Being an orthodontist is a wonderful career. It provides a wide variety of employment opportunities including associateships (working for another orthodontist or orthodontic company), sole proprietor ownership and partnership ownership. Orthodontics offers the ability to set your own schedule so you can work as much or as little as you like. But the MOST REWARDING thing about being an orthodontist is the interaction with people and knowing that you can truly make a difference in someone’s life.
To specialize in orthodontics, you must be accepted into a highly competitive accredited two- to three-year residency program, which provides advanced clinical training after your dental degree. During the residency, orthodontic residents also have opportunities to grow professionally by attending events such as the Symposium for Canadian Orthodontic Residents (SCOR) put on by the CAO where Canadian residents network, share experiences, learn from leaders in the profession, and connect with orthodontic companies and technology providers.
After completing the program, you must pass the National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE) administered by the Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC) to become certified orthodontic specialists.
All health professions in Canada are regulated. Please contact the regulatory body for the province where you wish to work for advice on the necessary requirements.
Note:
The CAO does not have an international membership category.
CAO membership is only for orthodontists licensed to practice in Canada by a Canadian Regulatory Body, students enrolled in a Canadian Orthodontic Residency Program, or Canadians studying at an accredited orthodontic graduate program.
Becoming a licensed orthodontist in Canada includes earning a dental degree, obtaining certification through the National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB), completing an accredited orthodontic residency, passing the National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE), and registering with a provincial dental regulatory authority.
The table below outlines the typical timeline:
| Stage | Duration |
|---|---|
| DDS or DMD Program | 4 years |
| NDEB Certification | During the final year of dental school or within 3–6 months after graduation |
| Orthodontic Residency | 2–3 years (24–36 months) |
| National Dental Specialty Examination (NDSE) | During or shortly after residency |
| Provincial Specialist Registration | Approximately 1–3 months |
Important Links:
Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC)
cdac-cadc.ca/find-a-program/Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA)
coda.ada.org/find-a-program/National Dental Examining Board of Canada (NDEB)
www.ndeb-bned.caNational Dental Specialty Examinations (NDSE)
ndse-ensd.ca/en/Royal College of Dentists of Canada (RCDC)
www.rcdc.ca* These schools also have a graduate orthodontic program
Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia *
www.dentistry.ubc.caSchool of Dentistry, University of Alberta *
www.dent.ualberta.caCollege of Dentistry, University of Saskatchewan
www.usask.ca/dentistryDr. Gerald Niznick College of Dentistry, University of Manitoba *
www.umanitoba.ca/dentistryFaculty of Dentistry, University of Toronto *
www.dentistry.utoronto.caSchulich School of Medicine, University of Western Ontario *
www.schulich.uwo.caFaculty of Dental Medicine and Oral Health Sciences, McGill University
Faculté de médecine dentaire, Université de Montréal *
www.medent.umontreal.caFaculté de médecine dentaire, Université Laval
www.fmd.ulaval.caFaculty of Dentistry, Dalhousie University
www.dal.ca/faculty/dentistry.html
Join the CAO and help us shape the orthodontic industry.
