First Application for a Dental License in Canada - Dental Specialist

Please note that we are transitioning from paper application forms to an online application form. We expect the online process to be implemented by May 17, 2024. We thank you for your patience.

In order to be registered and licensed to practice dentistry in Nova Scotia, you will be required to upload the following documents within your online application: 

1. A passport-style photo taken with the previous 12 months

2. A certified photocopy of your graduate / post graduate degree, diploma or certificate in a specialty recognized by the Board from a post secondary educational institution in Canada or the United States whose specialty program is or has been accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada or the American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.

3. Confirmation of successful completion of the National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE) administered by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC) [or the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) from 2020 through 2023].

4. An applicant must provide a certified copy of their Canadian birth certificate, or Canadian citizenship card, or proof of permanent Canadian residency status.

If an applicant is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada, the applicant must provide details about their current citizenship status and a certified copy of the authorization issued by Citizenship and Immigration Canada which permits them to engage in the practice of dentistry in Canada.

5. Verification (i.e., a paid receipt) of active membership in the Nova Scotia Dental Association (Please contact the NSDA at 902-420-0088.)

6. Verification of malpractice insurance through CDSPI – minimum of $3 million coverage;

7. Verification of your current certification in CPR/BLS (must be an in-person hands-on course from a recognized provider)

8.  A letter from employer(s) or a signed affidavit verifying continual practice defined as a minimum of 450 hours within the last three years preceding the date of application (Applicable only if not a new graduate)

9.  A Vulnerable Sector Search and a Criminal Record Check (Performed within the previous 12 months)

10.  Two written character references from non-family members who have known you for the past four years - The reference letters must:

• be signed,
• be dated,
• indicate how long the person has known you, and
• have been written within the past 12 months.

11. Translation of documents (if applicable)

12. If you obtained your undergraduate dental education (e.g., DDS/DMD) from a program accredited by the:

• Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC),
• American Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA),
• Australian Dental Council (ADC),
• Dental Council of New Zealand (DCNZ), or
• Irish Dental Council

you must upload the following documents:

• A certified copy of graduation certificate from your undergraduate dental program.
• A letter from the Dean verifying your graduation from the dental program.
• A copy of your National Dental Examining Board (NDEB) certificate.

Applicants who do not have the NDEB general dentistry certificate but have the NDSE certificate would, upon successful registration, be issued a Specialty Certificate Limited to that specialty.

When you submit your application, you will be sent an email asking you to pay a non-refundable application fee of $100, through our online portal, after which time your application will be reviewed.

Once your application has been approved, you will be required to pay the following non-refundable fees through our online portal:

• $100 initial registration fee
• $1502 annual license fee (December 1 - November 30)

(Note that the license fee is reduced to $751 if licensing after May 31.)

Also, please note the following:

• If you do not have all your documentation on hand, you may begin your online application, save it, and return to the application at a later time.
• If you are currently or have previously been licensed in another jurisdiction, you must request that a Certificate of Standing be sent directly to our office from each of those jurisdictions.
• Applications will be deleted from our system if not completed within 3 months. After that time, applicants will be required to restart their application process.
• By submitting an application, you consent to the Registrar or PDBNS staff obtaining clarification of documents as deemed necessary.
• Information on certifying documents can be found on our website at this link.

Licensing Process

The application and supporting documentation are reviewed by Registrar.

The Provincial Dental Board will contact the applicant to schedule an appointment to meet with the Registrar to discuss their application.

In circumstances where the Registrar needs to obtain additional information, the registration process will require additional time to complete.

Applicants cannot begin to practise without a license.

Successful applicants who meet all of the licensing requirements will be entered into the Dentists' Register and issued a license.

Applicants who have been declined licensure may appeal the Registrar's decision to the Registration Appeal Committee.

Dentists who previously did not meet the continuous practice requirement in Nova Scotia and are not eligible to re-license are required to submit a new online application form.