For internationally trained dental professionals, navigating the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) process involves several stages of documentation, verification, and eligibility approvals. One common question among those who have already been approved as candidates is whether it’s still possible—or even necessary—to submit proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency after the initial approval has been granted.
If you’re in this situation, you’re not alone. Many candidates undergo changes in their residency or citizenship status during the course of the NDEB application process. Others may have withheld submission of this proof during earlier phases for various reasons. This blog provides clarity on when and how you can submit your Canadian citizenship or PR documents, even after you’ve already been approved as a candidate.
Why Your Residency or Citizenship Status Matters
While the NDEB does not limit its services to Canadian citizens or permanent residents, proof of Canadian status can significantly impact aspects of your application journey. In particular, this documentation:
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Helps confirm your legal standing in Canada for test-taking and licensing purposes.
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Can be necessary to access certain privileges, such as preferred testing locations or processing timelines.
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May assist with future licensing applications at the provincial level, where immigration status often comes under review.
Submitting these documents, even post-approval, ensures that your NDEB records remain accurate and up-to-date, and may prevent unnecessary complications later.
Can You Submit Your Proof After Becoming an Approved Candidate?
Yes, you can. Once you’ve been approved as a candidate by the NDEB, you’re still eligible to update your personal information and documentation—including proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency. Many candidates do this when their immigration status changes after approval or if they had not submitted this proof earlier in the application process.
However, it’s important to follow the prescribed procedures and ensure that your documents meet all the required standards.
Types of Acceptable Documents
Whether you’re a citizen or a permanent resident, the NDEB typically requires official government-issued proof that confirms your status. Acceptable documents include:
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Canadian Passport
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Canadian Citizenship Certificate
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Permanent Resident Card
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Confirmation of Permanent Residence (COPR) document issued by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)
All submitted copies must be clear and legible. In most cases, these documents must be notarized to verify their authenticity.
Why Submit These Documents Now?
Even if your status was not a deciding factor in your original approval, submitting proof of Canadian citizenship or permanent residency now can benefit you in several ways:
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Compliance With Ongoing Identity Verification
Some stages of the licensing process require renewed identification or updated legal status, especially when registering for written or clinical exams. -
Streamlined Communication and Processing
If your NDEB file reflects accurate residency status, it may simplify logistics, mail delivery options, or local exam eligibility. -
Support for Provincial Licensure
Once you move into provincial registration or licensure, having your Canadian status verified early in your NDEB file may save time. -
Changes in Personal Status
If you recently became a permanent resident or citizen after beginning the NDEB process, updating your file ensures consistency across records. -
Avoiding Delays During Registration
In some instances, missing or outdated documentation can lead to delays in exam registration or result processing. Proactive submission helps avoid such setbacks.
How to Submit Your Documents
If you wish to submit your proof of citizenship or permanent residency after becoming an approved candidate, here are the steps you should follow:
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Prepare a Clear Copy of the Document
Ensure that all information—such as your name, date of birth, document number, and expiration date—is fully visible. -
Have It Notarized
Take the document to a certified notary public and obtain a notarized copy. This is essential for authentication. -
Submit According to Official Guidelines
Upload or mail your notarized document to the NDEB according to the document submission procedures outlined in your candidate portal or official instructions. -
Check for Confirmation
Once submitted, follow up to ensure that the document has been received and added to your candidate file. This can usually be verified via your online dashboard or through direct inquiry.
Additional Tips
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Do Not Wait Until the Last Minute
If your exams are approaching or you’re close to completing the equivalency process, submitting your updated documents in advance is crucial. -
Keep a Copy for Yourself
Always retain a physical and digital copy of any document you submit, including the notarized version and confirmation of receipt. -
Use a Reliable Notary
Make sure the notary is authorized and that their seal, signature, and date are clearly visible on the document. -
Consult if You’re Unsure
If there’s uncertainty about whether your document is sufficient or properly formatted, consult with a credential verification professional or legal advisor before submission.
Final Thoughts
Being an approved candidate doesn’t mean your application file is static. Your documentation, especially concerning legal status in Canada, is subject to updates and verification throughout your NDEB journey. If you’ve recently become a Canadian permanent resident or citizen, or if you simply hadn’t submitted your proof earlier, it is entirely possible—and often recommended—to provide these documents now.
Staying ahead by updating your records keeps your path to dental licensure in Canada smooth, transparent, and efficient. It also demonstrates a proactive approach to professionalism—something that aligns well with the standards expected of healthcare practitioners in the country.
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