Becoming Registered and Licensed in Manitoba

To legally practice as a registered dental assistant in Manitoba, you must be registered and licensed by the Manitoba Dental Association (MDA). To do this, you must complete a registration and licensing process that involves these authorities:

Follow the steps outlined on this website.

Process Overview

You must complete the process below to become registered and licensed with the Manitoba Dental Association (MDA). You must complete STEP 1 - 3 with the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) and STEP 4 with MDA.

Estimated timeline: Up to one year
Estimated costs: Up to $1890

  • All costs are listed in Canadian dollars (2013)
  • If you require educational upgrading in Canada, cost and timeline will increase
Graduate TypeStep 1: Credential AssessmentStep 2: NDAEB Written ExamStep 3: NDAEB Clinical Practice EvaluationStep 4: Important MDA Registration Information and Applications
Domestic Non-Accredited    
International USA Accredited    
International Non-Accredited    

Step 1: Credential Assessment

Only international applicants must complete this step. 
a) Graduate of International Accredited Program (USA) 
Submit your academic records to NDAEB

b) Graduate of International Non-Accredited Program  
Submit your academic records to NDAEB    
Submit your academic records to an NDEAB-approved credential assessment agency

Fees: Please check NDAEB Schedule of Fees

Step 2: NDAEB Written Exam

All applicants must complete this step. 

Fees: Please check NDAEB Schedule of Fees

Step 3: NDAEB Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE)

Only non-accredited applicants must complete this step. 

Fees: Please check NDAEB Schedule of Fees

Step 4: Important MDA Registration Information and Applications

All applicants must complete this step. 
Apply to become registered and licensed by MDA:

  • Complete a Certification in Resuscitation Program (CPR)
  • Gather required documents 
  • Complete the MDA Application for Registration and Licence form
  • Pay the Registration fee: $50  
  • Pay the Licence fee: $260

Step 1: Credential Assessment

Only international applicants must complete this step.

a) Domestic Non-Accredited (Educated in Canada)

This step is NOT required. You may proceed to STEP 2: NDAEB Written Exam.

b) International

Visit General Information for Graduates from Outside of Canada on the NDAEB website for the complete information.


    Educational Upgrading

    If your credential assessment determines that your registered dental assisting education does NOT meet the standard required for STEP 2: NDAEB Written Exam, you may attend an educational upgrading program in Canada or USA. The Manitoba Dental Association (MDA) recommends that you to attend a registered dental assisting program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) or the Commission on Dental Accreditation of America (CODA).

    If you complete intra-oral upgrading at a Canadian or USA registered dental assisting program that is accredited by CDAC or CODA, you will be considered a graduate of an accredited program and will NOT be required to complete Step 3: NDAEB Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE).

    Learn more

    • Visit the International Applicants section of the NDAEB website
    • Visit the CDAC website to search for accredited programs in Canada
    • Visit the American Dental Association website to search for accredited programs in USA

    Step 2: NDAEB Written Exam

    All applicants must complete this step.

    Complete the National Dental Assisting Examining Board (NDAEB) written exam. The written exam consists of 200 multiple choice questions.

    Visit Written Exam on the NDAEB website for:

    • Application form
    • Locations and dates
    • Fees
    • Candidate Handbook

    Educational Upgrading

    If you complete intra-oral upgrading at a Canadian or USA registered dental assisting program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) or the Commission on Dental Accreditation of America (CODA), you will be considered a graduate of an accredited program and will NOT be required to complete Step 3: NDAEB Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE).

    Learn more

    • Visit the International Applicants section of the NDAEB website
    • Visit the CDAC website to search for accredited programs in Canada
    • Visit the American Dental Association website to search for accredited programs in USA

    Step 3: NDAEB Clinical Practice Evaluation

    Only non-accredited applicants must complete this step.

    a) International > USA Accredited

    This step is NOT required. You may proceed to STEP 4: Important MDA Registration Information and Applications.

    Accreditation > USA  
    Canada recognizes programs that are accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of America (CODA). Visit the American Dental Association for a list of USA programs accredited by CODA.

    b) Domestic and International > Non Accredited

    Only graduates of non-accredited registered dental assisting programs must complete the NDAEB Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE). The CPE is a half-day clinical evaluation that requires you to perform 9 intra-oral skills on a mannequin.

    Visit the Clinical Practice Evaluation section of the NDAEB website for:

    • Details on the intra-oral skills
    • Application form
    • Locations and dates
    • Fees
    • Handbook
    • Orientation video  

     

    Educational Upgrading

    If you complete intra-oral upgrading at a Canadian or USA registered dental assisting program that is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of Canada (CDAC) or the Commission on Dental Accreditation of America (CODA), you will be considered a graduate of an accredited program and will NOT be required to complete Step 3: NDAEB Clinical Practice Evaluation (CPE).

    Learn more

    • Visit the International Applicants section of the NDAEB website
    • Visit the CDAC website to search for accredited programs in Canada
    • Visit the American Dental Association website to search for accredited programs in USA

    Step 4: Important MDA Registration Information and Applications

    Please go to: https://manitobadentist.ca/dental-professionals/dental-assistants/registration-licensing/rda-licensing for instructional guide and forms necessary to complete the registration and licensing process.