The Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry (ACFD) has launched a pilot program designed to provide internationally trained dentists with a faster, more affordable pathway to Canadian licensure. The initiative directly addresses Canada's growing dental workforce shortage and could significantly change how foreign-trained dental professionals enter practice across Ontario and other provinces.
As of April 2026, Canada faces a documented and growing shortage of dental professionals. The federal government projects a strong risk of dental labour shortage at the national level through 2033, driven by population growth, the expansion of publicly funded programs like the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), and a wave of retirements among established practitioners. In response, the ACFD — working with support from the federal government — has developed a pilot pathway that aims to make licensure cheaper and quicker for dentists trained outside Canada.
How the ACFD Pilot Program Works
Traditionally, internationally trained dentists must complete the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) equivalency process, which involves three examinations and, for most candidates, a two-year advanced standing program at a Canadian dental school. This pathway can cost upwards of $100,000 CAD and take three to four years from start to finish — a significant barrier for qualified professionals who are already experienced practitioners in their home countries.
The ACFD pilot program seeks to streamline this process by creating competency-based assessment pathways that recognize prior clinical experience more meaningfully. While full details of the pilot are still being finalized across participating universities, the goal is to reduce both the time and cost required for internationally educated dentists (IEDs) to demonstrate their readiness for Canadian practice.
This initiative is part of a broader federal investment of up to $86 million CAD across 15 organizations nationally, aimed at increasing capacity for foreign credential recognition of approximately 6,600 internationally educated health professionals — including dentists, physicians, nurses, and pharmacists.
Why This Matters for Ontario Dental Practices
Ontario is home to the largest concentration of dental practices in Canada, with particular density across the Greater Toronto Area — Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Markham, Vaughan, Scarborough, and North York. Practice owners in these communities are well aware of the hiring challenges that have intensified since 2023.
A faster licensure pathway for internationally trained dentists could meaningfully expand the pool of qualified candidates available to Ontario practices within the next two to three years. For associate dentists in particular, where demand continues to outpace supply in suburban GTA markets, this influx of talent could ease scheduling pressures and reduce the premium wages that scarcity has forced practices to offer.
Pro Tip: If you are considering hiring an internationally trained dentist, familiarize yourself with the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO) licensing requirements and the NDEB examination schedule. Understanding the timeline helps you plan hiring around when candidates become eligible for independent practice.
Immigration Pathways Support the Workforce Pipeline
The ACFD pilot program operates alongside immigration pathways that have been specifically designed to attract dental professionals to Canada. In 2026, internationally trained dentists can obtain Canadian permanent residence without a Canadian job offer through two primary routes:
- Federal Express Entry Healthcare Category: Dentists qualify under the healthcare-specific draws that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has been running since 2023. Applicants need a minimum of six months of continuous work experience in the last three years as a dentist or dental specialist.
- Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) Human Capital Priorities: This provincial stream specifically targets healthcare professionals, including dentists, for nomination toward permanent residence. Candidates with Ontario job offers receive additional points.
Neither pathway requires a Canadian dental license to apply for permanent residence — meaning candidates can begin the immigration process while simultaneously working through the NDEB examination and licensure requirements.
Impact on Dental Education and Training Programs
Canadian dental schools are also adapting to accommodate more internationally trained candidates. The University of Toronto Faculty of Dentistry and McGill University both offer advanced standing programs specifically designed for foreign-trained dentists. As the ACFD pilot scales, additional universities may develop accelerated or competency-based tracks that reduce seat time while maintaining rigorous clinical standards.
The Canadian Dental Association (CDA) has noted that the expansion of the CDCP is creating new pressures on clinical training programs. As patient volumes shift toward publicly funded care, teaching clinics face scheduling and revenue challenges that affect student training capacity. Integrating internationally trained dentists into these programs adds complexity but also brings experienced clinicians into the teaching environment.
Pro Tip: Practice owners looking to hire IEDs before full licensure may be able to engage them in supervised roles under RCDSO guidelines. Check with the RCDSO directly to understand what supervised practice arrangements are permitted in Ontario during the licensure transition period.
Addressing Quality and Safety Concerns
Any discussion of accelerated licensure pathways must address quality. The NDEB examination process exists to ensure that every dentist practising in Canada meets consistent clinical and ethical standards, regardless of where they trained. The ACFD pilot program does not bypass these standards — it aims to make the assessment process more efficient while maintaining the same competency thresholds.
The RCDSO, which regulates dentistry in Ontario, maintains its own requirements for licensure that include successful completion of the NDEB certification exam, jurisprudence examination, and background verification. These provincial safeguards remain in place regardless of how candidates complete their equivalency assessments.
What Practice Owners Should Do Now
For dental practice owners across Ontario and the GTA, the ACFD pilot represents a medium-term opportunity rather than an immediate hiring solution. Here are practical steps to prepare:
- Build relationships with dental schools: Contact the University of Toronto or Western University advanced standing programs to express interest in hosting IEDs for clinical rotations or mentorship.
- Review your onboarding process: Internationally trained dentists bring clinical skills but may need orientation to Canadian insurance systems, CDCP billing, and Ontario-specific regulatory requirements.
- Monitor RCDSO updates: The College will likely issue guidance as the ACFD pilot progresses. Ensure your practice administrator is subscribed to RCDSO communications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does it currently take an internationally trained dentist to get licensed in Canada?
The traditional pathway through the NDEB equivalency process and a two-year advanced standing program typically takes three to four years and costs upwards of $100,000 CAD. The ACFD pilot aims to reduce both the time and cost through competency-based assessments that better recognize prior clinical experience.
Q: Can internationally trained dentists work in Ontario before completing full licensure?
Limited supervised practice may be possible under RCDSO guidelines during the licensure transition period. Contact the RCDSO directly to understand current supervised practice arrangements available in Ontario. Independently practising dentistry requires full RCDSO licensure.
Q: Will the ACFD pilot program affect the quality of dental care in Canada?
No. The pilot streamlines the assessment process but maintains the same competency standards required by the NDEB and provincial regulators like the RCDSO. All candidates must demonstrate equivalent clinical skills and knowledge regardless of the pathway they follow to licensure.
EBIKO Dental will continue monitoring developments in Canadian dental workforce policy. For the latest Canadian dental industry news, visit ebiko.ca.