NDEB CANADA & OSCE EXMINATION

Overview

Graduates of Accredited Dental Programs, Accredited Qualifying/Degree Completion Programs, and individuals who have successfully completed the NDEB Equivalency Process are required to successfully complete the National Dental Examining Board of Canada Written Examination and Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) for certification as a general dentist in Canada.

Accredited dental programs in Canada

The OSCE Examination

I CONTENT AND FORMAT

The OSCE is a station type examination comprised of a morning session and an afternoon session on the same day. 

The majority of the stations will have 2 questions and will require the candidate to review the information supplied (e.g. case history, dental charts, photographs, radiographs, casts, models) and answer extended match type questions.  Each extended match type question will have up to 15 answer options and one or more correct answers.  All answers for these questions must be recorded on the answer score sheet provided.

A few stations may require the candidate to review the information supplied and write an acceptable prescription for a medication commonly prescribed by general dentists in Canada.  Any required prescription must be legibly written on the supplied form and submitted as directed.  The candidate’s NDEB Identification Number must be correctly recorded on the prescription form. 

Candidates will have 5 minutes at each station to answer the questions.  After 5 minutes the candidate will move to the next station.  The Question and Answer Framework for the examination is available below.

 For the list of competencies from which examination items are developed click here.

II SCHEDULE

Validation of Registration            8:30 am

Morning Examination Session     9:00 am to 11:30 am

Afternoon Examination Session  1:30 pm to 4:15 pm

III VALIDATION OF REGISTRATION

During the validation of registration candidates will be issued an Identification (ID) card.  To receive the ID card, candidates will be required to show current government photo identification, (i.e. a current passport or driver’s licence), for comparison to the ID card.  Candidates who do not provide government photo identification will not be admitted. 

Candidates must have the ID card visible at all times and must return the card to the Test Administrator at the end of the examination.  The back of the ID card may be used for calculation or rough notes.  Candidates must take the ID card with them from station to station during the examination and leave it at the last station at the end of each session.  Removing any paper with copied test items or notes from the examination location is prohibited and will be considered as compromising the integrity of the examination.  The consequences of such actions are delineated in NDEB By-law 18.01.  The NDEB will verify that all ID cards are returned.  Candidates who fail to return the ID card may receive a zero (?0”) score for the examination.

Summary of Historical Pass Rates for the NDEB Written and OSCE Examinations

 

Competencies For a Beginning Dental Practitioner in Canada

A competent beginning dental practitioner in Canada must be able to provide oral health care for the benefit of individual patients and communities in a culturally sensitive manner.

Competency assumes that all behaviours are supported by foundation knowledge and skills in biomedical, behavioural and clinical dental science and by professional behaviour. Beginning dental practitioners in Canada must be able to apply foundation knowledge and skills to justify their decisions and actions and to evaluate outcomes. Therefore, foundation knowledge, skills and professional behaviour are understood to be a part of every competency.

Competency also assumes that all behaviours are performed to an acceptable level and that the practitioner can evaluate their quality and effectiveness. Competency cannot be achieved without the ability to self-evaluate. Moreover, there are no degrees of competence: a dentist is either competent or not competent. The competencies below refer to general dental practice and include the management of patients of all ages including those with special needs. It is assumed that all oral health care is provided in an ethical manner, in accordance with legal requirements at the national and provincial level.

A beginning dental practitioner in Canada must be competent to:

1.     recognize the determinants of oral health in individuals and populations and the role of dentists in health promotion, including the disadvantaged.

2.     recognize the relationship between general health and oral health.

3.     evaluate the scientific literature and justify management recommendations based on the level of evidence available.

4.     communicate effectively with patients, parents or guardians, staff, peers, other health professionals and the public.

5.     identify the patient's chief complaint/concern and obtain the associated history.

6.     obtain and interpret a medical, dental and psychosocial history, including a review of systems as necessary, and evaluate physical or psychosocial conditions that may affect dental management.

7.     maintain accurate and complete patient records in a confidential manner.

8.     prevent the transmission of infectious diseases by following current infection control guidelines.

9.     perform a clinical examination.

10.  differentiate between normal and abnormal hard and soft tissues of the maxillofacial complex.

11.  prescribe and obtain the required diagnostic tests, considering their risks and benefits.

12.  perform a radiographic examination.

13.  interpret the findings from a patient's history, clinical examination, radiographic examination and from other diagnostic tests and procedures.

14.  recognize and manage the anxious or fearful dental patient.

15.  recognize signs of abuse and/or neglect and make appropriate reports.

16.  assess patient risk (including, but not limited to, diet and tobacco use) for oral disease or injuries.

17.  develop a problem list and establish diagnoses.

