Periodontics, Orthodontics, and Prosthodontics Practice in Canada

Practicing periodontics, orthodontics, and prosthodontics in Canada involves similar overarching steps, but there are specific differences in the processes for each specialty. Here is a comparison of the pathways and requirements for each profession:

Common Steps for All Specialties

1. Assessment of Credentials:
   • World Education Services (WES): Credentials assessment may be required to determine the equivalency of foreign qualifications.
   • National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB): For foreign-trained dentists, the NDEB equivalency process is required if their dental degree is from a non-accredited institution.
2. NDEB Equivalency Process:
   • Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge
   • Assessment of Clinical Judgement
   • Assessment of Clinical Skills
3. NDEB Certification Process:
   • Passing the NDEB Written Examination and the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE).
4. Specialty Certification:
   • Completing a Canadian specialty training program accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) or passing the National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE) if already trained in the specialty abroad.
5. Licensing:
   • Obtaining a license from the relevant provincial or territorial regulatory authority.
6. Language Proficiency:
   • Demonstrating proficiency in English or French.
7. Immigration Requirements:
   • Meeting the immigration requirements to live and work in Canada.
8. Continuing Education:
   • Participating in ongoing education to maintain the license.

Specific Steps and Considerations for Each Specialty

Periodontics

• Focus: Specializes in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of periodontal disease and the placement of dental implants.
• Training: Typically involves a 3-year specialty program in periodontics.
• Certification Exam: Must pass the NDSE in Periodontics administered by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC).

Orthodontics

• Focus: Specializes in diagnosing, preventing, and treating dental and facial irregularities, including the use of braces and other corrective devices.
• Training: Typically involves a 2-3 year specialty program in orthodontics.
• Certification Exam: Must pass the NDSE in Orthodontics administered by the RCDC.

Prosthodontics

• Focus: Specializes in the restoration and replacement of teeth, including prosthetics like crowns, bridges, dentures, and implants.
• Training: Typically involves a 3-year specialty program in prosthodontics.
• Certification Exam: Must pass the NDSE in Prosthodontics administered by the RCDC.

Differences in Practice

• Periodontics: Involves a significant amount of surgical procedures related to gum disease and dental implants. Collaboration with general dentists and other specialists is common for comprehensive patient care.
• Orthodontics: Focuses heavily on long-term patient management, often working with children and adolescents for extended treatment periods. Requires expertise in using various orthodontic devices.
• Prosthodontics: Requires detailed knowledge of dental materials and advanced restorative techniques. Involves extensive laboratory work and coordination with dental technicians.

Provincial/Territorial Differences

• Each province and territory in Canada may have specific requirements and procedures for licensing specialists. It's important to check with the relevant dental regulatory authority for precise details.