Our Dental Business Diploma & Preparation Program is About to Launch

Posted on Jan 10, 2022Feb 22, 2024 by ankush

Prep Doctors and St. Clair College have teamed once again in their commitment to providing international dentists access to the Canadian dental industry. With the formalization of our new Business Diploma & Preparation Course, our two-year program is set to launch for the Winter Term to our latest cohort in January 2022.

The Business Diploma & Preparation Course provides students with a diverse list of courses to develop comprehensive business acumen, begin their Canadian equivalency, and develop essential understandings in accounting, human resources, marketing and business law to start operating their own dental clinics.

“This partnership demonstrates how private and public sectors can collaborate to deliver value to the community. Prep Doctors brings over ten years of industry experience training dentists in Canada. At the same time, St. Clair’s Zekelman Business school brings over 50 years of experience to the table,” says Prep Doctors CEO Firas Abu Saleh.

“The synergy created by this partnership is very promising, and the output is an exceptional program that delivers the best of both worlds to dentists looking to hone their business skills and learn how to apply them in their professional practice.”

In anticipation of the launch, the Windsor Star has written further about the program’s scope and the attraction for development it brings. Click here to read more.

For more information about the program, click here. Have a question we didn’t answer? Reach out to us on our Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you!

Unique business program will bring more internationally trained dentists to Canada

Posted on Dec 21, 2021Feb 22, 2024 by ankush

Unique business program will bring more internationally trained dentists to Canada
Published on: Dec 21, 2021 at 15:28 Edit

This article was originally posted on St. Clair College’s website on December 2, 2021.

St. Clair College and Prep Doctors have signed an agreement which will help foreign dentists learn the essentials of Canadian dental business practices while taking important steps toward earning equivalency from the National Dental Examination Board.

This unique agreement co-signed by Prep Doctors CEO, Firas Abu Saleh, and St. Clair College, President Patti France, gives internationally trained dentists the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in Canada’s growing dental industry. Over the course of two years in the Dental Business Diploma & Equivalency Program at St. Clair, students will learn about accounting for dentistry, business communications, economics, Canadian culture and more while receiving thorough preparation for the NDEB equivalency process.

Dr. Marwan Al Rayes, co-founder and Chief Learning Officer of Prep Doctors, is a Windsor native who attended J.L. Forster Secondary School and played soccer behind St. Clair College as a teenager. Over twenty years later, Al Rayes says it feels great to be able to sign this agreement and make an impact for the people who strive to be dentists and hope to one day live in North America.

“This is about giving back to the community and making the industry more accessible. We can provide a huge step to someone hopefully,” said Al Rayes. “Everyone’s dream is to come to Canada or North America and live the American Dream. It is a huge opportunity, not only by getting them access into Canada, but being a member of the elite class in Canada.”

Al Rayes says Prep Doctors has an initial target goal of recruiting 50 students annually to St. Clair but hope to have upwards of 100 students and even bigger numbers in the future.

“If we look at the number of dentists graduating from Canadian schools, I don’t believe it is sufficient for the population. So, we do need foreign skill to actually give people the quality of healthcare they deserve here in Canada,” said Al Rayes. “I think the collaboration between St. Clair and Prep Doctors is mixing healthcare with business, which is a unique aspect in dentistry. It’s different from medicine and pharmacy in the sense that dentistry is a healthcare profession that also has a strong business side.”

Firas Abu Saleh, CEO of Prep Doctors, is a Harvard Business School graduate who co-founded the organization with Al Rayes with a shared vision of creating an inclusive learning space for dentists all over the globe. Abu Saleh believes extending this collaboration with St. Clair College will help Prep Doctors expand its reach to potential candidates in the international market and bring more dentists to Canada.

“Based on St. Clair’s experience with agents and international student recruitment, this is a great addition. It is an area of strength that is really helpful for us,” Abu Saleh said. “We are used to working with local dentists who are already in Canada so by working with St. Clair and its name-recognition will help us move forward and expand the market.”

