Students and Graduates of Canadian Programs
Students and Graduates of Canadian Accredited Schools
Applicants for registration who have graduated from a Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC)* accredited program in Canada are eligible to apply to write the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination™ (NDHCE™). A student in a dental hygiene program that is accredited by CDAC may apply to write the NDHCE™ upon confirmation by the dental hygiene program director or designate, that the student, at the application deadline date, is within four months of completion of the dental hygiene program.
Candidates are encouraged to contact the regulatory body in the province/territory in which they want to practice as additional registration requirements may apply.
*The Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) is an autonomous body responsible for accrediting dental, dental hygiene, and dental assisting education programs in Canada.
Graduates of Canadian Non-Accredited Programs
Those who have graduated from a non-accredited dental hygiene program in Canada should first contact the regulatory college in the province where they plan to work to confirm all requirements for licensure. Then, they should apply to the FDHRC™ for an equivalency assessment.
This may take up to one year to complete and requires submission of a comprehensive portfolio of documents. A graduate of a non-accredited program who is successful in their application for equivalency is then eligible to write the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination™ (NDHCE™). Upon successful completion of the NDHCE™, the next step is to complete all requirements for licensure/registration as directed by the regulatory body in the province where they intend to practice.
Most provincial regulators also require candidates in this category to successfully complete the Canadian Performance Examination in Dental Hygiene™ (CPEDH™).