Admission Process
1. Application
Application for the program beginning in September 2026 will open mid-September 2025 to November 1, 2025 4:30 PM ET.
In order to be considered for the DDS Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates (ASPIDG), applicants must:
- Meet all program Application Requirements
- Submit an online Application Form
- Submit your supporting documentation, as specified on the Application Checklist and on the online application form.
Please Note: All supporting documentation must be received by our office by the application deadline.
2. Schulich Dentistry Bench Test & Interview
The Schulich Dentistry Bench Test (formerly known as the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Exam) is a clinical assessment consisting of an evaluation of the applicant's psychomotor performance and knowledge in dental subjects at a pre-clinical level. It allows applicants to showcase their clinical skills and knowledge in a simulated environment, while allowing instructors to observe and assess their proficiency across various dental procedures.
To be eligible, applicants must meet the admission requirements for the DDS ASPIDG Program and submit a complete application with all required supporting documents by the deadline. Only selected applicants will be invited to register for the Bench Test.
The Bench Test is held at the beginning of December and is a mandatory requirement for all candidates seeking admission into the Program for that year.
More information about the Bench Test can be found on our Continuing Dental Education (CDE) website as it becomes available.
A maximum of 40 of the top-ranked Bench Test participants will receive invitations in late January for a virtual interview that takes place in February. Participation in the interview does not guarantee admission into the Program.
Results of the Bench Test and interview remain confidential and will not be released.
Bench Test Registration Fees
New applicants: $4,500.00 CAD (non-refundable)
Eligible applicants who completed the PLA Course in December 2024: $800.00 CAD (non-refundable). Applicants must submit a new online application along with all valid, required supporting documentation, as outlined on the ASPIDG website.
3. Selection for DDS ASPIDG Program & Additional Requirements
The Admissions Committee makes final candidate selections based on a combination of factors, including the Schulich Dentistry Bench Test, English proficiency scores, ADAT results, resume, interview, and any additional assessments outlined in the Admissions Requirements.
Offers of admission are sent out in late February for the program beginning in September. Students are integrated into the second year of the DDS undergraduate program.
The decision of the Admissions Committee at Schulich Dentistry concerning admission to the DDS ASPIDG Program is final. No appeal process is available. Results remain confidential and no feedback will be given.
Statement of Potential Health Risks and Immunization Requirements
Students accepted into the Program will be required to provide documentation of immunization and tuberculin status. Please see the DDS Advanced Standing Program Post Admission Webpage under 'Required Documents & Additional Information', for an example of past documentation required for entry into the DDS ASPIDG Program. Updated requirements regarding health policies and immunization requirements will be sent to newly accepted students.
Police Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Screening
Students must also provide, as a condition of their admission into the Program, a current Police Record Check & Vulnerable Sector Screening.