A group from Prep Doctors and senior administrators from St. Clair College signed an agreement to provide business training to internationally-trained dentists.

More information on the Dental Business Diploma & Equivalency Program can be found here: Prep Doctors @ St. Clair College | St. Clair College (stclaircollege.ca)

– Brett Hedges

For more information about the program, click here. Have a question we didn’t answer? Reach out to us on our Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you!

Careers in Dentistry Series: What Do DSOs Mean for Today’s Dentists?

Posted on Jul 30, 2021Dec 20, 2023 by ankush

If you’re a practising dentist or own a dental clinic, you’ve probably heard of dental support organizations before (or DSOs, for short). The dental industry has many moving parts. As a result, DSOs provide necessary relief to management running a solo dental practice or private group practice aside from clinical and dental procedures. This means DSOs allow dentists to maximize their practices by managing aspects such as billing, IT, marketing, human resources, payroll, accounting, and more.

This week’s interview in the Careers in Dentistry Series centres around DSOs and what opportunities DSO-affiliated dental clinics offer to new graduates and newly registered dentists in Canada. Speaking to our host, Dr. Lesia Waschuk—Compliance and Education Specialist at Prep Doctors—Sina Amiri, Vice-President for Strategic Markets at EDMS, advises that dentists consider their career goals, define their treatment philosophy, and suggests several questions dentists can ask when searching for the right fit in a DSO-affiliated dental clinic. As Amiri mentions, this includes understanding the autonomy a dentist may have when choosing vendors to work with for equipment. Watch the full interview below or on our YouTube page here.

By way of further background, Amiri mentions solo practices with mid-career dentists or dentists nearing retirement that are not affiliated with a DSO may offer better opportunities for mentorship and eventually ownership. While some DSOs have structured arrangements for associates to buy in and will look for clinical leadership skills. DSOs may also offer geographic mobility for associates who may wish to move later in their careers. It’s imperative that newly registered dentists screen the clinics they are interested in and ask the questions necessary to understand what a DSO-affiliated clinic can offer and what they cannot.

About the Series

Our Prep Doctors Careers in Dentistry series is an opportunity for you to peek behind the curtain of various avenues of dentistry you can take from a career and business perspective. Hosted by Dr. Waschuk, we sit down with highly regarded dentists to discuss their career paths, the challenges and benefits of the field, and how you can get started on your dentistry journey.

Click here to learn more about Prep Doctors and the stories of our dentists. Have a question? Please reach out to us on our Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you!

A New Path to Canadian Dentistry Explained

Posted on Jun 14, 2021Dec 20, 2023 by ankush

On June 1, 2021, Prep Doctors announced its exciting new Dental Business Diploma & Preparation Program (D600) with St. Clair College.

This unique full-time two-year diploma program — the first of its kind — offers internationally trained dentists and graduates interested in studying in Canada the opportunity to gain the necessary skills and business acumen needed to succeed in the Canadian dental market.

The Dental Business Diploma & Preparation Program is designed for students to learn about accounting for dentistry, business communications, economics, Canadian culture, and so much more. Alongside your business studies, you will also study at Prep Doctors, the leading private dental training institute in Canada, which will allow you to take the first steps in the Canadian dental equivalency process.

What does that mean exactly? Well, all dentists who want to practice in Canada must follow Canadian standards and criteria, which are often different from other countries worldwide. To prove they can uphold these standards, all foreign-trained dentists must have their work and knowledge assessed in a four-part dental equivalency process overseen by The National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB).

In the first year of this program, students will take the Fundamental Knowledge of Dentistry Course in preparation to write the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) exam — the first official step in becoming a dentist in Canada. In the second year of the program, students will take the Clinical Judgement Course, giving them the practice to pass the Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ) exam — the second step.

Why Study This Program?

