For internationally trained dentists who dream of practicing in Canada, the Equivalency Process is the critical pathway that opens the door to a professional dental license. Overseen by the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), this process assesses the knowledge, skills, and clinical judgment of foreign-educated dental professionals to determine if they meet Canadian standards.
One of the most frequently asked questions among prospective applicants is: Is it mandatory to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident to apply for the Equivalency Process? The short and clear answer is no—you do not need to be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada to begin this process. However, there are important nuances and practical considerations you should understand before starting your journey.
This blog explores everything you need to know about immigration status and its relationship to the Equivalency Process, helping you navigate the requirements confidently and avoid potential roadblocks.
Understanding the Equivalency Process
Before diving into legal status requirements, let’s briefly outline what the Equivalency Process involves:
The Equivalency Process is designed for internationally trained dentists who do not hold a Canadian or American dental degree. It consists of multiple assessment stages that evaluate both theoretical and practical competencies. These stages may include:
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Assessment of academic credentials
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Assessment of clinical judgment
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Written examinations
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Situational judgment tests
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Clinical skills evaluations
Once an applicant successfully completes all stages, they become eligible to apply for the NDEB Certification Process, which eventually leads to registration with a provincial dental regulatory authority.
Immigration Status: Not a Barrier to Entry
One of the most reassuring aspects of the Equivalency Process is that Canadian citizenship or permanent residency is not a prerequisite for participation. In fact, the process is designed to be inclusive, allowing applicants from all over the world—regardless of their immigration status—to apply, provided they meet the core eligibility criteria.
That means if you’re residing outside of Canada, holding a temporary visa, or even applying from your home country, you are still fully eligible to begin the Equivalency Process. This policy helps attract top-tier international talent and allows qualified dentists the opportunity to practice in Canada without unnecessary immigration barriers at the outset.
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for the Equivalency Process, candidates must generally:
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Hold a recognized dental degree from an institution listed by the appropriate governing body.
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Submit required academic documentation, including official transcripts and proof of graduation.
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Demonstrate language proficiency, if requested or required by testing authorities.
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Complete a credential verification process through a third-party verification agency (as prescribed by the evaluating body).
As seen above, immigration status is not listed as a required element for eligibility. Instead, what truly matters is your educational background, documentation quality, and preparedness for the evaluations ahead.
Temporary Visa Holders and International Applicants
If you’re living in Canada on a temporary resident visa—such as a study permit, work permit, or visitor visa—you’re still eligible to apply. Similarly, applicants residing in other countries can initiate the process remotely. The only caveat is that candidates must be physically present in Canada to take the written and clinical assessments when the time comes.
This means international applicants need to plan ahead to obtain the appropriate entry documents or travel arrangements for exam dates. While your citizenship or PR status won’t impact your eligibility to apply, your ability to legally enter Canada for examinations is essential.
Why Many Applicants Choose to Immigrate
Although Canadian citizenship or PR is not mandatory for the Equivalency Process, many applicants pursue it either before or during the process for several reasons:
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Ease of travel: Citizens and PR holders can freely enter Canada without visa restrictions, which helps in scheduling assessments.
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Access to financial aid or student loans: Permanent residents may qualify for certain government programs or reduced exam fees.
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Employment and training opportunities: Some bridging programs, internships, or mentorship roles may prioritize PR or citizens.
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Provincial licensure pathways: After completion of the NDEB certification, provincial dental colleges may ask for proof of legal status when applying for registration.
That said, there is no requirement that you must already have PR or citizenship in order to start or complete the Equivalency Process itself.
Document Requirements and Proof of Identity
While immigration status is not required, applicants must still provide certain documentation for identity verification. Acceptable documents include:
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Valid passport
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Government-issued photo ID
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Notarized copies of identity documents
If you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, you may choose to submit a Canadian passport or PR card, but these are optional and not mandatory unless requested at a later stage.
Changing Immigration Status During the Process
It’s common for candidates to begin the Equivalency Process as international applicants and then obtain PR or citizenship later. If your immigration status changes during the process, it’s a good idea to update your official profile with the appropriate authorities by submitting notarized proof of your new status.
This helps maintain the accuracy of your records and may ease future steps such as applying for provincial licensure or working legally in Canada.
Summary of Key Points
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Canadian citizenship or permanent residency is NOT required to apply for the Equivalency Process.
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Applicants from any country can apply, provided they meet academic and documentation criteria.
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You can apply from outside Canada or as a temporary visa holder.
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You will need to travel to Canada for in-person assessments.
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Updating your residency status later is allowed and often encouraged for smoother progression through post-certification steps.
Final Thoughts
The pathway to dental licensure in Canada is rigorous, but the doors are open to qualified international professionals from across the globe—regardless of their immigration status. Whether you are a student, working professional, or internationally trained dentist exploring your options, the Equivalency Process offers a fair and structured route to recognition.
Citizenship and permanent residency, while helpful for travel and post-certification opportunities, are not required to begin your journey. Focus on preparing your documentation, understanding the evaluation process, and planning your travel to Canada for assessments when needed.
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