Licensing guide · Alberta

How to Become a Dentist in Alberta

Last checked 8 sources checkedNOC 31110

Do you need a licence?

Licence required

You must be registered with the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta to work as a dentist in Alberta or to use a protected title.

Protected titles
Not listed in the sources checked
Show the source
“registration with the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta (CDSA) is mandatory. Only registered members may provide restricted activities specified in the Regulations.”

From alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/dentist, checked October 10, 2026.

At a glance

Licence status
Licence required See the source
Routes
  • Trained in Canada: 8 steps, listed one-time fees $500 (3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total)
  • Licensed in another province: 4 steps, listed one-time fees $500 (1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total)
  • Trained outside Canada: 9 steps, listed one-time fees $9,350 (3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total)
Annual fees

Your roadmap

Every route is listed. Follow the one that matches where you trained.

Trained in Canada

  • Listed one-time fees: $500
  • 3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total
  • 4 steps without a listed fee
  • Annual fees: $300

  1. Successfully complete an approved doctor of dental surgery or doctor of dental medicine degree.

    Source
    “An approved doctor of dental surgery (DDS) or doctor of dental medicine (DDM) degree”
    alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/dentist

  2. Take and pass the NDEB Written Examination as part of the certification process.

    Source
    “You can get certified by taking the NDEB® Written Examination and OSCE.”
    ndeb-bned.ca/2022/06/02/obtenir-votre-certification-et-votre-permis

  3. Take and pass the Objective Structured Clinical Examination as part of the certification process.

    Source
    “You can get certified by taking the NDEB® Written Examination and OSCE.”
    ndeb-bned.ca/2022/06/02/obtenir-votre-certification-et-votre-permis

  4. After passing the examinations, provide proof of graduation to the NDEB to be issued the NDEB certificate.

    Source
    “Once the examinations are passed, graduates of accredited dental programs in Canada, the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland must provide proof of graduation to the NDEB® in order to be issued their NDEB® certificate.”
    ndeb-bned.ca/2022/06/02/obtenir-votre-certification-et-votre-permis

  5. Submit the online application in the Applicant Portal with all supporting documentation and requirements.

    Source
    “For an application to be considered complete and move on to the CEO/Registrar for review, the Applicant will have completed the online application and submitted all supporting documentation and requirements, and successfully pass the Ethics & Jurisprudence exam.”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

  6. Register for a chosen exam date and successfully pass the CDSA Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam.

    Source
    “Upon submission of your application and supporting documents, you will receive an email with available exam dates. You can then select your preferred date and register to attend the exam.”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

  7. After approval, attend the mandatory online Orientation and Registration session scheduled by the Registrations Department.

    • First Time Registration – General Practitioner: $1,000 (first time registration as a general practitioner)
      Source
      “First Time Registration – General Practitioner $1,000.00”
      cdsab.ca/your-practice-permit/fee-structure
    Source
    “Once the CEO/Registrar has approved your application, an Orientation and Registration Session will be scheduled with you by the Registrations Department. This is a mandatory requirement for all applicants”
    cdsab.ca/registration-information/national-dental-examining-board-ndeb

  8. Pay the registration and annual fee, after which you are eligible to start working as a dentist in Alberta the following day.

    • Practice Permit Fee January 1st to March 31st: $4,725 (practice permit fee pro-rated throughout the year)
      Source
      “Practice Permit Fee January 1st to March 31st $4,725.00”
      cdsab.ca/your-practice-permit/fee-structure
    Source
    “Once you have attended an Orientation and Registration Session and paid the registration and annual fee, you will then be eligible to start working as a dentist in Alberta the following day.”
    cdsab.ca/registration-information/national-dental-examining-board-ndeb

Listed fees for this route

One-time total listed: $500

One-time fees listed for Trained in Canada, by type
Fee typeAmountShare
Application $500 100%
One-time total $500 100%

3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.

4 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Annual fees: $300 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 10 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.

Official page for this route

Licensed in another province

  • Listed one-time fees: $500
  • 1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total
  • 2 steps without a listed fee
  • Annual fees: $300

  1. Submit the online application in the Applicant Portal with all supporting documentation and requirements.

    Source
    “For an application to be considered complete and move on to the CEO/Registrar for review, the Applicant will have completed the online application and submitted all supporting documentation and requirements, and successfully pass the Ethics & Jurisprudence exam.”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

  2. Provide a Certificate of Registration and Letter of Good Standing from the current jurisdiction and consent allowing the CDSA to communicate directly with the regulator.