Extensive range of courses: Specially tailored to the demands and knowledge needed to run and operate your own dental practice in Canada, this program will provide an introduction to essential marketing, human resources, personal financing skills, and the latest Canadian industry trends that reflect our high-quality teaching of the dental profession for students to succeed in a post-pandemic entrepreneurial environment.
Access to the Canadian market: Through our program, internationally trained dentists and graduates can bridge the gap to develop their employability and quality of life in Canada through both a study and work permit. Following the two-year diploma program, graduates will eligible to apply for a work permit and gain valuable Canadian work experience.
Learn from the top instructors and industry experts: At St. Clair College, knowledgeable professors with solid industry experience will give students first-hand insight into business fundamentals. Additionally, for ten years, Prep Doctors instructors have led more than 6,000 dental professionals to obtain their Canadian licensure through the NDEB equivalency process. As many of our instructors have undergone the process themselves, students will receive expert training and assistance from experts in the field.

Where Is This Program Located?

While the Prep Doctors campus operates out of Mississauga, Ontario, the Dental Business Diploma & Preparation Program (D600) will be administered on St. Clair College’s Downtown Campus in Windsor, Ontario at the Zekelman School of Business and Information Technology.

How Much Does the Program Cost?

Following the completion of their application, students can expect to receive a comprehensive program package including full tuition fee details and information.

What if I Have Already Begun a Portion of the NDEB Equivalency Process?

If you have already passed the AFK and/or the ACJ exam, you are still welcome to apply for this program. However, you will need to take the Fundamental Knowledge of Dentistry Course and Clinical Judgement Course in order to qualify to graduate.

How Can I Apply?

To begin your enrollment into the Dental Business Diploma & Preparation Program (D600), you will first need to complete the Eligibility Application here.

Program administrators will reach out to eligible applicants after five business days to discuss your next steps to apply.

For more information about the program, click here. Have a question we didn’t answer? Reach out to us on our Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you!

Looking Back on 10 Fantastic Years

Posted on Apr 24, 2021Oct 24, 2023 by Prep Doctors Staff

In March, Prep Doctors celebrated its 10th anniversary! To mark this momentous milestone, our Chief Executive Officer, Firas Abu Saleh, is looking back on the past decade, his experiences, and what’s next for Prep Doctors.

This year, we celebrate Prep Doctors’ 10th Anniversary. What thoughts and emotions come to mind when you think about this milestone?

I can’t help but reflect on the early days and how something small that started from a humble beginning turned into Canada’s largest private dental training institute. It reminds me never to discount any idea that anyone has, and it’s a testimony to what immigrants can achieve in this country. As I look back and think about the different stages of growth and the challenges that we faced along the way, it allows me to always stay positive and hopeful of the future, especially during these difficult times. It feels great to go from discussing “exit plans” in the early years to aiming high and planning to take this organization to the next level.

Where did you draw inspiration from to start to build this unique business?

When my parents moved to Canada, they sacrificed their careers and lifestyles, looking for better education and opportunities for their children. Canada was the land of opportunity for us. The biggest inspiration for us as founders of Prep Doctors has been our parents.

What were your visions in 2011 for the company? How have you met or even surpassed those visions?

We started Prep Doctors in 2011 as a part-time business, and we took things one step at a time. The plan was that we wanted to run this on the side while we kept our full-time jobs. It grew beyond our expectations.

A Prep Doctors NDEB AFK Course in the growing years — *A look back on an NDEB preparation course for the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK). Learn more at prepdoctors.ca. Register for our AFK course here.*

What is your favourite part about your job? What excites you most?

What is most exciting about my role at Prep Doctors is the ability to make an impact and introduce improvements every single day.

Looking back, what are some of the most significant changes that you’ve seen in the industry over the years?

The first change was the introduction of the direct route exams in 2011. This was the same year that we entered the market. The next was the introduction of two exam cycles per year. Finally, all the changes and cancellations in 2020 which has been a challenging year for many.

