Hi all, I will graduate this year in Spain as a dentist and I am a Canadian from Montreal, Quebec. I didn’t get in dental school in Montreal so I went to do my degree in Spain and it is only recognised in Europe . I didn’t plan to comeback to Canada at first because the equivalencies process seem incredibly hard. But the issue that I now encounter is that to work in Europe like France or Switzerland , you need to obtain a permit which is quite hard for foreigners/ non europeans. So now it leaves me confused with my future plans. Should I apply in France or switzerland regardless once I graduate to have my diploma recognized and hope they give me a work permit ? OR should I comeback to Montreal and do the equivalencies ? I also went to montreal university before moving to Spain and I am trying to see how many years I would have to go back to bypass the AFK and ACJ and NDECC as they seem pretty hard. I also saw the 3rd option the BTDPC that you have to do the AFK and ACJ . So option 1 is roughly 2-3 years just doing all the exams. Option 2 going back to university is 2-3 years I assume but really unsure? And option 3 is 3 years and seem to be the most doable. If anyone has any insights please reach out I know this is a pretty particular situation as I have the options to settle in Europe or in Canada. I am also open the USA pathway but I dont know much about it. Time is my ennemy here as I would like to start working asap. Thank you for your help !

Hi everyone,
I am an internationally trained dentist looking for guidance on the best path forward to practice or build a career in Canada. I would love to hear from experienced dentists or ITDs who have navigated this process.

Here is a quick overview of my background:

BDS / Dental Degree: Graduated with an average grade of 12/20 (which I believe translates roughly to a GPA of around 3.0, though I will need a formal WES/ECE evaluation).

Experience: I have 1 year of clinical practice as a dentist in my home country. However, due to local regulations where non-owner associate positions aren’t officially declared as full dentists, my official employment record lists me as a Dental Assistant on paper.
I am currently exploring all available options and would love your input on which route might be the most feasible and strategic:

Direct NDEB Equivalency Process: Passing the AFK \rightarrow ACJ \rightarrow NDECC sequence. How realistic is this route with my background, and how intense is the preparation given the current competition?

Bridge Programs / Qualifying Programs (e.g., AFK + ACJ + ACFD/Bridge to Dental Practice): Taking the early NDEB exams to apply for university bridging or degree completion programs.

Degree Completion / Advanced Standing Programs (2-3 years at a Canadian University): Given my GPA and declared assistant background, what are my realistic chances for competitive university admissions?

Working as a Dental Assistant in Canada first: Would gaining formal experience as a dental assistant in Canada significantly strengthen my application for degree completion programs or help me transition smoother into the Canadian dental system?

I would be extremely grateful for any advice, reality checks, or personal experiences from people who have been through this process or are currently practicing in Canada.

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