18.  determine the level of expertise required for treatment and formulate a written request for consultation and/or referral when appropriate.

19.  develop treatment options based on the evaluation of all relevant data.

20.  discuss the findings, diagnoses, etiology, risks, benefits and prognoses of the treatment options, with a view to patient participation in oral health management.

21.  develop an appropriate comprehensive, prioritized and sequenced treatment plan.

22.  present and discuss the sequence of treatment, estimated fees, payment arrangements, time requirements and the patient's responsibilities for treatment.

23.  obtain informed consent including the patient's written acceptance of the treatment plan and any modifications.

24.  modify the treatment plan as required during the course of treatment.

25.  provide e ducation regarding the risks and prevention of oral disease and injury to encourage the adoption of healthy behaviors.

26.  provide therapies for the prevention of oral disease and injury.

27.  recognize and institute procedures to minimize occupational hazards related to the practice of dentistry.

28.  achieve local anesthesia for dental procedures and manage related complications.

29.  determine the indications and contraindications for the use of drugs used in dental practice, their dosages and routes of administration and write prescriptions for drugs used in dentistry.

30.  manage dental emergencies.

31.  recognize and manage systemic emergencies which may occur in dental practice.

32.  manage conditions and diseases of the periodontium, provide periodontal treatment when indicated and monitor treatment outcomes.

33.  assess the risk, extent and activity of caries and recommend appropriate non-surgical and surgical therapy.

34.  manage dental caries, tooth defects and esthetic problems and, when restoration is warranted, use techniques that conserve tooth structure and preserve pulp vitality to restore form and function.

35.  manage patients with orofacial pain and/or dysfunction.

36.  manage surgical procedures related to oral soft and hard tissues and their complications

37.  manage trauma to the orofacial complex.

38.  manage conditions and pathology of the pulp and provide endodontic treatment when indicated.

39.  manage abnormalities of orofacial growth and development and treat minor orthodontic problems.

40.  recognize and manage functional and non-functional occlusion.

41.  select and, where indicated, prescribe appropriate biomaterials for patient treatment.

42.  manage partially and completely edentulous patients with prosthodontic needs including the provision of fixed, removable and implant prostheses.

43.  make records required for use in the laboratory fabrication of dental prostheses and appliances.

44.  design a dental prosthesis or appliance, write a laboratory prescription and evaluate laboratory products.

45.  apply accepted principles of ethics and jurisprudence to maintain standards and advance knowledge and skills.

46.  apply basic principles of practice administration, financial and personnel management to a dental practice.

47.  demonstrate professional behaviour that is ethical, supercedes self-interest, strives for excellence, is committed to continued professional development and is accountable to individual patients, society and the profession.

DEFINITION

To "manage" the oral health care needs of a patient is assumed to include all actions performed by a health care provider that are designed to alter the course of a patient's condition. Such actions may include providing education, advice, treatment by the dentist, treatment by the dentist after consultation with another health care professional, referral of a patient to another health care professional, monitoring treatment provided, but also may include providing no treatment or observation. "Manage" assumes the use of the least invasive therapy necessary to gain a successful outcome in accordance with patient wishes.

FEE SCHEDULE FOR GRADUATES OF ACCREDITED DENTAL PROGRAMS

November 2012 – October 2013
(Subject to change)

A. APPLICATION FEE        $500.00

(payable ONCE ONLY, when applying and non-refundable)

B. EXAMINATION FEES

• Written Examination        $800.00

• Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)    $900.00

No examination fee will be refunded to a candidate who commences an examination and for any reason does not complete that examination
 

C. WRITTEN AND OSCE EXAMINATION WITHDRAWAL FEES

•  Withdrawal from an examination PRIOR to the deadline date  $150.00 per examination

•  Withdrawal from an examination AFTER the deadline date  $400.00 per examination

A withdrawal fee of $150.00 per examination will be charged for a candidate who withdraws from an examination after the examination registration deadline date but prior to the examination date, provided that the candidate supplies well documented evidence of illness or documentation of circumstances beyond a candidate’s control.
 

D. RESCORING

A candidate who is unsuccessful in an examination may, within 3 months of the release of their results, make a written request for a manual rescoring of their examination.

• Written Examination       $150.00

• OSCE Examination        $400.00
 

E. OTHER FEES

• Replacement of NDEB Certificate     $75.00

• Proof of Certification       $30.00/letter

Please be advised that your request will be processed in approximately 2 weeks from the date payment is received.

ALL PAYMENTS FOR RESCORING AND OTHER FEES MUST BE PAID ONLINE USING A CREDIT CARD BY SIGNING INTO YOUR NDEB PROFILE PAGE

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These Frequently Asked Questions apply to Graduates of Accredited Dental Programs.