There have been some vital players that have worked alongside you early on. In what ways have their contributions added to the growth and success of the company?

Having key people that you trust around you is critical, especially in the early stages. Being able to focus on your part while knowing that your back is covered by your partners is key to success, in my opinion. In many ways, it wouldn’t be possible to grow this company and get it to where it is today if it weren’t for the contributions of all the founders and everyone who added to our journey along the way.

What do you feel have been some of the company’s biggest accomplishments since your start in 2010?

I think that one of our greatest accomplishments is leading the way. It makes us proud to see the mark that our innovations (terminology, teaching methodologies, technology, and designs) leave on the industry over the years. Another accomplishment is being able to deliver our various courses across the country while maintaining the same level of quality.

What is your biggest hope for the next decade with Prep Doctors? In what ways do you want to grow?

Our plan for Prep Doctors is to become the number one leader in dental training and exam prep in North America. We would like to continue to add meaningful topics to our courses and services that deliver great value to the dental profession.

Describe what Prep Doctors means to you on a personal level.

To me, Prep Doctors is about proving that everything is possible and that you should pursue your dreams. Whether it’s about getting licensed, jumpstarting your career or starting your business, Prep Doctors is proof that as an immigrant, you can make it happen.

Click here to learn more about Prep Doctors, our 10th anniversary, and the stories of our dentists. Have a question? Please reach out to us on our Facebook page. We look forward to hearing from you!

Fuelling a Dream: A Journey of 7,000 Miles

Posted on Apr 10, 2021May 3, 2021 by Dr. Pallak Razdan

For me, the journey of seven thousand miles begins with a single step and a dream.

I had a dream of opportunity. One that convinced a 25-year-old young woman to pack her belongings into a suitcase and move by herself across oceans to a country that welcomes every individual with open arms, Canada.

The road ahead seemed vague. Unfortunately, Google Maps couldn’t help me navigate my route, despite advertising themselves as a “world atlas,” so much for technology, huh?

Still, my dream kept me up at night. It made me want to run, climb rocks, swim through filthy ponds, and keep moving forward, even if that meant going down on my hands and knees through trenches.

My dream needed to be fuelled. It kept growing, slowly carving itself into everything I did. I was happy living my life back in India. In 2017, I was a licensed, practising dentist in a city called Hyderabad after completing my BDS. I had an established loyal client base and single-handedly opened three dental clinics for my senior associate in highly reputable hospitals across the city. I had everything I needed, but it felt like something was missing.

I kept dreaming of a Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) degree in Canada. One of the routes to get there was through the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB). The NDEB equivalency process is a fierce competition amongst dentists from across the world. Needless to say, it requires a vision, a thorough plan, and most importantly, willpower to succeed.

So I moved to Toronto and began studying for the intense exam processes I was about to embark on while simultaneously job hunting to sustain my expenses. Did I mention my dream was an expensive affair?

The search for a transitional job made me run in circles. I worked at many different places before I set foot in the Canadian dental industry as an Indian dentist. I have only recently managed to settle into a position with EDMS Dental that helps me stay relevant, motivated, and inspired. I was blessed to have connected with some great individuals in the field along the way. However, I’ve also had my share of criticism of being told I wasn’t good enough, that I’ll never make it, and worse of all, that Canada didn’t need another foreign-trained dentist.

And yet, I still dream of holding my DDS degree in my hands, owning a clinic of my own, and doing some challenging but amazing dental work — all to experience the feeling of creating smiles and the satisfaction of treating my patients well.

This is my journey, and while my dream is a mighty jump away due to COVID-19 and the impact it has had on the dental equivalency process, I haven’t lost focus or my passion for dentistry.

I’m here, just like you, on a quest to gain my license, and we will do it. As Henry Ford once said, “If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself.”

