Application Requirements

In order to be considered for the DDS Advanced Standing Program for International Dental Graduates (ASPIDG), applicants must submit the online Application Form, application fee, and supporting documentation by the application deadline date.

Documentation should be received by our office well before the application deadline so that if anything is missing or invalid it can be provided by the deadline. Documents received after the deadline date will not be considered.

Review of your application package could take 7-10 days once it is received. When completed, an email will be sent to notify your application status, that is, whether the documentation is complete or if anything is still pending.

All eligible applicants will also receive registration information for the mandatory Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Course, which begins in October. Seats are limited and registration is on a first-come, first-served basis. Completing the course does not guarantee admission into the DDS ASPIDG Program.

Supporting documentation is held for a period of one year. Applicants previously eligible to register for the PLA Course and are re-applying the next year only need to submit a new online application, fee, and any updated, valid documentation.

Administrative Fee

A non-refundable administrative fee of $275.00 CAD paid by certified cheque, money order, or bank draft, made payable to Western University Schulich Dentistry.

Dental Degree/Diploma & Transcripts

Original or notarized copies of your degree/diploma and your official transcripts from a minimum four-year university dental program bearing the original seal and signature of the notary or notary public. Degrees/diplomas and transcripts that are not in English must be submitted with an original certified translation bearing the original seal and signature of the translator. A notarized copy of a notarized copy is not accepted.

World Education Services (WES) Credential Evaluation

E-report of a World Education Services (WES) credential evaluation of your dental degree/diploma (Course-by-Course evaluation) sent directly from WES. For electronic delivery of reports: select Western University, as the 'Recipient'; Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry as the 'School/Division'; and Internationally Trained Dentists (ITD) Program 'Department/Office'. If candidates are unable to have credentials validated to the satisfaction of the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, then registration for the PLA Course cannot proceed.

Canadian Citizenship

Notarized copy of your proof of permanent resident (PR) status or Canadian citizenship, such as a valid PR card, Canadian passport, or a Record of Landing/Confirmation of Permanent Residence that verifies your status. PR status or Canadian Citizenship is required by the application deadline date.

NDEB Assessment of Fundamental Knowledge (AFK) *

* For the next 2025 application cycle, Advanced Dental Admission Test (ADAT) results will be required and the NDEB AFK will no longer be accepted. Please check back frequently for the most up-to-date information.

English Proficiency

All applicants must complete either an IELTS or TOEFL English language test, with the following exception: Applicants who have successfully completed four (4) years of full-time Canadian high school education in English. Notarized transcripts showing the above must be submitted.

Test results can be sent electronically by the Test Centre. Results are valid for 2 years from the date of the exam.*

  1. TOEFL iBT (includes iBT Home Edition): A minimum total score of 88 is required with a minimum of 20 in each of the following sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. TOEFL DI Code for 'University of Western Ontario - Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, ITD Program' is 8956; or
  2. IELTS (Academic): A minimum Overall Band Score of 6.5 is required with no band lower than 6.0 in each of the four sections. The IELTS One Skill Retake is NOT accepted. Organization ID is 128119.
*Test results received by our office after August 30, 2024 will not be considered. Book your test early to allow for score reporting and retesting if needed. 

Proof of Name Change (if applicable)

When your name on any of your documents is different from the name on your application, an original or notarized legal name change document, such as a marriage certificate or a sworn affidavit administered by a person legally authorized to do so.

Resume

A resume summarizing your Dental Education, your Professional Dental Experience, any Continuing Dental Education courses, and other Additional Information, such as awards, publications, affiliations, etc. See sample resume format below.

Photo

A recent passport-size colour photo stapled to your resume.