Dentists
Stages
- NDEB equivalency assessment
- NDEB exams
- Provincial licensure
Licensing pathway
Dental Professions
Compare countries
A quick overview. Details vary by jurisdiction — always confirm with the regulator.
| Country | Regulator | Registration | Main exams | Credential body | Typical first step |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Canada | Provincial dental regulators | Provincial | NDEB exams (dentists) | NDEB equivalency process | Check NDEB pathway for internationally trained dentists |
 United States | State boards of dentistry | State | National and clinical licensing exams | Credential evaluation / accredited program | Choose a state and check its board's rules |
 Australia | Dental Board of Australia via Ahpra | National | ADC Written and Practical (if not recognised) | Australian Dental Council | Check the Board's recognised qualifications list |
Canada
Dentists generally go through the NDEB equivalency process before provincial licensure. Hygienists and assistants follow separate provincial routes.
United States
Dental licensure is state-based. Many internationally trained dentists complete an advanced-standing US program before state licensing exams.
Dentists
Stages
- Credential evaluation
- Accredited program (often advanced standing)
- National and clinical exams
- State licence
Australia
Dental practitioners in Australia are registered nationally by the Dental Board of Australia through Ahpra. The Australian Dental Council (ADC) assesses overseas qualifications. Dentists, hygienists/therapists/oral health therapists, prosthetists and assistants follow different routes.
Dentists with recognised qualifications
For: Dentists with a Board-recognised qualification from the UK, Ireland or New Zealand; Canadian dentists meeting the Board's additional requirements (e.g. NDEB certification); NZ-registered dentists under Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition
Stages
- Check the Board's list of approved overseas qualifications
- Meet registration standards
- Apply to Ahpra
- Decision
Checklist
- ☐ Degree documents
- ☐ Registration evidence
- ☐ NDEB certificate (Canada)
- ☐ English evidence or exemption
- ☐ Criminal history
- ☐ ID
Last verified: 8 November 2026 against official sources · Dental Board of Australia
Dentists: ADC assessment pathway
For: Overseas-qualified dentists without a recognised qualification
Stages
- ADC Initial Assessment
- ADC Written Examination
- ADC Practical Examination
- Apply to Ahpra
- Registration decision
Checklist
- ☐ Qualification documents
- ☐ Certified translations (NAATI preferred)
- ☐ Registration history
- ☐ English evidence
Exams run on fixed dates with deadlines — check the ADC calendar. Limited registration options may be available while working towards general registration.
Last verified: 8 November 2026 against official sources · Australian Dental Council
Dental hygienists, dental therapists and oral health therapists
Recognised UK/Ireland/NZ qualification → apply directly; otherwise the ADC three-stage process for these professions.
Last verified: 8 November 2026 against official sources · Australian Dental Council
Dental prosthetists
A separate ADC pathway; recognised UK/Ireland/NZ qualifications may apply directly.
Last verified: 8 November 2026 against official sources · Australian Dental Council
Dental assistants
Not registered with Ahpra. Employers commonly look for a Certificate III or IV in Dental Assisting. Some tasks (such as radiography) may need a state licence — check employer and state rules.
Last verified: 8 November 2026 against official sources · Dental Board of Australia
Moving on a visa? An ADC skills assessment for visas is separate from registration. Onewise Career does not provide immigration advice — please speak to a registered migration agent.
Official sources: Dental Board of Australia, Australian Dental Council, Ahpra