So, if not today, tomorrow! And if not tomorrow, then the day after that. Nevertheless, one day, we’ll do big things soon. Call it a dream.

Dr. Pallak Razdan is a dentist and the Social Media Director at EDMS Dental. She is a contributing Prep Doctors’ writer focusing on her journey to Canada, the NDEB equivalency process, and a broad scope of Canadian dentistry.

An Overhaul of the Dental Equivalency Process in Canada

Posted on Apr 3, 2021May 3, 2021 by Prep Doctors

On February 25, 2021, the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) announced significant changes to the Canadian dental equivalency process, impacting internationally-trained dentists across the country.

The question many dentists going through the equivalency process are asking is: “how will these changes affect me?” Our Chief Learning Officer, Dr. Marwan Al Rayes, has conducted a number of webinars sharing our understanding of what has been announced. Here is a breakdown of the upcoming changes and what we know so far.

As part of its five-year strategic plan, the NDEB committed to reviewing the existing equivalency process in Canada. This review analyzed the blueprints for each of its three examinations in the equivalency process — the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK), the Assessment of Clinical Judgment (ACJ), and the Assessment of Clinical Skills (ACS) — and identified vital modifications and positive adjustments to evaluate international dental graduates. The changes are part of a multiple-step “Reduce, Change, and Develop” strategy in their Vision 2022: The Future of the NDEB Equivalency Process proposal.

So, what are these changes, and how will they affect each exam?

The Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK):

Currently, the AFK exam consists of 300 multiple-choice questions, which tests candidates’ core and basic knowledge of dentistry. Beginning in the August 2021 exam, AFK will now consist of 200 questions under the “Reduce” pillar offering a more comfortable examination experience while still maintaining substantial authenticity and validity for students. The assessment will continue to be administered electronically.

The Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ):

As part of their “Change” strategy, the second development is the NDEB’s update on sequence and eligibility. As it stands, candidates who are successful in the AFK exam can attempt the ACJ and ACS simultaneously or in the order of their choosing. Starting in 2022, however, eligibility for the assessments will become sequential, and the completion of the ACJ exam will become a prerequisite to undergo the ACS. In other words, once examinees take and pass the AFK, they will only become eligible to take the ACJ. When they complete the ACJ examination process, they may then, and only then, attempt the ACS. This change comes from the standard procedure of practising dentists who consistently apply their clinical judgement before entering into treatment. Therefore, candidates must first demonstrate the appropriate knowledge and decision-making acumen needed to perform dental procedures on patients that very well may be irreversible.

The Assessment of Clinical Skills (ACS):

Finally, several modifications to both the existing structure, overall format, and content of the ACS exam in the “Develop” initiative account for the most consequential changes. The big difference is the introduction of OSCE-style stations for dental procedures, in addition to the traditional psychomotor skills analysis on simulated patients (manikins) in a clinical setting. These contemporary stations will mimic a pharmacy setting and test participants’ ability to interact with patients on conversations surrounding diagnosis, treatment planning, and informed consent.

The NDEB expects the new ACS format and requirements to take effect in 2022, and these changes will allow for a better analysis of a candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs).

At Prep Doctors, we will be offering a customized package in July for our Assessment of Clinical Skills course to better prepare trainees for the modified-ACS examination. Once the NDEB formally releases its updated blueprint, we will make the necessary modifications to the class.

Additionally, the current ACS structure comprises 12 project requirements. Presently, participants can fail one of the 12 requirements and still be successful. As with the AFK and ACJ, candidates can attempt the ACS a maximum of three times. In the updated “Develop” strategy, participants will be able to take the exam an unlimited number of times within a five-year period, but they must pass all 12 requirements.

The NDEB has also announced they have begun the construction of an in-house ACS testing facility in Ottawa, Ontario. The development of this centre will offer ample opportunity for the NDEB to administer the modified ACS examination in a controlled environment throughout the year, reducing scheduling conflicts and clearing the backlog of candidates. This will also promote a less stressful yet more consistent testing environment.

