDPC requires PR, citizenship, or Convention Refugee or Protected Person status.

Do I need PR or Canadian citizenship to write the AFK?

The AFK is NDEB’s first exam in the Equivalency Process. The ADAT is an American Dental Association test that some Canadian dental schools use for admission. U of T and Western ask for the ADAT, and Western does not consider AFK scores.

AFK or ADAT: which one do I need?

Yes, in two ways. Graduates of a Canadian qualifying or degree-completion program skip all three NDEB exams. Graduates of the BTDPC bridge pilot, from the 2026–27 group onward, skip the NDECC and go to the Virtual OSCE. As of Oct 14, 2026, ACFD had not posted future BTDPC application dates.

Can I skip the NDECC?

Normally within eight weeks of the exam. You get an email when the results are in your NDEBConnect profile. NDEB does not give results by phone or email.

When do AFK results come out?

Guides

The NDEB equivalency process step by step: AFK, ACJ, NDECC, Virtual OSCE and your provincial licence, with 2027 dates and fees.