Canada after BDS | 2026

If you have seen our Canada after videos, which we had created a few years ago, the process for giving the NDEB has slightly changed since then. To help us understand the changes and how to navigate the exams, we have with us Dr. Pali. She completed her BDS in 2008 and her MDS in 2015, then went on to clear our NDEB exams in Canada in 2023.

Hi Dr. Palavi, thank you for joining us today. So, my first question to you is, when we are thinking of going abroad, there are various countries we consider like USA, Australia, UK. What were the specific factors that you chose Canada over them?

Okay. So, I would like to mention one specific reason, or the main reason, that I chose Canada over other countries is the opportunity of obtaining permanent residency. Uh, with other countries, I believe, uh, even for professionals, the visa process is either uncertain or temporary, and that adds to a difficulty in long-term planning. So, that was a major, uh, factor that helped me. And having had the PR before I came to Canada, it actually gave me, uh, stability and certainty, and that helped me focus on building my career here. So, that was the most important fact, at least for me.

Understood. That makes absolute sense because then you know at least where you're going to settle and you can plan accordingly.

Correct. Yeah.

So, when you decided to shift to Canada after your PR, okay, all tell it's tough to get into dentistry out there. So, did you look at other career alternatives, or you had made up your mind that come what may, I would get into clinical dentistry?

So, to be really honest, uh, I, it was like not easy for me to look for alternatives. I did not have the heart or the courage to think of anything apart from dentistry. I had invested enough important years of my life studying and practicing for it. So, as you know, I had my son, uh, while I was doing my masters. So, the commitment was huge. And, uh, so, since the beginning, I did not have any alternative in my mind. And having this clarity from the beginning, I believe helped me, uh, through my licensing journey. Like, knowing that there's no Plan B, but it can be risky at times.

Yeah. But it, uh, I think motivates you further because you know this is what you have to go for. When you have a backup option, you end up thinking, okay, this might not work, then that.

So, I think that would have worked for you.

Yeah. Yeah. You put your 100% knowing that there's, there's no other way out of it.

Understood. So, could you just tell me briefly about your NDEB experience, and has the rules changed over the year, and how it was for you?

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Right. So, uh, uh, NDEB, they conduct, uh, there are two pathways basically to get licensed, uh, in Canada. There is a third pathway, which I'll briefly mention about, which is very recent. Uh, so NDEB itself conducts these equivalency process, uh, uh, exams, and the other one is the university pathway. I, uh, went through the equivalency process, uh, which has like four exams that you take, uh, before you can get the license. And, uh, my reason for opting to this option, or this pathway, was that I did not want to spend, uh, uh, another three years, uh, in university, and I did not have that kind of, uh, funds, uh, or backup for funds, uh, available. Uh, also, if you take university, you cannot work. Like, it's a full-time program that you have to commit to. Uh, for these exams, uh, I did, uh, work, so I could kind of, uh, provide for, uh, the funds that are required for these exams.

Now, these four exams, uh, to briefly go through the, the process, there are like, first step would be to getting your profile verified by NDEB. The current timeline they mention is about two to three months for your profile, or your documents, to be verified. Then you register for the first exam. Once you are verified by NDEB, the first exam is AFK. It's entirely theory-based exam. And, uh, this exam is conducted like twice a year, February and August. There are three attempts that you can give. So, once you exhaust all the three attempts, then this pathway does not work for you. Like, you cannot, uh, get your license through this pathway anymore.

The second exam is ACJ exam. It's a clinical, uh, assessment of clinical judgment. It has like case-based scenarios and, uh, x-ray interpretations that they, it's again a multiple-choice question exam. This exam, I would say, is, uh, easier for, for us as dentists because it's more clinical-oriented. And, uh, so, this exam again is conducted twice a year and has three attempts.

The third exam, uh, before September 2022, the third exam used to be called as ACS, or Assessment of Clinical Skills. So, after September 2022, they replaced it with, uh, a new, uh, exam called ENDC. Now, this exam has two components: skills, uh, like the clinical skills and situational judgment. Clinical skills, they assess you for your practical clinical, uh, skills. So, you have like seven, uh, clinical projects that you have to complete in eight hours, and along with that, they assess you for infection control during the exam itself.