Are these changes a good thing?

Overall, these changes are definitely a step in the right direction. They help foster a more fair and honest assessment of internationally-trained dentists on their path to dental licensure in Canada.

At Prep Doctors, we have already begun adapting our curriculum to the upcoming changes. We are committed to making sure our trainees are the best prepared to clear this challenging process — now and in the future.

For more details, please direct specific questions about Vision 2022 directly to the NDEB. Don’t forget to sign up for our dental equivalency newsletter for our future breakdowns of equivalency-related announcements and Prep Doctors’ course updates.

If you have any questions about our upcoming courses, send us a message on Facebook here.

Canada Training Credit – Are you Eligible?

Posted on Mar 12, 2021Apr 9, 2021 by Uthman Quick

Tax season is upon us. If you have taken a course with Prep Doctors in 2020, you may be eligible to receive up to CAD 250 through the Canada Training Credit (CTC).

CTC has been introduced by the Federal budget to help with the cost of training fees and can be claimed on your 2020 taxes. Here’s what you need to know.

What is the Canada Training Credit?

The Canada Training Credit is a refundable federal tax credit meant for Canadians and those with Permanent Residence (PR) who have invested in continuing education courses for professional development.

Are you eligible?

This credit is available for a certain amount of tuition paid for courses taken in 2020 at an eligible educational institution in respect of the year, making Prep Doctors courses eligible.

Remember, the CRA only gives benefits to citizens and residents who file their tax returns and your benefit eligibility will be based on the information you provide in your tax filings.

To learn more about the Canada Training Credit and how to apply, please visit the Government of Canada website.

Have any questions about Prep Doctors’ courses? Feel free to send us a message at feedback@prepdoctors.ca or on our Facebook page!

Entering the Dental Market: What to Expect

Posted on Mar 1, 2021May 3, 2021 by Kadian White

After months of research and development, Prep Doctors and Transitions Group have come together to create a comprehensive, hands-on course for dentists taking their first steps into the Canadian market. Entering the Dental Market (EDM) is an introductory course of our new Dental Practice Management program offered in two streams: new associate and new practice owner. EDM follows the new associate stream.

Our expert instructors will help newly registered (or soon-to-be registered) dentists identify their strengths and interests, draft a resume, find the right opportunities, and craft a bio to help that will help them create a name for themselves. Participants will also learn how to network in dentistry’s highly connections-influenced industry. They will also get key advice and tips to ace interviews and layout a 90-day plan for success as a dental associate.

With more than 1,300 newly registered dentists entering the profession annually in Canada, combined with today’s unprecedented economic challenges, the market for dental associate positions has never been more competitive. With our partnership with Transitions Group on this course and the entire Dental Practice Management program, we are looking to create the complete guide to getting you hired at your dream job.

To learn more about Prep Doctors, our continuing education courses or to register to Entering the Dental Market (EDM), click here.

AFK Exam Cancellation: Our Statement

Posted on Jan 27, 2021Apr 26, 2021 by Prep Doctors

As you may be aware, a few days ago, the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) announced the cancellation of the upcoming Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) exam due to their ongoing investigation into reports of alleged cheating in respect of prior exams. This AFK exam was scheduled to take place on February 05-06, 2021. The cancellation comes after the NDEB announced that they launched an investigation on December 21 of last year.

Cheating on licensure exams provides an unfair advantage for those who cheat and more importantly compromises the integrity of the board exams. These exams are meant to safeguard the dentistry profession from unqualified individuals. As an educational institution, we take a firm stance against cheating. We do not support nor condone cheating, in any respect, for any and all professional licensing examinations.

There have been a number of exam cancellations in 2020 due to COVID and now in 2021 due to the NDEB’s investigation into alleged reports of cheating. These cancellations will have an impact on the number of Internationally trained dentists entering the market over the next couple of years unless measures can be taken to make up for those delays.

