Successfully completing the Equivalency Process is a major milestone for internationally trained dentists aiming to practice in Canada. It reflects your competency, clinical judgment, and readiness to meet Canadian dental standards. However, once this stage is completed, many candidates find themselves unsure about the next steps, especially when it comes to the transition into the Certification Process.
One of the most common questions at this point is: Do I need to create a new profile for the Certification Process? The short answer is no, you do not need to create a new profile. Your current candidate profile seamlessly transitions with you from the Equivalency Process to the Certification Process. That said, there are a few important things you should know to make this transition smooth and timely.
This blog explores how the process works, what you can expect after completing the Equivalency Process, and what steps you need to take next on your journey toward becoming a licensed dentist in Canada.
Understanding the Equivalency Process: A Quick Recap
Before diving into the transition, let’s briefly revisit what the Equivalency Process involves. It is the structured pathway for internationally educated dentists whose dental degrees are not recognized as equivalent to accredited Canadian or American programs. It includes three key assessments:
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Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK)
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Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ)
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Assessment of Clinical Skills (ACS)
Once these three assessments are successfully completed, candidates become eligible to enter the Certification Process—without the need for further credentialing exams.
What Is the Certification Process?
The Certification Process is the final stage toward licensure in Canada. Once you’ve demonstrated clinical and academic equivalence through the Equivalency Process, the Certification Process evaluates your readiness to enter professional practice.
The main requirement at this stage is the Written Examination, followed by the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)—if not already fulfilled through previous pathways. Completion of these final components leads to the issuance of the Certificate of Qualification (CQ), which is required for registration with a Canadian provincial or territorial dental regulatory authority.
Profile Continuity: One Platform, Multiple Pathways
Your original profile—created when you registered for the Equivalency Process—remains your official profile throughout your entire journey with the dental examining body. This profile stores all your academic records, identification documents, exam history, and results. There’s no need to create a new account or start over from scratch.
Once your Equivalency Process is marked as completed, your existing profile is automatically updated to reflect your eligibility for the Certification Process. You will then be able to register for the relevant examinations directly from your portal.
What You Should Do After Completing the Equivalency Process
Although you don’t need to create a new profile, there are several important actions you should take to ensure a smooth transition into the Certification Process:
1. Monitor Your Profile Status
Regularly check your online portal to confirm that your Equivalency Process is officially marked as completed. This status update usually happens after the final assessment results are published.
2. Update Personal Information (If Needed)
Ensure your contact details, identification, and any recently changed legal documents—such as Canadian residency or citizenship proof—are updated in your profile.
3. Review Certification Process Requirements
Familiarize yourself with the next set of exams, especially the Written Examination format, schedule, fees, and eligibility rules.
4. Plan for the Written Exam
Register for the Written Examination through your existing portal. Exam registration windows open at specific times throughout the year, so stay informed about deadlines and availability.
5. Gather Required Documents for Provincial Licensure
While not immediately needed for the Certification Process itself, now is a good time to start collecting documents that provincial dental regulatory bodies may require once you complete certification.
Benefits of Profile Continuity
Maintaining a single candidate profile throughout both the Equivalency and Certification Processes offers several advantages:
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Centralized Records: All documents, transcripts, exam results, and communications are stored in one place.
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Simplified Communication: You receive important updates, registration reminders, and eligibility notices directly through the portal.
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No Redundancy: You avoid duplicating efforts by not having to re-enter information or resubmit documentation already on file.
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Faster Transition: Once eligible, you can proceed to register for Certification Process exams without delay.
Common Misunderstandings
Misconception 1: “I Need a New Account for Certification”
No, your candidate profile remains active and valid throughout all phases of licensure. Creating a new account may actually complicate your records and delay your progression.
Misconception 2: “I Have to Re-Verify My Credentials”
Not true. Once your credentials are verified and accepted during the Equivalency Process, they are carried forward to the Certification Process without needing resubmission.
Misconception 3: “My Exam History Will Not Be Transferred”
Incorrect. Your entire exam history—including results from the AFK, ACJ, and ACS—is recorded and accessible through the same profile and is automatically factored into your eligibility for the Certification Process.
What Comes After Certification?
Once you’ve successfully completed the Certification Process and received your Certificate of Qualification, the final step is to apply for licensure with a Canadian provincial or territorial dental regulatory authority. Each jurisdiction may have its own additional requirements such as background checks, language proficiency testing, or jurisprudence exams.
Your candidate profile with the national examining body may still be referenced during this stage, so it’s essential to keep it accurate and up to date.
Final Thoughts
The path to becoming a licensed dentist in Canada is carefully structured but accessible to those who meet the standards and stay diligent. Completing the Equivalency Process is a significant achievement and one of the hardest steps in your journey. Thankfully, once you’ve reached this point, you do not need to create a new profile or start over for the Certification Process.
All your progress, documentation, and qualifications are seamlessly carried forward within your existing candidate profile. Your next step is simply to register for the remaining exams and prepare thoroughly for them.
If you have questions or concerns about your status, exam registration, or required documentation, be sure to contact your credentialing advisor or consult with a professional documentation support service to help you navigate the final stretch with confidence.
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