·         What is the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), why was it formed and what is its major function?

·         Who makes up the NDEB?

·         Of what value is the NDEB certificate?

·         How do I receive the certificate?

·         What is the Written Examination?

·         What is the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)?

·         Are copies of previous examinations available?

·         When can I take the examinations?

·         What happens if a candidate fails one or more of the examinations?

·         What happens if I graduated more than 60 months ago?

·         Must I renew my certificate each year?

·         What is the money used for?

·         How does the NDEB ensure that Accredited Dental Programs meet the standards of the NDEB?

·         Is the NDEB certificate necessary to take postgraduate training in the United States of America?

·         When are certificates issued?

What is the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), why was it formed and what is its major function?

The NDEB was incorporated by an Act of Parliament in 1952 for the purpose of establishing qualifying conditions for a national standard certificate for dentists. All ten Canadian Provincial Licensing Authorities recognize and participate in the activities of the NDEB.

Who makes up the NDEB?

The NDEB is composed of twelve members. Each Provincial Licensing Authority appoints one member and two members are appointed by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada.

One public member and designated observers, including student representatives, attend the Annual General Meeting.

Of what value is the NDEB certificate?

Generally the certificate is recognized as the principal requirement for a licence to practise dentistry in Canada, subject to current provincial regulations.

How do I receive the certificate?

A graduate of an accredited undergraduate dental program or an accredited Qualifying Program must successfully complete the NDEB Written Examination and the NDEB Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) within 60 months of graduation in order to receive the certificate.

A graduate of a non-accredited program and who has successfully complete the Board Equivalency Process is considered equivalent to a graduate of an accredited program and must also successfully complete the NDEB Written Examination and NDEB Objective Structured Clinical Examination.

What is the Written Examination?

The Written Examination consists of two 2 1/2-hour examination papers. Each examination paper contains 150 multiple-choice type items.

The examination tests foundation science knowledge and applied clinical science knowledge and judgment.

Released questions from the Written Examination are available here. Further detailed information is available in the Written Examination Protocol that is provided to candidates upon registration for the examinations.

What is the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE)?

Clinical judgment and problem solving skills are tested in a case-based examination. Patient data is presented in timed stations with extended match type questions.

Candidates may also be required to review patient information and write an acceptable prescription for a medication commonly prescribed by general dentists in Canada.

The template of all questions and sample questions of the OSCE is available here. Further detailed information is available in the OSCE Protocol that is provided to candidates upon registration for the examinations.

Are copies of previous examinations available?

Previously used questions from the Written Examinations are posted on the NDEB website (www.ndeb.ca). All of the question templates for the OSCE are also posted along with some sample complete questions.

When can I take the examinations?

Candidates may take the Written and OSCE Examinations within three (3) months of their expected graduation date.

What happens if a candidate fails one or more of the examinations?

Candidates may take the Written and/or OSCE Examinations a total of three (3) times each, during scheduled examination sessions within 60 months of graduation. Candidates who fail an examination 3 times within 60 months of graduation must successfully complete an accredited Qualifying Program or successfully complete the NDEB Equivalency Process, an Advanced Education in General Dentistry Program, a General Practice Residency Program or a Dental Residency Program before applying to become a candidate and being eligible to take additional examinations.

What happens if I graduated more than 60 months ago?

Provided the individual has not failed the Written and/or OSCE Examination three (3) times, an individual who graduated from an accredited undergraduate dental program more than 60 months previously may apply for special consideration to take the NDEB Examinations.

Must I renew my certificate each year?

No. The certificate is presently valid for the lifetime of the holder.

What is the money used for?

The NDEB is a non-profit organization and all fees charged are cost related. The application fee for graduates of accredited dental programs financially supports the accreditation process and helps maintain an examining and certifying facility.

How does the NDEB ensure that Accredited Dental Programs meet the standards of the NDEB?

The NDEB actively participates in the accreditation process carried out by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada, the Australian Dental Council and the ADA Commission on Dental Accreditation. Two NDEB members are appointed to the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada and one member to each team surveying undergraduate dental programs and Qualifying Programs in Canada.

Is the NDEB certificate necessary to take postgraduate training in the United States of America?

No

When are certificates issued?

Certificates are issued to candidates who successfully complete the Written and OSCE Examinations and graduated from an accredited dental program. Canadian dental programs generally provide confirmation of graduation for their students directly to the NDEB in June. Graduates of U.S., Australian,  New Zealand and Irish Dental Programs must ensure that a final transcript of makrs (that includes a specific date of graduation/date the degree was awarded) is received by the NDEB office directly from the University that issued the dental degree. An interim transcript of marks will not include the date of graduation and is not acceptable.

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