    Source
    “Certificate of Registration and Letter of Good Standing from their current jurisdiction ... Consent of Release of Information, allowing CDSA to communicate directly with the regulator”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

  3. Successfully pass the CDSA Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam as part of the application.

    Source
    “Applicants are required under this agreement to fulfill CDSA’s application requirements including the Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination.”
    cdsab.ca/registration-information

  4. After the CEO/Registrar approves the application, attend the mandatory online Orientation and Registration session.

    • First Time Registration – General Practitioner: $1,000 (first time registration as a general practitioner)
      Source
      “First Time Registration – General Practitioner $1,000.00”
      cdsab.ca/your-practice-permit/fee-structure
    Source
    “Upon approval, applicants will be scheduled for a mandatory online Orientation & Registration session, and only after completing this session may Applicants begin work the following day.”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

Listed fees for this route

One-time total listed: $500

One-time fees listed for Licensed in another province, by type
Fee typeAmountShare
Application $500 100%
One-time total $500 100%

1 fee depends on your situation and is not in the total.

2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Annual fees: $300 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 10 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.

Official page for this route

Trained outside Canada

  • Listed one-time fees: $9,350
  • 3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total
  • 2 steps without a listed fee
  • Annual fees: $300

  1. Either enter a 2- or 3-year qualifying program or apply to the NDEB Equivalency Process.

    Source
    “Internationally educated dentists may choose to enter a 2- or 3-year qualifying program or apply to the NDEB Equivalency Process.”
    alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/dentist

  2. Successfully complete the NDEB Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge.

    Source
    “Successful completion of the NDEB Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK).”
    cdsab.ca/registration-information/supportive-pathway-program

  3. Successfully complete the NDEB Assessment of Clinical Judgement within the last three years.

    Source
    “Successful completion of the NDEB Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ) within the last three (3) years.”
    cdsab.ca/registration-information/supportive-pathway-program

  4. Successfully complete the NDECC as the third examination of the NDEB Equivalency Process.

    Source
    “The NDEB Equivalency Process includes three examinations.”
    cdsab.ca/registration-information/national-dental-examining-board-ndeb

  5. After completing the Equivalency Process, apply to and complete the NDEB Certification Process to obtain NDEB certification.

    Source
    “Successful completion of the examinations allows individuals to move on to the next step, the NDEB Certification Process.”
    cdsab.ca/registration-information/national-dental-examining-board-ndeb

  6. Apply to the CDSA with the NDEB certificate and all other listed documentation.

    Source
    “The College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta will require a copy of your NDEB certificate, along with all other listed documentation on your application.”
    cdsab.ca/registration-information/national-dental-examining-board-ndeb

  7. Write and pass the CDSA Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam.

    Source
    “You will then need to write and pass the CDSA Ethics and Jurisprudence Exam.”
    cdsab.ca/registration-information/national-dental-examining-board-ndeb

  8. Once the CEO/Registrar approves the application, attend the mandatory Orientation and Registration Session.

    • First Time Registration – General Practitioner: $1,000 (first time registration as a general practitioner)
      Source
      “First Time Registration – General Practitioner $1,000.00”
      cdsab.ca/your-practice-permit/fee-structure
    Source
    “Once the CEO/Registrar has approved your application, an Orientation and Registration Session will be scheduled with you by the Registrations Department. This is a mandatory requirement for all applicants”
    cdsab.ca/registration-information/national-dental-examining-board-ndeb

  9. Pay the registration and annual fee, after which you are eligible to start working as a dentist in Alberta the following day.

    • Practice Permit Fee January 1st to March 31st: $4,725 (practice permit fee pro-rated throughout the year)
      Source
      “Practice Permit Fee January 1st to March 31st $4,725.00”
      cdsab.ca/your-practice-permit/fee-structure
    Source
    “Once you have attended an Orientation and Registration Session and paid the registration and annual fee, you will then be eligible to start working as a dentist in Alberta the following day.”
    cdsab.ca/registration-information/national-dental-examining-board-ndeb

Listed fees for this route

One-time total listed: $9,350

One-time fees listed for Trained outside Canada, by type
Fee typeAmountShare
Application $500 5%
Exams $8,850 95%
One-time total $9,350 100%

3 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.

2 steps without a listed fee, so the total may not be the full cost.

Annual fees: $300 a year Paid every year, so not part of the one-time total. 10 fees depend on your situation and are not in the total.

Official page for this route

Other listed fees

The regulator lists these without tying them to one step, so they are not in the route totals above. Check which apply to you.

Requirements

Conditions the regulator sets on top of the roadmap steps.

Education

Other

  • Applicants must hold certification from the National Dental Examining Board of Canada.

    Source
    “National Dental Examination Board (NDEB) of Canada proof of certification”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

  • Applicants must successfully pass the CDSA Ethics and Jurisprudence exam.

    Source
    “successfully pass the Ethics & Jurisprudence exam”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

  • Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in speaking, listening, writing, and reading in English.

    Source
    “All applicants registering as dentists in Alberta must demonstrate proficiency in speaking, listening, writing, and reading in English.”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

  • Applicants must provide a copy of a valid BLS or CPR with AED certification.

    Source
    “BLS or CPR with AED certification | Copy of valid certificate”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

  • Applicants must provide a notarized or certified statutory declaration form.