And the second component is situational judgment. This is something very interesting, and it is a really good way of assessing how you would actually talk to patients, or if a patient walks in your clinic and he comes up with, uh, some information that you are not aware of. How are you going to tackle the situation? How are you going to diagnose the case? So, these are like, there are like ten stations. There are five competencies and like assesses you within, and each competency has two stations. So, you will actually have like an, like a patient, an actor who acts like a patient. They will give you a scenario. They'll give you a brief, probably a medical history, or they'll give you some radiographic, uh, reports, based on which you communicate with the actor, and everything will be recorded, and they will assess you based on how you spoke, or how you tackled the situation. Sometimes you may not know the answer to what the patient is asking you, but then how you clinically handled the situation, or if you know that you lack at certain skills, did you refer the patient or not? So, all of this is what they assess you for. It's, it's again also they, what they assess is, uh, something that we were not aware of, or we did not learn in our college in India, is, uh, abuse, child abuse, or, uh, so, these, these are certain things which are very important. Like, if you see a child, and if you even have the slightest of, uh, doubt that this child may have been abused in any way, you are bound to report it.

It may or may not be true. But if you have a doubt, you are bound to report it so that, uh, uh, the child services will get into the details, investigate the entire thing. And if it is not true, it's not a problem to you. But if it is true, and if you did not mention it, then yes, they will, they will come to know that, oh, this child had visited this dentist, and the dentist did not probably notice it or did not report. So, these are, this, this exam definitely helped me understand, uh, uh, the clinical scenarios better than what I probably imagined I knew about, um, back home.

Understood. So, this is like the, this is the major update. Yes. And it's, it helps. So, this is the third exam. And then there is the fourth exam, which is OSKI exam. And this exam is common to both the pathways. Uh, so, the second pathway, as I said, was a university pathway. To get into university, they have started this ADAT exam. All the universities now accept the ADAT examination results. Once, and there is no pass or fail for it. So, once you have a score, you apply to the universities, and then the university, based on your score and your profile, they will decide whether to call you for an interview or a bench test, based on what, uh, university you have applied to. And then, uh, there's like a six-month rigorous, uh, training program, after which you get admitted directly to third year of DDS program.

And then, uh, uh, so, two, two and a half years, about, is the overall duration that you spend in, uh, through the university pathway. And then you come back to, once you're done with your final year, fourth year, you give the OSKI exam, which is a common exam, and you get your license.

But initially, it used to be that you had to give your AFK exam to get into that. So, they replaced AFK with ADAT currently.

ADAT. Correct. Yeah. Yeah. And, and the advantage, like, if you compare both these pathways, so your licensing or equivalency process, it gives you a license to practice, uh, anywhere in the country. But with university, the DDS, uh, program, you can practice in Canada, you can practice in US, and you can practice in few other countries as well. So, that is like an advantage of going through the DDS program.

Understood. But the difference is, it is a full-time program, and you cannot work simultaneously along with it.

Yes. Yes. Yes. And, and it's expensive. But, but you do get help from the banks. Like, you would get a line of credit from the banks. But then again, it'll be like a huge debt. We're looking at around $200,000.

For the university pathway. Yeah.

Got it. So, was it easy to simultaneously work and study for these exams?

No, it wasn't. It took a huge toll, uh, uh, on me, but I did not have an option. But I would say, if you have, or if somebody has the luxury to, uh, sit back and just study for the exam, that, that is something that they should do, rather than juggling between two things, because it does take a huge toll. It's not easy.

Okay. So, do you believe that you should study on your own, like self-study, or something, or joining coaching institutes make a major difference?

I would highly recommend, uh, joining coaching classes. Like, these exams are very competitive. Uh, self-study definitely is not enough for these exams because you need some structured guidance for this. And, uh, these exams, uh, uh, they, they don't, we cannot crack it by rote learning at all. Like, they assess your, uh, critical, uh, judgment, they assess your conceptual clarity, and how you apply your knowledge to, uh, case-based scenarios. So, all of these, this is taught in the classes by experts. And they also concise or streamline the syllabus. Like, there's a huge syllabus. If we tried to sit and study by ourselves, we wouldn't know, uh, what to focus on because the syllabus is vast. So, that is where the, the, the instructors come into play. And also, there are, uh, during the coaching classes, you go through frequent assessments. So, it kept me motivated and also accountable as to what I am preparing and how much I am well prepared for these exams. So, that definitely, uh, gives you an edge and the confidence to take these exams.

Understood. Uh, so, are there any coaching institutes you'd like to suggest for the, uh, people listening?

