FAQs for International Applicants

What is the process to become registered as a Dental Hygienist in the Province of BC?

Internationally trained Dental Hygienists will have to register under section 39(2) of the College of Dental Hygienists of BC (CDHBC) bylaws unless they are a graduate of a US based program that is listed on our Schedule I bylaws. An applicant must meet all of the requirements under section 39 (1) which includes successful completion of the National Dental Hygiene Certification Board (NDHCB) exam, completion of dental hygiene continuing education credits, proof of professional negligence insurance and be in good standing in every jurisdiction where one is registered to practice. In addition to the requirements under section 39 (1), international applicants will have to satisfy the CDHBC Clinical Exam as set out in section 39 (2)

For a complete listing of the requirements please click here and refer to pages 28, 29 and 30.

What is the NDHCB exam and where do I go for more information?

The NDHCB exam is a national exam that all dental hygienists who have graduated since 2004 must have to be registered in the Province of BC. In addition, an internationally trained hygienists who is wanting to practice in Canada for the first time must satisfy the exam.

Anyone wishing to write the exam must apply and the NDHCB evaluates the credentials of all international applicants. For more information on the application and credential evaluation process please click here. International applicants would fall under the ‘Graduate from a Non-Accredited Dental Hygiene Program’ section and please pay particular attention to section 2.8.

If NDHCB determines I’m not eligible to write the exam can I still become registered in the Province of BC?

Unfortunately at this time, we require successful completion of the NDHCB exam for all new applicants in order to register. Therefore, if NDHCB has determined that your credentials are not sufficient in order to write the exam we cannot register you in BC.

What is the CDHBC Clinical Exam?

The CDHBC Clinical Exam is a day and half long exam in a clinical setting that examines clinical competence to entry-to-practice level. For more information on the exam format or dates please contact the College. The cost of the exam is $2500.

What continuing education requirements do I have to meet in order to become registered?

In order to be registered you must have 75 credits over the last 3 years of continuing education. We award credits on an hour for hour basis. For more information on the CDHBC continuing competency program please click here.

If I wish to register what forms do I need to fill out?

Please click here to download our registration form.

What fees do I have to pay in order to be registered?

Please click here to view our fee guide. New registrants will have to pay the initial registration fee, the application fee, and the annual renewal fee or a portion thereof.

How long will my registration application take?

The College is committed to processing applications in a timely manner. Once we have received a completed application package which includes all necessary documents and fees we ask that you allow 3-4 weeks for your application to be processed. If your package is not complete we cannot process the application until we receive all documentation and applicable fees.

I am an internationally trained dentist, can I register as a dental hygienist?

Persons who are not graduates of dental hygiene education programs are not eligible for registration as dental hygienists in this province. In particular, persons who are graduates of dental programs (i.e. dentists) are not dental hygienists and should contact dental regulatory agencies to determine their registration requirements, or should contact dental hygiene education programs in B.C. to determine admission requirements.