It is unfortunate that this situation has arisen. It is having a widespread negative impact on many who have studied hard for the AFK exam and have done nothing wrong.

We empathize with our hardworking trainees who put their lives on hold to pursue their dreams of becoming licensed dentists in Canada. We know that many were affected by the relatively short notice given due to the COVID situation. We have received reports that some of our trainees have already travelled to Canada because of the self-isolation requirements imposed due to COVID. We are sympathetic to those trainees who have had to travel to write the now cancelled AFK exam.

The NDEB’s withholding of the last exam’s results and the cancellation of the AFK exam will slow down but will not stop the journey of becoming a licensed dentist in Canada. We want our trainees to know that we are here to continue to support them through their journey. We have already connected with our dentists who have been affected by this cancellation and will be scheduling another session in the near future.

Firas Abu Saleh is the CEO and co-founder of Prep Doctors.

The NDEB Process vs. Bridging Programs: What’s the Difference?

Posted on Nov 17, 2020Apr 28, 2021 by Uthman Quick

As an internationally-trained dentist, there are two routes available when looking to become a licensed dentist in Canada. You have the option to apply to the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) equivalency process or opt to enroll in an academic bridging program that’s offered at Canadian universities.

Although each option has its benefits and challenges, it is important to understand what each option offers. So, what is the difference between the NDEB process and bridging programs?

Option 1: The NDEB Process:

The most popular method for internationally-trained dentists is taking the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB) exams. The NDEB is a governing body that creates and administers assessments that identify the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in Canada’s dental job field. When opting to take this route you will have to appear for and clear 3 exams:

– Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK)

– Assessment of Clinical Judgement (ACJ)

– Assessment of Clinical Studies (ACS)

Once you have cleared these exams, the next step is to go through the NDEB’s certification process where you will need to clear two final exams:

– OSCE

– Written

Before taking the exams, you will have to apply for the NDEB Equivalency Process by creating an online profile through the NDEB’s Online Portal.

Once you have created your profile, you will need to submit the following documents to be approved by the NDEB:

– Government-Issued Photo Identification

– Proof of Name Change/Difference in name if applicable

– Translation of Proof of name change/difference in name, if applicable

– Final Dental Diploma/Degree

– Translation of Academic Records, if applicable

– Internship Completion Certificate, if applicable

You will need to arrange to have a Confirmation of Degree completion form and your academic records sent to the NDEB by your university.

For those who are looking for a quicker route in obtaining dental equivalency, the NDEB process is the ideal option.

The shortest time in which this process can be completed is 1.5 years, provided you clear the exams on the first try. The NDEB allows you 3 attempts each exam to get a passing score. It is important to note that you must score at least 75% on each exam in order to advance to the next exam.

Although you can prepare for the exams on your own, Prep Doctors helps with preparing trainees for the exams. Prep Doctors can help with that as well as provide you with the confidence and knowledge that will help you adapt to the landscape of Canadian dentistry.

For more information on our NDEB equivalency courses, click here.

Option 2: Academic Bridging Program

In Canada, there are specialized bridging programs offered by universities that focus on bridging the gap between international training and Canadian training. After successful completion of this program, students are able to transition into the third year of a four-year Doctor of Dental Surgery Program (DDS). These programs can be anywhere from 2-3 years in duration.

So how does one get into a bridging program? Well, similar to the NDEB route, you will need to complete the NDEB’s AFK exam. However, there are some distinct differences in the qualifications that are required of a trainee.