Uh, uh, so, there are these two, uh, major, well-known institutes. Uh, I took my first two exams, AFK and ACJ, through Confident Dentist. That's one coaching class. Uh, at that point, uh, they were the only ones providing online classes, and because I was working, uh, that is something that I preferred. Uh, and they were good. Like, I would recommend, even now, I would recommend Confident Dentist. But there's other classes like Prep Doctors. And nowadays, most of them have started providing online coaching. Prep Doctors is another huge name. Uh, I took my third and fourth exam, like the ENDC and OSKI preparation, help from Prep Doctors. But either of these classes, or the, are, are great. So, whichever you choose, I would say, whichever you choose, just stick to what the instructors are telling you and just follow it.

Understood. Uh, you spoke about two routes, and you told that there was one third route recently added. Could you just touch upon that in brief?

So, uh, there is this Association of Canadian Faculties of Dentistry. They are coming up with some bridging course, uh, or bridging pathway. There is not a lot of details about it. Uh, it is not like it will be implemented like a pilot program. They're going to run in certain universities next year onwards. But, but nobody has any details. We don't know how many candidates are going to benefit from it. Probably might, they might start on a smaller scale and then maybe see how it's going to work. But, uh, at, at present, I don't have a lot of details on that.

Understood. So, other than coaching institutes and the content they provide, were there other resources or strategies you followed so that you cracked them in the first shot?

Uh, so, so the, the resources they provide are very good. Like, any of these, uh, uh, uh, classes you join, they would give you certain notes which are like concise and, uh, structured, as I mentioned earlier. Uh, the most important strategy that helped me was, uh, being focused in the lectures itself because, uh, the lectures are very informative. Every detail that they mention in the lecture may not be on your notes. So, active listening, note-making, notes, and, uh, clarifying the doubts right away was something that I feel is very important, and that definitely helps.

Understood. So, you should basically understand the concepts as it is being taught, and if you do not understand, make an effort to see that you are done with it by the end of the day.

Yes. Exactly. Yeah.

Understood. Uh, but what was the most difficult part in the entire process of NDEB?

Uh, for me, uh, the most challenging one was the first exam, the AFK. It is entirely theory-based. Uh, I finished or completed my BDS in 2008. After that, I did my masters, and I never practiced general dentistry after doing my masters. So, there was a huge gap of over thirteen years. So, uh, revisiting the fundamental, uh, of the foundational theory after so many years was a huge task. And, uh, uh, so, that was something which was very challenging. Sitting in, uh, in a place and studying for like two or three hours at a stretch was something which I had done long ago, and coming back to that was a little difficult. But I put in the hard work, and I, I tried to build the base and adapt to the exam requirements. So, that is challenging. And in the entire, if you ask me, in the four, four exams, for me, I felt the first exam is the most difficult one, uh, because it filters out the candidates. So, it is a little difficult. The passing percentage is very, uh, low. So, there are about, uh, 2,800 to 2,000, uh, candidates appearing for that exam, and the passing percentage when I appeared for the exam was only like, uh, 20%. So, it was very difficult. And then, uh, uh, then, so also, when you clear the first exam, I feel you get the motivation to go through the next steps. But if you get stuck at the first one, is where all that negativity and, and the negative thoughts go in, and then you, the self-doubt, you know, starts in. So, I've seen my friends, colleagues struggle with the first exam, and then, you know, sometimes they just give up because they don't have the heart to, uh, you know, exhaust all the three attempts, and then they still keep thinking that I'll leave one attempt and I'll try in future. But that future attempt is, is far off because it's, it's they don't want to exhaust it, but they don't want even to get into it because they think now everything is changing, and year by year, definitely there are changes happening to these exams. So, so the sooner you get through this, the better it is.

Understood. So, the first one actually takes, not just the studying part, a toll, it takes a mental toll as well because you put all your resources into it.

And it takes about six months of preparation, definitely. There's, there's the theory part is huge. Yeah.

Understood. Plus, you had to get back to your basics, which you had studied long back.

Yeah. Yeah.

Understood. So, are there any hidden costs or hidden things which one of the aspirants should be aware of?

