Fact Sheet - Dentist

Regulated profession (NOC 2021)
Regulatory bodyManitoba Dental Association (MDA)
Regulated titles
  • Dentist
  • Licentiate of Dental Medicine
National bodiesThe National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) conducts the equivalency and credential verification process, administers the assessments and examinations leading to NDEB certification, and administers the pathways for licensure as a dental specialist in Canada.

The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) is the national body responsible for accrediting dental training programs in Canada.
Membership associationsThe Winnipeg Dental Society (WDS) offers various membership categories, including options for students and dentists not licensed in Manitoba.
Registration processFor registration as a General Practitioner, see MDA - Registration Package for General Practitioner.

For registration as a dental specialist, see MDA - Registration Package for Dental Specialist.

See MDA - Informational Guide to Registration Pathways, Policy and Process for Dentists for an overview of the registration and licensure process.
Credential assessmentFor graduates of non-accredited dental programs, see NDEB - Equivalency Process - How to Apply.

For graduates of accredited dental programs, see NDEB - Entry-to-Practice: Graduates of Accredited Dental Programs.

For graduates of specialty programs, see NEDB - Entry-to-Practice: Dental Specialists - The National Dental Examining Board of Canada.
Language proficiencySee MDA - Language Proficiency Policies.

Individuals applying to a Qualifying or Degree Completion Program (see below) must meet the language proficiency requirements of the academic institution.
Qualifying/Degree Completion ProgramsThere are eight Qualifying or Degree Completion Programs offered in Canada, including the University of Manitoba's International Dentist Degree Program (IDDP).

There are also programs offered in the United States that meet MDA criteria for registration and licensure.
Professional competency profilesSee NDEB - Competencies for a Beginning Dental Practitioner in Canada.
Tools/resources
Essential skills profileGo to Job Bank - Explore careers by essential skills, search for the occupation via name or NOC code, and view the essential skills profile.
Employment outlookGo to Job Bank - Explore job outlooks, search the occupation name or NOC code, and view employment outlook by provinces and regions across Canada.
Job search toolsSee MDA - Career Opportunities.

To search job postings in any occupation, visit Job Bank or Work in Manitoba.
Related occupations/alternate careers (NOC 2021)Below are examples of occupations in the broader field of oral health:

  • 32112 – Dental technologists and technicians
  • 41404 – Health policy researchers, consultants and program officers
  • 62100 – Technical sales specialists - wholesale trade
  • 30010 – Managers in health care
  • 41210 – College and other vocational instructors
  • 41201 – Post-secondary teaching and research assistants

While each occupation will have its own set of employment requirements, none are regulated occupations in Manitoba and therefore do not have certification/registration requirements with a professional regulatory body. Employers often, however, require applicants to have job-specific experience, training, and/or certification. Always check the hiring criteria carefully. Hiring criteria is set by the employer and will vary from employer to employer.
Last updated December 2022.

Notes

  1. This fact sheet serves as a guide and will be updated periodically. When researching information on professional registration processes, always refer to the regulator to ensure accurate, up-to-date information.
  2. The Government of Canada updates the National Occupational Classification (NOC) every five years. At present, users can access four versions of NOC (2021, 2016, 2011, and 2006) on the NOC website. When searching an occupation on the NOC website, always use the most recent version (NOC 2021).
  3. The regulatory body is the only organization that can grant entry into a regulated occupation via registration and the issuing of a licence or certificate. Other organizations (e.g., national bodies, regional bodies, membership associations, etc.) are not regulatory bodies.