Trainees looking to take the bridging program route must have the following:

– Canadian citizen or permanent resident

– Graduated from a four-year university program (not recognized in Canada)

– Relatively strong GPA (Every university has its own grading scale)

– Must have cleared an English proficiency test

– Appeared for the Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) exam (85% or higher)

Bridging programs are offered by Canadian universities by various names but generally have the same qualifications and program aspects. These programs include:

– University of British Columbia – International Dental Degree Completion Program

– University of Toronto – International Dentist Advanced Placement Program (IDAPP)

– University of Manitoba – International Dentist Degree Program

– University of Western Ontario – Internationally Trained Dentists (ITD) Program

Canadian universities are incredibly competitive when it comes to this route due to the limited amount of dental programs in Canada, especially compared to other job fields. So when applying for a bridging program, besides having a relatively high score on the AFK exam, you must also write an essay and have a resume of extracurriculars that show you’re a well-rounded candidate.

A common question is, “what kind of extracurriculars do universities typically look for?”. Well, extracurriculars can include a wide range of activities including volunteering, sports and community service. It is also extremely beneficial to have some dental shadowing and clinical hours under your belt as well.

If your application meets these requirements, the university will invite you to an interview or conduct a bench test.

At Prep Doctors, we have courses that help to prepare for various universities’ interview processes. Check out our courses below:

– University of Toronto | Admissions Course

– Universities Admissions Course | Western, Manitoba, Alberta

Pricing

When researching your options, it is no doubt that pricing plays a big part in helping to determine what your final decision will ultimately be. Taking the NDEB route can cost upwards of CAD 50,000 depending on how many attempts as well as exam fees. Tuition fees for bridging programs can vary, depending on the university. It is important to note that there is a non-refundable application fee when applying for any bridging program. For a full breakdown of prices, check out our blog: How to Become a Dentist in Canada.

So, which one should you choose?

Figuring out which route is best for you depends on what will work best for your situation. If you’re looking to complete your equivalency in a shorter amount of time or the cheapest overall route, the NDEB route is your best option. However, if you do achieve a high score on the AFK exam, although the more expensive route, applying for the university route is an option to consider.

If you ever have any questions or you’re just looking for a bit of clarification, Prep Doctors is always here to help. Whether on our Facebook page, through email at feedback@prepdoctors.ca or by phone (+1 855-397-7737), we’re more than happy to help craft the best path for you!

Dr. Lesia Waschuk Joins The Team

Posted on Oct 27, 2020 by Uthman Quick

Prep Doctors is pleased to announce that Dr. Lesia Waschuk has joined the organization as a Compliance and Education Specialist. In this role she will be responsible for risk management, developing and maintaining compliance processes for the organization, and course design as well as assisting with content creation and instruction in the Continuing Dental Education area.

“We are interested in growing our CDE program with a continued focus on hands-on training that is immediately useful for attendees. With the addition of live patients and on-going support, our aim is to help dentists get comfortable with techniques and procedures in the quickest way possible.”

Dr. Marwan Al Rayes

Dr. Waschuk holds a Doctor of Dental Surgery and a Master of Education from the University of Toronto, and has taught ethics, professionalism and jurisprudence; communication, record-keeping and reflective writing; and clinical skills to students in five health professional educational programs at six institutions of higher education. She has also facilitated many workshops for inter-professional groups and provided in-office training to dental teams. She interned in a hospital dental department and provided general dental care to patients in private practice, public health school-based and community clinics, and long-term care facilities.

Since leaving the Royal College of Dental Surgeons of Ontario (RCDSO), where she was employed for 21 years in various positions, she has been working as an independent consultant and presenting webinars on compliance with COVID-19 protocols for the dental sector; regulation and governance in the health professions; and pandemic ethics.

Dr. Lesia Waschuk has been involved with Canadian qualifying programs for internationally-trained dentists since the 1990s and has served as an invigilator and examiner for the Assessment of Clinical Skills exam for the National Dental Examining Board (NDEB). She counts many internationally-trained dentists who have trained at Prep Doctors amongst her personal friends and esteemed professional colleagues. We are all looking forward to her upcoming contributions in her new role with Prep Doctors.

Learn more about Dr. Waschuk and the rest of the Prep Doctors team.