    Source
    “Statutory Declaration | Completed form must be notarized or certified by a Commissioner of Oaths”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

  • Applicants must provide certificates or letters of good standing for each jurisdiction in which they currently or previously held registration as a dentist.

    Source
    “Required for each jurisdiction in Canada or internationally in which you currently hold, or have previously held, registration as a Dentist, regardless of registration status.”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

  • Applicants must disclose all regulatory permits or licences obtained from any jurisdiction, regardless of status.

    Source
    “Applicants must disclose all regulatory permits/licenses obtained, regardless of their status (active or inactive), and from any jurisdiction”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

  • Applicants who have been out of practice for a period may have to demonstrate that they are currently competent to practise.

    Source
    “Applicants who have been out of practice for a period also may have to demonstrate that they are currently competent to practice.”
    alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/dentist

Already licensed in another province?

Direct transfer

Dentists registered in another Canadian province or territory may apply for registration in Alberta by meeting the full application requirements of all applicants, including providing a Certificate of Registration and Letter of Good Standing and passing the Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination; no entry-to-practice exam or competence assessment beyond this is stated.

Source
“In order to transfer from another province or territory you will need to meet the requirements of the entire application process required of all applicants.”
cdsab.ca/registration-information

  1. Submit application and documents

    Source
    “Certificate of Registration and Letter of Good Standing from their current jurisdiction ... Consent of Release of Information, allowing CDSA to communicate directly with the regulator”
    cdsab.ca/application-requirements

  2. Pass the Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination

    Source
    “Applicants are required under this agreement to fulfill CDSA’s application requirements including the Ethics and Jurisprudence Examination.”
    cdsab.ca/registration-information

Processing time: Not stated by the regulator Check with CDSA

Check a move between two provinces

Credential assessment

Not stated by the regulator Check with CDSA

Exams

Language tests

No minimum test score stated by the regulator Check with CDSA

Exemptions: An English language proficiency test is not required if the dental education program was completed in English or the applicant is from a jurisdiction with an equivalent English proficiency requirement.

Source
“An English language proficiency test is required when the dental school or postgraduate education program was conducted in a language other than English, or the applicant is coming from a jurisdiction where there is no English language proficiency requirement.”
cdsab.ca/application-requirements

Compare scores across provinces and professions

Canadian experience

The pages do not state a Canadian work experience requirement for registration as a dentist.

Source
“Applicants who have been out of practice for a period also may have to demonstrate that they are currently competent to practice.”
alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/dentist

Supervised practice

Not required

The pages do not state that a period of supervised practice is required for general registration; a supervised restricted practice permit is available through the voluntary Supportive Pathway Program for internationally trained dentists.

Source
“During this time, Dental Interns are granted a limited Restricted Practice Permit that allows them to provide reversible dental services under supervision”
cdsab.ca/registration-information/supportive-pathway-program

Demand and pay

Job Bank figures for NOC 31110, Dentists. Wages for 2021 in Canadian dollars a year; outlook for 2025-2027.

Job Bank wages and outlook in Alberta and Canada
WhereLowMedianHighOutlook
Alberta $32,867 $120,000 $270,000 Very good (5 of 5)
Canada $32,867 $110,000 $228,000 —

Wages by region and job outlook in Alberta

Wages in every province and territory

Dentists in other provinces and territories

Regulated in 8 of the other 12 jurisdictions checked so far. The rules differ from one place to the next.

Compare dentist licensing across Canada

Sources checked

Pages read on October 10, 2026.

  1. Dentist: Certifications in Alberta - alis alis.alberta.ca/occinfo/certifications-in-alberta/dentist · fetched October 10, 2026
  2. Obtaining Certification and Licensure - The National Dental Examining Board of Canada ndeb-bned.ca/2022/06/02/obtenir-votre-certification-et-votre-permis · fetched October 9, 2026
  3. Fees - The National Dental Examining Board of Canada ndeb-bned.ca/equivalency-process/fees · fetched October 10, 2026
  4. Application Requirements - College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta cdsab.ca/application-requirements · fetched October 10, 2026
  5. Permit Fee Structure - College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta cdsab.ca/your-practice-permit/fee-structure · fetched October 10, 2026
  6. National Dental Examining Board - College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta cdsab.ca/registration-information/national-dental-examining-board-ndeb · fetched October 10, 2026
  7. Registration Information - College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta cdsab.ca/registration-information · fetched October 10, 2026
  8. Supportive Pathway to NDEB Certification Program - College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta cdsab.ca/registration-information/supportive-pathway-program · fetched October 10, 2026

Frequently asked questions

2

Do you need a licence to work as a dentist in Alberta?

Yes. Registration with the College of Dental Surgeons of Alberta is required to practise in Alberta.

Which exams are required?

NDEB Written Examination, OSCE, Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK), Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ), NDECC, National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE).

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