Assisting for the National Dental Hygiene Certification Examination

Before launching their careers, CDAs in BC must pass the National Dental Assisting Examination Board (NDAEB) exam. This exam evaluates a dental assistant’s knowledge and skills, ensuring they meet the standards required for entry to practice. It verifies that candidates are competent, ethical, and safe for clinical work. Successfully passing the NDAEB is a key step toward CDA certification, validating professional competency, protecting public health, and upholding the profession’s integrity. 

The NDAEB is administered by an independent board supported by various dental assisting associations and regulatory bodies. Its members include representatives from the Canadian Dental Assisting Regulatory Authorities (CDARA), the Canadian Dental Assistants’ Association (CDAA), the Canadian Dental Association (CDA), the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC), dental assisting educators from both accredited and non-accredited programs, and the public. 

The National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) is not a regulatory body. The registration/licensure of dental assistants in Canada rests with the Canadian Dental Assisting Regulatory Authorities (CDARA) often referred to as a provincial “regulatory college”, “board”, “council” or “association”.  All Canadian Dental Assisting Regulatory Authorities (CDARA) with the exception of Quebec require initial dental assistant registrants to hold the NDAEB certificate to become licensed/registered/certified as a dental assistant. If you are not certain as to the requirement for the NDAEB certificate in the province you intend to work in, contact the CDARA before registering for the NDAEB written examination or Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE). 

Candidates applying to write the NDAEB examination or registering for the Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE) do so voluntarily. The NDAEB assumes you are aware of the regulatory requirements in your province before submitting your written exam or CPE application. 

Getting ready for your NDAEB can feel overwhelming, but remember—your academic program has set you up for success! As of September 21, 2020, NDAEB preparation exams are available through the NDAEB Candidate Portal for registered candidates. These practice exams closely mirror the actual national exam, helping you get a feel for what to expect. Each attempt costs $75, and you can purchase up to three (3) attempts.