Uh, no hidden costs as such. Like, all these, like, uh, coaching classes, definitely you have to pay for, uh, the coaching. Each exam has its, like, fees. The fees are on the NDEB website. Apart from the fees that they mention in the coaching and, uh, u, the exam registration, I believe I spent, uh, more during the, uh, the skills, the ENDCC exam, where you have to put in your material as well, like you're prepping, and making an MOD on the typodont. On tooth. So, you keep buying these, teeth, you keep buying the material, you keep buying the burs. So, all these instruments are your own that you buy. Of course, at the end of preparation, you can always sell it to the next candidate who is, uh, wanting to prepare. But the consumables are what, uh, cause, uh, or take away most of your, uh, like the funds from your pocket because they are expensive.

So, that is, uh, that is something. But I would say, uh, uh, preparing for that exam and, and making sure that you clear it in the first go is something that is very, very important. Yes. So, there are hidden funds, is basically your, uh, expenses towards consumables. Other than that, nothing as such. Correct.

Uh, no, nothing else. Yeah. Yeah. That's the only cost.

Okay. Uh, would you advise people to even try for other, say, non-clinical approaches like going for MPH along with their certification? So, if it does not happen, they have a backup?

As a backup. Yes. But it does distract you. Like, it's, if you want to buy some time, then I would say yes. But it becomes difficult if you're joining some course and then trying to prepare for these exams at the same time. Um, I would say preparation for this exam undistracted would, would be better. But what I have seen is, um, uh, if you, I see that some of the candidates are going through these courses probably because they need a student visa to enter into the country. That is how they are probably coming into the country and then trying to get a work permit or a PR and then sit for these exams. So, that is something which depends on individual choice. For me, I didn't have that choice. I did not want to spend, uh, more time on, uh, courses that would definitely not benefit me during the, for these NDEB process.

As a dentist, once you finish this NDEB exams, what are the current opportunities or job scenario there?

The, the, the market is pretty good. Uh, uh, there is some saturation, but if you are experienced and confident, uh, in your work, I think that is something which is really appreciated here. So, uh, getting, uh, a job should not be a problem. Uh, plus the advantage of working definitely helps. But I would say, do not do that. If you have the luxury to sit at home and prepare for the exams, then do that. Maybe, uh, after getting your license, you may have to meet a few people to build your, uh, network. But once you get one, uh, dentist who believes in you, and your work shines, then you definitely build your professional network as well. So, that should help eventually.

Understood. Uh, are there any specific provinces where the job opportunities are better as compared to others?

Ontario currently seems, yeah, Ontario currently seems saturated. I have heard, like, I have a colleague who works in Alberta, and he believes that, uh, uh, there's like, uh, less competition there and more opportunities in terms of job, plus the tax, uh, uh, the tax terms there are different than Ontario. Like, the tax is less, way less than what we pay here in Ontario. So, there are certain people who are moving away from, uh, Toronto area towards these north sides. And even British Columbia has certain, uh, opportunities. Uh, I don't have the details, but, uh, that's what I've heard. But then you have to move your entire base, your family, and there are so many things that you'll have to work around.

Understood. So, there are varying opportunities in provinces, and this keeps changing, and one should take a call based on their situation and whether they are willing to go to those locations as such.

Yes, definitely.

Yeah.

Understood. So, what is your biggest piece of advice you wish you were told when you were moving to Canada from India?

I, I, I would like to tell, uh, everybody that who is planning to get, uh, the license here to practice as a dentist, that whichever pathway you choose, uh, it is definitely achievable and doable. Like, there are people who have gotten their license through both the pathways. So, it is achievable. Uh, listening to, uh, different, uh, uh, rumors or talks that it's difficult and nobody clears these exams, it's, it's, I think, uh, that is something that you should ignore and commit to your goal. Put in the work, and the most important thing to remember is, uh, nothing substitutes hard work. I feel that's the most important thing.

So, basically, one has to put in the hours, has to go through the grind, and as you said, in the start, if it is undistracted, without working, without doing any other course, it's better. But if you still have to do it, like in your situation, you have to put in that effort and not think of backup options, at least when you're studying for it.

Yes, definitely. Give your 100%, and, yeah, you should, you should get through it. It's, it's achievable, but not easy. But yes, if you put in the hard work, if you have the courage to put yourself through all the grind, then yes.

Understood. Uh, thank you, Dr. Palvi, for taking out your time today and joining us. It has been a wonderful session, and I'm sure the audience would have got a lot of insights.

Thank you. Thank you so much.

If you like this video, do not forget to check out our entire playlist of Canada after BDS. I'm Dr. Satish Kumar. This is Kaisen Dental. Our aim here is to help dentists succeed.